A Cry for Quality, a Call for Comfort: Unraveling the Gender-Based Sportswear Customer Needs

July 19, 2023

Claymont, Delaware, July 19, 2023: The sportswear industry has been at the forefront of customer experience innovation, with a strong focus on personalization, technology integration, and immersive brand experiences. A Clootrack report has highlighted the top insights into customer behavior, segmenting the audience by gender and upper wear vs. bottom wear based on 32K customer reviews of 22 leading sportswear brands.

The report identifies the top five category drivers in the sportswear industry, with Size and Fit, Material, and Fabric, and Looks and Style emerging as the most significant factors. Quality also plays a pivotal role in ensuring customer satisfaction, while Color stands out as a key driver for upper wear.

The Comfort Renaissance: How Affordable Clothes are Making Comfort a Priority

The sportswear industry has witnessed a notable trend in customer reviews, with a staggering 60% increase in reviews for sportswear priced under $50. Additionally, the number of stock keeping units (SKUs) in this price range has seen a significant rise of 86% in 2022. This indicates a growing demand for affordable sportswear options among consumers.

Comfort has quickly become one of the top priorities for consumers, regardless of the price point. Quality is another essential aspect that customers are increasingly focusing on when it comes to affordable clothing.

In the past, it was commonly assumed that lower prices automatically equated to compromised quality. However, as the market for affordable fashion expands, brands are actively challenging this perception. Consumers are pleasantly surprised to discover that many budget-friendly options offer impressive durability, attention to detail, and effective construction.

Freedom to Move: Exploring the Significance of Comfort in Bottom Wear

Further analysis into upper wear and bottom wear drivers reveals that the top three drivers remain consistent across both segments. However, Comfort takes a higher priority for bottom wear as athletes and sports enthusiasts prioritize freedom of movement.

But why does comfort matter so much when it comes to athletes' bottom wear choices? Sports and intense physical activities require a wide range of motions, quick movements, and flexibility.

Whether it's shorts, leggings, or track pants, athletes require garments that provide them with the utmost comfort and freedom of movement, which is why comfort is a top priority for them.

The Battle of Priorities: Quality vs. Comfort in the Sportswear Market, Discovered by Gender Analysis

The gender-based analysis shows that male customers take the spotlight when it comes to reviewing sportswear, indicating their higher presence and engagement in the market.

Quality is paramount for male customers, who value durability, performance, and longevity. On the other hand, female customers prioritize comfort, seeking sportswear that provides ease of movement, breathability, and flexibility. Understanding these distinctions helps brands cater to the specific needs and preferences of their target audience.

A fascinating insight emerging from the gender-based analysis is the importance of pockets to male customers. Pockets serve as a functional and practical feature, allowing them to conveniently carry essentials like phones, keys, or wallets while staying active. This revelation highlights the significance of incorporating functional design elements that cater to the specific needs of male customers within the sportswear market.

Sportswear Industry Shifts Gears: Adapting to Customers' Changing Needs

It is evident that the sportswear industry is evolving to meet customers' changing needs and expectations. Whether it is ensuring the right fit and comfort, incorporating sustainable practices, or providing a seamless purchase experience, sportswear brands have the opportunity to enhance customer satisfaction and capture a larger market share.

For more detailed insights and analysis, please refer to the full report,

visit: https://www.clootrack.com/insights/retail/customer-experience-insights-sportswear-industry

These insights were the topics of a discussion in the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qaJvuBmczM hosted by Dan Gingiss, an international CX keynote speaker.

About CLOOTRACK: Clootrack is an intelligent customer experience analytics platform that helps brands understand "why" customer experience drops. For more information, visit https://www.clootrack.com/

Media Contact: pr@clootrack.com