A few years ago, no one would have thought the US sports and activewear market would grow to be a powerhouse. The sector is evidently dynamic, and fueled by innovation. The market is home to hundreds of sports apparel brands that continue to evolve in style and fabric performance quality. This market presents a great many opportunities for sports apparel distributors and activewear retailers. But to thrive in the market, they will need to stay ahead of the curve. To do that, they need to know the trends in the market that are turning heads.
This blog dives into the top sports apparel trends set to dominate 2025, that will certainly help you stock the right products to satisfy customer demands.
1) Mesh Sections
There is a lot of research going on into how sports and activewear can deliver cooler workout experiences. So we can expect a lot of experimentation with mesh this year. Mesh sections are the main elements that contribute to the superior breathability of sports and activewear. There is clearly a demand. In 2025, we will see more activewear, primarily uniform polo shirts, tanks, shorts & leggings, with stylish yet strategically-placed mesh sections.
2) The Tennis Chic Look
The fashion trend is not yet there but it’s getting there. Tennis-style fashion featuring relaxed fit performance polo shirts paired with same color shorts/pleated skirts got a lot of attention in recent years. The kicker is that these sporty outfits are meant to be worn in casual settings also. It’s got to the point where fashion brands are investing in the concept, coined “Tenniscore”.
3) Sustainability
Eco-conscious consumers demand responsible manufacturing. This means custom and blank sports apparel made of recycled materials produced carbon-neutrally are well-received. Wholesale sports apparel brands will prioritize sustainability more to gain more market share. Consumers will welcome the step.
4) Bold Over Neutral
Expect to see the shift toward bolder colors and patterns that we saw a glimpse of last year, in 2025. Neutral tones will still have a place. However, vibrant hues and unconventional prints will become more prominent. This trend not only allows athletes to express themselves but also brings a new level of excitement to the sports apparel market.
5) New Garment Trends
There is a lot of apparel variety in the sports and activewear landscape. New trends keep popping up. Yoga pants used to be for a specific environment. Now they are worn casually for their comfort and sensual appeal. Crop tops made of performance fabrics and bra-style tops with unique prints and stripes will be making waves this year. There’s also been an increase in demand for performance polo shirts wholesale and retail. More men are switching from full-length pants and sweats to shorts during workouts. Also, driven by the “tenniscore” trend that we covered earlier, shorter dresses and skirts are gaining momentum in the activewear market. Yoga bodysuits and color-blocked active rompers are getting a lot of attention too, thanks in part to industry influencers sporting the outfits.
Insights for Sports Apparel Retailers & Bulk Buyers
Invest in custom or blank activewear and sports apparel strategically to maximize returns. From the trends, the most obvious and potentially lucrative opportunities are in:
- Sustainable sportswear
- Bold colors
- Last year’s most intriguing outfits
- Activewear with innovative mesh sections
- Garments made of innovative fabrics
- Unique designs like stripes or retro designs
- Tenniscore trend
The right kind of apparel your target audience wants is just as important as your source for the apparel if you want to minimize investment and maximize returns. Find a wholesale distributor that offers volume discounts, free shipping and attractive prices to source blank sports apparel and activewear wholesale. It’s also possible to find distributors and print-on-demand services that offer professional customization services on performance fabrics.
The future of sports apparel won’t just be about clothing. Athleisure grows bigger and consumers look at comfortable and practical clothing they can wear almost anywhere. We are seeing a shift towards apparel with transformative experiences that empower wearers in more ways than one. Those who view apparel as a holistic ecosystem of athlete support will lead the industry’s next frontier.
