Sports Apparel Market in India (2025 to 2030)

Edited On: Jun 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

India’s sportswear market has quietly become one of the fastest-growing retail segments, and is estimated to hit the billion mark in 2026. What was once a niche for athletes has turned mainstream, blending performance and fashion.

Global giants like Puma, Adidas, and Nike dominate headlines, but homegrown brands and value-driven labels are catching up fast, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities.

In this blog, we have broken down the real market dynamics, backed by revenue figures, shifts in consumer behavior, and what’s happening across retail channels. Whether you’re a D2C brand, retailer, or investor trying to understand where the Indian sportswear market is headed, this is the report you need to check.

India’s Sports Apparel Market Size Over The Years

The sports apparel market in India is valued at $909.2 million as of 2025. It will cross the billion mark for the first time next year by reaching a valuation of $1.06 billion.

The market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.2% till 2030, which will result in a $1.9 billion market value by then.

Year	Estimated Market Size
2024	$782.4 million
2025	$909.2 million
2026	$1056.5 million
2027	$1227.6 million
2028	$1426.5 million
2029	$1657.6 million
2030	$1926.1 million

Now that we have seen the market size overview, let’s have a look at what is causing this gain and what might come as a restraining factor in the future in the next section.

Growth Drivers of India’s Sports Apparel Market

1. Rising Health and Fitness Awareness

The increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension has heightened health consciousness among Indian consumers. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019–21), 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are overweight or obese. This awareness has led to a surge in gym memberships, participation in marathon events, and engagement in sports activities, thereby boosting the demand for activewear and performance-oriented clothing.

2. Expansion of E-commerce and Digital Platforms

The proliferation of e-commerce platforms has significantly enhanced the accessibility of sports apparel across India, including Tier II and Tier III cities. In 2023, online sales of premium sportswear in cities like Mumbai increased by 30% through platforms such as Myntra. This digital expansion has allowed both global and local brands to reach a broader customer base, facilitating market growth.

3. Urbanization and Lifestyle Changes

Rapid urbanization has led to lifestyle shifts, with a growing emphasis on fitness and wellness. Urban centers like Bengaluru have experienced a 25% year-over-year increase in sportswear sales, attributed to a thriving fitness culture and the expansion of retail outlets like Decathlon. This urban trend is mirrored in other regions, contributing to the overall market expansion.

4. Influence of Athleisure Trend

The blending of athletic and leisurewear, known as athleisure, has gained popularity among Indian consumers. Brands like Puma have capitalized on this trend, focusing on affordable, performance-oriented wear, leading to a 12% growth in urban markets. The versatility of athleisure apparel appeals to a wide demographic, further driving market demand.

5. Strategic Brand Collaborations and Marketing

Major sports apparel brands have engaged in strategic collaborations and marketing initiatives to enhance their market presence. Nike, for instance, has focused on premium product offerings and partnerships with sports events like the Indian Premier League (IPL), resulting in a 15% increase in sales. Similarly, Adidas has emphasized its sustainable apparel line, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and contributing to a 20% rise in sales.

Potential Restraining Factors in India’s Sports Apparel Market

1. Price Sensitivity Among Consumers

A significant portion of Indian consumers, especially in Tier II and Tier III cities, exhibit high price sensitivity, viewing sports apparel as a discretionary purchase rather than a necessity. This sensitivity poses challenges for premium brands attempting to penetrate these markets, potentially limiting their growth prospects.

2. Prevalence of Counterfeit Products

The Indian market faces challenges with counterfeit activewear products, which can undermine consumer trust and affect the sales of genuine brands. The presence of such products acts as a significant restraining factor, impacting the overall market integrity and profitability.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions and Rising Costs

Supply chain disruptions and the increasing cost of basic materials have exerted margin pressure on both domestic and international brands. These challenges can lead to higher retail prices, potentially deterring price-sensitive consumers and affecting overall market growth.

4. Economic Uncertainties and Fluctuating Consumer Sentiment

Economic uncertainties, such as inflation and job insecurities, have led to fluctuating consumer sentiment in India. These factors can slow down discretionary spending, including purchases of sports apparel, thereby restraining market growth during periods of economic instability.

Key Players In The Indian Apparel Market

India’s sportswear market is led by global brands like Puma, Adidas, Nike, and Reebok. Among them, Puma is the market leader with revenue touching ₹3,274 crore in 2024. Adidas follows with around ₹3,114 crore and Nike with ₹1,200 crore. Reebok, now part of Aditya Birla Fashion, is gaining momentum again, generating over ₹450 crore in FY24. Other international players like Skechers, ASICS, and Under Armour are expanding slowly and catering more to niche or performance-oriented segments.

Puma has been aggressive in its expansion strategy, with over 570 stores and a strong brand recall thanks to celebrity ambassadors and marketing efforts. Adidas is pushing its cricket association hard after signing with the Indian national team. Nike has taken a more cautious route, scaling back store presence but maintaining strong brand equity. Meanwhile, Reebok is tapping into nostalgia while also localizing product offerings under ABFRL.

Local brands such as HRX, Cultsport, Nivia, and retailer-owned labels from Myntra and Ajio are becoming serious challengers in the value-driven segment, appealing to cost-conscious buyers with decent quality at lower prices.

Evolving Consumer Preferences

India’s sportswear buyers are predominantly urban, young, and aspirational, mainly Gen Z and Millennials. There’s a strong influence of fitness culture, social media, and global fashion trends. While men still make up the majority of buyers, women’s activewear is growing faster, driven by yoga, gym, and casualwear demand. Athleisure has become a major category, with consumers wearing sportswear beyond workouts, for travel, daily wear, and even office settings.

Tier 2 and 3 cities are now contributing significantly to growth. Consumers there are brand-aware and shop both offline and online, often through platforms like Myntra, Amazon, and Flipkart. Influencer marketing and celebrity-led branding have played a key role in creating demand in these non-metro markets.

Balancing Online and Offline Sales In Retail

The offline channel still plays a critical role, especially in India’s smaller towns, where consumers prefer touch-and-feel experiences before purchase. Puma’s aggressive store expansion in these regions shows offline retail is far from dead. However, the pandemic accelerated online adoption, and platforms like Myntra, Flipkart, and Amazon continue to drive strong volumes, particularly for fashion-forward and discounted collections.

Omnichannel is becoming the norm. Brands are integrating online and offline inventories to allow for smoother exchanges, returns, and pick-up options. Many consumers research online and buy in-store or vice versa. Online marketplaces, influencer-driven content, and social media campaigns have also helped brands reach wider and more targeted audiences.