Is Sportswear One Word? The Truth About Spelling and Usage
Sportswear Spelling Checker
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Examples of correct usage:
"She bought new sportswear for her marathon training."
"This section features the latest sportswear collections."
Ever typed sportswear and paused, wondering if it’s really one word? You’re not alone. People split it all the time - ‘sports wear’, ‘sport wear’ - even big brands sometimes get it wrong on their websites. But here’s the simple answer: sportswear is one word. And it’s been that way for decades.
Why ‘sportswear’ is one word
Language evolves. Words that started as two or three separate words often merge over time as they become common. Think of ‘email’ (once ‘e-mail’), ‘website’ (once ‘web site’), or ‘toothpaste’ (once ‘tooth paste’). ‘Sportswear’ followed the same path.
The term emerged in the early 1900s as athletic clothing became more popular outside of the field. By the 1950s, manufacturers were using ‘sportswear’ as a single word in catalogs and advertising. The American Heritage Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, and Oxford all list it as one word. No hyphen. No space. Just sportswear.
It’s not just about grammar - it’s about function. When you say ‘sportswear,’ you’re not talking about clothes worn during sports. You’re talking about a category: breathable fabrics, moisture-wicking seams, stretch panels, compression fits. It’s a product class, like ‘footwear’ or ‘outerwear.’ And those are all one word too.
What’s the difference between sportswear and activewear?
People use these terms interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. Sportswear refers to clothing designed specifically for athletic performance - things like running tights, soccer jerseys, swimwear, or tennis shorts. These are made for movement, sweat, and impact. They often have technical features like flatlock seams, UV protection, or antimicrobial treatments.
Activewear is broader. It includes sportswear, but also covers clothes meant for casual movement - yoga pants worn to the grocery store, hoodie-and-sweatpants combos for weekend errands, or leggings that look good on Zoom calls. Activewear prioritizes comfort and style as much as function.
So while all sportswear is activewear, not all activewear is sportswear. And both are written as one word. No exceptions.
Common mistakes and why they stick
You’ll still see ‘sports wear’ on blogs, product listings, and even in news articles. Why? Because the brain wants to split it. ‘Sports’ is plural, and ‘wear’ is a verb. Our brains naturally want to separate them.
But that’s a trap. ‘Sports’ here isn’t the plural noun - it’s an adjective modifying ‘wear.’ Just like ‘nightwear’ or ‘underwear,’ it’s a compound word. You wouldn’t write ‘night wear’ or ‘under wear,’ right? Same logic applies.
Another reason? Typing errors. People type ‘sports wear’ because it feels intuitive. Then others copy it. Soon, it spreads. But repetition doesn’t make it correct. Google’s search algorithm now treats ‘sportswear’ as the dominant spelling - over 95% of results use the one-word version. Retailers like Nike, Adidas, Lululemon, and Under Armour all use ‘sportswear’ in their official product categories.
How to use it correctly
Here’s a quick rule: If you’re describing clothing made for exercise, training, or sports, use sportswear as one word.
- Correct: ‘She bought new sportswear for her marathon training.’
- Incorrect: ‘She bought new sports wear for her marathon training.’
Even when you’re talking about multiple items, don’t pluralize the word. You don’t say ‘sportswears.’ You say ‘pairs of sportswear’ or ‘items of sportswear.’ Just like you don’t say ‘footwears’ - you say ‘pairs of footwear.’
And if you’re writing for a website, product catalog, or marketing material - stick with ‘sportswear.’ It’s the standard. It’s searchable. It’s what buyers type into Amazon, eBay, or Google.
What about British vs. American English?
No difference here. Both the UK and US use ‘sportswear’ as one word. The Oxford English Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary, and Collins all list it the same way. Even in Australia and Canada, it’s one word. There’s no regional variation to confuse you.
Some British writers might use ‘sportswear’ less frequently than ‘athletic wear,’ but when they do use it, it’s still one word. And ‘athletic wear’? Also one word - no space.
Real-world examples
Look at how major retailers label their sections:
- Nike: ‘Sportswear’ (not ‘Sports Wear’)
- Adidas: ‘Sportswear’ on their homepage and product filters
- Decathlon: ‘Sportswear’ as a top-level category
- Amazon: Search ‘sportswear’ - 2.1 million results. Search ‘sports wear’ - less than 15,000, and most are typos or low-quality listings
Even fashion magazines like Vogue and GQ use ‘sportswear’ in headlines when covering performance fashion. If they’re getting it right, so should you.
Why this matters
It’s not just about grammar. It’s about clarity, credibility, and searchability.
If you’re a small business selling sportswear, using the wrong spelling could mean your product doesn’t show up when someone searches for the term. If you’re writing content - blog posts, product descriptions, social media - using ‘sports wear’ makes you look less professional. It signals you’re not up to date.
And if you’re a student, teacher, or editor? Getting this right builds trust. It shows you pay attention to detail. In a world full of sloppy spelling, being precise stands out.
Final rule: One word. Always.
Forget the urge to split it. Don’t overthink it. sportswear is one word. Period. Whether you’re typing on your phone, writing a resume, designing a label, or creating an e-commerce product page - use it as one word. No hyphen. No space. No exceptions.
It’s not a trend. It’s not up for debate. It’s settled. And now you know.
Is sportswear one word or two?
Sportswear is one word. It has been standardized in all major dictionaries and used as a single term by retailers, brands, and style guides for decades. Writing it as ‘sports wear’ or ‘sport wear’ is incorrect.
Can I use ‘sports wear’ in casual writing?
You can, but it will look like a mistake. Even in casual contexts, using the correct spelling builds credibility. If you’re texting a friend, it doesn’t matter much - but if you’re posting online, writing a product description, or applying for a job in fashion, use ‘sportswear.’
Is ‘sportswear’ the same as ‘activewear’?
They overlap but aren’t the same. Sportswear is designed for actual sports - think running shorts, swimwear, or basketball jerseys. Activewear includes sportswear but also covers casual, comfortable clothing worn during light activity, like yoga pants or hoodies. Both are written as one word.
Why do people keep misspelling it?
Because ‘sports’ is plural and ‘wear’ is a verb, the brain wants to separate them. It’s a common cognitive shortcut. Also, many people copy typos they see online. But search engines and retailers treat ‘sportswear’ as the correct form - so sticking with it helps visibility and professionalism.
Should I pluralize ‘sportswear’?
No. ‘Sportswear’ is an uncountable noun, like ‘footwear’ or ‘luggage.’ You don’t say ‘sportswears.’ Instead, say ‘items of sportswear,’ ‘pairs of sportswear,’ or ‘pieces of sportswear.’