In addition to being a fan favorite for its social and environmental efforts, Nike led in the category of athletic apparel and footwear, reaching 51 percent favorability for shoes and 41 percent for clothes among Gen Z, and 38 percent favorability for apparel and 37 percent favorability for footwear among millennials. Cown analysts believe consumers appreciate its "innovation cycle, digital transformation and demand creation spending that drives brand heat and draws a steady influx of new consumers." Meanwhile, athleisure remains a staple for these consumers, demonstrated by Lululemon 's status as the other casual lifestyle brand that saw significant gains in 2021. Bolstered by its popular leggings and sports bras, the company has seen a 5-percent increase in favorability among 18-24 year olds since 2019, with 9 percent preferring it over the competition.