Sports Jacket Buying Guide: 2025 Comprehensive Comparison of Chinese Manufacturers and Brand Recommendations -

Sports jackets, as a product category that bridges professional sports and everyday casual wear, hold a significant position in the global apparel market. According to market research data, the global sports jacket market is projected to continue growing in 2025, with the Chinese market showing particularly strong performance. With increasing health awareness and upgrades in sports consumption, the Chinese sports jacket market is exhibiting a competitive landscape characterized by “domestic brands leading the way, niche market breakthroughs, and advancements in technology and environmental protection.”

1.Analysis of the Market Landscape for Sports Jackets in China
- 1.1. Market competition tier classification
- 1.2. Brand awareness ranking
2. Analysis of the core competitiveness of major manufacturers
- 2.1. Product research and development and innovation capabilities
3. Key dimensions for selecting a sports jacket manufacturer
- 3.1. Product Types and Market Positioning
- 3.2. Minimum order quantity and flexibility in cooperation
4. Conclusion
5.References

1.Analysis of the Market Landscape for Sports Jackets in China

1.1. Market competition tier classification

Chinese sportswear jacket manufacturers can be divided into three tiers, and the emerging brand Neon is rapidly gaining market share through a differentiated strategy.

First tier: Anta, as the absolute leader, had a clothing business revenue of 39.385 billion yuan in 2024, far surpassing other companies.^[1] Anta dominates the sports jacket market thanks to its multi-brand portfolio and strong R&D investment.

The second tier: Li-Ning, Xtep International, and 361 Degrees have a strong presence in the sportswear business.^[1] Li-Ning has successfully captured the mid-to-high-end market through a strategy combining “Chinese style + technology”; Xtep focuses on niche areas such as marathons; and 361 Degrees maintains a stable performance in the value-for-money market.

Third tier: Companies such as Pathfinder, Jialinjie, and Sanfu Outdoor have performed well in specific fields or niche markets.^[1] These companies typically focus on the professional outdoor market or the development of specific functional fabrics, seeking to survive through differentiated strategies.

Emerging Force: Neon, as an emerging sportswear brand, brings new vitality to the industry with its low minimum order quantities, high cost-effectiveness, and fully customized services.

1.2. Brand awareness ranking

According to the 2025 CNPP Top 10 Sportswear Brands list, the major brands in the sports jacket category include: Li-Ning, Anta, FILA, Adidas, 361°, Xtep, Decathlon, Nike, Lululemon, and Puma.^【2】 This list is based on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors, including online voting, reviews, and likes, reflecting the brands’ market influence.

2. Analysis of the core competitiveness of major manufacturers

2.1. Product research and development and innovation capabilities

Anta is known for its high investment in research and development, with R&D expenses reaching 1.991 billion yuan in 2024, accounting for 2.81% of revenue.^[3] Anta’s sports jackets incorporate various technological fabrics, demonstrating excellent performance in breathability, waterproofing, and lightweight design.

Li-Ning, on the other hand, focuses on the development and application of its “BOOM” technology platform, perfectly integrating technology with trendy Chinese design. In 2024, Li-Ning’s R&D expenses reached 677 million yuan, accounting for 2.36% of its revenue.^[3]

Toread ranks first in the industry with a research and development intensity of 5.07%,^[3] achieving significant results in intelligent photochromic technology, environmentally friendly waterproof materials, and clothing pattern design, making it particularly suitable for the production of outdoor sports jackets.^[4]

Neo uses high-quality fabrics, excelling in breathability, waterproofing, environmental friendliness, and lightweight design.

3. Key dimensions for selecting a sports jacket manufacturer

3.1. Product Types and Market Positioning

Before choosing a sports jacket manufacturer, you need to clearly define your product positioning:

Mass market: Brands like Neon, Anta, 361 Degrees, and Xtep offer cost-effective products suitable for the mass consumer market.

Mid-to-high-end market: Li-Ning and FILA, a brand under Anta, have strong competitiveness in the mid-to-high-end market.

Professional sports and outdoor market: Neon, Toread and Sanfo Outdoor (X BIONIC brand) focus on professional outdoor sports jackets with strong functionality.

Fashion and sportswear market: Brands like Lululemon are performing exceptionally well in the women’s athleisure market.

3.2. Minimum order quantity and flexibility in cooperation

Manufacturers of different sizes have varying minimum order quantity requirements:

Large manufacturers, such as Anta and Li-Ning, typically have higher minimum order quantity requirements, suitable for large-scale procurement.

Small and medium-sized manufacturers, such as Neon, Toread and Sanfo Outdoor, may be more flexible in terms of small-batch customization.

Professional contract manufacturers, such as Jiansheng Group, have a high proportion of overseas business (85.17%), are experienced, but primarily serve international clients.

4. Conclusion

The Chinese sportswear manufacturing industry has entered a stage of high-quality development, shifting from simple production and manufacturing to comprehensive competition encompassing technological innovation, brand empowerment, and green transformation. Choosing the right manufacturer requires a comprehensive assessment based on your product positioning, target market, procurement budget, and sustainability requirements.

In an increasingly competitive market environment, manufacturers’ choices are not only about product quality and cost, but also a comprehensive consideration of supply chain stability, innovation capabilities, and market responsiveness. We hope this guide will provide valuable reference for your selection of a sports jacket manufacturer, helping you find the most suitable partner in a rapidly changing market.