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Market interest in apparel that protects active people from the elements, but doesn’t trap sweat, will continue. Information from Global Market Insights Inc. (GMI), reported in an article by David Bradley on materialstoday.com, suggests consumers’ increased demand for environmentally friendly products, general market growth in sportswear, and more people taking up extreme, mountain-based sports could all boost demand for breathable, waterproof apparel.
The report expects growth in the breathables market to increase by 5.1 percent each year from 2015 to 2022. Waterproof and breathable footwear is predicted to surpass $550 million by 2022 at a growth rate of 6 percent. Active sportswear is projected to account for more than 80 percent of the market share during the time frame discussed in the report.
Trend reports also reveal that membrane technology is more popular with consumers than textile coatings. The manufacture of densely woven, waterproof, breathable textile materials for military, medical and workwear in other segments is also on the rise. Revenues of $231.5 million by 2022 are predicted.
Consumers and marketers have an increased awareness of the need for sustainable products, which may fuel growth of waterproof, breathable textiles. Some manufacturers have created environmentally friendly products that are PTFE-free, PFC-free and recyclable.
GMI notes key players in the sector as W. L. Gore & Associates (Goretex products) and eVent, part of General Electric. Other companies include APT Fabrics, Columbia Sportswear, Heartland Textiles Co. Ltd., Helly Hansen, Jack Wolfskin, Mountain Hardwear, Nike, The North Face and Patagonia.