The latest in sports fashion, design and sustainability
Our lifestyle has been increasingly combined with sports aesthetics since we experienced the pandemic. The fashion industry has given a new emphasis and approach to lounge and sports clothing. A lot has changed in recent years, and clothing is no exception.
The lounge and sports clothing sector has achieved endless innovations, from high-performance fabrics to pieces adapted to functionality for the user’s total comfort. This active clothing environment is incredibly innovative and one of my favorites. These innovations are proof that sport and fashion can coexist and that we can look stylish and feel comfortable whether we run, jump, swim, or climb.
Sometimes days are busy: home, work, school, gym, training…
We are full of activities, and it is terribly annoying to change clothes for each occasion. That is why sportswear trends currently seek the fusion of function and style. With the boom in athleisure and the growing demand for comfortable but fashionable and sustainable clothing, designers and brands are creating garments that can be worn both in and out of the gym.
Furthermore, all of this goes hand in hand with the growing awareness of the environmental impact of fashion and the use of sustainable materials. Many designers are moving to environmentally friendly textiles and manufacturing practices, from recycled polyester and organic cotton to perspiration and body temperature-sensitive materials. Sustainable materials are increasingly being used in sportswear collections. This trend is not only excellent for the environment, but it also assures that you look nice while exercising.
Today we will talk about how these new trends in sportswear reflect the change we are looking for, focusing on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of styles. It doesn’t matter if you like wearing bright colors, prints, neon tones, or graphic patterns. It doesn’t matter if you prefer neutrals, or perhaps pastel colors and more traditional textures. There is a sportswear option for every style.
Let us now discuss a key topic that has acquired popularity: Athleisure.
What´s athleisure?
Picture it: Back in 2010, you’re walking out the door to meet your friends. Instead of skinny jeans, you decide that the leggings you regularly wear to the gym will suffice for brunch. It’s called athleisure, not laziness. And, by the standards of 10 or 12 years ago, this was a daring fashion choice, one that many people are probably still getting used to, given that anything resembling sweatpants was formerly considered a total mistake. This, however, is false. Today, though, this “uniform” has become the norm.
When COVID hit in early 2020 and we all had to stay at home, clothing became more of a source of comfort than a fashion statement. Consider how many pieces of clothing were abandoned because they were excessively inflexible or uncomfortable. Everyone began to wear sneakers, slippers, and Crocs. Sports leisure took the place of business clothing.
Wearing a baggy hoodie and yoga trousers with platform sneakers and stacked necklaces can be considered athleisure. Or your athletic outfit with thick socks and loafers. Athleisure today is comfortable but elevated, sporty but not “I just finished at the gym”.
Sportswear is no longer limited to athletic and gym gear. It has expanded to cover a diverse selection of fashionable and utilitarian apparel suitable for every occasion. Sportswear is more diversified than ever.
The increased understanding of the advantages of exercise and physical activity is one of the primary drivers of this trend. We are no longer content with just looking good; we want to feel good as well. As a result, high-performance textiles and technologies that improve comfort and performance have been developed.
The rise of social media and the impact of fitness influencers is another element driving the trend. People are increasingly seeking inspiration and guidance from these celebrities on how to live an active and healthy lifestyle. There has never been a better moment to embrace the trend and include sportswear in your wardrobe, with so many inventive and beautiful alternatives available.
Let’s take a look at the main areas where high-performance sports fashion and athleisure are evolving:
Ecological materials
As individuals grow more aware of the environmental impact of their behavior, eco-friendly materials are gaining appeal in the fashion business. Athletic clothing is no exception.
Algaeing, for example, uses 100% biodegradable yarns created from algae and cellulose that are nuanced with the wonderful natural colors of algae.
The Spanish firm Ecoalf, with the sports collection ”Because there is no planet b,” seeks solutions by eliminating over 500 tons of debris from the seafloor and recycling over 120 million plastic bottles to create high-quality sports gear.
Similarly, Adidas and Parley For The Oceans have been working together since 2016 to deliver real solutions to ocean pollution caused by plastic.
In 2019, they increased their commitment to becoming a part of the change by assisting in the cleaning of the oceans by releasing 11 million shoes made from recycled polyester from marine debris.
Inclusive size
Inclusive sizing has been a fashion industry trend for some time and is finally making its way into the realm of sportswear. Especially in the women’s market, which for a long time remained captive and restricted only to very small sizes or certain body types, ages and conditions.
Among the brands that are beginning to make a change in this issue, we find Veloine, which combines sport with pregnancy by developing a complete cycling suit for pregnant women, allowing them to ride a bicycle for as long as their bodies allow.
The Girlfriend Collective brand is redefining the sportswear market with sustainable gear for yoga, running, tennis, and other activities, accessible in sizes XXS to 6XL to fit any woman who wants to move. The brand also empowers with its social media campaigns and content, in which every woman may truly find herself.
MOB Industries, an Austrian athletic business, believes in fashion beyond borders. Adapted collections for individuals with impairments are developed in conjunction with young fashion brands and wheelchair users. With a high style factor and exceptional utility, such as the usage of magnetic buttons that make dressing and undressing easier. Leg covers with interesting patterns are available in addition to wonderful outdoor and leisure gear.
High-tech fabrics
This, in my opinion, is one of the most exciting parts of the fashion and textiles area! Let´s look at some examples.
High-tech textiles are becoming increasingly popular in athletic apparel. These textiles are intended to enhance performance while also providing optimal comfort during exercises. High-tech materials used in sportswear include moisture-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying textiles. These textiles not only boost performance but also have a fashionable appearance.
Many synthetic materials become oversaturated and hold moisture near the skin during exercise, giving a sweaty, clammy sensation. Depending on the fabric’s construction, TransDRY® materials can transport moisture from the inside to the outside of the garment in both horizontal and vertical directions.
Polartec’s DeltaTM cooling fabric has better wicking. HeiQ uses bio-based technology to give quick touch cooling as well as continual evaporative cooling. Coolcore technology (USA) employs 80% recycled polyester and incorporates patented cooling performance technology into the fibers.
Versatile designs
When it comes to sportswear, versatility is essential. We want to be able to wear sportswear outside of the gym and in our everyday lives. Designs that are both functional and modern are increasingly being created by brands. Layering, mixing, and matching pieces are getting more trendy. This enables you to create many ensembles from a small number of products, making your wardrobe more adaptable and cost-effective.
Riot Swim’s Sculpt Stretch High Rise V Cut Cycling Shorts are a great example of this trend. These shorts are made from a recycled nylon and spandex blend and feature a unique, figure-flattering V-cut design.
Sportswear combines with tailoring to provide adaptability with retro undertones that retain modern appeal. One of the major new favorites in sports fashion is tailoring, which includes:
♡Sporty blazer: A key item in any sartorial range, the blazer is updated via sportif fabrics and details.
♡Sporty straight-leg trousers: Emphasise comfort on tailored pants by incorporating elasticated waist detail.
♡Flowy T-shirt dress: It may not be a suitable garment for cycling or hiking, but it can be used as an incredibly comfortable, cool, and fashionable overlay.
♡Illusion johnny collar: An iconic sports club garment that oscillates between sportswear and elegant attire. The perfect hybrid between a t-shirt and a blouse.
♡Semi-sheer column skirt: These transparent skirts are fashionable at the catwalk and street style level. In sporty knit fabrics, the same as the t-shirt dress can be used as an interesting overlay.
These are just some examples, but regardless of your age, gender and lifestyle you will be able to find pieces that fit what you are looking for.
What does the future hold for sportswear?
Sportswear is continually evolving, with new trends and innovations. We may anticipate a continued emphasis on merging elegance and usefulness, as well as a shift toward more sustainable and eco-friendly materials.
The usage of high-performance fabrics and materials is projected to continue in the coming years. These textiles are intended to wick sweat, regulate body temperature, and give support and compression when required. To lessen their environmental impact, brands are also experimenting with original materials such as recycled polyester and plant-based fabrics such as bamboo and hemp.
In terms of fashion, we can anticipate a continued emphasis on vibrant colors and designs, as well as distinctive design elements like cutouts, mesh panels, and asymmetrical hems.
Overall, the future of sportswear appears promising, with an emphasis on both appearance and function. As more people emphasize their health and fitness, we should expect even more fascinating trends and ideas to come!
Finally, athletic trends are all about combining fashion and function. Sustainable materials, vivid colors, and tech-enabled clothes are being used by brands to create activewear that not only looks good but also performs well. We can now wear activewear both inside and outside the gym, thanks to athleisure fashions.
Overall, the sportswear trends are all about combining elegance and usefulness. We may look and feel our best while exercising and beyond thanks to eco-friendly materials, inclusive sizing, high-tech fabrics, and versatile designs.
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