Sports Apparel Embellishment Market

Market Overview

The global sports apparel embellishment market was valued at USD 324.05 million in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0 % during the forecast period, 2019–2026.

Sports apparel embellishment involves printing and embroidery techniques. Screen printing is currently the most popular sports apparel embellishment technique as it is relatively affordable, thus suited for mass production. This makes screen printing the most preferred embellishment technique for recreational sports apparel. The heat transfer printing technique, on the other hand, is underway advancements. It ensures better quality and long-lasting print. The heat transfer printing technique is expected to witness remarkable growth during the forecast period, 2019–2026. Efforts being undertaken by governments of different countries to promote physical fitness and sports activities are also playing an important role in boosting the market growth.

Globally, there is a rise in the consumption of sports apparel due to the growing health concern and increasing fitness activities. Changing spending patterns of the people and the increasing consumer preference towards sports apparel with a good aesthetic look are the key drivers of this market. Printing technologies is a vast industry with deep-rooted presence in various emerging nations such as China, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and others. This industry has been creating sports apparel clothing with dazzling designs that are mainly used in sports activities such as athletics sports, football, among others.

Segmental Analysis

Type of Sports Apparel Differ According to Sports, Thus Providing a Range of Customized Sports Apparel Embellishment Choice

Sports apparel encompasses upper body wear, lower bodywear, footwear, swimwear, among others. Further, the upper body wears includes t-shirts, sweatshirts & hoodies, jackets, and others, whereas lower body wears include tracks, socks, shorts, and others. These clothes have certain characteristics such as thermal properties, comfort, specific fabric weight, and several other properties that are ideal for different sports. Millennials = the primary consumers of sports apparel embellishment products as they have a penchant for high graphic printed and creatively designed apparel. According to the International Textile and Garment Technology, the digitally printed textile is growing at a stable annual rate of 25%.

Based on material, the global sports apparel embellishment market is bifurcated into natural and synthetic material. Further, the natural material segment is divided into cotton, wool, and others, whereas synthetic materials are further divided into polyester, nylon, spandex, and others. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, United States spearheads in the exporting of raw cotton with a global share accounting of 45%, followed by India and Australia with 13% and 11% share respectively.

Emergence of Newflanged Printing Technologies to Create Enough Room for Market Entrants

On the basis of printing technology, the market is bifurcated into screen printing and DTG printing. Screen printing is a technology that transfers ink to the substrate fixed onto the pallet, it consists of three components including a screen, ink, and squeegee. The ink used in this technology is thicker & brighter than digital printing technology. The demand for screen printing equipment is on the rise due to its cost-effectiveness, wide range of print materials, and high-volume order friendly. DTG printing is a printing technology processed using mechanical machines, the design and graphics are directly printed on the fabric by inkjet technology and inkjet printers. The North America DTG printing market is valued at 2.2 billion and has the largest market share for this technology. In April 2019 Kornit digital launched Kornit Presto, a single-step solution for direct-to-fabric printings which eliminates the need for pre and post-treatment of fabric. This revolutionary technology offers high-quality printing on an extraordinary broad variety of fabric types and applications. Moreover, the company has also developed Kermit NeoPoly Technology, which is the industry’s first digital industrial process for high-quality printing on polyester. This innovation is achieved by a state of the art ink set and chemical & physical process specifically developed for low-temperature curing, & polyester enhancing functionalities to maintain characteristic and provide superior fastness. Additionally, this unique technology prevents dye mitigation on polyester.

Regional Analysis

Disease Stricken North America Population to Engage in Fitness Activities

In North America, health awareness, healthy lifestyle, the rising number of health clubs & fitness centers, and changing consumer preferences for sports apparel are some of the factors responsible for the growth of the regional market. For instance, according to the American Diabetes Association, 9.4% of the North America population was suffering from diabetes. Moreover, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016, 39.8% of the U.S. population was affected by obesity, which is likely to give rise to fitness activities in the region.

Sports Brands Joining Forces with Football Clubs to Provide an Impetus to the Europe Market Growth  

Europe is expected to witness considerable growth in the market owing to the shift in consumer preference from conventionally used plain sports apparel to sports apparel with design, texture, logos, and patches. In Europe, flourishing sports education and training, which necessitates specific professional sports look, are attracting the local business in manufacturing customized apparel for the consumers. The penetration of sports apparel usage is extremely high in Germany and France, as the regions include vast majority of soccer sports fans. The key market players actively collaborate with several football clubs and sell designed sports apparel with logos of both the party. For example, Adidas partnership with Manchester United.

Sports Personalities Promoting Sports Apparel Influences the Market Demand

In the Asia-Pacific region, the increasing disposable income is influencing consumers to purchase trendy sports apparel for their physical activities in gym sessions, swimming, trekking, and cycling. Fit India Movement launched by the government of India to encourage fitness activities among the people is significantly driving the demand for the sports apparel embellishment market. The entertainment industry and sports personalities promoting sports apparel are the primary influencers of the regional market.  The government encourages small-scale business and local companies to manufacture and showcase creativity in the designing of the apparel. The social, economic, and political significance of sports is continuously rising in the region due to the substantial growth of the athletes at the international level. The governments of different countries are substantially investing in sports to spread awareness among people. Increasing participation in sports by women & children and involvement of physical fitness in their daily routine is a crucial factor driving the market growth on account of a wide range of trendy products are available for this category

Middle East to Observe Colossal Demand as the Region Organizes Number of Sports Tournaments

The Latin America and Middle East & Africa region (LAMEA) is expecting healthy growth in the market, owing to the increasing number of sports tournaments and matches being organized in the region. In the Middle East region, the increasing wealth in developing countries such as the UAE and increasing sports apparel demand for comfort and convenience during traveling and vacations is anticipated to augment the market growth. In March 2019, Special Olympics World Summer Games was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. An event organized for intellectually disabled eventually boosted the sports apparel embellishment market on account of the financial investment and awareness toward participation in sports irrespective of the physical and mental challenges.

Sports Apparel Embellishment Market Segmentation

By Product

• Upper Body
• Lower Body Wear

By Material

• Natural
• Synthetic

By Technology

• Screen Printing
• DTG Printing
• Heat Transfer Printing Techniques
• Embroidery

By End-User

• Recreational Sports
• Professional Sports

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Poland
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• Japan
• India
• China
• South Korea
• Australia
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East

• Saudi Arabia
• Oman
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• UAE

Africa

• Nigeria
• Tanzania
• South Africa
• Ghana
• Rest of MEA