Feedback Here

fbook  tweeter  linkin YouTube
Global contents also translated in Chinese

Technology and functional properties boost activewear market

"Activewear have gained popularity because of comfort, looks, and functional properties like keeping cool, dry, and odor free. According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey, half of all consumers (50 per cent) are willing to pay more for water repellent apparels, followed by thermal regulating (48 per cent), and moisture management (46 per cent) apparel. Such features are becoming more attractive to consumers."

 

 

Activewear

 

Activewear have gained popularity because of comfort, looks, and functional properties like keeping cool, dry, and odor free. According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey, half of all consumers (50 per cent) are willing to pay more for water repellent apparels, followed by thermal regulating (48 per cent), and moisture management (46 per cent) apparel. Such features are becoming more attractive to consumers. In fact, research shows activewear shoppers are ‘very or somewhat likely’ to seek odour resistant features (63 per cent), moisture management features (60 per cent), thermal regulating and sweat hiding properties (both 59 per cent), water repellency (53 per cent), and antimicrobial features (42 per cent).

Activewear market

 

As Lacey Johnson, Global Brand Director, Bemis points out, many brands are looking to elevate more traditional silhouettes such as the T-shirt, classic crewneck sweatshirt, etc. “These classic silhouettes have been around forever but now Bemisss is helping brand partners reevaluate them to add a more technical aspect to the designs. Bemis Associates recently developed a line of Sewfree Bonding solutions specifically for natural fibres like cotton.

Johnson says the sewfree bonding offered by Bemis would be appreciated by consumers who workout both indoors and outside. The clothes one wears should never get in the way of performance when being active. Bemis’ technology helps clothes become a second — or third or fourth — skin. Whether this means avoiding chaffing, eliminating bulk, offering greater stretch, moisture-wicking capabilities, visibility with reflective adhesive applications, or protecting fabrics themselves with waterproofing, etc, sewfree bonding helps the wearer feel less restricted and worry less about the elements around them.

The Terra Collection allows designers to reinvent active and outerwear pieces by allowing a new level of breathability, lightweight versatility, and performance – all while maintaining the aesthetic of a soft fabric look, says Johnson. Such solutions are important as the industry is seeing an increased use of natural fibres.

L2 Digital Index

The L2 Digital IQ Index for activewear says the category is one of the fastest growing segments in apparel, and is expected to reach $117 billion in North America by the end of 2020. While Nike, Under Armour and Adidas are the top brands, L2 points out, activewear has seen an influx of new players looking to capitalize on the trend. Fashion apparel companies like Topshop and Victoria’s Secret have also joined the athleisure movement. In this increasingly competitive market, brands and retailers continue to search for growth opportunities and points of differentiation. As per L2 consumers are spending more time than ever researching their purchases online, often beginning days ahead of actually buying an item.

Activewear brands have always relied on athletes and celebrities to market their products to larger audiences, as per L2 reports. As street style and athleisure infiltrate high fashion, brands are coming full circle by turning to high fashion designers to collaborate on new lines. Whether it’s hardcore gym wear or designer athleisure, Johnson says consumers want activewear that works for them.

 
LATEST TOP NEWS
 


 
MOST POPULAR NEWS
VF Logo