In today's active lifestyle, finding the perfect sportswear brand can greatly enhance your comfort and performance during workouts. With a wide range of options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which brands truly stand out for their innovation, quality, and style. From established giants to emerging names, the sports clothing industry continues to evolve, bringing new technologies and designs to meet the demands of athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. Discover some of the best brands for sports clothes that combine functionality and fashion in the discussion below.
Illustration of sports clothes
Best brands of sports clothes in 2025
Nike
Nike is one of the most recognizable and influential brands in the sports industry, holding a significant market share in athletic footwear and apparel. As of Q3 2024, Nike's market share in the athletic footwear market stands at 27.22%, and the company has seen a growth in its market share from 17.9% in 2011 to 30% in 2023. Nike generates over $50 billion in revenue annually, with footwear being the largest segment, contributing about $33 billion in the fiscal year ending in May 2024. The company's strong financial performance and proactive supply chain management have been key factors in its success. Despite recent challenges, Nike remains the dominant player in the sportswear market globally.
Adidas
Adidas is a leading global sportswear brand, renowned for its high-quality athletic footwear and apparel. In 2022, footwear accounted for 55% of Adidas' net sales, with apparel making up 39% and accessories 7%. The company holds a significant market share, including an 8% share in the overall sportswear market and a 14.70% share in the sneaker market. Adidas operates in eight main regions, with Europe, North America, and Greater China being its top revenue generators. The brand continues to expand its e-commerce presence, generating around EUR 4 billion in sales in 2023, which is roughly 19% of its total sales.
Under Armour
Under Armour has emerged as a formidable player in the sports apparel industry, surpassing Adidas to become the second-largest sports brand in the United States. With U.S. apparel and footwear sales of $1.2 billion through August 2024, Under Armour now holds 14% of the U.S. sports apparel market, more than twice that of Adidas. The company's sales have jumped 20% this year, while Adidas saw a 23% decline. Under Armour's innovative products, such as the HeatGear and ColdGear lines, have set it apart in the market. The brand's strategic marketing and high-profile endorsements, including signing Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, have further bolstered its growth. For more details, visit this article on how Under Armour surpasses Adidas to become a leading sports brand.
Puma
Puma is a prominent player in the global sportswear market, holding approximately 2.6% of the $396 billion industry as of 2023. The company is particularly strong in footwear, accounting for 53% of its 2023 sales, and ranks third and fourth in men's and women's footwear globally. Since 2014, Puma's annual sales have risen from EUR 3 billion to over EUR 8 billion through expanded distribution, new product introductions, and enhanced marketing efforts. Despite lacking a competitive moat, Puma remains a significant challenger, especially with its direct-to-consumer sales growing by 17.5% in 2023. The brand aims to make at least 90% of its shoes with recycled materials by 2025. For more information, visit Puma's official website.
Lululemon
Lululemon is a leading producer of sports clothing, known for its high-quality, innovative, and comfortable products. Between 2020 and 2023, it was the fastest-growing brand in the US sportswear market, increasing its market share from 3.9% to 5.4% and achieving a revenue CAGR of 24.7% over the past five years. The brand has a strong presence in North America, accounting for 79% of its revenue, and is expanding internationally, with international sales making up about 21% of its revenues, driven significantly by growth in China. For a closer look at their offerings, visit their sportswear collection for women.
Reebok
Reebok, though once a dominant force in the sports apparel market, particularly in the 1980s when it briefly surpassed Nike with $1.82 billion in sales in 1989, has seen a significant decline. Despite this, Reebok still holds a notable market share, especially in regions like India where it commands a 47% share in the sports footwear and apparel category. The brand, acquired by Adidas in 2005 for $3.78 billion, continues to innovate with new lines such as Reebok LTD, which focuses on premium and stylish sportswear. However, globally, Reebok's market share has dwindled to 1.1% in sports footwear and 0.3% in apparel as of recent years.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a leading brand in the outdoor apparel market, renowned for its commitment to environmental and social sustainability. Founded in 1973, the company generates a turnover of approximately $1.5 billion USD as of 2022 and is recognized for its premium products catering to various outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, skiing, and surfing. Patagonia dedicates a portion of its revenues to conservation and environmental protection initiatives, aligning with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly and ethically produced athletic wear. The brand operates in a highly competitive market but maintains its market share through innovative products and strong brand preference, contributing to the outdoor apparel market projected to reach $66.37 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.3%.
Columbia Sportswear
Columbia Sportswear is a prominent global innovator in outdoor, active, and lifestyle products, providing high-value apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment since its founding in 1938. As of Q3 2024, the company held a market share of 2.27% in the Apparel, Footwear & Accessories industry, with net sales of $931.8 million for the quarter. In 2023, Columbia generated approximately $2.7 billion in sales worldwide, primarily from apparel, accessories, and equipment. The company is renowned for its cutting-edge products like Omni-Heat Infinity and Omni-Heat Arctic and maintains a strong international presence. Despite a 5% decrease in net sales in Q3 2024 compared to the previous year, Columbia continues to be a significant force in the industry.
New Balance
New Balance is a prominent player in the sports apparel market, known for its high-quality footwear and apparel. The brand has achieved significant growth, with sales reaching $6.5 billion in 2023, a 23% increase from the previous year, and aims to reach $10 billion in sales in the near future. New Balance holds a stable market share of 8-12% globally and is the third-largest sportswear brand in the USA, after Nike and Adidas. The brand enjoys high brand awareness, with 88% of sneaker owners in the United States recognizing the brand, and 22% of these owners likely to purchase New Balance again. For more insights into their ambitious growth strategies, explore New Balance's plan to become a $10 billion sportswear giant.
The North Face
The North Face is a leading brand in the outdoor retail industry, renowned for its high-quality sports clothing and gear. It has achieved significant growth, with a 12% revenue increase in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, marking its 10th consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth. The brand saw an impressive 57% growth in Asia and a 9% growth in the Americas during this period. In 2019, The North Face experienced a 15% year-on-year revenue growth, reporting $3.6 billion in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2024, which is a 17% increase from the previous year. The brand is popular globally, with 65% of American consumers owning its products and a robust presence in 38 countries. For more information, visit their official website.
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