3 Key Outdoor Trends for Spring / Summer 2022

January 2021

Up-cycling, streetwear references and military grade materials are key for the new season

‘Friluftsliv’ the Nordic concept of getting outdoors drives the season as consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits of being in the wild, spending more time and money on outdoor lifestyles and activities. The shift outdoors and subsequent growth of the sector creates exciting opportunities for new and existing brands.

MM6Maison Margiela X The North Face, image source www.maisonmargiela.com 

Draw inspiration from our 3 key outdoor themes from the Spring/Summer 2022 forecast, developed by trend forecaster Chantell Fenton in collaboration with the LTP Group.

Priorities Up-cycling for Craft & Hike

As consumers cherish the great outdoors, the modern hiker looks for up-cycled styles with unique and one- off designs. Brands should invest in circularity, reusing and recycling where possible by reclaiming post-consumer waste through in-store collections or mail-back programmes. Collaborate with brands like Greater Goods who transform old into new. A cut-and-paste aesthetic, playful bold blocking and layered looks are key. Visible repairs are worn as a badge of honour. Offer in-store services or show consumers how to mend purchases for added value and longevity.

Craft& Hike Trend Board, image source www.chantellfenton.com

Fuse Streetwear and Outdoor References for Doorstep Adventure

Post-pandemic, the world will be less global. Consumers will increasingly embrace the local over the international, favouring staycations and road-trip adventures. Develop peak-to-pavement products that fuse streetwear references with high performance properties. Weatherproofing and climate control are key. Mid and outer layers feature visible functionality with excess pockets and strap details. Products designed for the great outdoors should take a more sustainable approach to colour. As natural dyes take hold differently, make sun-worn colour a part of the narrative.

Doorstep Adventure Trend Board, image source www.chantellfenton.com

Push the Boundaries with Military Grade

As brands increasingly look to push the boundaries, innovations that were first developed for the military will provide potential for added protection and performance for outdoor and activewear 2.0. Draw inspiration from the toughest military terrain to craft mission-ready kit. This aesthetic also provides the opportunity to use deadstock fabrics or upcycling. Look to military-grade carbon fibre which is said to be 200 times tougher than steel. The fibre has a host of performance benefits including boosting blood circulation, increasing cell oxygenation and reducing muscle fatigue.

Military Grade TrendBoard, image sourcewww.chantellfenton.com

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 ([email protected]) 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:

Seasonal Trend Analysis for the Sport & Outdoor Industry

Product Design & Development, Creation and Innovation

360° Innovation book

3D Product Creation

The Sport & Outdoor Apparel Network

Meet Your Manufacturer

Global Innovation from Europe & Asia

Value Added Services by the LTP Group, image at www.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 & 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