We’re conscious of what we put into our bodies: supplements, nutrition, exercise and recovery to support wellbeing.
But what about what we put on our bodies every day?
This week, a recurring conversation has once again been influencing the direction of my sportswear design thinking.
The good news is that across apparel design, particularly activewear, underwear and seamless bodywear, fibre innovation is moving beyond simply looking and feeling good.
Natural and more considered materials are increasingly being developed around comfort, breathability, moisture management and performance.
Hemp: strong, breathable and naturally antibacterial.
Bamboo: soft, breathable and increasingly explored for next-to-skin applications.
Naia: soft, silky and made from sustainably sourced wood pulp.
Tencel & Modal: renewable wood-based fibres known for softness and comfort.
UMORFIL: incorporates collagen-derived material into fibres designed with softness and comfort in mind. I met this yarn supplier at Première Vision recently, they have some amazing innovations across product use.
For me, these developments are influencing the future direction of sportswear design, creating products that don’t simply fit the body, but are designed with purpose.
Performance Days, Munich, in October, will explore this space, at the ‘Bodywear Trend’ Forum showcasing the latest fibre trends and functional fabric innovations. Looking forward to discovering more innovations!