Data and analytics firm GlobalData says, the global athleisure market will rise 9 per cent this year, outpacing the total clothing and footwear market beyond 2023. This growing athleisure trend is leading to the introduction of new workout-geared makeup in the US like the one launched by Clinique Fit. It is also fuelling the growth of companies like Nike and Lululemon that are capitalising on consumers’ increased health and wellness pursuits. With the number of women shopping for a sports bra increasing from 38 per cent in 2015 to 45 per cent in 2018, major retailers from Amazon to Target are rolling out their own athleisure lines.
A recent study by the NPD Group notes, athleisure styles will lead sales growth of US shoes through 2021. More brands will shift away from performance and fashion footwear to focus on athleisure footwear. The sale of these sports leisure footwear including athletic-inspired casual sneakers and skate shoes increased by 7 per cent in the 12 months through August. In contrast, the sale of high heels and other fashion styles declined by 5 per cent while those of technical performance footwear sales declined by 7 per cent.
