Supply Chain Insights – Activewear in China 2025
September 4, 2025
Habits of Active consumers (exercise at least 2 days per week)
ACTIVEWEAR
IN CHINA
COTTON INCORPORATED’S
SUPPLY CHAIN INSIGHTS
4 82% 73% 71%
Average
days/week
exercise
exercise with
moderate
intensity
typically
exercise for
30-60 minutes
Mix of
active and
non
activewear
Non
Activewear
Only activewear Mostly activewear
36% 37% 22% 5%
Cycling or
mountain
biking
34%
Cardio training
48%
Walking
47%
Hiking
41%
Running
74%
Type of clothing worn during exercise
% regularly exercise
Underwear
3
MANY OCCASIONS FOR ACTIVEWEAR
% wear athletic apparel in following situation
Quality
Hanging
out at
home
A
moderate
workout
63%
INTEREST IN PERFORMANCE
% likely to look for performance features when shopping for athletic apparel
Habits of All respondents (Active and Non-Active)
ACTIVEWEAR OWNERSHIP
Average # garments owned and worn for exercise
PREFER COTTON FOR ACTIVEWEAR
% prefer activewear made of cotton or cotton blends for
willing to pay more
for cotton activewear
with desired
performance features
92%
Socializing
Tops
Bras (Women only) Outerwear/
Shell Layers
4
3 3
Sweatshirts, Hoodies,
Pullovers, or Fleece
3
Bottoms
4
57%
56%
57%
A tough
workout
74%
Anti-microbial
72%
Easy Care
75%
Moisture management
71%
Thermal cooling
40%
Running
errands
45%
Out to dinner
42%
Socializing
43%
Shopping
Comfort
Fit
ACTIVEWEAR
primary
PURCHASE
DRIVERS
Breathability
Stretch
Quality
Functionality
Outdoors At Home
79% 61%
At a gym or
public facility
69%
TOP EXERCISE ACTIVITIES
(% regularly participate in activity)
workout with
others
For More Information Contact: Corporate Strategy & Insights at [email protected]
Source: Cotton Incorporated’s 2025 Global Activewear Survey, Germany, N=1,004
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