The demand for sportswear in Australia has grown at a record pace over the past few years, driven by a booming fitness culture, outdoor lifestyle, and the rise of athleisure fashion. Whether it’s gym enthusiasts, professional athletes, or people looking for comfortable everyday wear, sportswear has become an essential part of the Australian wardrobe. From high-performance fabrics to eco-friendly clothing and innovative designs, the sportswear industry is evolving rapidly.
This comprehensive guide explores the latest trends, top manufacturers, best-selling product categories, and what Australians look for when choosing high-quality sports apparel. If you are a brand, retailer, wholesaler, or fitness business, this article will help you understand the full landscape of sportswear in Australia in 2025.
Why Sportswear Is Booming in Australia
Australia is known for its active lifestyle. From surfing, cricket, and rugby to running, fitness training, and yoga—Australians participate in sports more than many other countries. This creates massive demand for stylish, durable, and performance-boosting apparel.
Key Reasons for Growing Sportswear Demand:
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Health & fitness culture: Australians are among the most health-conscious populations globally.
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Outdoor lifestyle: Beaches, parks, and open spaces drive demand for comfortable clothing.
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Rise of athleisure: Sportswear is now worn casually, not just for workouts.
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Online shopping growth: More local and international brands are easily accessible.
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Sustainable choices: Consumers prefer eco-friendly and ethically made products.
Types of Popular Sportswear in Australia
Australia’s climate, diverse sports culture, and fashion trends influence the most purchased types of sportswear. Below are the categories dominating the Australian market in 2025:
Activewear Tops
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Performance T-shirts
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Moisture-wicking singlets
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Compression shirts
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Long-sleeve training tops
Breathable fabrics and quick-dry technology are major selling points.
Leggings and Bottoms
Leggings and tights are extremely popular—especially in athleisure fashion. Australian buyers prefer:
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4-way stretch
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Squat-proof fabrics
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High-waisted designs
For men, shorts, joggers, and compression pants dominate sales.
Sports Bras
Sports bras are one of the top-selling items in women’s sportswear in the country. Support levels include:
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Low-impact (yoga)
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Medium-impact (gym)
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High-impact (running)
Tracksuits & Training Sets
Perfect for cooler Australian climates such as Melbourne and Tasmania.
Hoodies & Outerwear
Australians prefer:
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Lightweight hoodies
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Fleece jackets
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Breathable training jackets
Teamwear & Custom Sportswear
For sports clubs, schools, leagues, and corporate events, custom sportswear is in high demand:
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Jerseys for AFL, soccer, rugby, and cricket
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Training kits
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Sublimated team apparel
Eco-Friendly Sportswear
Australia is a leader in sustainable fashion. Popular choices include:
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Recycled polyester sets
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Organic cotton tees
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Bamboo performance wear
Latest Trends in Sportswear in Australia (2025)
The modern Australian consumer wants more than simple gym clothing. They look for style, comfort, and advanced performance features.
Athleisure Dominates Fashion
Sportswear that doubles as casual wear is becoming the new norm.
Leggings, oversized hoodies, and crop tops are worn everywhere—from shopping malls to airport lounges.
Sustainable Fabrics
Brands producing apparel using:
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Recycled PET bottles
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Organic cotton
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Bamboo
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Hemp
…are gaining major popularity.
Smart Fabrics
Technologies such as:
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Odour-resistant fabrics
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UV-protection clothing
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Anti-bacterial sportswear
are increasingly common, especially given Australia’s sunny climate.
Minimalist & Neutral Colors
While bright colours remain popular for gym wear, most Australians prefer:
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Black
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Grey
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Beige
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Olive
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Navy
for everyday athleisure.
Top Sportswear Brands Popular in Australia
Australia has a mix of local and global brands leading the market.
Local Australian Brands
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Lorna Jane – iconic for women’s activewear
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P.E Nation – premium fashion-focused sportswear
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Abi & Joseph – comfortable yoga & pilates wear
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2XU – known for high-performance compression wear
International Brands Dominate Too
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Nike
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Adidas
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Puma
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Under Armour
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Gymshark
Many Australian retailers import private-label sportswear from Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Bangladesh due to high demand and competitive manufacturing pricing.
Why Many Australian Businesses Source Sportswear from Pakistan
Australia has strong trade relationships with Pakistan’s textile industry. Many wholesalers and sports brands prefer importing from Pakistan because:
High-Quality Fabrics
Pakistan is known for its premium cotton and durable polyester blends.
Affordable Manufacturing
Australian businesses get:
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Custom sportswear
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Low MOQs
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Excellent pricing
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Fast turnaround
Sublimation & Customization Expertise
Perfect for:
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Teamwear
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Gym wear
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Fitness brand startups
OEM / Private Label Production
Australian brands can produce:
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Custom designs
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Branded tags
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Packaging
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Unique fabrics
This is ideal for startups in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide.
What Australian Consumers Look for in Quality Sportswear
To win the Australian market, brands must match the strict quality expectations of modern buyers.
Breathability
Given Australia’s warm climate, breathable fabrics are essential.
Durability
Consumers expect sportswear to last, even after heavy training.
UV Protection
Outdoor sports and long summers increase demand for UPF-rated clothing.
Sweat-Wicking Properties
Moisture-management technology is a must.
Stretch & Comfort
4-way stretch, compression support, and ergonomic seams are key.
Ethical & Sustainable Production
Australians are among the world’s most conscious buyers regarding sustainability.
Where to Buy Sportswear in Australia
Australians enjoy multiple shopping options:
Retail Stores
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Rebel Sport
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JD Sports
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Kathmandu
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Lorna Jane stores
Online Marketplaces
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The Iconic
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Amazon AU
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Catch
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eBay
Direct from Brands
Most Australian consumers prefer buying online due to convenience and variety.
How to Start a Sportswear Brand in Australia
If you are planning to start your own sportswear brand in Australia, here is the simple roadmap:
Choose Your Niche
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Gym wear
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Women’s activewear
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Teamwear
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Athleisure
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Yoga wear
Find a Manufacturer
Look for manufacturers offering:
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Custom designs
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OEM services
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Low MOQ
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Private labeling
Choose Fabrics
Pick breathable, flexible, and eco-friendly materials.
Build Your Branding
Include:
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Logo
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Labels
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Tags
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Packaging
Sell Online
Use:
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Shopify
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Instagram
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Facebook Marketplace
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TikTok Shop
Start Marketing
Use fitness influencers, gym partnerships, and athlete sponsorships.
Conclusion
The market for sportswear in Australia is stronger than ever. From premium gym wear and activewear to custom team uniforms and athleisure outfits, Australians are continuously seeking quality, comfort, and style. Whether you’re a buyer, retailer, sports club, or a startup brand, understanding these trends helps you stay competitive.