Athleisure-clothing will grow faster than any other fashion subcategory over the next five years and exceed $31 billion in sales by 2022.
The activewear market is booming and it's growing at an even quicker annual compound growth rate (CAGR) than the overall global apparel industry. That explains the fact, that in the last 3 years, conventional fashion retailers such as H&M, Victoria's Secret or NET-A-PORTER have increased their sportswear products by 236% – everyone wants to get a piece of the profitable activewear market. But what does that mean for traditional sportswear brands? As production with highly technical materials and fabrics usually take longer, traditional activewear brands have a harder time adapting to new trends and consumer demands. But that doesn't mean that sportswear brands can't master the line between sports and fashion! In this article, we want to highlight 3 German sportswear brands that offer both functional yet stylish pieces that can be worn outdoors and in the city.
3 German Sportswear Brands
The in-between-weather saver
Warm weather is not quite here yet and even if it’s sunny during the day, chilly mornings and evenings can often be the deal breaker for a summer outfit. The German sportswear brand Schöffel offers a wide range of products that are not only stylish but also functional. Known for their ZipIn! system, you can wear your jacket all year round: By zipping in different inner jackets to your outer jacket, the warmth can easily be adjusted. Schöffel's jackets provide great comfort while at the same time keeping you warm and free from wind and water. And the best thing: thanks to the high-performing material Airtastic, the jackets are lightweight and can be effortlessly squeezed into any bag – but that’s not all the over 200-year-old family company has to offer. Founded in Bavaria, the brand is originally known for its high-quality ski wear and is an official supplier of the Austrian Ski Team. Now you know where to get your gear for the next season!
Keeping your belongings dry
If you live in a city where it rains a lot, you might know how essential it is to have an umbrella or a water resistant bag. In a city like Amsterdam where your smartphone or other gadgets could easily succumb to water damage just by falling out of your pocket, it's best to be cautious and have the right accessories to protect your belongings (not to mention protect yourself from getting soaked). Ortlieb is a German brand that offers everything for waterproof travelling. Their City Bag not only provides enough space for documents or electrical devices to be kept safely, but at the same time looks stylish. A big characteristic of the brand is its use of hermetic closure systems such as roll closures, waterproof zippers, Velcro closures or sealing lips, that make their bags practically airtight. Made in Germany, Ortlieb’s products are of the highest quality and definitely won’t let you down when a rain shower comes along.
A shoe for all surfaces
When it comes to shoes that can be worn outdoors, but also perfectly fit a city outfit, Vaude is the forerunner in urban wear. While the light weight of their summer shoes ensures a high level of comfort, non-slip soles make it ideal for outdoors too. What makes the German family company stand out is that they were the first sportswear brand that got EMAS eco-certified. All their leather products are made of sustainable leather, made in Germany, that is not only ecological but also low in emission. Many shoes are also made of recycled polyester which saves up to 50% of CO2 emissions. We like!
Do you wear any other German sportswear brands that you think have great products? Let us know in the comments!
If you’re interested in more info on clothing brands from other European fashion capitals, check out our report on the top brands at Berlin Fashion Week or our post on 3 Quality Swedish Clothing Brands.