India’s functional apparel market is witnessing unprecedented growth, officially crossing the US $8.9 billion mark in 2024. At the heart of this transformation is the booming athleisure segment — a dynamic fusion of athletic functionality and everyday comfort. From city streets to gym floors and even office spaces, athleisure is becoming a mainstream fashion category, redefining how Indians approach style, performance, and wellness.
The Scope of Athleisure in India
Athleisure isn’t just a passing trend — it's a massive shift in lifestyle and apparel consumption. According to Statista and Technopak, India’s athleisure market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.2%, projected to reach over INR 54,000 crore (US $6.5 billion) by 2028. A younger population, increasing fitness awareness, the rise of remote work, and a growing demand for comfortable yet stylish clothing are key catalysts driving this surge.
Why Athleisure? What’s Fueling the Popularity
- Health & Fitness Consciousness: With a post-pandemic emphasis on wellness, more Indians are turning to daily yoga, gym routines, running, and walking, driving demand for apparel that transitions from active to casual wear.
- Work-from-Home Culture: Hybrid work models have blurred the lines between formal and casualwear, giving rise to multifunctional, comfortable clothing options.
- Influence of Global Trends & Celebrities: From Bollywood stars to Instagram influencers, athleisure styles are now aspirational fashion choices.
- Technological Innovation: The introduction of moisture-wicking, anti-odor, UV-protective, and stretchable fabrics makes athleisure both practical and performance-ready.
- Gender-Neutral Appeal: Athleisure is embraced across age groups and genders — from teenagers to professionals and even seniors — enhancing its marketability.
What Products Come Under Athleisure?
The athleisure category is wide and continually expanding. Some of the most in-demand products in India include:
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts (round neck, V-neck, sleeveless)
- Yoga pants & leggings
- Track pants & joggers
- Active polos with UV-protection
- Sports bras and bralettes
- Zip-up hoodies & performance sweatshirts
- Cycling shorts & gym shorts
- Compression wear
- Performance tanks
- Smart-textile infused tops with odor or temperature control
How Apparel Factory India Supports the Athleisure Boom
As brands across India — from D2C startups to fitness labels and corporate merchandisers — look to tap into the fast-growing athleisure market, Apparel Factory India stands out as a reliable, agile, and quality-driven manufacturing partner.
Here’s how Apparel Factory India empowers your brand:
- Low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) – Ideal for startups and boutique fitness labels
- Custom Fabric Options – Including moisture-wicking, recycled polyester, cotton-spandex blends, UV-protective knits, and more
- End-to-End Support – From tech pack to sampling, manufacturing to delivery
- Competitive Pricing – Designed to help you scale profitably
- Timely Production & Delivery – Trusted by both domestic and export clients
- Exceptional Customer Service – A dedicated team to help you every step of the way
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Ethical & Sustainable Manufacturing – Offering eco-conscious yarns and dyeing processes to align with your brand’s values
Ride the Athleisure Wave with Apparel Factory India
As India’s performance wear market continues to expand, the opportunity to build or scale your own athleisure line has never been more promising. Whether you’re planning to launch UV-protective polos, smart gym wear, or a daily wear athleisure collection, Apparel Factory India is your go-to manufacturing partner for premium quality, small batch production, and trusted delivery.