Global Outlook
In 2022, the global outdoor sportswear market was valued at approximately $34.8 billion. It is projected to surpass $45 billion by 2027.
数据来源：Statista2023
China’s Outlook
China presents significant potential for outdoor sportswear consumption. According to a market research report by the Outdoor Products Branch of the China National Textile and Apparel Council, per capita spending on outdoor products in China is less than a quarter of that in Europe and North America. The market shows considerable room for growth, especially as niche sports gain popularity. With the introduction of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan for outdoor sports development, there is strong support for establishing independent outdoor equipment brands. This is expected to drive a new phase of growth for the outdoor sports industry in China.
From 2015 to 2021, the market size for outdoor sports equipment in China grew from ¥166.9 billion to ¥357.5 billion, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 13.5%. By 2025, the market size is estimated to reach approximately ¥600 billion. However, there is still a notable gap in the Chinese market, with a lack of brands offering highly functional, comfortable, and breathable outdoor sportswear, as well as few brands focused on innovating outdoor clothing products
Future Market Trends
1. The Explosive Potential of the Women’s Sports Market:
The global market for outdoor jackets is projected to generate approximately $100 billion in revenue by 2022, with men’s outdoor jacket sales expected to reach $56.5 billion and women’s outdoor jackets projected to hit $55 billion by 2027.
Yoga: The Second Largest Sport for Chinese Women
Since its introduction in the 1980s, yoga has rapidly evolved and matured in China. This growth is reflected in Lululemon’s success, which has dominated the Chinese yoga market with its iconic yoga pants and targeted services for female yoga enthusiasts. Lululemon has become a go-to brand for yoga and fitness in North America and is gaining traction in China as well
By 2022, women’s consumption of sports shoes and apparel in China surpassed that of men,
Several factors contribute to the growth of female sports consumption, including increased education, income, and participation in social decision-making, which have empowered women and enhanced their purchasing power. In response, brands have tailored their marketing strategies to resonate with women, using platforms like variety shows, endorsements, and social media to more effectively engage female consumers. As women increasingly participate in sports like running and yoga, they are driving the growth of related fitness and sports equipment markets.
Given the growing potential of the female sports market, brands should capitalize on this trend in two keyways.
First, they should focus on designing high-quality outdoor sportswear and equipment specifically for women, investing in research and development to expand their exclusive product lines and enhancing the fashion and personalization aspects of women’s sports apparel. Second, brands should prioritize versatility in product design, creating clothing that is functional across multiple scenarios—not just for sports, but also for activities like camping, hiking, and daily commuting, thereby integrating these products into women’s lifestyles.
2. Outdoor Fashion and Everyday Wear
In recent years, luxury and designer brands have increasingly partnered with outdoor brands, such as Arc’teryx collaborating with high-end German fashion label Jil Sander+ to release a skiing-inspired collection. The outdoor fashion trend is expanding to a broader audience, with the concept of “refined outdoor” gaining traction.
Many outdoor brands have also introduced fashion sublines, embraced the latest trends and appealed to the mass market by tapping into consumers’ fashion interests. Additionally, outdoor fashion is gradually evolving, with a shift towards more casual, comfortable, and stylish designs that cater to a variety of leisure and everyday commuting needs.
