How Sportswear Became the New Athleisure Trend in China

Athleisure redefines the Chinese fashion landscape, as sportswear transitions from athletic functionality to a significant style trend. This shift reflects the evolving preferences of consumers who value both comfort and aesthetic appeal in their everyday attire. Driven by health-conscious consumers embracing active lifestyles and a growing desire for comfort, international luxury and fashion brands are seizing the opportunity to enter this dynamic market.

Chinese Athleisure Market Overview

The Growing Sportswear Market

As health consciousness and the popularity of athleisure continue to rise among Chinese consumers, the sportswear market is experiencing remarkable growth. According to industry forecasts, the Chinese sportswear market is expected to reach a staggering $82.8 billion by 2024, with an impressive annual growth rate of 11%. This rapid expansion highlights the growing demand for stylish, comfortable, and functional sportswear that caters to both fitness enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals. As a result, international brands have a unique opportunity to tap into this thriving market, offering innovative products that resonate with the evolving preferences of China’s increasingly health-conscious population.

Read More: What Makes Athleisure Great in China

A Blur Edge Between Sportswear and Daily Outfit

The rising emphasis on health and wellness among Chinese consumers has sparked a transformation in the fashion industry. The boundaries between sportswear and daily outfits have become less distinct, as the athleisure trend gains traction. This amalgamation of comfort, style, and functionality presents a lucrative opportunity for international brands to cater to the diverse needs of health-focused and style-conscious consumers. To successfully thrive in this ever-changing market, brands must innovate and adapt to the evolving demands of Chinese consumers, who increasingly seek garments that can transition seamlessly between athletic and casual settings.

Health Consciousness Rising Among Chinese Consumers

As awareness of the importance of health and fitness expands in China, consumer preferences and lifestyles are changing. This increased focus on well-being has led to a surge in demand for versatile sportswear that supports active lifestyles while making a fashion statement. This rapid growth in the athleisure market has created an opening for international luxury and fashion brands to penetrate the Chinese market. By developing products that merge style, comfort, and functionality, international brands can capitalize on the immense opportunities presented by this thriving market segment. These offerings cater to the needs of health-conscious and fashion-forward Chinese consumers. As a result, brands can effectively establish their presence in this expanding and dynamic market.

The Growing Appeal of Light Sports in China

As health and wellness become increasingly important to Chinese consumers, there has been a surge of interest in light sports, particularly among the middle class in first and second-tier cities. Activities such as Frisbee, running, hiking, and badminton have gained popularity, as they offer an enjoyable and accessible way to stay active and healthy. This growing enthusiasm for light sports has also driven demand for athleisure dressing that combines sporty functionality with fashion-forward design. As people participate in these activities, they increasingly share their experiences and stylish outfits on social media platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu. This trend not only creates a sense of community among health-conscious individuals but also amplifies the visibility of athleisure fashion, further fueling its popularity and shaping consumer preferences.

Pressure Release: The Yoga and Meditation Trend

As urban Chinese populations grapple with the challenges of a fast-paced lifestyle and immense work pressure, the need for effective stress relief has become increasingly important. Consequently, activities like yoga and meditation have gained traction as popular methods of relaxation and rejuvenation for these individuals. The growing interest in yoga and meditation has not only led to the emergence of specialized studios and wellness centers but also boosted the demand for suitable athleisure attire. Comfortable, flexible, and stylish clothing that caters to the specific requirements of yoga and meditation practitioners has become an essential part of their relaxation routine. As a result, the athleisure market has expanded to accommodate this burgeoning trend, providing urban consumers with fashionable and functional apparel that promotes physical and mental well-being.

The Shift Towards Casual Office Attire in China

The athleisure trend is gaining momentum in China’s professional landscape as well, with an increasing number of companies adopting a more relaxed dress code in the workplace. As office environments move away from traditional suit-and-tie requirements, employees are embracing comfortable yet fashionable attire to wear during working hours. Athleisure offers the perfect balance between style and functionality, making it an ideal choice for modern professionals seeking apparel that seamlessly transitions from the office to casual social settings. This shift towards casual office attire is not only a reflection of changing workplace norms but also a testament to the growing influence of the athleisure trend on various aspects of Chinese society.

How to Market Your Athleisure Brand in China

Adapting to China’s Unique E-commerce Ecosystem

Successfully marketing an athleisure brand in China requires understanding its distinct e-commerce landscape, dominated by platforms like Tmall and JD. Tailoring your online presence and strategies to local preferences is crucial. Collaborating with established platforms builds trust, while adopting popular payment methods, such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, enhances the shopping experience. Embracing live streaming and social commerce platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin helps integrate content marketing and e-commerce, creating a holistic online presence that resonates with Chinese consumers.

Xiaohongshu: The Platform for Fashion Lovers & Light Sport Lovers

Xiaohongshu, also known as RED or Little Red Book is a powerful social media platform that has become a go-to destination for fashion and light sports enthusiasts in China. With over 200 million monthly active users, the platform offers an influential space for sharing and discovering style and fitness trends. A staggering 72% of Xiaohongshu users belong to the younger generations, born in the 90s, and half of them reside in first-tier and second-tier cities.

Boasting more than 43 million users actively sharing their lifestyle content, Xiaohongshu has become a hub for fashion inspiration and fitness motivation. While the platform predominantly caters to a female audience, the percentage of male users has risen to 30%, indicating its growing appeal across genders.

The popularity of Xiaohongshu among fashion and light sports lovers makes it a valuable marketing tool for athleisure brands seeking to connect with their target audience in China. By leveraging this platform’s reach and influence, brands can effectively showcase their products, engage with potential customers, and tap into the latest trends. Furthermore, the platform offers insights into consumer preferences, helping brands better understand their target market and develop targeted marketing strategies. As a result, athleisure brands can effectively navigate the dynamic Chinese market and strengthen their presence among fashion and light sports lovers.

Launch on Different Social Media to Increase Your Presence

For athleisure brands in China, utilizing multiple social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu, Weibo, and WeChat can help achieve marketing goals and expand reach. However, it’s not necessary to be present on every platform. Instead, brands should focus on one main platform that aligns with their target audience and marketing objectives, while maintaining a secondary platform for additional exposure. By strategically choosing the right platforms, brands can efficiently engage with their target audience, optimize resources, and effectively establish a strong presence in the competitive Chinese market.

Cooperate With Related KOL/KOC To Attach Their Audience

Collaborating with relevant Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and Key Opinion Consumers (KOCs) offers numerous benefits to athleisure brands looking to establish a strong presence in the Chinese market. KOLs and KOCs are influential figures on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu, Weibo, and WeChat, with a loyal following that trusts their opinions and recommendations.

Working with KOLs and KOCs who align with a brand’s target audience and values can significantly increase brand exposure, credibility, and consumer engagement. Their endorsements can help build trust and authenticity, as their followers perceive their recommendations as genuine and unbiased.

Furthermore, KOLs and KOCs have a deep understanding of local consumer preferences and social media algorithms, enabling them to create engaging content that resonates with their audience. This targeted approach can result in higher conversion rates and a positive return on investment for the brand.

By leveraging the influence of KOLs and KOCs on different social media platforms, athleisure brands can effectively tap into their existing fanbase and attract potential customers who share similar interests and values. This strategic partnership not only enhances brand visibility but also fosters long-term relationships with a loyal customer base.

Find Your Right Partner For Your Business in China

About Us

GMA is a digital marketing agency with over a decade of experience in China, dedicated to helping foreign brands succeed in the Chinese market. Our team of over 70 marketing and branding experts has collaborated with hundreds of international brands. We have a special agreement with Douyin that allows Western brands to open a store on the platform without a Chinese business license.

GMA excels in utilizing digital marketing tools, including Douyin. We carefully analyze your brand identity and current situation to ensure a successful launch on the platform. Our support extends from the initial creation of your store to its daily operation and management. With GMA taking charge, you can rest easy, knowing that the complex paperwork and qualifications are handled efficiently. Moreover, we manage your daily operations and promotions, freeing you from the intricacies of navigating the Chinese market while empowering your brand to thrive.