Performance Knitted Fabrics Market

Performance Knitted Fabrics Market Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global performance knitted fabrics market is forecast to reach USD 7.8 billion by 2035, up from USD 4.3 billion in 2025. During the forecast period, the industry is projected to register at a CAGR of 6.1%.

Health consciousness, as well as innovations in moisture-wicking and stretchable fabric, drive the performance knitted fabrics market. Eco-friendly materials are popular due to sustainability. Brands seeking value-added features for sports, medical, and wearable technology can integrate smart textiles.

Quick Stats of Performance Knitted Fabrics Market

• Performance Knitted Fabrics Market Size (2025): USD 4.3 billion
• Projected Performance Knitted Fabrics Market Size (2035): USD 7.8 billion
• Forecast CAGR (2025–2035): 6.1%
• Leading Application Segment of Performance Knitted Fabrics Market: Top Wear (including T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, bras)
• Key Growth Regions of Performance Knitted Fabrics Market: United States, China, Germany
• Prominent Players in the Performance Knitted Fabrics Market: AGT, Combyte Textile, Contempora Fabrics, EYSAN, Freudenberg Performance Materials, Others

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 4.3 billion
Industry Size (2035F)	USD 7.8 billion
CAGR (2025-2035)	6.1%

The performance knitted fabrics industry is expected to gain approximately USD 3.5 billion in market value between 2025 and 2035, with average annual growth of USD 350 million. Between 2025 and 2030, expansion will be steady, reaching close to USD 5.8 billion, fueled by rising sports participation, athleisure fashion penetration, and textile technology advancements. From 2030 to 2035, growth will accelerate as sustainability-focused product lines and smart textile applications become mainstream.

The adoption of moisture-wicking, UV-protective, antibacterial, and stretchable fabrics across multiple end-use sectors is enhancing revenue streams. In addition, the integration of recycled polyester, biodegradable yarns, and plant-based fibers is creating a competitive edge for brands targeting environmentally conscious consumers.

Global supply chain improvements, including regional textile park investments, and demand for customized, high-performance garments in sports, healthcare, and military applications are contributing to wider adoption. Strategic collaborations between apparel brands and textile innovators are enabling faster product launches and functional diversification.

Performance Knitted Fabrics Market Key Dynamics

The growth trajectory of performance knitted fabrics is being shaped by a combination of lifestyle evolution, innovations in textile science, and expansion of application areas beyond traditional sportswear. Demand-side momentum comes from fitness-oriented consumer behavior, athleisure trends, and the premiumization of everyday apparel.

On the supply side, breakthroughs in knitting machinery, functional yarn development, and eco-conscious production are opening new market opportunities. However, high capital investment requirements, raw material price volatility, and regulatory compliance costs continue to pose structural challenges.

Rising Demand for Activewear and Athleisure

Performance knitted fabrics have become a staple in activewear and athleisure collections, driven by consumers who expect garments to be both stylish and functional. These fabrics combine moisture-wicking capabilities, four-way stretch, and breathability, making them indispensable for gym wear, yoga apparel, running gear, and casual leisure clothing. The shift toward hybrid dressing, apparel that works for both work and workout, is reinforcing this trend.

Brands are leveraging marketing that emphasizes lifestyle integration, while e-commerce platforms are accelerating consumer access to specialized collections. The global penetration of athleisure is expanding beyond urban centers into smaller cities and emerging economies, supported by fitness center openings, sports club memberships, and community events. This is increasing the baseline demand for performance fabrics year-round, regardless of seasonality.

Technological Advancements in Functional Knits

Innovations in circular knitting, seamless construction, and warp-knitting have enhanced garment fit, reduced waste, and allowed integration of multiple performance features into a single textile. Developments in nanofiber technology and chemical finishing have made it possible to embed functionalities like odor control, UV resistance, and temperature regulation without compromising stretch or comfort.

Smart textiles are an emerging frontier, with conductive yarns enabling biometric monitoring, hydration tracking, and muscle activity analysis. These applications are finding traction in sports science, rehabilitation, and military uniforms. As production costs for these advanced fabrics decline over time, adoption is expected to scale rapidly in premium and mainstream apparel segments alike.

Sustainability as a Competitive Differentiator

Eco-conscious consumerism is reshaping textile sourcing and production. Brands are experimenting with recycled polyester sourced from post-consumer plastics, biodegradable yarns, and blends incorporating plant-based fibers such as hemp and banana. Waterless dyeing technologies and closed-loop recycling systems are also gaining prominence.

While sustainable performance fabrics are still more expensive to produce, early adopters are establishing brand leadership in high-value markets such as the EU, Japan, and North America. Certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and OEKO-TEX are being used as trust markers in marketing campaigns, further pushing the sector toward greener innovation.

Constraints from High Production Costs

Advanced knitting technologies and high-performance finishing processes require substantial capital outlay, both in terms of equipment and skilled labor. Specialized yarns with stretch, thermal regulation, or antibacterial properties increase raw material costs. Smaller manufacturers often lack access to economies of scale, which limits their competitiveness against larger, vertically integrated players.

In addition, product development cycles for performance fabrics are longer, as rigorous testing is needed to meet sports, medical, or military specifications. This adds further to upfront expenses and delays return on investment.

Raw Material Dependency and Price Volatility

Performance knitted fabrics rely heavily on synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and spandex, which are derived from petroleum. This dependence makes the sector sensitive to oil price fluctuations, trade policy changes, and geopolitical instability. Disruptions in the supply of specialty fibers or functional additives can delay production and increase costs.

Producers are therefore exploring diversified sourcing strategies, localizing production where possible, and investing in fiber R&D to reduce dependence on volatile raw material supply chains.

Performance Knitted Fabrics Market Analysis by Key Regions

North American Performance Knitted Fabric market benefits from high demand for advanced athletic and leisurewear, especially in the U.S. Manufacturers innovate because the region emphasizes technical fabrics like moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and compression. Smart textile investments, particularly in fitness apparel and medical compression garments, drive market growth.

Europe's sports apparel industry, driven by strict sustainability standards, is fueling growth. The EU's Circular Economy Action Plan promotes the use of recycled polyester and biodegradable knitted fabrics, with Germany and France leading the way in R&D. Outdoor activities, such as trekking and skiing, are driving demand for high-performance fabrics in the region. Local manufacturers face higher production costs and increased competition from Asian imports.

Asia-Pacific drives global production and consumption, largely driven by China's textile manufacturing and India's growth in the sportswear sector. Though quality varies, the region's cheap labor and scalable supply chains enable mass production of performance fabrics. Japan and South Korea lead in high-tech applications like athletic wear temperature-regulating knits. Urbanization and rising disposable incomes drive demand, with e-commerce platforms boosting accessibility.

Country-Wise Outlook

Countries	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
United States	8.1%
China	7.6%
Germany	9.3%

United States Leads Performance Knitted Fabrics Market with High Activewear- Demand

The United States combines a mature sportswear market with a fast-growing athleisure segment, driven by consumer lifestyles that value fitness and comfort. Brands such as Nike, Under Armour, and Lululemon have invested heavily in R&D to enhance fabric stretch, breathability, and moisture management. Collaborations between universities, research institutes, and textile mills are generating proprietary fabric blends tailored for specific sports and performance needs.

The country is also a leader in sustainable innovation, with widespread adoption of recycled and bio-based fibers in high-performance apparel. Government and state-level regulations, including CPSIA and Proposition 65, ensure strict compliance on chemical safety, pushing manufacturers toward cleaner processes. The growing role of online retail in sportswear distribution enables faster introduction of new fabric technologies to market.

• Strong demand from athleisure and sportswear brands targeting everyday consumers
• High adoption of recycled and bio-based performance fibers
• Active collaboration between textile R&D institutions and manufacturers

China Dominates Global Production through Integrated Supply Chains

China remains the largest global producer and exporter of performance knitted fabrics, benefiting from its extensive manufacturing infrastructure and vertically integrated supply chains. The domestic market is expanding as disposable incomes rise and sports participation becomes a mainstream lifestyle choice. Domestic brands like Li-Ning and Anta are scaling their performance textile lines for both local and global markets.

The country is making environmental compliance a priority, with the Green Factory initiative enforcing cleaner production and wastewater management. International sporting events have accelerated innovation in technical textiles, particularly in cold-weather performance gear and breathable, UV-protective summer fabrics. China’s manufacturing capacity also supports rapid scaling for emerging smart textile applications, positioning it as a key global hub for both traditional and high-tech performance fabrics.

• Global leader in production capacity and export volume
• Expansion of sustainable manufacturing under government initiatives
• Rising domestic demand driven by middle-class lifestyle shifts

Germany Drives Innovation in Technical Performance Knits

Germany’s leadership is rooted in advanced textile engineering, high-quality manufacturing, and strong sustainability mandates. Research institutions such as STFI and DITF collaborate closely with industry players to develop knitted fabrics with integrated performance features like odor control, UV protection, and advanced thermal regulation.

Home to sportswear giants Adidas and Puma, Germany serves as both a design center and testing ground for innovative performance materials. Circular textile systems and the Grüner Knopf certification are pushing the sector toward low-carbon, biodegradable, and recyclable knits. Beyond apparel, Germany is expanding applications for performance knitted fabrics in automotive interiors, medical textiles, and protective equipment, reflecting the sector’s versatility and innovation capacity.

• High emphasis on sustainable production standards
• Strong R&D ecosystem for functional and smart textiles
• Leading role in automotive and medical performance fabric applications

Analyzing Performance Knitted Fabrics Market by Key Categories

The demand for performance knitted fabrics reflects how different apparel types meet specific performance, comfort, and aesthetic needs. Top wear continues to dominate due to its universal appeal across sports, outdoor activities, and casual fashion.

Bottom wear segments are benefiting from innovations in stretch recovery, abrasion resistance, and compression. Specialty applications, such as swimwear and cycling apparel, are driving niche growth through advanced fabric engineering, ensuring optimal performance under extreme conditions.

Top Wear as the Core Application Segment

Top wear holds the largest share due to its wide application in sportswear, outdoor clothing, and athleisure. T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, vests, and sports bras increasingly incorporate advanced knitting techniques that enhance stretch, breathability, and moisture management. Polyester-spandex blends, nylon-based knits, and warp-knit constructions dominate this category, offering a combination of durability and comfort.

Innovation in this segment is being driven by both high-performance sports and fashion-led athleisure collections. For example, moisture-wicking running tops, yoga tanks with enhanced stretch, and lightweight jackets with thermal regulation features are becoming mainstream. The integration of recycled fibers and eco-friendly finishes is also boosting appeal in premium consumer segments.

Specialized sports apparel within top wear such as cycling jerseys, hiking shirts, and sailing tops, requires niche performance traits, including aerodynamic fitting, UV resistance, and antibacterial coatings. These specialized designs are benefiting from advancements in yarn engineering and seamless construction, which improve comfort while reducing chafing during high-intensity activities.

• Broad application in sports, outdoor, and casual wear
• High innovation rate driven by both performance and fashion needs
• Integration of eco-friendly and recycled fibers in premium lines

Demand for Performance Knitted Fabrics for Bottom Wear Gaining Equal Traction

Bottom wear, including track pants, tights, shorts, and compression leggings, is gaining traction due to increasing participation in running, gym training, and endurance sports. These garments require fabrics with high stretch recovery, shape retention, and resistance to pilling and abrasion. Compression performance bottoms are also seeing adoption in healthcare, rehabilitation, and professional sports due to their muscle support and circulation-enhancing benefits.

Advancements in circular knitting and seamless garment production are enabling better fit and comfort while minimizing seams that can cause irritation. High-density knitting techniques allow the inclusion of targeted compression zones without compromising flexibility, making them popular for high-performance athletic use.

• Rising demand from sports, fitness, and healthcare segments
• Increasing adoption of compression fabrics for professional and medical applications
• Technical knitting innovations enhancing comfort and durability

Specialized Sports and Functional Applications

Specialized categories, such as swimwear, cycling apparel, and protective sports gear, demand highly engineered knitted fabrics that meet stringent performance benchmarks. Swimwear fabrics must be chlorine-resistant, quick-drying, and able to maintain stretch even after prolonged use. Cycling apparel prioritizes aerodynamic fit, moisture control, and UV protection. Protective gear and extreme sportswear require tear resistance, thermal insulation, or cooling properties depending on the sport.

Innovations such as graphene-infused knits, phase-change materials, and bio-based water-repellent coatings are expanding the capabilities of performance knitted fabrics in these niche categories. While volumes in these segments are smaller compared to top and bottom wear, the higher margins and brand differentiation opportunities make them strategically important for manufacturers.

• Demand for advanced technical features tailored to niche sports
• Use of high-performance coatings and functional yarns
• Smaller volume but higher-margin growth potential

Competitive Analysis

The performance knitted fabrics market is highly competitive and dynamic, driven by advances in textile technology, changing fashion trends, and rising demand for activewear, athleisure, and sportswear. The industry is made up of both established textile manufacturers and emerging players who focus on specialized applications and innovative fiber blends. Companies compete by providing enhanced functionalities such as moisture-wicking, thermal regulation, stretchability, UV protection, and antimicrobial properties that are essential for consumer performance.

Product innovation is an important competitive strategy, with companies investing in research and development to create fabrics that combine comfort, performance, and sustainability. As environmental awareness grows, recycled polyester, biodegradable yarns, and organic cotton blends are gaining popularity. Firms that can provide high-performance textiles with a low ecological footprint are gaining a competitive advantage, particularly in regions with stringent sustainability regulations, such as Europe and North America.

Manufacturers are also utilizing advanced knitting techniques, such as seamless knitting, circular knitting, and warp knitting, to enhance garment fit and minimize production waste. Seamless and body-mapped designs are increasingly being used in compression garments, base layers, and sports bras, providing a competitive advantage in terms of comfort and function. Furthermore, customization and quick response to rapidly changing consumer preferences are becoming increasingly important for companies targeting fashion-conscious activewear buyers.

Key Players in the Market

• AGT
• Combyte Textile
• Contempora Fabrics
• EYSAN
• Freudenberg Performance Materials
• HERMIN TEXTILE
• SUN DREAM ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. (SPORTINGTEX)
• U-Long High-Tech Textile Co. Ltd.
• NTX Technologies
• WING YUE Textile Company Limited
• Huasheng
• Others

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, Heathcoat Fabrics introduced innovative graphene-coated knitted fabrics with advanced thermal regulation and heat dissipation, increasing cooling rates by up to 60%. These fine-gauge knits have anti-static and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for sportswear, medical, PPE, and military applications. The lightweight graphene technology improves durability, breathability, and comfort, with a variety of print patterns to meet a wide range of high-performance textile needs.
• In July 2024, RSWM Limited, a major player in India's textile industry, has unveiled its Autumn-Winter 2025-26 collection for its Greige Yarns, Melantra, LNJ Knits, and LNJ Denim brands. The collection emphasizes sustainability by blending natural fibers such as flax, hemp, and banana with cotton and recycled materials. With themes such as "Soul" and "Color of Peace," RSWM emphasizes eco-friendly innovation, fashionable design, and versatile applications for modern, sustainable fashion.

Segmentation of Performance Knitted Fabrics Market

• By Application :

  • Top wear
    • T-Shirts & Tops
    • Hoodies & Sweatshirts
    • Jackets
    • Vest & Stringers
    • Bras
    • Others
  • Bottom wear
    • Track pants
    • Shorts
    • Tights
    • Underwear
    • Socks
    • Others (cycling apparel, swimwear)

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa