by The cycling wear market in the Asia Pacific region has seen tremendous growth in recent years with more and more people taking up cycling as a sport and means of transportation. The growing health consciousness of people and focus on sustainability has further fueled the demand for cycling wear in countries across Asia Pacific. Let’s take a deeper look at some key trends influencing this dynamic market.
Rise of Road Cycling Culture
Road cycling has emerged as one of the most popular outdoor activities in the region with cycling clubs and groups organizing regular rides. Countries like Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan have especially embraced road cycling culture. This has led to a surge in demand for specialized cycling clothing designed for performance and long distance riding on roads. Leading brands have launched aerodynamic cycling jerseys and bib shorts tailored for road biking along with other gear like cycling shoes, gloves, helmet, and sunglasses.
Several major cycling events and competitions are also held across the region that have further enthused people about road cycling. Countries invest considerable resources into developing cycling infrastructure like dedicated bike lanes and trails encouraging more people to take up the sport. The growing road cycling trend has made Asia Pacific an integral market for international cycling wear brands.
Mountain Biking on the Rise
Mountain biking is another discipline that has seen rising popularity in the past decade. With hilly terrains and natural beauty, countries like Malaysia, Thailand, India, Philippines, and Indonesia have become top mountain biking destinations. This has driven the need for durable mountain biking gear that can handle occasional falls and withstand tough terrains.
Leading brands have begun offering mountain biking specific apparel with reinforced stitching and pads in critical areas. Cycling jerseys and pants come with rear pockets, hip packs, and protective kneepads catering to mountain biking. Waterproof cycling jackets and pants have also found many takers among mountain bikers. Some local brands have emerged specializing in mountain biking wear made from breathable and quick drying fabrics.
Electric Bikes Transform Mobility
Electric bicycles or e-bikes have emerged as a popular eco-friendly commute alternative in congested Asian cities. Countries like China, Japan and Singapore have seen a meteoric rise in e-bike sales in recent times aided by supportive policies. This has opened up new opportunities for functional urban cycling wear.
Fabrics treatments that wick away sweat and quick drying layers are best suited for humid tropical climate. Reflective details and bright colors have become essential for low light commute safety. Features like integrated lights and rearview mirrors are also gaining prominence. Additionally, foldable e-bikes have increased demand for lightweight cycling clothing that can be carried around easily. Leading brands are designing urban collections with all these key elements in mind.
Sustainability and Athleisure Influences
The athleisure trend where sportswear is worn outside the gym or field has influenced cycling wear design. Synthetic performance fabrics are being incorporated into casual cycling shorts, pants and tops. More breathable and sweat-wicking fabrics derived from recycled polyesters are also trending.
Some local brands have emerged specializing in made in Asia sustainable cycling clothes. Natural fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo are being used. Emphasis is on reducing waste and embracing circular fashion principles. Additionally, multisport apparel suited for activities other than cycling like yoga and running is gaining traction.
Women Specific Designs Surge
Recognizing the growing number of women cyclists, brands have intensified focus on women specific designs. Slimmer fits, padded bib shorts and jerseys in feminine cuts and colors are common. Features like built-in bras and pockets designed for convenient phone and essential storage are new additions.
Leading brands advertise strong commitments to inclusivity through campaigns promoting cycling for all. Additionally, modest activewear designs which allow conservative Muslim women to cycle comfortably have found many local fans. Rising popularity of women only cycling groups have further catalyzed this design segment.
Market consolidation and Acquisitions
Bolstered by the strong demand tailwinds across the diverse cycling categories, established global brands have been further strengthening Asia Pacific operations through new partnerships and targeted acquisitions. Several Chinese and domestic players are also expanding into new global markets fueling industry consolidation.
Overall, Asia Pacific Cycling Wear is expected to be worth over $ As cycling culture continues to be mainstreamed across the region through supportive policies and infrastructure development, this growth outlook is likely to be surpassed. The unique demands of Asia’s diverse climatic, cultural and recreational cycling landscapes will continue shaping future product innovation and market dynamics.
In conclusion, Asia Pacific currently represents one of the fastest growing markets for global cycling wear brands. The diverse trends of road cycling, mountain biking, e-biking and active lifestyle influences are opening many engaging opportunities. Both international and local brands are actively catering to the region’s distinct needs through targeted designs. Continued mainstreaming of cycling coupled with rising disposable incomes indicate further potent prospects over the coming years.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
