For the new season, sustainable initiatives are key as grown-to-order materials gain commercial relevance. Comfort continues to be a key driver with the emergence of soft ribs and reappropriated fashion-fabrics with built-in performance attributes dominate new season developments.

Here, Alex Ingildsen, CCO at LTP Group and trend forecaster Chantell Fenton discuss what fabrics will resonate in the sport and outdoor industry for Spring/Summer 22 as outlined in the LTP Group’s seasonal forecast.

Soft Ribs Are Key

Comfort will be a defining characteristic for S/S 22 as consumers look for transitional styles that work for multiple end uses. Premium, soft handle ribs offer enhanced close-to-skin comfort. Use different gauge rib knits on first and second layers. As consumers expectations around sustainability change, invest in natural yarns like merino wool or cotton-cashmere blends for plastic-free activewear. Soft pastel hues elevate products into style statements. Explore plant-based or natural dyes for a sustainable future.

Recast Denims In An Active Setting

Invest in the next generation of technical stretch denim with performance attributes like wicking, breathability and compression to create denim-inspired activewear with gym-to-street appeal. Explore the duality of performance and casual aesthetics with innovative suppliers like ISKO. For an experimental approach, use irregular dye effects in indigo tones to create inky depths which mirror the look of denim washes and faded finishes. Apply across leggings and bras for a bodycon fit with maximum stretch ant recovery. Joggers and jackets should feature pockets and hardware details.

Fabrics Are Grown To Order For The New Season

As the material revolution takes hold, brands will increasingly drive innovation in plant and organism-based textiles. Invest in seaweed and algae based materials with eco-benefits including biodegradability and circularity. The conversion of algae bloom into sustainable foam for footwear, accessories and components for surfboards is already revolutionising the industry. Look to materials science collective Pangaia, who have recently developed seaweed fibre for t-shirts. The fabric can absorb sweat much faster than pure cotton whilst also being lighter, breathable and soft touch. The styles are also treated with natural peppermint oil for a wash-less finish.

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:

360° Innovation book

Seasonal Trend Analysis for the Sport & Outdoor Industry

Meet Your Manufacturer

3D Product Creation

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 & 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

New design manager at LTP, 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

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