In this article we will take a look at the 15 highest quality athletic wear brands in the US. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on the athletic wear industry, you may go to 5 Highest Quality Athletic Wear Brands in the US.
The athletic wear industry in the US is ever evolving and a selective group of brands has risen to the forefront - setting a premium standard for quality, innovation, and style. Fitness enthusiasts and influencers across the country now prioritize both functionality and aesthetics in their active wear choices; therefore, the competition among athletic wear brands has reached new heights. Athletic wear industry in the US is indeed a dynamic market so it becomes essential to recognize the absolute best.
The term ‘athletic wear’ is quite broad and it comprises various product categories ranging from footwear, sportswear, yoga wear, swimwear, and other accessories used by sports personnel or fitness enthusiasts. The rising trend of fitness and a healthier lifestyle has given a lot more popularity to athletic wear. People are now seen wearing active wear outfits on a day to day basis, which has led to an overlap in active wear and fashion leading to a new category of athletic wear popularly known as “athleisure”. However, athletic wear or active wear itself is known to be worn during workouts or any form of physical activity. Back in the day, the element of fashion or stylishness was not a priority in athletic wear, however the rise of wellness culture and the introduction of the concept of ‘athleisure’ has also contributed to the idea of adding style to active wear pieces, be it footwear, clothing, or accessories.
Statista mentions that the revenue of the sportswear and swimwear apparel market of the US, in 2022, was estimated to be $67 billion, approximately. The revenue growth of the sports apparel market in the US shows a forecast of the revenue of the US market to rise up to $85 million by 2026. Therefore, significant growth is expected to be seen in the years to come, however at a steady rate.
Athletic Wear Industry in the US: Key Trends
Fibre2Fashion notes that globally, the sportswear market is estimated at around $200 billion, which is expected to cross $350 billion by 2032. Currently, the global athletic wear market is led by North America with 45% of global athletic wear market revenues. However, it is speculated that during the next decade, the Asia-Pacific region will grow at the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR). In the US, most recent athletic wear fashion trends have led to many new businesses to enter the market. The scale of these businesses range from small businesses to larger enterprises; so much so that some existing leading fast fashion brands have also launched a separate athletic wear line of clothing to specifically target the interests of fitness enthusiasts. Therefore, while long established retailers like NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), Puma, and Adidas are leading the sports retail market with major shares in the US because of their top notch fabric quality, designs, and functionality; many mainstream brands have started employing the same strategy to make their space in the athletic wear industry of US and other countries.
A very good example of this is how Asos, Zara, Topshop, H&M, and other such brands have either introduced an athletic wear clothing-line under the same brand name or separate from it. Due to the influx of retailers in the industry, innovation seems to be peaking as well. Athletic wear now comes with enhanced and unique characteristics, like moisture management, temperature controls, and other interesting specificities. This has led to a higher demand of athletic wear from consumers, which allows these brands to charge a higher price as well; and because people are willing to pay a higher price, they expect high quality products from these brands.
Let's now head over to the list of the best athleisure brands in America.
15 Highest Quality Athletic Wear Brands in the US
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Methodology
In this article, we have listed the 15 highest quality athletic wear brands in the US. To find the best quality brands of athletic wear in America, we sifted through various sources including industry reports from Market US, articles from Statista and Fibre2Fashion, expert reviews from sports magazines, and customer reviews from Quora and Reddit to curate this list. From the information gathered from the sources consulted, we assigned a score to each brand on the basis of design, functionality, durability, sustainability and inclusive sizing - each factor was worth 3 points so a total score of 15 points. Once all the brands are given a score against this metric, the scores were summed and finally, the top 15 brands with the lowest scores were chosen and ranked accordingly. The United States, being a powerhouse in both sports and fashion, serves as the breeding ground for some of the most influential athletic wear brands globally. From advanced technologies to sustainable practices, these brands have mastered the art of blending functionality with style, offering consumers an unparalleled athletic experience.
The 15 highest quality athletic wear brands in the US are listed below in descending order. These brands have not only conquered the hearts of fitness aficionados but have also carved out a significant niche in the US sportswear industry.
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Here are the 15 Highest Quality Athletic Wear Brands in the US:
15 Highest Quality Athletic Wear Brands in the US
15. Patagonia
Insider Monkey Score: 10.79
Patagonia is an outdoor apparel brand with a commitment to sustainability and performance. It has been a pioneer in sustainable and eco-friendly practices. It places a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, using recycled materials, organic cotton, and sustainable manufacturing processes. They actively promote fair labor practices and work towards reducing their overall environmental impact. Their designs are not just durable but also functional and purpose-driven. Patagonia offers features such as reinforced seams, adjustable elements, and strategically placed pockets are integrated to enhance usability. Moreover, they have a range of sizes and styles to cater to diverse body types and preferences, making their products accessible to a broad audience.
14. Saucony
Insider Monkey Score: 11.20
Saucony specializes in running shoes and athletic footwear. This brand has a rich heritage dating back to 1898. With over a century of experience, it has developed a deep understanding of the needs of runners and athletes. This long-standing expertise contributes to the quality and performance of its products. Besides that, Saucony is known for using durable materials in its products. They emphasize on the importance of quality construction, ensuring that its footwear can withstand the rigors of running and other athletic activities. Moreover, it recognizes the diversity of foot shapes and sizes. The brand offers a range of width options for many of its shoe models, ensuring that customers with different foot shapes can find a comfortable and properly fitting pair.
13. The North Face
Insider Monkey Score: 11.50
The North Face is known for outdoor and performance apparel, footwear, and equipment. Its commitment to technical innovation in outdoor apparel is widely celebrated. It places a strong emphasis on durability and quality construction. Its products are designed to withstand the demands of outdoor activities, making use of reinforced seams, durable zippers, and rugged materials that can endure challenging environments. The North Face has taken steps to incorporate sustainable practices into its operations. The brand uses recycled materials in some of its products, supports responsible sourcing, and is committed to reducing its environmental impact.
12. Brooks Running
Insider Monkey Score: 11.60
Brooks Running focuses on running shoes and apparel with an emphasis on performance. It specializes exclusively in running footwear and apparel, and is one of the highest quality athletic wear brands in the US. This focused approach allows the brand to dedicate its resources and expertise to understanding the specific needs of runners, resulting in products tailored for the sport. They design their running shoes with durability in mind. The brand uses quality materials and construction techniques to ensure that its footwear can withstand the repetitive stress of running, providing long-lasting performance for avid runners. Brooks invests in research and development to stay at the forefront of running technology.
11. ASICS
Insider Monkey Score: 12.05
This is a Japanese brand known for its running shoes and athletic gear. However, it also operates in the US. ASICS is known for integrating cutting-edge technologies into its athletic footwear. Innovations such as GEL cushioning, FluidRide midsoles, and Impact Guidance System (IGS) contribute to enhanced comfort, shock absorption, and support for various athletic activities. ASICS aligns with the active and healthy lifestyle ethos. The brand's commitment to promoting physical well-being resonates with individuals who prioritize fitness and an active lifestyle.
10. Fabletics
Insider Monkey Score: 12.80
Fabletics is known for its subscription-based activewear. The brand stands out for its trendy and fashion-forward designs. It combines style with functionality, creating activewear that seamlessly transitions from workouts to casual wear. This emphasis on aesthetics appeals to consumers who seek both performance and fashion in their athletic wear. Positive customer reviews and feedback contribute to Fabletics' reputation for quality. Many customers praise the brand for the durability, fit, and stylish designs of its activewear. Fabletics has taken steps toward sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials into some of its products. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced activewear.
9. Columbia Sportswear
Insider Monkey Score: 12.85
Columbia Sportswear specializes in outdoor and active wear for various sports. This brand has a rich heritage dating back to 1938. The brand's longevity and experience in the outdoor industry have contributed to its deep understanding of the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, making it one of the highest quality athletic wear brands in the US. It places a premium on durability and quality construction. They use robust materials and employ advanced manufacturing techniques to create products that withstand the challenges of outdoor environments. The brand's commitment to reducing its environmental impact aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability in the athletic wear industry.
8. Reebok
Insider Monkey Score: 12.95
Reebok is a subsidiary of Adidas, offering fitness and lifestyle products. It has a longstanding history in the athletic wear industry, dating back to its founding in 1958. Over the years, the brand has evolved, diversified its product offerings, and become a well-recognized name in the sports and fitness market. They have established a strong presence in the CrossFit community and their partnership with CrossFit has led to the development of specialized footwear and apparel for this high-intensity fitness discipline, catering to the needs of CrossFit enthusiasts. Moreover, Reebok's global presence and brand recognition contribute to its credibility as a high-quality athletic wear brand. The brand's visibility in various regions and its association with international sports and fitness events enhance its standing in the market.
7. New Balance
Insider Monkey Score: 13.30
New Balance is known for comfortable and supportive athletic footwear and apparel. It's long-standing heritage, dating back to 1906, not only contributes to its esteemed reputation for quality and reliability but also solidifies its standing as one of the highest quality athletic wear brands in the US. The brand's tradition of craftsmanship and attention to detail has resonated with consumers who appreciate a sense of heritage in their athletic wear. They allow customers to customize some of their shoe designs, adding a personal touch to their athletic footwear. This customization option enhances the overall customer experience and provides users with personalized gear.
6. Athleta (by Gap Inc.)
Insider Monkey Score: 13.55
Athleta specializes in women's athletic wear, catering to the specific needs and preferences of female athletes and active individuals. The brand's focus on this demographic allows for a more targeted and specialized approach to design and functionality. Their focus on women's athletic wear, stylish and versatile designs, high-quality fabrics, inclusive sizing, performance-driven apparel, sustainability initiatives, community engagement, innovative designs, retail experience, and positive brand image collectively contribute to its status as a high-quality athletic wear brand in the US.
