COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Nike and adidas hold leading positions amidst intensifying competition
In China, sportswear is characterised by a mix of global players and domestic brands, with a trend towards increasing fragmentation. Global brands Nike and adidas were among the top three brands in sportswear in retail value terms in 2025.
Specialisation and community engagement drive growth for Kailas
Kailas has rapidly ascended as a leading outdoor brand in China, strategically capturing the climbing and trail running segments by appealing to both professional athletes and dedicated enthusiasts. Following a pivotal refocus in 2020, the company streamlined its portfolio to concentrate exclusively on high-performance gear, discontinuing peripheral apparel lines.
Strategic acquisition by Anta Group set to reshape sportswear, particularly outdoor products
In 2025, Anta Group completed a full acquisition of the German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin, a move expected to strengthen Anta's competitive edge across outdoor sports by leveraging Jack Wolfskin's material technologies and expertise. This acquisition is part of Anta's strategy to address the growing segmentation and diversification in the global sports market, where consumers increasingly seek differentiated products tailored to specific sports and functional needs.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Sportswear industry in China with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Sportswear industry in China, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Sportswear in China report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Sportswear in China?
- Which are the leading brands in China?
- How are products distributed in China?
- How is the rise of e-commerce shaping demand?
- What % of apparel and footwear sales are made via grocery retailers?
- Do consumers want premium quality or fast fashion?
- How will COVID-19 and recession impact demand?
- How important is sustainability in Sportswear in China?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Sportswear in China - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Outdoor apparel and footwear propels a sportswear boom amidst fierce competition
Outdoor enthusiasts fuel growth with performance-driven products
Kailas takes advantage of growth in trail running with specialised offerings
Polarisation drives demand for value and premium sportswear
Government support and rising incomes expected to drive growth
Performance-driven products and brand-building will be evident
Nike and adidas hold leading positions amidst intensifying competition
Specialisation and community engagement drive growth for Kailas
Strategic acquisition by Anta Group set to reshape sportswear, particularly outdoor products
Retail e-commerce drives sales of sportswear, but sports goods stores still leads
Specialised retail concepts and livestreaming drive sales growth
Outlet stores redefine the retail experience with elevated concepts
Kailas and TopSports drive innovation with specialised offerings
Apparel and Footwear in China - Industry Overview
Apparel and footwear navigates consumer comfort, sportswear boom, and digital retail
Growth is driven by economic conditions, rational purchases, and technological innovation
Sportswear drives growth in apparel and footwear through innovation
Market polarisation affects value growth
Rising incomes, DTC strategies, and sustainability expected to drive growth
Functional and athletic apparel set to gain further popularity among women
Niche brands to drive growth in footwear through innovation
Anta's multi-category coverage, brand strategy, and distribution extend its leading position
In a stable environment, opportunities for enhancing products and marketing
Interest-based e-commerce platform Douyin takes share from Tmall
Quick commerce gains traction with 30-minute delivery
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Sportswear
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- Performance Apparel
- Outdoor Apparel
- Sports-inspired Apparel
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- Performance Footwear
- Outdoor Footwear
- Sports-inspired Footwear
Sportswear
Sportswear is an aggregation of performance, outdoor and sports-inspired clothing and footwear. Sportswear includes products designed for all ages including sportswear for children. Sportswear includes items across all clothing and footwear categories: shorts and trousers, dresses and skirts, tops, jumpers, jackets & coats, track suits/athletic sets, underwear, swimwear, hosiery, accessories including headwear, gloves, scarves. Please note sportwear is duplicated category and sports clothing and footwear products are also included across all relevant clothing and footwear categories.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Sportswear research and analysis database.
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