Athleisure is a growing trend in the apparel industry, but it’s not easy to forecast its future. The number of consumers who want to wear athleisure clothes has been increasing exponentially.
Whether you are a new player in the athleisure apparel market or a veteran, you might wonder what will drive the demand for apparel in the coming years.
Working Women love Athleisure
Several key factors are expected to contribute to the growth of the athleisure apparel industry in the coming years.
These include the rise in the number of women participating in domestic sports and fitness activities, the transition of sportswear brands to more lifestyle-focused labels, and the increasing regulation of the fashion industry.
The rise in participation of working women in domestic sports and fitness activities
Considering the increase in the number of female consumers, the athletics apparel market is set to rise. As women increasingly become health conscious, they are willing to spend on performance clothing. Moreover, the emergence of women’s sports in the Middle East further boosts the market.
Athleisure in Sports
Sports have been a part of women’s and girls’ lives for centuries. However, the modern era of organized sports didn’t start until the late industrial age. Most countries have been experiencing a spike in active participation by women in sports and work.
The market for athletic products has increased, thanks to corporate efforts to develop environmentally friendly products.
Consumers are still willing to shell out innovative products that make them feel good. In addition, the rising number of individuals who work from home has led to an increased demand for comfortable clothing.
Government Initiatives
Regulations around the fashion industry will become increasingly strict
Across the globe, people are calling for stricter laws and regulations for the fashion industry. The industry has faced many issues over the past decade, from environmental destruction to human rights violations. These problems have left consumers seeking comfort in a difficult time.
Despite the industry’s bad press, new government initiatives are underway to address the issues. These initiatives are aimed at improving sustainability within the textile and fashion industries.
Some of these initiatives are in place in the United States, while others are developing across the European Union. These new laws are expected to improve the environmental and social performance of the fashion industry.
The Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, or FICCA for short, is a plan to reduce emissions and create a net-zero carbon footprint for the fashion industry by 2050. It’s the product of an alliance between the European Union and fashion industry players. The legislation also supports the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to less than 2°C.
In this scenario, wearing athleisure apparel can become an environmental statement by individuals who care about the planet. This removes the need for having different sets of outfits for different occasions.
Lifestyle Choices
The transition of sportswear brands to more lifestyle-focused labels
Increasingly, the global sportswear market is shifting from traditional sportswear to lifestyle-oriented labels. This will drive demand for athleisure apparel. However, it is important to understand the value proposition of athleisure clothing before launching a line.
Consumers are becoming more concerned about the material and production aspects of their clothing. This has led to more and more apparel companies using recycled materials and biodegradable materials in their collections.
Companies are also starting to implement sustainable practices in their supply chain. For example, Adidas has committed to sourcing only cotton that is grown and harvested sustainably. Other companies are committing to using only recycled plastics.
Transitioning from traditional sportswear to lifestyle-oriented labels also leads to a greater focus on health and wellness. This is evident because more athletic wear companies use low-impact, non-toxic dyes and recycled polyester.
Social Awareness
Sustainability becomes central to apparel industry trends and strategies
Several key trends are influencing the apparel industry, changing the dynamics between buyers and suppliers. These trends include social fairness, transparency, and sustainability. These trends will create opportunities for socially responsible producers.
Sustainability is defined as “the use of less energy and water, less harmful chemicals, and more environmentally friendly production processes.” This means that the industry will have to implement a longer-term strategy to reduce its carbon emissions.
The apparel industry is a major energy consumer. Apparel production produces over 8% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, clothing that is thrown away generates greenhouse gas emissions. The fashion industry also generates 20% of all wastewater. This means that the industry needs to implement better wastewater treatment processes.
The shift of companies toward sustainable and lifestyle-focused fashion will drive demand for athleisure apparel in the future.