The activewear sector is a bright spot in the lackluster apparel and footwear market. However, growth in the sector is constrained by weak gains in wholesale retail channels. Amid these changing dynamics, activewear brands have shifted their focus to driving growth and higher margins through vertical retail and direct-to-consumer e‑commerce. This year’s Index features a shake-up of traditional winners and the continued rise of the new guard of women’s‑focused brands.