New Elite and Novice athletes will drive the Performance category for Spring/Summer 2022
Go backLeader of the Pack, Soft Performance and Active Animal are 3 key performance trends from the LTP Seasonal Forecast
Spring/Summer 2022 will be defined by the new elite and novice athlete. Both cohorts will demand more from their performance-wear resulting in polarised trends dictated by the target consumer.
This concept of polar opposites is outlined in our previous article which highlights the new season macro theme No Middle Ground. Spring/Summer 2022 is an opportunity to really get to know the consumer, aim to deliver on their wants and needs in new and exciting ways. Analyse how and where products are worn to better understand the functional details and fabric innovations which will truly resonate. Address these issues in your new collection to recession-proof activewear that will win over the hearts and minds of consumers.
Now’s the time for brands to define their cohort and act on the most pressing performancewear trends. Alex Ingildsen CCO at LTP Group and trend forecaster Chantell Fenton look ahead to spring/summer 22 to highlight the hottest performance-wear trends, as featured in the LTP seasonal forecast.
Leader of the Pack
A new era of stats-focused athletes will push through the burn to beat PBs, products designed for this segment must deliver next-level performance. Use sport’s tech labs to test function-first products in true-to-life scenarios. Ergonomic seams and variated knit structures create zoned compression. Aim to create optimal levels of cooling by using body mapping technology to strategically place perforation. Collaborate with tech firms to offer integrated tracking and monitoring via conductive yarns, providing key metrics for performance and injury prevention. Look to the K’Watch which measures lactic acid in-real time using a patented painless microneedle technology.
Soft Performance
S/S 22 is not only about the performance junkie, as wellness becomes a way of life for many, particularly the younger generation, soft performance, meditative running and non-competitive sports gain traction. It’s about fitness for the love of it. Looser, lifestyle silhouettes are inspired by downtime whilst close-to-skin styles are crafted in ultra-soft fabrics which offer support without feeling restrictive. Designed to easily transition into pre-, post- and during exercise. Opt for natural handles such as modal, bamboo, organic cottons or merino wool. Craft in softer hues, like nudes, blush pinks, red wood and summer white that communicates a more romantic take on exercise.
Active Animal
Two perennial fitness trends collide this season, monochrome and animal to create a new direction. From zebra to reptile, rework exotic skins on close-to-skin performance styles like bra tops, leggings and tees. Blocking is key on statement styles, which are design specifically for the youth fitness market. This story is bold and insta-ready but the monochrome colour palette ensures this direction is commercial and easy-to-wear. Aim to limit the negative environmental impact of your product by using sustainable stretch fabrics. Asahi Kasei's Roica V550 is a fruit-based polymer with cradle-to-cradle certification and also biodegradable.
How To Get The Complete Spring/Summer 2022 Sport And Outdoor Forecast
The Spring/Summer 2022 forecast features the must-have trends and insights designed to jumpstart seasonal developments. Existing customers and partners can contact CCO Alex Ingildsen (ali@ltpgroup.com) for their exclusive copy of the Spring/Summer 2022 sport and outdoor forecast. Produced seasonally by trend expert Chantell Fenton.
This resource is created as part of the companies Value Added Services which are strategically developed to provide brands with the tools to drive new and exciting innovations. This suite includes:
Product Design & Development, Creation and Innovation
The Sport & Outdoor Apparel Network
Global Innovation from Europe & Asia
For more information please feel free to contact Alex at the LTP Group [ali@ltpgroup.com].
About LTP
LTP is a Danish owned garment manufacturer for +60 premium brands within active sportswear, outdoor, athleisure and sustainable fashion. LTP was established in 1991, and is probably the biggest Sport & Outdoor garment manufacturer in Europe with Bluesign and GOTS setups in Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Vietnam
LTP consists of two divisions; LTP Garment and LTP Contract Furniture producing in nine fully-owned factories.
About Chantell Fenton
Chantell is an experienced performance sportswear designer and trend forecaster, with a passion for wellness, technology and function-first design. Chantell has an in-depth knowledge of how to spot and translate the must-have trends and macro shifts for the sports and outdoor industry. For more details visit www.chantellfenton.com