Stat: Athleisure continues to dominate apparel sales

A recent report by market research group NPD suggests that the appeal of athleisure is unwavering, with sales continuing to dominate in the US.

Data from the study shows that in the 12 months to June 2018, sales of sport sweatshirts increased by double-digit figures, while sales of active bottoms such as leggings grew 5%. US athleisure sales are expected to rise further in 2019, with strong performances predicted across various other activewear categories.

‘I’m often asked if the athleisure trend is going to fade away, and the answer is no,’ says Marshal Cohen, chief industry advisor for retail at NPD. ‘When you have comfort and function combined with fashion it’s difficult to go back to anything else on a regular basis.’

As discussed in our Chinese Fitness Market, athleisure is similarly booming in China, due to growing interest in healthy living among the nation’s middle classes.