Despite the cost-of-living crisis and consumers spending less on non-essentials, the health & fitness industry is projected to reach a market volume of 1.04bn USD by 2026 with an annual growth rate of 12.07%. Given this growth and the volume of fitness apparel brands flooding the market, it is imperative that brands think more creatively about how to reach their key audiences by creating a strong external communications strategy.
Today we shine a spotlight on five fitness apparel brands that have used innovation and strong brand messaging to lead the sector across the UK market as well as their own.
NOBULL
Founded in 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts, NOBULL is a premium footwear, apparel and accessory brand for people who work hard and don’t believe in excuses. With a team made up of hard-working people from different fields and athletes of all skill levels, NOBULL started with the mission to create a globally disruptive brand by developing simply innovative products that perform for its customers.
Recently forming a UK team to focus on the growth of NOBULL in Europe, the company continues to lead the way in brand positioning from a creative perspective. Through utilising social media channels to engage with its community, especially in the Crossfit space, NOBULL is a company that is on its way to be a leader in the UK fitness apparel market.
Athleta
Founded in Petaluma, California, Athleta started with the mission to ignite the limitless potential of all women and girls. As a certified B Corporation, Athleta is committed to creating a positive impact through sustainability. Athleta continues to promote inclusivity and offers sizes ranging from XXS to 3XL.
Acquired by Gap in 2008, Athleta continues to grow and is available to consumers in the UK through shopping in Gap or John Lewis. Although the brand has been in existence since 1998, Athleta continues to stand out by having a strong social presence and keeping up with social trends and the ever-evolving fitness apparel landscape.
Alo Yoga
Founded in 2007 in Los Angeles, California, Alo Yoga is a fitness apparel brand focused on making the best yoga clothing in the world explicitly to inspire yogis. With the goal to spread mindful movement and inspire wellness through a community, Alo’s clothing is perfect to wear beyond the yoga mat.
Available to consumers in the UK as well as the US, Alo Yoga continues to grow through being a social-first brand. Having a clear target audience for those where it’s about looking and feeling good first, then doing yoga second, Alo has grown a strong social presence through influencers and communicating a strong brand message.
Ryderwear
Founded in 2009 in Adelaide, Australia, Ryderwear is an eCommerce site selling fitness clothes and fitness accessories that are fashionable. Ryderwear creates clothing that fit all areas of fitness so there is a choice for everyone for both women and men. With a website that is well-functioning towards consumers in the UK and other countries, Ryderwear makes it easily accessible for anyone to enjoy.
With a strong social presence and influencer work, Ryderwear continues to lead the way in the fitness apparel market through unique content that exceeds just showing the product but having influencers and ambassadors show workouts that are done in Ryderwear apparel.
P.E. Nation
Founded in 2016 in Sydney, Australia, P.E. Nation is a premium athleisure brand that specialises in a range of street sportswear. After identifying a gap in the emerging activewear market, the founders came together and pursued their vision of active streetwear designed to perform 24/7 and created to fit a multi-faceted, fast-paced urban life.
P.E. Nation has continued to grow through being innovative by collaborating with the likes of H&M, ASICs, Speedo and more. Sold in a variety of third-party stores in the UK, P.E. Nation continues to stand out in the athletic wear market with its unique designs and its commitment to sustainability by creating ethical activewear collections.
If your fitness apparel brand is looking to implement a communications strategy in the UK, get in touch with our team of experts today to see how we can support you.