India Sports Apparel Market Outlook to 2028

India Sports Apparel Market Overview

The India sports apparel market is valued at approximately USD 706 million, driven by growing health consciousness, increased participation in sports activities, and the rising trend of athleisure. Over the past five years, the market has experienced significant growth due to the increasing demand for performance-enhancing, durable, and fashionable sportswear. The expanding middle class, coupled with the rise in disposable income, has further fueled market growth as consumers increasingly invest in quality sportswear that blends fashion with function.

The market is largely dominated by metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. These cities have seen high levels of urbanization and have a culture deeply ingrained in fitness and sports, with access to premium brands. Additionally, these cities host numerous sporting events and marathons, further boosting the demand for high-performance sports apparel. The penetration of international brands and the growing presence of e-commerce platforms have also contributed to the dominance of these urban centers.

The Indian government has established a policy framework to promote the sportswear industry, focusing on textile innovation and quality standards. In 2023, the Ministry of Textiles announced a grant of INR 200 crore for research and development in performance textiles. This initiative supports the growth of the domestic sportswear market by ensuring that locally produced sportswear meets international quality benchmarks.

India Sports Apparel Market Segmentation

By Product Type: The India sports apparel market is segmented by product type into activewear, footwear, and accessories. Among these, activewear holds the largest market share due to the increasing trend of athleisure, where consumers are blending sportswear with casual wear. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma have established a strong foothold in this category with products that focus on performance enhancement and style. The rise in gym memberships, home workout culture, and outdoor sports activities post-pandemic has further accelerated the growth of this segment.

By End User: The market is also segmented by end user into men, women, and kids. The mens segment dominates the market, as sports apparel is traditionally marketed towards male consumers, especially for performance sports like football, cricket, and running. However, the womens segment is growing at a faster pace due to increasing awareness of fitness among women and the growing influence of women athletes and fitness influencers. The demand for sports bras, leggings, and other female-specific sportswear products has seen a sharp rise.

India Sports Apparel Market Competitive Landscape

The India sports apparel market is highly competitive, with the presence of both international and domestic players. Leading brands continue to innovate with performance-enhancing materials and expand their product lines. Local manufacturers are also gaining prominence by offering affordable and functional sportswear for the mass market. The market consolidation among top brands is evident due to strong brand loyalty and deep-rooted distribution networks.

Company Name

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Revenue (USD Bn)

No. of Stores

Market Share (%)

Brand Penetration

Sustainability Initiatives

Nike Inc.

1964

Oregon, USA_____

Adidas AG

1949

Herzogenaurach, Germany_____

Puma SE

1948

Herzogenaurach, Germany_____

Reebok International

1958

Boston, USA_____

Decathlon Group

1976

Villeneuve, France_____

India Sports Apparel Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Rising Health and Fitness Awareness: In India, the increasing focus on health and fitness has significantly contributed to the demand for sports apparel. With a growing number of gyms, fitness centers, and outdoor exercise activities across major cities, the fitness industry has boomed. According to the World Bank, in 2024, Indias life expectancy reached 70.4 years, while health expenditure per capita increased to $63.5, reflecting the increased focus on personal well-being. Furthermore, government campaigns like Fit India Movement are promoting healthy lifestyles, creating more demand for fitness-related apparel. The surge in gym memberships and outdoor sports has further driven this growth.

Increased Participation in Sports Events: Sports participation in India has risen, driven by events like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Government data from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports indicated that over 2,000 sporting events were held nationally in 2023. Additionally, sports education programs and school-level competitions have grown significantly, promoting grassroots sports engagement. This rising interest in sporting events has led to an increase in demand for sports apparel, particularly among youth. By 2024, sports participation in urban areas had increased by 15 million individuals compared to 2022.

Expansion of Athleisure Trend: The athleisure trend, a combination of athletic and casual wear, has expanded significantly in India. As per data from the Indian Ministry of Textiles, the growth of this trend has led to a 12% rise in sales of athleisure products between 2022 and 2024. The increasing preference for comfortable, multi-purpose clothing is driven by changing consumer lifestyles, with more people opting for casual and fitness-oriented apparel even in non-sporting contexts. This shift in fashion, supported by rapid urbanization and the influence of global styles, continues to drive demand for sports apparel.

Market Challenges

High Competition from International Brands: Indias sports apparel market faces stiff competition from international brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma, which dominate the market with their established global presence. Data from the Indian Retailers Association shows that over 70% of premium sportswear sold in India in 2024 was from international brands. Domestic brands struggle to match the global marketing and product quality standards set by these companies, making it challenging to capture market share.

Fluctuations in Raw Material Prices: The volatility in raw material prices, particularly for synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon used in sportswear, poses a challenge for manufacturers. In 2023, raw material costs surged by 8%, according to data from the Indian Ministry of Textiles, due to fluctuations in global oil prices and supply chain disruptions. This unpredictability has made it difficult for manufacturers to maintain stable pricing and profit margins, especially for smaller, local companies.

India Sports Apparel Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the India sports apparel market is expected to witness continuous growth, driven by evolving fitness trends, the rise in health consciousness, and the growing importance of sports in schools and institutions. As more consumers adopt active lifestyles, the demand for functional, high-performance, and fashionable sportswear will continue to grow. Additionally, government initiatives promoting sports and the increase in disposable incomes across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will likely open up new growth avenues for brands.

Opportunities

Expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities: As Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India experience economic growth, the demand for sports apparel has expanded beyond metropolitan regions. According to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), per capita income in Tier 2 cities reached INR 1.2 lakh in 2024, encouraging greater discretionary spending on non-essential items like sportswear. Brands that target these emerging markets stand to benefit from a growing consumer base that values fitness and fashion.

Technological Advancements in Fabrics: The development of advanced fabrics, such as moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating materials, presents an opportunity for sportswear manufacturers. In 2024, the Ministry of Science and Technology reported that Indian textile companies had invested INR 500 crore in research and development of high-performance fabrics. These innovations appeal to athletes and fitness enthusiasts who require functional and comfortable sportswear, offering a competitive edge for companies focusing on technologically enhanced products.
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