In the past few years, sweatpants have become the go-to comfort wear for many people across the world. This change has been hugely driven by COVID-19 and consumers’ inclination towards more relaxed, athleisure-inspired designs that fuse comfort and style. Sweatpants are also versatile, making them appropriate for different situations, whether it’s heading to the shops, gym sessions, or travel. These unique characteristics have led to their rise in popularity and demand, consequently creating business opportunities for brands in the fashion and apparel industry.
Here, we’ll provide valuable insights regarding sweatpants’ market performance and identify which trends are currently dominating the global fashion scene. This information can help businesses to prioritize products that resonate with consumer preferences.
Table of Contents
Sweatpants market overview
Top 5 current sweatpants trends
Conclusion
Sweatpants market overview
People worldwide are increasingly seeking clothes that meld comfort with fashion, in part due to growing trends in health and fitness. In addition, the shift towards remote working and freelancing has significantly reduced the need for people to dress up. These changes are reflected in the global athleisure market size, estimated to be US $330.97 billion by the end of 2023 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2023 to 2030.
Although this market encompasses different types of loungewear, demand for sweatpants will significantly contribute to this market growth. For instance, the term “sweatpants” had a monthly search volume of 842,000 in November of last year, a 10% year-on-year increase. In addition, the massive growth recorded by some apparel brands evidences the high popularity of these pants. For example, Entireworld recorded a staggering 662% sales increase due to their sweatpants offers in 2020. Similarly, Aviator Nation’s smiley-face sweatpants and zip-up hoodies saw the company’s sales go from US $70 million in 2020 to US $110 million in 2021, with projections showing this figure likely doubled in 2023.
Factors driving market growth and high demand for sweatpants
Various factors are driving the demand and popularity of sweatpants, including:
- Increased emphasis on comfort and style in fashion among contemporary consumers is shifting toward a preference for athleisure
- The adoption of fitness and wellness trends among global consumers is increasingly blurring the line between activewear and casual wear, with sweatpants being at the intersection of these clothing styles
- Celebrities and influencers are popularizing stylish ways of wearing sweatpants for different purposes
- Social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, are driving the demand for sweatpants as they continue to shape fashion trends and influence consumer behaviors
- The recent transition toward remote work prompted people to look for comfortable outfits to serve as an alternative to traditional clothing, leading to increased demand for sweatpants and other loungewear
Top 5 current sweatpants trends
The cultural shift toward athleisure-inspired fashion has led to sweatpants’ seamless transition from loungewear to versatile, statement-making outfits. Designers are incorporating innovative materials and bold silhouettes to create soft, comfortable pants that align with contemporary consumer needs. These changes have led to the rise of multiple trends that businesses in the fashion and apparel industry can leverage to improve their competitiveness and performance.
Here are the top five sweatpants trends to watch out for:
Flared sweatpants
Flared sweatpants are characterized by a widened or flared leg silhouette and a snug fit around the waist and hips. The shape of these pants gradually widens from the knee downwards to create a distinctive design that gives a nostalgic, retro aesthetic. Over the past year, interest in flared sweatpants has grown by over 326%, with the recent monthly searches reaching 6,000.
Low-rise sweatpants
Low-rise pants are a type of sweatpants with a lowered waistline that sits below the natural waist. This design offers a more casual and relaxed fit that aligns with the ongoing athleisure trend, featuring designs that prioritize comfort without compromising on fashion. These sweatpants appeal to fashion enthusiasts looking for trendy pants that combine the features of laid-back loungewear and streetwear chic.
Interest in low-rise sweatpants increased by 136% compared with 2022, with a monthly search volume of 1,4000.
Stacked sweatpants
Stacked sweatpants feature extra fabric that gathers or “stacks” around the ankles. This trend is influenced by streetwear and urban fashion designs and is often worn by consumers looking to make a bold fashion statement.
Interest in stacked sweatpants increased by 107% in the past year compared with 2022, with monthly searches reaching 4,000.
Fleece sweatpants
Fleece sweatpants are made from fleece fabric, giving them a soft texture. The plush and warm nature of fleece adds an extra layer of coziness, making them ideal for colder seasons or adding a touch of luxury to lazing around at home.
Fleece sweatpants saw a year-on-year growth of 19% in 2023, with recent monthly searches reaching 28,000. This growth can be attributed to their versatility and adaptability for multiple usage scenarios. For instance, fleece sweatpants make great casual loungewear for everything from relaxing at home, running errands, or enjoying a leisurely weekend outdoors.
Oversized sweatpants
Oversized sweatpants are popular for their comfort-centric designs and ability to blend trendy and casual styles. Recent monthly searches for oversized sweatpants reached 8,000, with a 49% year-on-year growth.
Due to their larger size, these pants are suitable for all body types and genders, helping brands align with inclusive messaging while also attracting customers from different consumer groups.
Conclusion
Global demand for sweatpants has significantly increased in recent years as consumers transition from traditional wear to more comfortable and stylish athleisure-inspired styles. These changes have encouraged designers to create innovative sweatpants designs to meet customer needs and preferences. The adoption of more relaxed styles has helped to change how people perceive and wear sweatpants. Current popular styles include flared sweatpants, low-rise sweatpants, stacked sweatpants, fleece sweatpants, and oversized sweatpants. These styles appeal to a range of different consumers, pointing to various business opportunities that brands can leverage to build their competitive edge and improve their overall performance.
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