Imports of sportswear into the UK increased 9.79 per cent to $234.0 million in 2020 (2019: $213.1 million), while the world’s textiles and apparel businesses were struggling with spread of Covid-19 pandemic. UK’s imports for the category in 2021 is further expected to rise 10-15 per cent to $269.1 million.
The reason behind the increase in sportswear imports is the inclination towards fitness and healthy life, as UK’s population became more focused on overall well-being. In addition to this, wearing sportswear became more popular amongst those working from home. Consumers now demand more sportswear and leisurewear compared with casualwear and formals.