If there’s anything women are as fanatical about as wearing their favourite fashion ensembles each season, it’s getting into their workout classes each day wearing their favourite fitness gear.
Retailers are finding that women want to participate in fitness activities without losing their fashion appeal. They want to perform well and look stylish at the same time.
Forever 21, Gap, H&M and several other brands have introduced thriving fitness fashion apparel lines that extend beyond the conventional sport bras; Urban Outfitters is selling a variety of stylish athletic sneakers; Express is making comfortable and elegant sports yoga pants.
The highly fragmented global fitness and apparel industry is expected to exceed a $126 market share next year, according to a report cited by ReportLinker. Some conventional sports apparel companies are teaming up with fashion brands to widen their product lines and create new clothing styles. Consumption is driven by the trend toward less formal wear in the gymnasium and fitness classes and demand from certain demographics such as baby boomers and teenagers.
Canaccord Genuity’s managing director Camilo Lyon stated in a note to investors that the growth of athletic apparel businesses have outpaced the growth of traditional apparel businesses during the last 2-3 years. The key factors include advances in technology leading to better creation of athletic fabrics, innovative brand focus and, lastly, the fact that more women are exercising than ever before.
Market research firm NDP reveals that sales of women activewear climbed to $11.5 billion in 2013 in the US alone. This was a 9% increase compared to the figure the firm estimated in 2012. The perspective says activewear will keep growing despite its rapid growth in the past few years as more consumers accept fitness wear as street year. It is expected to follow a similar pace when it comes to increasing demand for the next 3 years.
As a result, women aiming to look effortlessly while sprinting from tracks to fitness centers to boot camp can keep themselves up-to-date with the latest in fashion fitness apparel. Here are some of the latest trends, styles and features to look for when opting for stylish workout clothing in 2014:
The importance of silhouettes
You may choose to wear ‘loose clothing,’ thinking that it will let you move freely, but baggy shirts and pants can actually hinder your progress and motion. Slim-fitting fitness wear enables mobility for natural body movement during an exercise session, with zero distractions.
Appropriate fitted attire will not only make you feel comfortable, it will make you look good. Another tip is to keep an eye on fitness wear that comes in wrapping seams, as it helps to ensure the right amount of fitting for a supportive outfit that follows your body.
Compression
Compression wear for women is trending in the activewear arena. Compression shorts and other ensembles are also being utilized for workout recovery. How does compression clothing promote recovery, you wonder? It helps in simulating oxygen delivery to the muscles along with promoting blood flow to the joints. Adequate uptake of oxygen and blood speeds muscle recovery.
Another benefit of wearing compression garments is that they help in covering the friction-prone areas; they are functional and flattering and provide more coverage. Just make sure you get the appropriate size.
Layering and functional
Layering as a fabric is going to keep you dry and is ideal for winter workouts. Fitness wear with sweat-wicking and quick dryness features will work its magic to prevent chafing and rashes as well as make sure you are comfortable in the elements. Cotton should be avoided as it absorbs sweat and won’t work as a comfortable inside layer if you frequently engage in high-intensity workouts.
Also, if you can’t workout with your favourite music or always need your smartwatch by the side, opt for functional fitness wear – it’s all in the details, and the built-in features such as pockets for smartphones and thumb-holes for securing gadgets in long-sleeved fashion fitness garments.
Ample ventilation
Sometimes, even the most stylish activewear can leave consumers unsupported. The sports bra, for example, is one of the important pieces of activewear, so finding the one that allows for plenty of ventilation is crucial as you don’t to over-head during exercises.
Try a style that adds a pop of spring color and is vibrant in nature under your fitness outfit, and make sure what you pick provides sweat-control and support. A breathable mesh back can wick away the sweat and keep you dry.
Are you into fashionable activewear? What styles/trends do you like the most?
8th July 2014
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