athletic wear

Although the `athleisure' look is no longer at the height of fashion, athletic wear has been firmly established in the clothing and footwear markets since the 1980s. Sales of both sports clothing and footwear declined in 1999, with the total market valued at an estimated £3.65bn. However, it does continue to account for 14.6％ of all clothing and footwear purchased in the UK. Sales within the market are dominated by leisurewear bought by non-participants, although sports participation does have an influence on the popular designs. Outdoor products remain popular. Replica football kits form a major sector, and other activities such as road-running and fitness training have periods of popularity, influencing the ranges in the stores. athletic wear is a globalised industry, with production centred in the Far East, and three big brands dominating worldwide sales - Nike and Reebok from the US, and adidas from Europe. Other brands are more specialised, the UK's leading indigenous companies being led by Umbro, Hi-Tec Sports and subsidiaries of Pentland Group (Mitre, Speedo, Berghaus and Ellesse).