Sportswear: One Word or Two? The Definitive Spelling Guide

Key Takeaways

• Both "sportswear" and "sports wear" appear in publications, but the single‑word form is the standard spelling in modern English.
• Major dictionaries list "sportswear" as the headword and note the two‑word variant as a historical or informal alternative.
• British English and American English treat the term the same; the difference is not regional but chronological.
• When writing for fashion or fitness audiences, stick to the one‑word spelling to match industry style guides.
• Use a reliable style guide or dictionary to settle any doubt-consistency beats intuition.

What "sportswear" Actually Means

Sportswear is a category of clothing designed for athletic activities, casual wear, or lifestyle use. The term covers everything from running shorts and moisture‑wicking tees to joggers that double as streetwear. Over the past decade, the boundary between performance gear and everyday fashion has blurred, giving rise to the popular activewear segment.

Compound Words vs. Word Pairs: The Grammar Angle

English loves snapping two nouns together to create a new meaning-think "blackboard" or "lifeboat". These are called compound words. When a compound becomes widely used, dictionaries usually list it as a single entry. The same rule applies to "sportswear".

Historically, writers sometimes split the term into "sports wear" because the idea of clothing for sports felt like a descriptive phrase rather than a lexical unit. However, as the market grew, manufacturers and media treated it as a brand‑level category, prompting lexicographers to merge the words.

What the Authorities Say

Checking the top reference works settles the debate quickly. Below is a snapshot of how the leading dictionaries record the term.

All three authorities treat the one‑word version as the primary spelling. The two‑word form appears only as a noted variant, usually flagged as informal or dated.

British vs. American English: No Real Split

Sometimes readers assume the spelling difference mirrors the Atlantic divide-British English preferring "sports wear" and American English favoring "sportswear". In reality, both regions follow the same dictionary standards. The British English style guides (e.g., the Guardian’s) advise the single‑word form, and the American English manuals (e.g., the Chicago Manual of Style) do the same.

The confusion often stems from older advertising copy or niche blogs that chose the split spelling for visual balance. Modern editorial policies across the UK and US have converged on sportswear spelling as the safe bet.

How the Fashion Industry Writes About It

Major fashion magazines-Vogue, GQ, Elle-consistently use "sportswear" in their mastheads and feature articles. Brand press releases from Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon also adopt the one‑word version. When a style guide like the Fashion Publication Style Guide is consulted, the rule is clear: keep it as a single word.

There are rare exceptions. Boutique blogs that focus on vintage sports attire sometimes revert to "sports wear" to evoke a retro feel. If you write for a niche audience that values that nostalgic tone, the split can be a stylistic choice-just make sure it stays consistent throughout the piece.

Practical Checklist for Writers

• Use "sportswear" as the default spelling.
• If a brand’s official name includes a space (e.g., a store called "Sports Wear"), respect the trademark.
• When editing, run a search for "sports wear" and verify context before changing.
• Consult your organization’s style guide; most recommend the single‑word form.
• For SEO, target the keyword "sportswear" rather than the split version.

Common Questions About the Term

Final Thoughts

When it comes to spelling, the evidence is clear: the industry, the dictionaries, and the major style guides all point to the one‑word form. Keep "sportswear" consistent in your copy, and you’ll avoid the tiny but noisy debate that pops up on forums and comment sections.