THE Indian athletic apparel market grew by a whopping CAGR @ 19% between 2009 and 2017, while the Indian footwear market, which includes sports footwear, grew at a CAGR @ 24% during the same period. India will again be no exception to the growth in this sector. These growth prospects of athleisure products are encouraging Indian knit processors to consider expansions and diversifications to cater to the needs of this segment. Many investments are therefore being planned to tap the huge potential presented by this segment, especially as there is not much competition so far. Garment properties like protection, insulation, moisture permeability, stretch, shape retention, optimum heat and moisture regulation, rapid drying, dimensional stability even when wet, durable, easy care, light weight, soft touch, etc., are intrinsic to active wear garments. However, these properties are not readily achievable in 100% cotton, circular knitted fabrics. Hence the need for synthetic circular or warp knitted fabric production and processing becomes inevitable for addressing the opportunities in the active wear segment.
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