Sportswear: Is It Really Worth The Sweat For Apparel Players

The sportswear segment in India is projected to grow exponentially over the next five years. Trends and influencing factors, backed by a young consumer base, Omnichannel distribution networks and increased disposable incomes are expected to further propel the growth of this segment…

- Anul Sareen

Sportswear continues to grow strongly due to the rise in healthy living and increased popularity amongst women who work out. The acceptance and introduction of casual wear at work contributed positively to sales. Influenced by upcoming international sport events and professional leagues that are drawing crowds are further contributing growth to sportswear. Athletes and celebrities are also drawn to this trend as they partner and start their own athleisure clothing lines. Riding on this growth, companies such as Adidas, Puma and Nike have continued to maintain their dominance in the Indian market, however, low barriers to entry has resulted in new players entering the market thus, further intensifying competition.

Sportswear benefits due to the ongoing healthy living trend. As the day-to-day lives of people continue gaining pace followed by lifestyle changes, there is a strong realisation about its side effects on the health. The prevalence of diabetes amongst population aged between 20-79 increased from 9.8 percent in 2016 to 10.4 percent in 2017 making it amongst the biggest health problem in India. There has also been an increase in the overweight and obese population because of this. To overcome these, people are looking for options to balance work and health so that they could lead a fit life. This has resulted in increased number of people enrolling at fitness centres. Also, more individuals have started scheduling regular walks and jogs which has pushed the demand for sportswear. As this trend grows, people have also started consuming more sports nutrition products to maintain health and vitamins and dietary supplements to achieve overall wellbeing.

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