Compression Technology Gains Market Share As Women Prioritise Performance And Recovery In Training Apparel

The global activewear market was valued at USD 384.48 billion in 2025, with compression wear identified as a core product segment alongside athleisure and specialised sports gear, according to the Business Research Company. Consumer demand for compression garments has been driven by a growing body of evidence supporting their role in muscle stabilisation, fatigue reduction and post-exercise recovery, with adoption extending from elite athletic programmes into mainstream fitness and recreational use. Mordor Intelligence reports that the women's activewear market is growing at 7.69 percent annually, with the gym and fitness application segment accounting for 46.17 percent of revenue in 2025, confirming that training-specific performance apparel continues to represent the largest demand driver within the category.

Within the New Zealand market, consumer interest in compression wear in NZ reflects the broader global trend toward garments that combine functional performance benefits with the comfort and aesthetic qualities required for everyday wear. The development of premium nylon blends, including PA66 polyamide formulations that deliver a smooth matte finish with four-way stretch and moisture management, has elevated compression tights from a niche athletic product into a versatile wardrobe staple worn across gym, work and casual settings. Grand View Research notes that nylon accounts for approximately 22 percent of fabric usage in women's activewear globally, with 37 percent of women favouring nylon-based leggings for their combination of softness, durability and compression performance.

The shorts segment has seen parallel growth as consumers seek compression-based alternatives for warmer conditions and high-intensity training formats. Demand for women's compression shorts has been supported by the expansion of training modalities including CrossFit, HIIT and strength-based programmes where freedom of movement, secure fit and muscle support are primary selection criteria. The Business Research Company reports that the global activewear market is forecast to reach USD 521.79 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.3 percent, with compression and performance-focused product segments expected to outpace the growth of casualwear categories as consumers become more discerning about fabric technology and garment construction.

Brands such as Evom Fitwear specialise in compression tights, shorts and supporting activewear designed with high-rise waistband construction and performance fabric systems. With consumer demand for technical compression garments continuing to grow across both training and lifestyle applications, the performance activewear segment is expected to sustain its position as one of the stronger growth areas within New Zealand's broader apparel market.

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