The weakness in the overall market undoubtedly affected the sports apparel segment. Consumer spending for sports licensed apparel continued a three-year decline in 2000. This is apparel bearing the name or logo of a professional, Olympic or college team, celebrity or sport. The strength of the women's sports apparel market is directly related to increases in participation in sports and fitness by girls and women, manufacturers say. The growth of female participation in such team sports as basketball, soccer and softball was one of the major sports trends of the 1990s.
Females comprise the majority of frequent fitness participants and health club members.
It's possible that males now have the necessary foundation and have reduced spending. Sports-inspired looks from casual apparel brands clearly have cut into the sales of apparel by athletic companies. One response has been for the athletic companies to design some lines with more fashionable looks. This makes it even more difficult for the consumer to distinguish between sports and casual apparel. While this is a difference of small importance to the consumer, it can affect research data.