Where Activewear is Headed in 2026

Now that I’ve introduced you to Project Unchained, I wanted to share a bit of the research I’ve been doing around where activewear is headed in 2026.

As a brand founder, I’m constantly thinking about what’s next not just what looks good now, but what’s going to matter to people 12 or 24 months from now. Because if you’re building a brand in the lifestyle or fashion space, you’re not just selling clothes. You’re responding to evolving culture, movement, technology, identity.

Let’s start with what the numbers are telling us.

The global activewear market hit $358 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $662.5 billion by 2030 expanding at a 9.3% CAGR from 2024 onward. That’s not just growth — it’s acceleration. The activewear segment is expected to remain dominant through 2026, especially as wellness-driven routines, sustainability demands, and hybrid lifestyles continue to shape the way we dress.

This got me thinking: what are the trends we’ll actually see reflected in what people wear? What will activewear feel like in 2026?

Here are three directions I’m personally keeping a close eye on and that we’re designing into at Unchained:

First, the rise of SportsCore meets Nerdcore aesthetics. Think varsity-style football jerseys layered over cargos, mixed with preppy touches like check prints, socks, loafers. It’s slightly awkward, intentionally uncool, and deeply expressive. Function-forward, yes — but with major personality.

Second, we’re going to see sustainability get smarter. Plant-based rubbers, biodegradable stretch fibers, modular layering systems — all of it moving toward materials that perform but leave less impact. It’s no longer about looking eco-friendly. It’s about being built for the future — literally and metaphorically.

And finally, a growing shift toward performance-purpose fusion. Activewear won’t just be for workouts or casual errands. It’ll be designed to move through an entire day: from commute to stretch to dinner. This means function becomes seamless, aesthetics stay sharp, and people get more from fewer pieces.

These are just a few early cues from the research and cultural shifts I’ve been tracking.

Would love to hear which of these feels most exciting to you!