Active Wear
Trends: Expect a fusion of active and street wear in 2013. “We have been seeing how activewear and street wear have influenced each other, due to increasingly active lifestyles,” said Christina Botkins, account manager of Tonix Corporation in Fremont, Calif. She noted the importance of durability in active and street apparel. “We believe activewear that can best support an athlete’s routine should be able to endure the day-to-day wear and tear of constant practice,” said Botkins. She listed other popular features such as UV protection on outerwear pieces and quick-dry properties on performance polos.
Men vs. Women: Botkins predicted that activewear will also experience a shift toward more flattering cuts for females. She noted that gender-specific products receive too little attention. “The biggest issue I see over and over again is the fit of a ladies’ piece, which often looks boxy,” said Botkins. Companies such as Tonix will solve this problem by offering a variety of styles specifically cut to flatter female athletic silhouettes. “An athlete should feel strong and also feminine,” Botkins stated.
