In recent years, with the continuous release of policies to support the healthy development of the outdoor sports industry, and the fact that people actively seek leisure activities to maintain their health after the epidemic, these core factors and external driving forces have collaborated, making the outdoor sports industry prosperous. According to the "China Outdoor Sports Industry Development Report (2022-2023)", the current growth of China's outdoor sports market continues to be strong, with explosive growth in outdoor sports such as ice and snow, road running, cycling, and camping. In addition, emerging outdoor sports such as frisbee, landrace, and city walk have gradually become representatives of the "new urban movement" trend among young people.

Affected by this, the size of China's sports clothing market continues to grow, with a significant increase in the market share of national brands. According to statistics, the size of the sports clothing market reached 362.7 billion yuan in 2022, with a growth rate of 2.2%. Its resilience is significantly better than other clothing categories, and it is expected to reach 551.4 billion yuan in 2027. Looking at domestic and foreign sports brands, Anta Sports, Li Ning, and Tebu International saw revenue growth rates of 9%, 14%, and 29% in 2022, respectively. In terms of international brands, Adidas has been declining in Greater China for seven consecutive quarters, while Nike has recovered to around single digit growth in the previous fiscal quarter. From this, it can be seen that the share of domestic brands continues to increase.

As a part of the sports apparel industry chain, the size of the sports socks industry has shown significant growth in recent years. Global Market Insights predicts that the market size of sports socks will reach $8.7 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate increasing from 5.5% in 2023 to 6.5% in 2032. Due to the increasing demand from consumers for high-end sports apparel accessories, as well as a variety of personalized and functional needs, professional socks, including sports socks, pressure socks, etc., are gradually driving new trends in the global sock industry market.

The latest trends in sports socks

• Innovative materials 

  Improving performance and comfort materials is one of the major transformations in the sports socks industry. These materials include polyester and nylon blends that absorb moisture and sweat, which can keep feet dry and reduce the risk of blistering and discomfort; Merino wool has the characteristics of natural moisture absorption, sweat wicking, and temperature regulation; And spandex and elastic fibers, which are necessary for compression socks, can promote blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue.

• Advanced Design Iteration 

  The design of modern sports socks perfectly blends performance driven and eye-catching aesthetics. Customization is also an important factor, as athletes and teams are looking for unique designs that reflect their identity. Thermal sublimation printing technology seamlessly integrates complex patterns, team logos, and vibrant colors into the fabric, achieving unparalleled personalization.

  3D knitting technology is an emerging trend. This advanced technology can produce socks that conform to the principles of human anatomy, providing targeted cushioning, arch support, and breathability. Such socks not only improve athletic performance, but also reduce discomfort and potential harm.

• Technology Integration 

  Intelligent sensors can monitor humidity, temperature, and pressure points in real-time, providing athletes with valuable information about their performance and health recovery. In addition, antibacterial treatment technology has become very common, as it can effectively inhibit odorogenic bacteria and ensure that athletes can still feel fresh after intense exercise. These treatments, combined with their moisture absorption and sweat wicking properties, provide a more hygienic and comfortable experience that meets the growing expectations of athletes.

• sustainable development 

  Various brands have adopted recycled materials, such as post consumer polyester and recycled nylon, to reduce waste and save resources without affecting performance. Waterless dyeing technology has become a sustainable solution, greatly reducing water consumption and minimizing environmental impact. In addition, manufacturers can also choose renewable energy, which will resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.

Popular types of sports socks

• Knee socks

High knee socks are a perfect combination of fashion and functionality. Its extended length provides sufficient coverage and support, making it an ideal choice for various activities such as sports, outdoor exploration, and even formal activities. These socks typically reinforce the heels and toes to increase durability, while their snug fit design prevents slipping during exercise. Knee socks provide excellent protection for the legs, and are a fashionable accessory for athletes and those seeking the flagship product of a multifunctional wardrobe.

• Ankle socks

Ankle socks are designed for comfort and have a low-key appearance. The shorter length makes it the preferred choice for sports and leisure. This sock is made of moisture wicking fabric to keep feet dry and odorless. The low cut design can minimize visibility while maintaining necessary cushioning and support at critical stress points. Ankle socks are favored by athletes who pursue a minimalist feel and are suitable for various sports and daily wear.

• Sailor socks

Sailor socks strike a balance between comfort and versatility. The length of sailor socks is moderate, usually above the ankle and below the calf, providing sufficient coverage and support. The reinforcement of socks usually increases durability and cushioning.

• Pressure socks

Pressure socks are designed to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and provide support during sports activities. They are particularly popular among runners, cyclists, and other athletes who require high endurance. At the same time, various fashionable color combinations of pressure socks, which balance aesthetics and protective performance, are becoming increasingly popular among the daily fitness crowd.

Recommended by sports socks exhibitors in CHPE2024

The 18th Shanghai International Hosiery Purchasing Exhibition (hereinafter referred to as "CHPE") focuses on the trend of sports socks and has gathered multiple professional sports sock production enterprises to sign up for exhibition. The exhibition will be held at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition Hall from March 27th to 29th, 2024. At that time, various personalized and functional sports sock exhibits will be presented one by one.

• Haining Wells Knitting Co., Ltd

• Booth No.:1B523

Haining Wells Knitting Co., Ltd. is a Sino foreign joint venture specializing in the production of socks. The company has a total investment of 10 million US dollars, a registered capital of 5.18 million US dollars, an area of 12288 square meters, and a production and construction area of 18300 square meters. The company mainly produces over 300 patterns and varieties of cotton socks, including casual sports socks, pantyhose, cotton spandex children's socks, cotton spandex men's and women's socks, gentlemen's socks, etc. The dyeing and finishing technology of ultra-fine fiber nylon socks is leading in the world and has become our unique fist product, mainly exported to more than ten countries and regions such as the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, Australia, etc.

• Zhuji Zhongmai Knitting Co., Ltd

• Booth NO.: 1C530

Zhuji Zhongmai Knitting Co., Ltd. is located in the Datang Socks Industrial Park in Zhejiang, China, known as the "International Socks Capital". The site covers an area of over 4000 square meters. It is a production oriented enterprise that specializes in sock design, production, and sales with an international market orientation. Over the years, with numerous professional talents, high-quality services, and resource advantages, it has been engaged in the export business of various sock products, with an annual export value of over 10 million US dollars.

• Anhui Yaoshun Intelligent Socks Industry Co., Ltd

• Booth No.: 1C226
  

Yao Shun Socks Industry is a large national high-tech enterprise in the field of socks, specializing in the research and development, production, and sales of high-end socks made of various new materials, with a daily output of 1 million pairs. Has passed multiple international certifications such as IS09001, IS014001, ISO45001, etc; Our products are exported to 30 countries and regions in Europe and America.

• Zhuji You'er Socks Industry Co., Ltd

• Booth No.: 1C206
  

You'er Socks Industry is located in the Datang Industrial Zone, known as the "China Socks Industry Center", and was established in 2013. At present, our factory is equipped with more than 80 hosiery machines, including 96N, 120N, 132N, 144N, 168N, 200N, etc. At the same time, we also have professional equipment such as sewing head, shaping, needle inspection, etc. The factory has passed factory inspection qualifications such as BSCI, WRAP, OEKO-TEX, etc. We specialize in producing various types of sports socks, pantyhose, casual socks, business gentlemen's socks, children's health socks, etc., mainly exported to European and American countries.

• Haining Longze Knitting Co., Ltd

• Booth No.: 1B103
  

Longze Knitting is a professional sock manufacturer that integrates production, design, and development. Formerly specialized in sock trading, with over ten years of sock experience. The company has 30 fully computerized hosiery machines, with main needle types of 108N single needle, 120N single needle, 132N single needle, 144N single needle, and 168 single needle. It has its own workshop for sewing, packaging, and more than 40 employees. At the same time, the outsourced processing unit has nearly 200 computerized hosiery machines. Our company specializes in the production and sales of various types of baby socks, children's socks, men's socks, women's socks, sports socks, football socks, boat socks, split toe socks, and other socks covering a full range of socks.