Softball Apparel Market

Softball Apparel Market Growth Analysis (2023-2033)

The global softball apparel market industry analysis by Fact.MR reveals that the market is expected to be valued at US$ 330 Million in 2023, and is likely to reach US$ 532.42 Million by 2033, registering a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period (2023-2033).

Softball apparel is clothing that is specifically designed for the game of softball. It can be worn by players, coaches, and fans alike. The main purpose of this type of apparel is to keep the wearer comfortable and protected while playing or watching the game. This growth is attributed to the increasing popularity of the sport among women and rising disposable income in developing countries. In addition, the growing demand for branded softball apparel and increasing online retailing are also expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

The rising involvement of women in sporting events has fuelled the presence of amateur-level games such as softball. More women are participating in softball gaming events across the globe, which is concurrently boosting the demand for softball apparel.

Leading apparel manufacturers in the sports industry are diversifying their businesses to capture the steady demand for softball apparel. Advanced technologies are being incorporated into the production of softball apparel. Modern designs and new fabrics are being introduced in the global softball apparel manufacturing landscape.

An upsurge in awareness regarding fitness & health has been witnessed among the global population since the recent past, driven mainly by the desire to lead a better & healthy lifestyle. Increasing awareness about health has further spurred the interest of individuals in various sports, and softball is no exception.

Growing interest in softball among the general public has created significant demand for softball equipment. Individuals currently seek tailored softball products that meet their expectations and needs, which in turn has led manufacturers of softball equipment to offer customized equipment.

In addition to its association with health benefits, softball is now being viewed as a medium of social engagement, and outlet for personal accomplishment. In addition, several softball tournaments have been introduced, which in turn have proliferated participation in the sport.

Report Attributes	Details
Estimated Base Year Value (2022)	US$ 301 Million
Expected Market Value (2023)	US$ 330 Million
Expected Market Value (2033)	US$ 532.42 Million
Projected Growth Rate (2023-2033)	4.9%
Market CAGR of APAC	6.1%
Major softball apparel Suppliers	Nike Adidas Newell Brands Inc.(Rawlings) Amer Sports (Wilson) Mizuno Corporation Zett Corporation Under Armour Inc. New Balance, Inc. Teamwork Athletic Peak Achievement Athletics

Softball Apparel Market Historical Analysis (2018-2022) vs Softball Apparel Market Forecast (2023-2033)

The global softball apparel market has witnessed sluggish growth in the historical period. The sales in this period were approximately US$ 140 Million in 2018. The increasing popularity of softball, the proliferation in tournaments of softball sport, and increasing purchasing power are driving the growth of sales of apparel which in turn is augmenting the growth of this industry.

Considering these factors, FACT MR has estimated the softball apparel sales to reach US$ 532.42 Million by the end of the forecast period while exhibiting a CAGR of 4.9%.

What are the Key Growth Factors of the Softball Apparel Market?

The growth factors of the global softball apparel market are increasing demand for softball apparel from women, the rising popularity of softball as a sport, and a growing number of tournaments. The market is also witnessing the launch of innovative products by key players to cater to the changing needs of consumers. Additionally, the expansion of retail channels, such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, brand outlets, franchised sports outlets, and e-commerce platforms, is fueling the growth of the global softball apparel market.

What are the Challenges Faced by the Softball Apparel Market?

Increasing counterfeit copies of apparel and rising competition are restraining the growth of the softball apparel industry. Few local companies adopt the market strategy of manufacturing duplicate apparel by copying the style and logo of the original apparel.

These duplicate apparel are presented as an original by some fraudsters which hamper the growth of the softball industry. Furthermore, there are a lot of new start-ups entering the world of sports. These new businesses are manufacturing performance-enhancing softball clothing and wearables which are giving tough competition to the well-established key players. These factors are also responsible for restraining market growth.

Comparative View of Adjacent Softball apparel markets

Softball Apparel Market :

Attributes	Softball Apparel Market
CAGR (2023-2033)	4.9%
Market Value (2033)	US$ 532.42 Million
Growth Factor	Increasing demand for softball apparel from women, the rising popularity of softball as a sport, and a growing number of tournaments are driving the market growth of softball apparel.
Opportunity	Rising popularity and expansion in softball tournaments have provided space for invention in this industry which is creating various opportunities for competitive players to come up with more customer-friendly clothing. Hence, it is creating opportunistic prospects for the softball apparel industry.

Sportswear Market :

Attributes	Sportswear Market
CAGR (2023-2033)	10.45%
Market Value (2033)	US$ 750 Million
Growth Factor	Increasing awareness about leading a healthy lifestyle and about the health benefits of fitness activities, such as swimming, yoga, running, and aerobics are expected to drive the industry growth.
Opportunity	Rising cases of work-related health issues, such as stress and obesity, are pushing more people to follow any sport and fitness activity, which is increasing demand for trendy and comfortable sportswear and creating lucrative prospects for the industry.

Sports Equipment Market :

Attributes	Sports Equipment Market
CAGR (2023-2033)	6.5%
Market Value (2033)	US$ 530 Million
Growth Factor	Continuous innovations and rapid technological advancements to keep pace with dynamic consumer preferences are driving the growth of the market
Opportunity	The growing popularity of national and international events, such as the Soccer World Cup, Olympic Games, and Cricket World Cup, is creating the demand for sports equipment which is further presenting tremendous opportunities for the manufacturing industries to expand their business.

Why the US is anticipated to offer the Biggest Opportunity for the Softball Apparel Market?

The U.S. softball apparel market is expected to create lucrative prospects. The softball apparel market in the US is expected to grow from US$ 100 Million in 2022 to US$ 150 Million by 2033. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023-2033.

The rising popularity of softball and the increasing expenditure of people on sports clothing is driving the demand for softball clothing. Furthermore, the Rising inclination of teenagers and young adults towards softball is also providing a boost for this industry.

Country-wise Analysis

Rising Disposable Income to augment the market growth in Europe

The Europe softball apparel market was valued at around US$ 80 Million in 2022 and is projected to reach US$ 140 Million by 2033 while exhibiting a CAGR of 5.8%. The rise in health awareness, increase in disposable incomes in developing countries, and popularity of physical fitness activities drive the Europe softball apparel market growth.

The rise in expenditure on sports training and development among children, owing to an increase in consciousness about the benefits of engaging in sports activities such as increased concentration and problem-solving ability is propelling the demand for the softball apparel market.

Furthermore, the increase in the prevalence of obesity and the rise in health awareness majorly boost the growth of the Europe softball clothing market. Also, government initiatives to promote healthy life fuel the rise in participation in sports activities across the European region.

Category-wise Insights

Increasing Demand for Softball Shirts to propel the Industry’s Growth

In 2022, more than 52% of the global softball apparel market value was accounted for by the sales of softball shirts. It is further estimated that by the end of 2033, more than US$ 290 Million worth of softball shirts will be sold globally whereas the global sales of softball caps & belts are expected to witness slow growth, raking in revenues of just over US$ 35 Million.

By Buyer Type, Individual Apparel dominates the market

It is anticipated that individual buyers will be primarily driving the sales of softball apparel across the globe. By the end of 2033, more than two-thirds of softball apparel manufactured across the globe will be bought by individuals.

Institutional buying of softball apparel is also pegged to gain traction, accounting for an approximate 49% value share on the global softball apparel market by the end of the forecast period. It is also expected that modern trade outlets will represent the largest sales channel for softball apparel throughout the forecast period. In addition, it has also been estimated that third-party online channels will reflect the highest sales growth at a value CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period.

Start-ups in the softball apparel industry

• Karma Athletics is a Canada-based start-up, this start-up offers women’s workout apparel. The company’s best-selling products are its workout tanks, t-shirts, and sports bras. It also has a wide range of workout tights that find popularity with consumers because of their colorful patterns and diverse styles. Creating and sharing ideas for an everyday active lifestyle with a commitment to product quality and design, Karma Athletics is one of the most talked about new sports apparel companies in 2018.
   
• Founded in 2014, Nobull is a US-based start-up that offers the Internet’s first brand of fashion accessories and apparel for weightlifters and trainers. Its product portfolio includes training shoes, lifting shoes, apparel, and accessories like waistbands, gloves, bags, caps, and headbands for men and women. It received funding of USD 32 million from a Massachusetts capital resource company and BDC.
   
• Founded in 2011, Stio is an online retailer of multiple sports apparel including softball apparel. Its product portfolio includes jackets, shirts, pants, thermals, hoodies tech. Their manufacturing is done in the US, Canada, and China with textiles sourced from the USA, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, Portugal, China, Taiwan, and Korea. It received funding of USD 23 million from Sandbridge capital, and Karpreilly.

Market Competition

Nike, Adidas, Newell Brands Inc.(Rawlings), Amer Sports (Wilson), Mizuno Corporation, Zett Corporation, Under Armour Inc., New Balance, Inc., Teamwork Athletic, Peak Achievement Athletics are some key companies profiled by Fact.MR in its report on the global softball apparel market. Key manufacturers are adopting a slew of expansion strategies- from introducing new product lines to expanding production and distribution capabilities. Some key developments in the industry are-

• In February 2022, Under Armour, Inc. stated that it has approved the repurchase of US$ 500 Million of outstanding class C common shares of Under Armour effective immediately. The company said the share buyback program provides an exceptional opportunity to utilize cash and increase shareholder value while maintaining the financial flexibility required to continue investing in significantly higher growth areas.
   
• In June 2022, Puma launched a new mobile shopping application in India to enhance digital offerings in the country. The German brand said that it launched a mobile shopping application for quick access to its products.
   
• In May 2021, Adidas announced that it has teamed up with Allbirds. It is a personal best for both brands, weighing 2.94kg CO2e, and is the outcome of a shared goal to create a high-performance shoe with no carbon footprint.

Key Segments Profiled in the Softball Apparel Market

• By Product

  • Shirt
  • Pant
  • Sliding Shorts
  • Caps & Belts
  • Others

• By Sales Channel

  • Independent Sports Outlets
  • Franchised Sports Outlets
  • Modern trade channels
  • Direct-to-customer brand outlet
  • Direct-to-customer online channel
  • Direct to customer Institutional channel
  • Third-Party Online Channel

•  By Buyer Type:

  • Individual
  • Institutional
  • Promotional

• By Region

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Japan
  • APEJ
  • Middle East & Africa