Sportswear in the United Kingdom

PROSPECTS

Sportswear sees slowing growth but continues to infiltrate other categories

In 2019, sportswear witnessed slower growth in current value sales in the UK due to ongoing maturity. Trends from streetwear and those trickling down from the runways remain a key driver for sportswear.

Sportswear categories evolve

Athleisure’s popularity lies in the fact that customers want versatile, multitasking attire that allows them to pursue their fitness, social and work objectives seamlessly. At the same time, the “crunch culture” of the hectic, interconnected world necessitates constant on-the-go performance, which means that consumers are increasingly concerned with the convenience and effectiveness of their attire.

Gorpcore and performance go mainstream

As sportswear matures in the UK, it is subtly dividing into different branches. The growing demand for outdoor apparel and footwear is outpacing both performance and sports-inspired apparel and footwear.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Nike and adidas remain the leading sportswear brands

Nike remained the leading sportswear brand in the UK in 2019. In the review period, adidas challenged Nike’s leadership of sportswear with the success of its revival of its retro styles as well as its high-profile collaborations, for example with Kanye West and Beyoncé.

Trainers become a sustainability focus

While sportswear is maturing in the UK, there is still space for innovative players in areas such as sustainability, which has become one of the biggest topics of concern for apparel and footwear consumers. Given the increasing concern for the planet’s welfare and as trainers are known to have one of the heaviest environmental footprints, one of the most pressing concerns for trainer brands is to achieve total recyclability and closed-loop technology in production.

Files are delivered directly into your account within a few minutes of purchase.