Waterproof Breathable Fabric Industry

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Analysis

The Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market size is estimated at USD 2.29 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.92 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of greater than 5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

• Over the short term, growing demand from the sportswear and activewear industry is expected to boost the growth of the waterproof breathable fabric market.
• On the flip side, the harmful effect of PFAS on health and the environment is hindering the market's growth.
• The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the market negatively due to global supply chain disruptions. During the pandemic, many factories responsible for raw material supply, mainly textiles and fabrics, were shut down. However, with the resumption of operations in major end-user industries, the market recovered significantly in 2021.
• The growing focus on sustainability and new technologies is expected to create more opportunities in the coming years.
• Europe is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Trends

Sportswear and Activewear Segment Expected to Witness High Growth

• Polytetrafluoroethylene-based waterproof breathable textiles are used in various sportswear and activewear applications, including trekking boots, running shoes, sports jackets, work shoes, caps, gloves, backpacks, other sports clothing, and workwear.
• Polyurethane and polyester-based waterproof breathable polyester fabrics are used in manufacturing various jackets, outerwear, outdoor clothing, and workwear.
• Waterproof breathable textiles are used to design sportswear and activewear like joggers and hikers as they help dry clothes and manage sweat.
• The global athleisure market is expected to grow from USD 277 billion in 2021 to USD 381 billion in 2026, with a growth rate of 7%, which is anticipated to enhance the demand for waterproof-breathable fabrics.
• In India, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the expenditure on sports by the Indian government in FY 2021-22 accounted for INR 8.39 billion (~USD 0.112 billion) through the Khelo India scheme. Such expenditures and sports schemes are likely to support the growth of the market studied.
• The increasing awareness about the benefits of waterproof breathable textiles in the sports industry is expected to boost the market further over the forecast period.

Asia-Pacific to Register the Highest Growth

• The Asia-Pacific waterproof breathable fabric market is expected to grow at the fastest rate. The waterproof, breathable textile is increasingly used in industries such as sportswear and activewear, protective clothing, general clothing, and home textiles.
• China has been an attractive market for athletic apparel, accessories, and footwear. Multinational companies are shifting their operations outside China due to rising labor costs. The country has a high demand for sportswear and activewear. According to the International Trade Administration, the Chinese sportswear market is expected to reach USD 82.8 billion by 2024, growing at an annual rate of 11%.
• China hosted the 2022 Asian Games in 2023. The games took place in Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8, 2023. The Asian Games generally attract more than 10,000 athletes across the region. Increased participation benefitted the demand for sports and activewear in the country.
• India is increasingly inclining toward the global fitness trend. The changing lifestyle has promoted health consciousness among people. The population is now adding new health regimes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The sportswear market in India is dominated by sportswear and gear for men, followed by a market for women and a smaller share for kids.
• The country's general clothing and home textile is witnessing growth owing to rising spending power coupled with improved standards of living. In addition, the country's increasing construction and redevelopment activities are further anticipated to fuel the demand for home textiles.
• Therefore, the expanding demand for sportswear and activewear, protective clothing, general clothing, home textile, and medical textiles are likely to promote the growth of the waterproof breathable textile market over the forecast period in the Asia-Pacific region.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Industry Overview

The global waterproof breathable textile market is partly fragmented. The major players in the market studied include W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., Toray Industries Inc., Polartec, THE NORTH FACE - A VF COMPANY, and Teijin Limited (not in any particular order).

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Leaders

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market News

• February 2022: Moncler Grenoble and Polartec collaborated on a new collection. Moncler launched its apex award-winning Grenoble Day-namic collection, a new range of activewear. This line makes use of cutting-edge Polartec technology, notably Polartec Neoshell.
• February 2022: Ornot, the leading technical cycling clothes and accessories provider, collaborated with Polartec to launch the all-new Trail Magic Jacket. A combination of Polartec NeoShell and detachable Polartec Alpha Direct insulation is used in this Trail Magic Jacket.