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As more people have also begun to work from home and fashion has become even more relaxed, the Australian sportswear industry is now worth $8.5 billion, according to GlobalData with the market forecasted to reach $11.7 billion by next year.
Of this, women’s sportswear is expected to grow at 6.6 per cent to reach $4.3 billion by 2025.
But just who are the activewear moguls who have turned their side hustle or small business into a fully-scaled national or international business empire out of our penchant for leggings, bike shorts, crop tops and tracksuits?
Here is a list of the top creators of some of the biggest locally designed activewear brands in the country.
PIP EDWARDS: PE NATION
While her romantic relationships have often ruled headlines, it should not be forgotten just how sharp Pip Edwards’ business acumen is.
Ms Edwards, who has a commerce and law degree, started in fashion by creating the Ksubi label before she worked at Sass & Bide and General Pants Co.
She later created her activewear brand, PE Nation, in 2016 with ex-Sass & Bide senior designer, Claire Tregoning. In March this year, Ms Tregoning announced she was leaving the brand.
The Australian Financial Review last reported Ms Edwards earned $20m in revenue in 2020.
The following year, she moved into a $3.5m Rose Bay home in Sydney, where she currently resides with her teenage son, Justice. The 44-year-old co-parents Justice with former partner, fashion designer Dan Single.
She unveiled a new look for P.E Nation at this year’s Australian Fashion Week.
Last year Ms Edwards let go of six of her staff due to a company restructure and “challenging market conditions”.
LORNA JANE CLARKSON: LORNA JANE
Founded in 1990 by couple Lorna Jane Clarkson (nee Smith) and Bill Clarkson, Lorna Jane the brand was born after Ms Clarkson became an aerobics teacher in her 20s.
At the time, she wanted to create activewear that was both comfortable and stylish, and could be worn on the street and gym. No one would buy her designs, so she and her husband Bill opened up their own store in Brisbane. Needless to say, it was very successful.
According to The Australian Financial Review’s Rich Women List last year, she comes in...