Europe Swimming Sports Apparel & Accessories Market Report 2030

Market Size & Trends

The Europe swimming sports apparel & accessories market size was estimated at USD 9.66 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2030. In Europe, the demand for swimming sports apparel is influenced by a strong tradition of swimming as both a competitive sport and a leisure activity. European countries, especially those with a robust sporting culture such as Germany, France, and Italy, have extensive public swimming pools and competitive swimming teams, driving demand for high-performance swimwear and accessories. According to a 2024 article by Play Today, Northern European countries boast the highest percentage of swimmers, with an average rate of 97%.

Swimming is deeply ingrained in the culture of European nations, with swimming events such as the European Championships and the Olympics further fueling interest. This results in a need for specialized swimming gear, including professional-grade swimsuits, training tools, and accessories such as swim caps, goggles, and earplugs.

Environmental sustainability is another key driver in Europe, with consumers increasingly seeking eco-friendly swimwear made from recycled materials or biodegradable fabrics. With environmental consciousness on the rise, many European brands have shifted to sustainable practices, creating a niche market for green swimwear.

Furthermore, Europe’s varying climates, from Mediterranean coastal areas to colder northern regions, ensure year-round demand for both competitive and leisure swimming apparel.In September 2023, Speedo UK launched a limited edition outdoor swim collection in collaboration with the independent British fashion label Folk. This collection combines Folk’s distinctive outerwear designs with Speedo’s renowned heritage and expertise in performance swimwear. The range includes a variety of items such as costumes, swim shorts, swimming accessories, fleece tops, and parkas. Notably, the swimwear is crafted from recycled fabrics, reflecting a commitment to sustainability, thus driving the swimming apparel & accessories market.

Sustainability is also becoming a significant focus within the market. Brands are increasingly using recycled materials, such as reclaimed ocean plastics, and adopting eco-friendly manufacturing processes. This trend is driven by consumer demand for environmentally responsible products and a broader industry commitment to sustainability.

Consumers are seeking more personalized products, leading to a rise in customizable swimwear and accessories. Options to select specific styles, colors, and fits, as well as the ability to add personal touches such as monograms or unique designs, are becoming more prevalent.

In addition, swimwear is increasingly being seen as a fashion statement beyond the pool or beach among Europeans. This trend is evident in the rise of athleisure and multifunctional designs that can transition from swim activities to casual wear. Fashion-forward designs, vibrant patterns, and bold colors are becoming more common, appealing to a broader audience.

Consumer Insights

The adoption of swimming sports apparel and accessories in Europe is shaped by evolving lifestyle trends, technological advancements, and societal influences. As health consciousness rises across the continent, swimming is increasingly recognized as a beneficial low-impact exercise, suitable for people of all ages. This has fueled the demand for high-quality swimwear, goggles, swim caps, and related gear, particularly in countries with strong aquatic sports traditions such as the UK, France, Spain, and Italy.

Technological innovations in materials and design have significantly influenced consumer preferences. Chlorine-resistant fabrics, UV-protective materials, and ergonomic swimwear designs have enhanced performance and durability, making them appealing to both casual swimmers and professionals. Moreover, sustainability is a key factor driving purchasing decisions, with European consumers showing a strong preference for brands that utilize recycled materials and environmentally friendly production processes.

Social media and influencer marketing play an essential role in shaping consumer behavior. European athletes, fitness influencers, and even Olympic swimmers frequently showcase premium swimwear and accessories, increasing aspirational demand. In addition, international events such as the Olympic Games and the European Swimming Championships generate heightened interest in professional-grade apparel and gear, inspiring consumers to invest in high-performance products.

Regional factors further impact adoption rates across Europe. In coastal nations such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal, as well as countries with a deep-rooted swimming culture such as Sweden and the Netherlands, swimming apparel and accessories are considered everyday essentials, ensuring steady demand. In landlocked countries or regions with fewer aquatic sports facilities, adoption is often driven by the expansion of fitness trends, wellness initiatives, and strategic marketing campaigns.

Category Insights

The apparel segment held the largest market share of more than 67.2% in 2024 in the Europe swimming sports apparel & accessories market. A significant contributor is the increasing health consciousness among individuals, leading to a rise in swimming as a preferred fitness activity. This trend has expanded the demand for specialized swimwear and accessories. In addition, Europe’s rich culture of water sports and aquatic activities, particularly in countries such as Germany, France, and Italy, has bolstered the market. The influence of fashion trends also plays a crucial role, with consumers seeking stylish and high-quality swimwear, further propelling market expansion.

The accessories segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 3.3% from 2025 to 2030. Increased health consciousness has led more individuals to engage in swimming for fitness, boosting demand for specialized accessories. In addition, the trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly products has prompted consumers to seek accessories made from organic and recycled materials, aligning with their environmental values. These factors collectively contribute to the expanding market for swimming sports accessories in Europe.

Distribution Channel Insights

The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment led the market in 2024 and accounted for the largest revenue share of 35.2% in the Europe swimming sports apparel & accessories market. Supermarkets and hypermarkets have become significant distribution channels for Europe swimming sports apparel & accessories, particularly during peak seasons like summer. These mass-market retailers offer basic and affordable swimwear, goggles, and other swimming accessories to a wide range of customers. The primary appeal of these stores lies in their convenience, as consumers can quickly pick up swimming-related products while doing their regular grocery or household shopping. These products are generally positioned as cost-effective and functional, catering to families or individuals who may need basic swimwear for occasional use, without wanting to make a special trip to a specialized store.

The online delivery channel is expected to account for the fastest CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2030. Consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of e-commerce, allowing them to browse a vast selection of products from home. Platforms such as Amazon, eBay, and specialized retailers offer seamless shopping experiences with access to global brands, detailed product descriptions, and customer reviews. The rise of mobile commerce (m-commerce) has further expanded reach, enabling consumers to shop anytime, anywhere.

Country Insights

UK Swimming Sports Apparel & Accessories Market Trends

UK swimming sports apparel & accessories market accounted for a revenue share of 22.5% in 2024. The UK is witnessing a notable increase in demand for swimming sports apparel and accessories, driven by several key factors. A growing health consciousness among the population has led to more individuals participating in swimming for fitness and leisure, thereby boosting the need for specialized swimwear and gear. The rise of athleisure fashion has also made sports apparel a staple in everyday wardrobes, further propelling market growth. In addition, the convenience of online shopping platforms has made these products more accessible, contributing to the market’s expansion.

Germany Swimming Sports Apparel & Accessories Market Trends

The German swimming sports apparel & accessories market is expected to develop at the fastest CAGR of 3.2% during the projected period. The market is growing due to increasing health awareness, rising participation in water sports, and the expansion of competitive swimming events. With a strong focus on fitness and wellness, more individuals are engaging in swimming as a low-impact exercise, driving demand for high-quality swimwear and accessories. In addition, Germany hosts various national and international swimming competitions, boosting interest in performance swimwear.

Key Europe Swimming Sports Apparel & Accessories Company Insights

The market is fragmented, with several global and regional competitors present. These companies are investing much in acquisition and promotion to grow their client base and brand loyalty.

• In November 2024, Vilebrequin, the Saint-Tropez-based swimwear brand, continues to innovate in sustainable materials with its first linen swimsuit collection for Spring/Summer 2025. This launch follows the brand’s earlier introduction of a 100% wool swimsuit three years prior, reinforcing its commitment to experimenting with unconventional, eco-friendly fabrics. The linen swimsuits-a departure from traditional synthetic materials-showcase the brand’s focus on blending luxury with sustainability while maintaining its heritage in premium resortwear.

• In April 2024, FORM launched its second-generation Smart Swim 2 augmented reality goggles, featuring advanced performance-tracking capabilities for competitive and recreational swimmers. Priced at £229.00/€249.00, the goggles integrate a temple-based heart rate monitor and a digital compass (SwimStraightTM) to provide real-time metrics like directional heading in open water, reducing deviations by up to 40%. 

• In April 2023, Speedo entered a two-year partnership with the German Swimming Federation (DSV), becoming the official supplier of technical and training gear for senior and junior teams across all aquatic disciplines-swimming, diving, open water, water polo, and synchronized swimming. The partnership aligns with Speedo’s global expansion strategy following its recent relaunch in Germany through direct retail distribution and a new Munich office. In addition, Speedo emphasized its sustainability goals, with 35% of its fabrics now eco-friendly and a target of 100% by 2030.

Europe Swimming Sports Apparel & Accessories Market Report Scope

Europe Swimming Sports Apparel & Accessories Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Europe swimming sports apparel & accessories market report on the basis of category, distribution channel, and country:

• Category Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)

  • Apparel

    • Swimsuits

      • Baby

      • Kids

      • Teens

      • Men

      • Women

    • Tops and Watershirts

      
      

  • Accessories

    • Swim Goggles

      
      

    • Swim Caps

      
      

    • Fins

      
      

    • Towels

      
      

    • Water Shoes

      • Flipflops

        
        

      • Sandals

        
        

      • Aquashoes

        
        

    • Aqualearning Products

    • Sun Shelters

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)

  
  

• Country Outlook (Volume, Thousand Units; Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 – 2030)

  • Germany

  • UK

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain