And now the Marriage of Fashion and Sport Apparel

According to Market Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014-2020 a leading publication in sports apparel, the market for this clothing is expected to generate revenue of $184.6 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period, 2015-2020. Growing health awareness, increasing disposable income, a surge in female participation in sports and the penchant towards unassuming clothing practiced by Millennials are the major factors driving the growth of the world sports apparels market. As a result, a culture that sees clothing in general as fungible is taking ground and gaining momentum every year.

The rise of consumer preferences for sports was more that evident in this year’s New York fashion week were avant-garde designers presented collections that ostensibly distinguished themselves by the profusion of arm warmers. Raf Simons at Calvin Klein made a rebellious statement by placing yellow or pink arm warmers in suits. Alexander Wang took the trend into Jujitsu resorting to black leather and posh fillings. Others played their cards with fur but most were dipping their toes in the waters of clothing as a comfy proposition which is the mantra for the sports apparel.

And while arm warmers will perhaps not be able to survive many collections, the concept behind sport clothing seems to begin to take ground. It already is very visible in the designs by the Internet fashion behemoths Zulily and Stylewe. Loose cloths with asymmetrical cuts. Lots of leggings underneath dresses, skirts and shorts. Miss and match pieces and above all good for any occasion, except black tie affairs. And as the trend continues to grow many fashion players will probably follow the Ralph Lauren lead wo entered the world of sport apparel over a decade ago.

This decision has allowed the brand to captivate Millennials while keeping its more traditional clientele happy with traditional designs. Another master of this fusion is ZARA whose designs can easily be worn casually or for  a dressier occasion. And as baby boomers truly retire sports clothing becomes more attractive as they can be carried everywhere all the time. Thus with any doubt this will be yet another branch of fashion that will continue to grow in this century.