Sportswear Design Short Course

Course overview

The global sportswear and performance apparel industry continues to grow at an accelerated rate, driven by rising interest in health and fitness, the expansion of athleisure, and increasing consumer demand for technical, functional, and sustainably‑developed garments. As one of the most innovative and commercially resilient segments of the fashion industry, sportswear uniquely blends performance, material technology, and contemporary design—creating strong opportunities for new designers.

This practical and inspiring short course offers a comprehensive introduction to the sportswear design process. You'll learn how to research, design and plan collections that balance functionality with aesthetic impact, equipping you with foundational industry knowledge suitable for further study or entry‑level roles in the sportswear, activewear, and athleisure markets.

Through hands‑on design tasks, market profiling exercises and exploratory concept development, students gain the creative tools needed to begin a sportswear design journey. The course encourages both independent and collaborative work, supported by expert guidance and regular feedback.

Why Sportswear?

Sportswear represents one of the fastest‑growing global apparel markets, fuelled by:

• The rise of fitness culture and wellness‑driven lifestyles
• Hybrid living habits and demand for versatile garments
• Advancements in fabric innovation, performance materials and sustainable technologies
• Increased blurring between fashion, sport and leisure
• A strong, continually expanding consumer base across demographics

By understanding the principles of sportswear design, students are better equipped to enter this sector that values creativity, innovation and forward‑thinking design solutions.

You can take your learning further with our complementary courses in this field: Starting an Athleisure Business Short Course and Activewear Design Short Course.

This course is available in two formats: a 5-week evening course or a 3-day course.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for aspiring apparel designers, emerging creatives, activewear enthusiasts, and anyone aged over 18 who is interested in understanding how performance, function and style merge in the sportswear industry.

No previous experience is required. Please note, this is a design‑based course that doesn’t cover garment construction or pattern cutting.