Kids Athleisure Wear Market Size
The kids athleisure wear market size was valued at USD 16.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 17.95 billion in 2025 to USD 27 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The kids athleisure wear market growth is fuelled by rising health awareness, e-commerce penetration, and demand for versatile children’s apparel. The market is expanding rapidly due to evolving lifestyle trends, increased child participation in physical activities, and the influence of fashion-forward parenting. Athleisure combines comfort, style, and performance, making it suitable for school, play, and casual outings. Moreover, growing urbanisation and the rise of dual-income households have accelerated spending on quality children’s apparel.
Key Market Insights
- Children aged 5 to 9 years significantly influence purchase decisions due to their active routines and preference for comfortable, durable clothing.
- Recycled polyester is gaining traction as a preferred fabric for kids’ athleisure, offering stretchability, quick-drying features, and sustainability.
- Online channels are becoming the go-to shopping method for parents, driven by convenience, home delivery, and return flexibility.
- North America leads the global market due to a strong youth sports culture and preference for versatile, everyday activewear.
- The Asia-Pacific region is seeing rapid growth, fueled by rising incomes, urbanization, and a large base of school-aged children.
- Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile are witnessing gradual market expansion, driven by demand for multipurpose, cost-effective apparel.
Latest Market Trends
Youth-led “little reminders” campaign and digital influence
Youth-centred social campaigns are redefining the way athleisure is marketed, aligning performance wear with fun and inclusivity.
- For instance, in March 2024, ASICS launched its “Little Reminders” campaign, featuring seven and eight-year-old "exercise influencers" Tillie, Hiba, Joash, Imuujin, and Henry, to encourage adults to move for mental wellbeing, not just performance. The campaign included a kid-created exercise guide and social media takeovers of fitness influencers’ channels, positioning activewear as fun and engaging for all ages.
This initiative boosted online engagement with kids’ fitness culture and linked performance-looking athleisure to joyful movement. By placing children at the centre of fitness messaging, brands drive positive athleisure sentiment and boost demand among families.
Emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly materials
Sustainable materials are transforming the kids’ athleisure market as parents increasingly prioritise eco-conscious fashion for their children. Materials like bamboo blends, organic cotton, and recycled polyester are valued for reducing environmental impact and ensuring gentleness on kids’ skin and long-term durability.As climate awareness becomes mainstream, brands adopting planet-friendly practices will mitigate ecological harm and win lasting trust from modern families.
Kids Athleisure Wear Market Driving Factors
Rise of gender-neutral designs in kids' athleisure wear
Gender neutral clothing is rapidly becoming a defining trend in kids’ athleisure wear, driven by shifting societal attitudes and modern parenting values. Modern families want fashion that supports individuality, avoids outdated stereotypes, and offers maximum comfort for diverse body types and preferences. The trend blends minimalism, inclusivity, and functionality.
- According to the No Name Global article from April 2025, gender neutral styles such as oversized sweatshirts, earthy co-ord sets, and relaxed-fit joggers are gaining popularity across Canada. These choices help children feel confident without adhering to rigid style expectations, while simplifying shopping for parents.
By offering unisex athleisure collections, brands can cater to evolving social norms while tapping into a broader, values-driven customer base seeking comfort and versatility.
Growth in youth fitness culture
The increasing focus on physical activity among children is significantly boosting demand for kids’ athleisure wear. As schools and communities expand access to structured physical programs, there is growing demand for activewear that offers durability, comfort, and flexibility. Parents are prioritising performance-based clothing that kids can wear during PE, after-school sports, and unstructured play. The athleisure segment benefits by offering stylish, functional garments that accommodate movement while supporting health-driven habits. This cultural pivot toward fitness as a lifestyle fuels consistent market expansion for youth athletic-inspired apparel.
Market Restraining Factors
Short product lifespan due to fast physical growth
Fast physical development in children limits clothing longevity, reducing purchase frequency. Children often outgrow clothes within a few months, which shortens the practical use of any apparel, especially size-sensitive items like leggings, joggers, or performance tops. This rapid growth discourages parents from spending a premium on season-specific athleisure, particularly if the garments are not versatile year-round.
Additionally, inconsistent sizing and frequent fit issues result in reduced repeat purchases. The unpredictable and fast growth patterns in children serve as a natural restraint on the high-value kids' athleisure market, demanding creative product strategies to ensure long-term consumer engagement.
Price sensitivity among parents
Despite its growing appeal, kids’ athleisure wear often carries premium pricing due to performance fabrics, sustainable materials, and branding. Many parents prioritise value over style or functionality for rapidly growing children, who outgrow clothes quickly. This leads to hesitation in investing in higher-priced athleisure, especially in low- to middle-income households. Additionally, bulk-buying and reliance on discount retailers further dampen full-price brand adoption.
Market Opportunities
Tech-integrated athleisure for kids
Tech-integrated and functional clothing combines fashion with utility and safety. With the rise of smart textiles and wearable tech, brands are beginning to explore clothing embedded with features such as GPS tracking, UV protection, and temperature regulation, all tailored to children’s active routines. Parents increasingly seek multifunctional apparel that ensures comfort while enhancing safety and wellness, especially during outdoor activities.
- For instance, UK-based brand Petit Pli has developed expandable, tech-infused kidswear that grows with the child, reducing waste and offering ergonomic movement, appealing to eco-conscious and tech-savvy parents alike.
This innovation can be scaled globally, particularly in North America, Europe, and affluent Asian markets, where smart parenting trends are rising.
Adaptive and inclusive athleisure fabrics
Kid growth patterns demand clothing that adapts in fit and function. Adaptive fashion is rapidly advancing with garments designed with adjustable, stretchy fabrics to fit changing bodies and sensory needs. Adjustable waistbands, seamless stretch fabric, and tag-free labels can vastly improve comfort and longevity for kids. Introducing adaptive-size athleisure that grows with the child addresses parent pain points tied to frequent outgrowth and garment replacement. Brands investing in inclusive sizing and adaptive textiles can command premium positioning and strong differentiation in a competitive category.
Product Type Insights
Tops are central to kids’ athleisure wear, offering comfort, flexibility, and casual appeal suitable for various settings. They are often designed with breathable fabrics and relaxed fits to allow ease of movement during play and daily activities. Tops can include T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies for layering across seasons. Their versatility makes them a frequent wardrobe choice for school, sports, and leisure. With growing demand for easy care and durable clothing, tops remain a go-to category for parents seeking value, comfort, and adaptability in their children’s everyday wear.
Age Group Insights
Children aged 5 to 9 are highly active and require clothing to keep up with their daily physical movements. Athleisure for this age group is designed to offer comfort and durability while accommodating growth and activity. Clothing in this segment typically includes elastic waistbands, stretch fabrics, and playful designs that appeal to both children and their parents. Outfits are often chosen for their ease of use, ability to withstand rough play, and visual appeal. This age group significantly impacts purchasing decisions due to their dynamic routines and influence on family buying behaviour.
Distribution Channel Insights
Online channels have become an essential part of the shopping experience for kids’ athleisure wear. Parents often prefer digital platforms for the convenience of browsing, comparing options, and ordering from home. Online stores offer various styles, sizes, and pricing, often with added benefits like home delivery and easy return policies. Websites and mobile apps provide visual previews and sizing guides that simplify shopping. With the rise of digital engagement, brands also use social platforms to promote products. Online shopping supports a more personalised and efficient buying experience for busy families.
Fabric Insights
Recycled polyester is used increasingly in kids’ athleisure due to its comfort, performance, and environmental appeal. The fabric is known for being lightweight, stretchy, and quick-drying, making it ideal for active children. It offers durability and easy maintenance, which are important for parents managing frequent washes. Athleisure made from recycled polyester often feels similar to traditional sportswear but with added value through sustainable practices. Its application in leggings, hoodies, and T-shirts reflects the growing interest in combining function with responsibility.
| By Product Type | By Age Group | By Distribution Channel | By Fabric Type |
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Regional Insights
North America
North America remains a leading region in the kids athleisure wear market due to a strong culture of youth sports participation and casual school dress norms. The United States and Canada have high levels of awareness regarding comfort, performance, and daily wear utility in children’s clothing. Families in this region are receptive to multipurpose apparel that suits school, sports, and social activities. Seasonal diversity also encourages layering and weather-appropriate activewear. With increasing focus on comfort, quality, and versatility, North America continues to drive stable demand in this category.
Europe
European countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have seen steady growth in the kids’ athleisure market, driven by lifestyle shifts and preference for comfortable yet functional clothing. European parents increasingly opt for apparel suitable for school, travel, and casual outings. Many families value ethical production practices and long-lasting fabrics. In urban centres, children participate in structured sports and active hobbies, contributing to the demand for practical wear. Both domestic and international retailers offer a wide range of products, supporting market expansion across the region.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid expansion in the kids athleisure wear market, especially in countries like China, India, Japan, and Australia. Rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and growing interest in health and fitness are key growth drivers. Urban families embrace activewear for school, extracurricular activities, and weekend use. The large population base of school-aged children in countries like India and China offers significant market potential. Local and global brands are introducing affordable and stylish options to meet rising demand. Increased internet penetration and mobile usage also encourage more online purchases, further accelerating regional market development.
Latin America
Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are experiencing growing interest in kids’ athleisure, especially among middle-income families. A shift toward casual clothing for children across daily routines, including school and family outings, supports the market. Economic factors drive a preference for multipurpose and durable apparel that can be used throughout the year. Children’s participation in outdoor sports and recreational activities also influences the need for breathable, stretchable clothing. Overall, demand is rising gradually as awareness and accessibility improve.
The Middle East & Africa
The Middle East and Africa region presents emerging opportunities in the kids’ athleisure segment, with countries like the UAE, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria showing steady growth. Parents in urban centres are increasingly drawn to comfortable and modest designs suitable for warm climates. Lightweight, loose-fitting activewear is favoured for school, travel, and leisure. The younger population in many African nations offers a growing customer base. Higher purchasing power and brand consciousness contribute to rising demand for quality athleisure in wealthier Gulf countries.
| North America | Europe | APAC | Middle East and Africa | LATAM |
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Company Market Share
The global kids athleisure wear market features a mix of heritage sports brands and digital-native entrants. Brands leverage synergistic strategies, product innovation, athlete/celebrity endorsements, and sustainable materials to appeal to children and parents alike. Established sportswear giants lead with broad distribution, while fast-fashion and D2C labels focus on gender-neutral, eco-conscious lines.
Nike accounts for approximately 25% of the kids' athleisure segment. Its strength lies in merging performance with lifestyle designs, bolstered by strong digital sales and strategic celebrity collaborations. In May 2025, Nike unveiled a new gender-neutral children’s athleisure line, driving double-digit online growth.
- In its second quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 earnings call, Nike projected high single-digit growth in its global kids’ apparel and performance footwear segment. While the number reflects forward-looking expectations rather than confirmed sales, it signals Nike’s growing focus on youth consumers.
Adidas holds roughly 20% market share, distinguishing itself through sustainable collections and regional personalisation. In early 2025, it launched a recycled-material kids' athleisure line in Europe and North America, boosting sustainability sales by 25%.
Key players in the Kids Athleisure Wear Market
- Nike, Inc.
- Adidas AG
- Puma SE
- Under Armour, Inc.
- H&M Group
- The Gap, Inc.
- Reebok
- Uniqlo
- Skechers
- Decathlon S.A.
- Carter’s, Inc.
- Lululemon Athletica Inc.
Recent Developments
- February 2025- Puma unveiled TIME4CHANGE, a new kids’ apparel line made from 100% organic cotton and designed to support sustainability and play. The gender neutral collection includes joggers, T-shirts, and soft hoodies that prioritise comfort and flexibility. With muted tones and minimalist design, the line appeals to eco-aware parents seeking soft, functional apparel for everyday school and activity settings.
- In 2024, Adidas expanded its kids’ athleisure offerings by updating the All Materials collection with sustainable fabrics, including Primegreen recycled polyester. The refreshed range includes matching tracksuits, lightweight hoodies, and active tees. The update aligns with Adidas’ long-term sustainability goals and caters to growing parental demand for eco-conscious, comfortable, performance-ready clothing for school, sports, and daily wear.