Sports Sunglasses Market Size By Type, By Application, By End User, By Distribution Channel Analysis, Share & Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Sports Sunglasses Market Size

The global sports sunglasses market was valued at USD 3.34 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 6.6% from 2024 to 2032.
 

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sports sunglasses market. Due to lockdowns and restrictions on movement, the demand diminished as sporting activities were canceled or postponed. Also, the supply chain was affected, causing production and distribution issues for sports sunglasses. After restrictions were lifted and outdoor activities resumed, the market started to recover. The enhanced attention towards health and fitness is also expected to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

Sports sunglasses are expected to grow due to multiple factors. Increasing the number of people engaged in outdoor and recreational activities and focus on eye care drives the industry’s growth. There is also growth in the market due to advancements in technology related to sunglasses, for instance, the enhancement of UV protection and durability. One trend in the industry is the increasing popularity of polarized sunglasses. Since polarized lenses reduce glare, they enhance vision, which is more appealing to athletes and people who do outdoor activities. Also, there is a growing trend of using eco-friendly materials for sunglasses. The reason is that consumers are becoming more concerned about the environment, driving the manufacturers to search for sustainable materials.
 

Sports Sunglasses Market Trends

The rise in popularity of sports sunglasses stems from their great functionality and added aesthetic value to users. In today’s market, most consumers are also on the lookout for sunglasses that provide great access protection while also remaining in vogue. Due to this factor, manufacturers have introduced, together with stylish designs and bold colours, a variety of options to cater to both sport and recreational purposes. The revolutionary step of altering humans’ interaction with technology through fitness-tracking smart devices coupled with Augmented Reality glasses is yet another trend that is sought after and appealing for customers interested in technology.
 

The growing need for sports sunglasses is shifting the market dynamics by increasing the rate of product diversification. Products like anti-fog films for ski goggles, lightweight goggles for runners, and cycling goggles with streamlined builders are being developed specifically for the activities. These benefits derived from singular specialization opened new market niches, which appealed to and increased brand loyalty. Additionally, sportswear companies and Olympic athletes or other athletes have partnered to promote, endorse, and create a stronger connection with the consumers.
 

Sports Sunglasses Market Analysis

Analysis of the market Sports eyewear manufacturers are resorting to new techniques in order to maintain their competitive edge and meet the changing needs of consumers. Leading companies dedicate considerable resources to research and development in order to offer such options as photochromic lenses as well as anti-scratch coatings, boosting the quality of the product. In order to appeal to wider audiences, businesses are adjusting their product lines to include a variety of sports and price points. Acts of sponsorship of athletes, teams, or sports organizations are also being turned on to increase the exposure of the brand. Moreover, producers are implementing omnichannel sales strategies, blending online and offline sales for improved reach and client engagement.
 

Based on type, the sports sunglasses market is segmented into polarized, and non-polarized. The mechanical control segment accounted for revenues of USD 2.3 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2024 to 2032.
 

• There has been a notable trend in the growth of polarized sports sunglasses, particularly because consumers have begun to value the protection of the eyes during outdoor activities more than ever before. This feature is useful to athletes, water sport practitioners, and outdoor enthusiasts like cyclists, skiers, and hikers as it reduces strain on the eyes, sharpens vision, enhances safety, and improves overall performance. Such sunglasses are specially designed as they lessen glare from any reflective surfaces, such as water, snow, or roads, which makes it ideal to use during these sports. As the product gains acceptance in the market through increased awareness about polarized lenses, a number of manufacturers of sports sunglasses are producing them with the lenses to cater to various target markets.

Based on the distribution channel, the global sports sunglasses market is categorized as hypermarket/supermarket, specialty store, brand outlets, and online. As per the market study conducted, the hypermarket/supermarket segment services took the major market share of about 36.4% in 2023 and is likely to have a CAGR of 7.4% during 2024–2032. The online segment is predicted to grow in the said time period accompanied by an estimated growth rate of 6.7% during the years 2024–2032.
 

• Sporting retailers such as hypermarkets as well as supermarkets are a huge market for the sale of shades as they tend to stock various brands and styles in one outlet, hence making it easy for the consumers to shop efficiently. Such stores are usually found in urban and semi-urban areas, allowing them to target a wide population, which aids this segment of the global sports sunglasses industry. Additionally, the collaboration of well-known sunglasses and the stores, such as hypermarkets and supermarkets that have a dedicated section, adds to the ease of access and allows customers to see the product, adding to market growth.
   
• Additionally, the availability of hypermarkets and supermarkets is another prime reason for the growth of the segment. Customers can easily put on sunglasses and check for comfort and proper fit, which is especially important for sports enthusiasts. Furthermore, the growth of income in developing countries is also increasing the number of these stores. Hypermarkets and supermarkets stand a perfect opportunity to meet the current market demand, considering that disposable incomes are on the rise, and the market trend is shifting towards premium or branded goods. By providing a variety of products, such as sports sunglasses, they meet the expectations of many shoppers.

In The North American sports sunglasses market is heavily influenced by the U.S. market, which is estimated at 945.6 million and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7.3% between 2024 and 2032, as of 2023. The growth of the market for U.S. sports sunglasses is driven by lifestyle and technological innovations alongside an increase in general eye care knowledge. This has significantly increased the demand for high-end eye protection sunglasses that ensure UV protection and better vision. The shift in the trend denotes a larger shift in the consumer pattern that has caused an increased demand for professional eyewear. Sports performance and safety can be improved with specialized equipment.
 

• The customers are always on the lookout for high-end products, and the manufacturers are consistently working on the research and development side. Their attention is directed towards launching new products which are specific to certain types of sports, for example, excelling in frames which are lightweight or including impact-resistant lenses, coatings, and improved polarization for the brand. The use of athletes' endorsements with various sports leagues with effective promotion programs is boosting the trust of consumers in brands. The increasing popularity of the green trend is also satisfied by the production from natural materials.
   

North America: In the country-wise viewpoint, the sports sunglasses market is dominated by the United States, whose share is close to 76.5%. Style is becoming an important attribute in consumer preferences, alongside comfort and ease of use. E-commerce sales channels have become an important new way to sell products and broaden the market for them. All these elements make the environment for competition dynamic, and the U.S. sports sunglasses make it a key market.
 

The Canadian market is expanding due to the use of protective eyewear during skiing, hiking, and cycling. Canadians are beginning to put more focus on eyewear that has better UV shielding and is weatherproof. As such, local manufacturers are able to integrate greater technological capabilities into their output. Foreign brands are using the strategy of joining forces with Canadian sports organizations and retailers to extend their reach in the Canadian market. It is expected that windshields with polarized and photochromatic lenses will become more popular, thus meeting consumers’ demand for fashionable multifunctional eyeglasses.
 

Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific sports sunglasses market is expected to have a market share of around 30.4% as of 2023, and forecasts suggest continuous growth with a CAGR of around 6.8% from 2024 to 2032.
 

In terms of country, China's market held a share of 33.2% in 2023, growing at a rate of approximately 7.3% from 2024 till 2032. There is promising growth in the sports sunglasses industry in China, primarily fueled by the increasing urban population’s interest in outdoor activities and higher disposable income. Factors like government policies advocating fitness and sports have contributed to the added growth of the market. Local sellers are emerging by introducing affordable amicable shares, while multinational firms take advantage of China’s wide online shopping platform. As the competitive market advances, more technologies are being integrated into the products; AR gaming features integrated into smart glasses are already revolutionizing the eyewear domain, attracting younger consumers.
 

Sports Sunglasses Market Share

In the year 2023, the firm Adidas AG, Under Armour, Nike Inc., the company Safilo Group, and Decathlon captured a compound share of 30-35% investment in the Global Sports Sunglasses. These firms have been exploring strategies to broaden and diversify by amalgamating and acquiring new companies along with making full use of the globe’s market. These companies are heavily investing in research and development to come up with new technologies like advanced lens technology and smart glasses with artificial intelligence. Considering these companies, they pursue high product differentiation strategies and design their products according to the varied requirements set by consumers for different outdoor sports. Moreover, they are discovering new markets and using digital technology to compete in the highly competitive global arena.
 

Sports Sunglasses Market Companies

Major players operating in the sports sunglass industry are:

• Adidas Group
• Christopher Cloos
• Columbia Sportswear Company
• Decathlon Group
• EssilorLuxottica Group
• Liberty Sports Inc.
• Nike Inc.
• Panda Optics
• POC Sports
• Rudy Project SpA
• Safilo Group SpA
• Taizhou Baiyu Eyewear Co. Ltd.
• Titan Company Limited
• Under Armour Inc.
• Yiwu Conchen Glasses Co. Ltd.
   

Sports Sunglass Industry News

• In engagement with Thélios, TAG Heuer in January 2024 introduced their revised Avant-Garde Eyewear collection series, which brought the much-anticipated merger pairs to the market. The telos aimed at this launch to introduce an amalgamation of innovation, style, performance, and functionality, launching three new lines of sporty glasses.
   
• Chris Cloos unveiled its special cloos-brooksby glasses collection in June 2022. The collection includes blue-light glasses and sunglasses specifically for use by tennis players.
   

This sports sunglasses market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Polarized 
• Non-polarized

Market, By Application

• Outdoor sporting and traveling
• Water sports
• Ski sports
• Others

Market, By End User

• Male
• Female
• Unisex

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Hypermarket/Supermarket
• Specialty store
• Brand outlets
• Online

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Malaysia    
  • Indonesia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa