Sportswear brands continue to dominate the global market and reap the benefits of the pre-pandemic era where more and more people are choosing to wear athletic apparel to stay comfortable.
The sportswear industry is flourishing day by day and showing unprecedented growth trends and this is because of some of the greatest sportswear brands in the world which continue to maintain their popularity, performance and sales figures in recent years. The two brands that have continued their dominance through decades are Nike and Adidas.
Many sportswear brands along with their product lines of performance sportswear, sneakers, yoga apparel and sports apparel are highly popular amongst the sportsperson. They have managed to sneak into people’s radars and gain huge popularity amongst the common masses and the high fashion world.
Let us go through some of the greatest sportswear brands in the world and their product lines, label and collections to know more about them.
Table of Contents
An Overview of the 15 Best Sportswear Brands in the World in 2024 Based on Popularity and Sportswear Sales
1. Nike
- Origin Country: USA
- Founder: William Bowerman and Phil Knight
- Founded: 1964
- Headquarters: Beaverton, USA
- Employees: 79,100
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 46.710 billion USD
- Net Income in 2022: 6.046 billion USD
- Annual Sales in 2022: 44.54 billion
- Market Cap in 2022: 160.65 billion USD
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 44.5 billion USD
The American company Nike is the biggest sportswear brand as well as one of the best sneaker brands in the world based on popularity and sportswear sales. It is the largest supplier of athletic shoes and sporting apparel and one of the largest manufacturers of sports equipment in the world.
Nike is involved in designing, marketing, sales, developing and manufacturing clothing, footwear, sports equipment, accessories and related services. Originally founded as Blue Ribbon Sports, the sports brand Nike markets its offerings under several brand names like Nike, Air Jordan Brand, Nike Dunk, Nike CR7 and Nike Pro etc. along with subsidiaries Converse and Air Jordan brand.
The “Just Do It” trademark and “Swoosh” logo are used by Nike for sponsoring popular sports teams and sportspersons all over the world. The British designer Samuel Ross has collaborated with Nike to produce The Nike x A-COLD-WALL Capsule Collection.
Product offerings from the Nike sportswear brand
- NIKE WOMEN’S ROAD RUNNING SHOES
- AIR JORDAN BRAND 2 RETRO LOW TWO 18 MEN’S SHOES
- NIKE PEGASUS TRAIL 3 MEN’S TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
- NIKE SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS NIKECOURT DRI-FIT ADVANTAGE
- NIKE NAOMI OSAKA COLLECTION WOMEN’S HIGH-WAISTED CROPPED TRAINING LEGGINGS
2. Adidas
- Origin Country: Germany
- Founder: Adolf Dassler
- Founded: 1924
- Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany
- Employees in 2022: 61,401
- Revenue in 2022: 24.559 billion USD
- Net Income in 2022: 2.206 billion USD
- Market Cap in 2022: 24.71 billion USD
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 23.5 billion USD
The German company Adidas is one of the best sportswear brands in the world in 2024 based on popularity and global sportswear sales. It is the second-largest manufacturing company of sportswear in the world and the largest sportswear brand in Europe.
The sportswear company Adidas deals in the manufacturing and designing of Adidas clothing, Adidas shoes and Adidas accessories. Product lines include sportswear (tennis, snow sports, football, hockey etc.), apparel (a wide range of clothing items like leggings, hoodies, pants, t-shirts and jackets) footwear (lifestyle shoes, sneakers and running shoes), sports equipment (cricket bat, football) and accessories (socks, baseball caps, perfumes, eyewear and watches etc.)
Many sportswear brands have gained popularity in the last decades but Adidas described as the “Three Stripes Company” remains one of the greatest sportswear brands of all time. The year 2022 saw collaborations with Balenciaga, Gucci and Ivy Park and some of the best releases and signature athlete silhouettes from the sports brand Adidas.
Technical innovation, quality and style have been the biggest draw for the sportswear brand Adidas over its competitors as running spiked shoes and moulded boots Copa Mundial are a testimony to this fact.
Product offerings from the sportswear brand
- ADIDAS ORIGINALS MEN BLACK WINDSOR SOLID SPORTY JACKET
- ADIDAS ALPHA-BOOST VI SUSTAINABLE BOOST LIFESTYLE RUNNING SHOES
- ADIDAS HYPERTURF SHOES
- ADIDAS XAND WANDER TERREX FREE HIKER 2 BLACK SNEAKERS
- ADIDAS OZELIA OFF WHITE FOOTWEAR
3. Puma
- Origin Country: Germany
- Founder: Rudolf Dassler
- Founded: 1948
- Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany
- Employees in 2022: 14,606
- Revenue in 2022: EUR 6.8 billion
- Net Income in 2022: EUR 0.262 billion
- Market Cap in 2022: 8.25 billion USD
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 6.2 billion USD
The German company Puma is the third-biggest sportswear brand, one of the best sneaker brands and the third-largest manufacturer of sportswear in the world in 2024 based on popularity and sportswear sales. The company was originally founded in 1924 but was split in 1948 to form two separate companies Adidas and Puma.
The sports brand manufactures and designs apparel, accessories, casual shoes, athletic footwear and sports equipment. Puma offerings are for sports like basketball, football, motorsports and golf. It also includes products for athleisure, fitness, training and running.
Product innovation, the distinctive “Formstrip” and the exclusive Puma logo along with quality products at reasonable prices compared to the price tags of other brands have helped the company to gain a huge market share in the last decades. Puma has collaborations with Butter Goods and Pokemon and sponsorship deals with clubs, teams and other athletes like Neymar and Marco Reus.
Product offerings from the Puma sportswear brand
- PUMA WILD RIDER GRIP LS WHITE SNEAKERS
- TWITCH RUNNER TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
- PUMA X POKEMON MEN’S HOODIE
- PWRFRAME AEROGRAM BLAZE SNEAKERS
- PUMA SQ LEGGINGS WOMEN
4. Under Armour
- Origin Country: United States of America
- Founder: Kevin Plank
- Founded: 1996
- Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland, US
- Employees in 2022: 17,500
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 5.683 billion USD
- Net Income in 2022: 360.06 million USD
- Market Cap in 2022: 4.59 billion USD
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 4.5 billion USD
The American company Under Armour is ranked 4th in the list of the 15 best sportswear brands in the world based on popularity and global sportswear sales. The sneaker brand has signed Stephen Curry as its signature athlete for capturing the popular sneaker market. It has also signed deals with other athletes like Tom Brady and Canelo Alvarez to capture new territories.
Under Armour is one of the best sports brands that manufactures casual apparel, sports clothing and footwear. Product offerings include athletic shoes, protective gear, caps, gloves, bags, athletic bags, athletic bras, shorts, leggings, pants, hoodies, jackets and t-shirts. The sportswear company also manufactures uniforms for various sports like American football, basketball and soccer etc.
Product offerings from Under Armour
- UNDER ARMOUR WOMEN’S COLD-FEAR AUTHENTICS LEGGINGS
- UNDER ARMOUR MEN’S RIVAL FLEECE HOODIE
- UNDER ARMOUR UNISEX CURRY ONE LOW FLOTRO BASKETBALL SHOES
- UNDER ARMOUR UNISEX UA SLIP-SPEED TRAINING SHOES
- UNDER ARMOUR MEN’S UA SPOTLIGHT LUX MC 2.0 FOOTBALL CLEATS
5. New Balance Athletics, Inc
- Origin Country: USA
- Founder: William J Riley
- Founded: 1906
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Employees in 2022: 5,900
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 4.5 billion USD
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 4.1 billion USD
The American company New Balance Athletics, Inc is ranked 5th in the list of one of the best sportswear brands in the world based on popularity and global sportswear sales. The manufacturer has put its focus on sports footwear along with fitness apparel for athletes and non-athletes.
Like other sports brands, New Balance offerings include athletic shoes, everyday sneakers, running sneakers, sports equipment, sportswear and apparel. The brand’s quality footwear is known for technical features like heel counters and blended gel inserts along with a wide range of sizes.
Revitalized models, contemporary designs, high-end style, sponsorship deals and collaborations with Joe Freshgoods, Patta and Teddy Santis have put the focus back on New Balance
Brand’s Product offerings
- NEW BALANCE M2002RHR VINTAGE INDIGO SNEAKERS
- NEW BALANCE – BB550SLB RAIN CLOUD SNEAKERS
- NEW BALANCE 550 VINTAGE RED BLUE
- NEW BALANCE WHITE RUNNING SNEAKERS
6. Lululemon Athletica
- Origin Country: Canada
- Founder: Chip Wilson
- Founded: 1998
- Headquarters: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Employees: 29,000
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 7.061 billion USD
- Annual Net Income in 2022: 1.102 billion USD
- Market Value in 2022: 45.928 billion USD
- Market Cap in 2022: 42.27 billion USD
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 3.3 billion USD
The Canadian company Lululemon Athletica is one of the best sportswear brands in the world in 2024 based on popularity and global sportswear sales. The sports company has trademarked Luon, its original fabric and nine other fabrics to produce some of the most impressive products in unique designs and styles.
Lululemon Athletica faces stiff competition from other brands like Nike, Under Armour and Adidas in the sportswear market. It is one of the largest retailers of yoga pants, joggers, sports shorts and leggings. It has expanded its product offerings to include lifestyle apparel, personal care products and athletic wear through online stores and 574 stores in the international market.
Lululemon Athletica product offerings
- LULULEMON ALIGN V-WAIST PANT 25” LEGGINGS
- LULULEMON BLISS-FEEL WOMEN’S RUNNING SHOE WINTER
- LULULEMON STRONGFEEL TRAINING SHOE
- LULULEMON REST-FEEL MEN’S SLIDE
- LULULEMON LAB FLEECE TRACK PANT
7. Asics
- Origin Country: Japan
- Founder: Kihachiro Onitsuka
- Founded: 1949
- Headquarters: Kobe, Japan
- Employees in 2022: 8,904
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 404.0 billion JPY
- Net Income in 2022: 21.9 billion JPY
- Market Cap in 2022: 590.50 billion JPY
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 3.2 billion USD
The Japanese company Asics is ranked 7th in the list of the best sportswear brands in the world in 2024 based on popularity and global sportswear sales. Products featured from the Asics label are known to blend style, design and performance to create cutting-edge silhouettes that are renowned for a comfy feel.
The brand is associated with the textile and sports equipment market and deals in high-quality footwear like sneakers, performance running shoes and sandals, fitness and gymnastic apparel, clothing, caps, backpacks and bags.
Asics has collaborated with Ice Studios in recent times and made sponsorship deals with sports associations and sports teams to increase its brand visibility in the industry.
Product offerings from Asics
- ASICS GEL NIMBUS 9 WHITE GREY SNEAKERS
- ASICS LIGHTWEIGHT DOWN JACKET
- ASICS GEL 33 RUN MEN RUNNING SHOES
- ASICS LITE SHOW TIGHT WOMEN’S TIGHTS
8. Columbia Sportswear
- Origin Country: USA
- Founded: 1938
- Headquarters: Oregon, USA
- Employees in 2022: 8,325
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 3.424 billion USD
- Net Income in 2022: 0.343 billion USD
- Market Cap in 2022: 5.24 billion USD
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 2.5 billion USD
The American company Columbia Sportswear is one of the best sportswear brands in the world based on popularity and global sportswear sales. The company is renowned for jackets all over the world. The products featured breathable and waterproof fabric that had interchangeable liners and shells.
Like other sports brands and competitors, Columbia Sportswear is associated with the manufacturing and distribution of apparel and footwear. Product lines include sportswear, outerwear, footwear, snow boots for snow sports, outerwear accessories, camping equipment, headgear and ski apparel.
Product offerings from the sports brand Columbia Sportswear
- COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR MEN’S BUGABOOT III BOOT
- COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR MEN’S WILDONE NAVIGATE SHOE
- COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR WOMEN’S SUTTLE MOUNTAIN LONG INSULATED JACKET
- COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR MEN’S NEWTON RIDGE PLUS II SUEDE WATERPROOF HIKING BOOT
9. Fila Holdings Corp
- Origin Country: Italy
- Founder: Ettore Fila, Giansevero Fila
- Parent Company: Fila Korea Ltd
- Founded: 1911
- Headquarters: Biella, Piedmont, Italy
- Current Base: Seoul, South Korea
- Net Income in 2022: 59,264 million KRW
- Market Cap in 2022: 291.81 million EUR
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 2.6 billion USD
The Italian company Fila Holdings Corp is ranked 9th in the list of the best sportswear brands based on popularity and global sportswear sales. After the acquisition of Fila Holdings by Fila Korea the sports brand considers South Korea home and has launched the public offering on the South Korea Exchange.
The lifestyle brand Fila is highly popular in the fashion world. It is associated with sports goods and sportswear industries and its product offerings include athletic shoes, sports equipment and clothing.
In 2019 the brand entered into a partnership with BTS making it one of the historic athletic companies associated with the renowned band.
Product offerings from Fila
- FILA R1 RUNNER X BARNEYS
- FILA MAGDALENA JOGGER
- FILA LUELLE TIGHT
- FILA FALONE JERSEY
10. Reebok
- Origin Country: USA
- Founder: Jeff Foster, Joe Foster
- Founded: 1958
- Headquarters: Boston, U.S.
- Parent Company: Authentic Brands Group
- Global Sportswear Sales in 2022: 1.8 billion USD
The American company Reebok is ranked 10th in the list of the best sportswear brands in the world in 2024 based on popularity and global sportswear sales. Notable celebrities associated with the shoe company are Rihanna and Cardi B.
Reebok is a renowned manufacturer, designer, distributor and seller of fitness, CrossFit and running sportswear and athletic apparel. The brand has released footwear in various styles, designs and labels like the Reebok Freestyle, Reebok Pump and Beatnik.
Product offerings from the sports brand include
- REEBOK LT COURT CHALK
- WOMEN’S REEBOK RUNNING RI COTTON LEGGINGS
- WOMEN’S REEBOK RBK CLASSICS CORE SPARK RUN SHOES
11. Russell Athletic
- Origin Country: United States of America
- Founder: Benjamin Russell
- Founded: 1902
- Headquarters: Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
- Parent Company: Fruit of the Loom
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 3.7 million USD
- Market Cap in 2022: billion USD
The American company Russell Athletic is one of the many sportswear brands in the world renowned for popular offerings. It is considered one of the best activewear brands that manufacture team uniforms for sports like volleyball, softball, baseball, basketball and American football.
The focus of one of the best sports brands is also on casual wear that includes underwear, shorts, sweatpants, jackets and hoodies.
Product offerings from sports brand Russell Athletica
- MEN’S DRI-POWER FLEECE CREW SWEATSHIRT
- WOMEN’S DRI-POWER LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE SWEATSHIRT
- MEN’S DRI-POWER CLOSED-BOTTOM FLEECE SWEATPANTS
12. Outdoor Voices
- Origin Country: United States of America
- Founder: Tyler Haney
- Founded: 2013
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas, U.S.
- Employees in 2022:
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 1.3 million USD
The American company Outdoor Voices is one of the top sports brands in the world based on popularity and global sales. The clothing brand has put the focus on the designing and selling of athletic apparel.
Outdoor Voices is one of the best high fashion activewear brands in the world. Its products have both performance and fun quotient and are sold both at the stores and online platforms. Collections include H2Ov (a swimwear collection), a running collection with Hoka One One and collaborations with A.P.C, a French fashion label and fashion blog ClassPass.
The lifestyle brand offers several options from soft cotton to recycled polyester. The menswear line sports hints of colour to keep it ageless and comfy.
One of its best offerings is the Exercise Dress, a sturdy lounge-friendly option with compressing fabric that remains flexible and breathable even during intense workouts.
Products from Outdoor Voices
- OUTDOOR VOICES MERINO WOOL LONG JOHN LEGGINGS
- OUTDOOR VOICES FROSTKNIT HOODIE
- OUTDOOR VOICES MEN’S CLOUD-KNIT SLIM SWEATPANT
- OUTDOOR VOICES CLOUDKNIT SHORTSLEEVE
13. Converse
- Origin Country: United States of America
- Founder: Marquis Mills Converse
- Founded: 1908
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Annual Revenue in 2022: 2.346 billion USD
The American company Converse is one of the top sports brands in the world based on popularity and global sales. It deals in the distribution, marketing and licensing of apparel, footwear and accessories and sells its products through 63 outlets in international markets and 109 retail stores in the USA domestic market.
The brand was originally founded as Converse Rubber Shoe Company and with time has become renowned as Converse, a popular sneaker brand. Currently, the brand’s offerings include products under labels like Cons, Chuck Taylor All-Stars and Jack Purcell etc and special editions.
Samuel Ross has collaborated with Converse to produce The A-COLD- WALL x Converse Collection with a focus on clothing and footwear. Collaborations include ERX and Chuck Taylor All-Star Lugged.
Brand’s product offerings
- CONVERSE CHUCK 70 HI MIDNIGHT NAVY
- CONVERSE X RICK OWENS DRKSTAR CHUCK 70 OX LILY WHITE
- CONVERSE X IBN JASPER – ONE STAR OX BLACK
14. FP Movement (Free People)
- Origin Country: USA
- Founder: Dick Hayne
- Founded: 1984
- Parent Company: Urban Outfitters
Free People is one of the top sports brands in the world. The American retail company is a lifestyle brand that deals in bohemian and contemporary style apparel like women’s clothing, intimates, swimwear, shoes and accessories. The brand also sells beauty and wellness products like oral supplements, oral care, skincare and cosmetics.
FP Movement is a subdivision of Free People that deals in athletic and athleisure clothing. Product offerings of FP Movement are meant for people who lead an active lifestyle and include yoga apparel, running apparel, unitards, jumpsuits and jackets.
The outerwear brand also deals in camping and hiking gear, gym staples along with surf suits.
Product offerings from the brand
- FP MOVEMENT RELEVE ONE-PIECE
- FP MOVEMENT ECHO HAREM PANT
- FP MOVEMENT MOUNTAIN HIGH ½ ZIP FLEECE OUTERWEAR
15. Oakley, Inc
- Origin Country: United States of America
- Founder: Jim Jannard
- Founded: 1975
- Headquarters: Foothill, Ranch, California, U.S.
- Parent Company: Essilor Luxottica
The American company Oakley Inc is one of the largest sportswear manufacturer in the world. It was originally founded as an independent subsidiary of its parent company and currently manufactures, designs and develops lifestyle pieces and sports performance equipment.
Oakley is considered one of the best sunglasses brands in the world. Collaboration with Samuel Ross has put the focus back on the brand and its quality product line. The brand manufactures both apparel and accessories for different sports like golf, cycling, snow sports, football and baseball etc.
Oakley Brand’s product offerings
- OAKLEY FLIGHT JACKET PRIZM ROAD LENSES MATTE BLACK FRAME
- OAKLEY WANDERLUST FZ HOODIE
- OAKLEY TRIP RC CARGO SHORTS
- OAKLEY HOLBROOK
Conclusion
The sportswear market is expected to show a continued growth trend and reach 455 billion USD by the year 2024. Product quality, heritage, style, technical innovation and endorsement from popular sportspersons have helped the top companies to show good performance in the last decades.
The sportswear brands with their offerings like sporting apparel, yoga apparel, running shoes, training apparel and sports equipment continue to flourish and maintain their growth trends because of widespread availability and hype that surrounds the product lines.
Exploring New Dimensions in Sportswear Innovation?
The sportswear industry is not only about expanding its market reach but also embracing cutting-edge technological innovations to enhance user experience. Recent statistics indicate that over 76% of consumers have shown a significant preference for sportswear brands that utilize sustainable or recycled materials in their manufacturing processes. This shift has prompted brands like Nike and Adidas to ramp up their commitments to sustainability, with Nike launching its “Move to Zero” campaign aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions and zero waste across its product lines. According to a report by Statista, as of 2022, over 60% of Nike’s entire product line incorporated sustainable materials. Such eco-friendly initiatives are reshaping consumer perceptions and expectations within the sportswear domain.
Within the realm of practical advancements, sportswear brands are increasingly integrating digital technology into their apparel. For instance, Under Armour’s “UA HOVR” series of shoes includes sensors that connect to a mobile application, providing athletes with real-time data analytics on their performance. This trend of smart sports gear is gaining traction, with a projected market value reach of approximately $16 billion by 2024, according to Allied Market Research. These developments underscore the growing intersection between technology and apparel, where the focus is not only on style or functionality but also on augmented reality and performance enhancement tools that help athletes optimize their routines.
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Where is “Reebok” ?
‘Reebok’ is now owned by ‘Adidas’, That may be reason, they have not mentioned it separately.
Converse is also owned by Nike but was mentioned.
Puma is much bigger than UA so i would put it in third,i never heard for DKS and i would put asics and reebok thereas fifth after UA.
Yes you right
Bro North Face deserves wayyy more. I hace owned several Nike, Adidas and North face clothes and I can tell you that north face is wayy more durable, better quality and has a better vibe overall.
Amanda Brown here , I been 13 yrs in fashion industry as denim designer , now I plan to open sports brand only apparel for women and man pls support those think is good
I want to design durable quality with vibrant colors for young generation and retro generation , I m not here to compete other brand , I just want to be sports designer and do my own brand
Pls give me comment
Very surprised not to see New Balance and Reebok in this list!
I have new one soon to be introduced in Africa,
I see no statistics that go to “popularity.” If you want to do a list based solely on sales, then do that. Also, these are “brands,” not companies so separating, for instance, Converse from Nike is proper.