As we begin to look ahead and turn our focus to the new season, trend forecaster Chantell Fenton and the LTP team discuss the biggest trends and key drivers that will shape the sport and outdoor industry for Spring/Summer 2022.

The three themes outlined in this article, Standard Issue, Supersized Escapism and Sports Science are underpinned by the macro driver of the season, No Middle Ground. In this moment, it’s abundantly clear the future is no longer what we thought it would be, now is the time to shift your thinking and reevaluate your offer, as Spring/Summer 2022 is not the time to be average. This season is about polar opposites. Brands must break from the centre and deliver what resonates most with their consumers. Whether bold and loud or quiet and refined both are driven by the pursuit of comfort. Use Spring/Summer 2022 as an opportunity to break from the middle and pursue the extremes whilst embracing the duality of the season ahead.

1. Standard Issue

As consumers become accustomed to comfort dressing pared-down luxury continues to gain traction. It’s all about making better with less. Simplicity is key. Be clever with seam placements to create innovative lines whilst removing unnecessary seams. Play with proportions. Use oversized sleeves, cocoon silhouettes or elongated hoods to create cosy elevated basics. Up-spec core styles with soft brushed-back fabrics. Opt for recycled or biodegradable qualities. Natural, raw and plant-derive colour reinforces the sustainable messaging.

2. Supersized Escapism

The digital and physical continue to blur as consumers desire apparel that provides a much-needed escape from reality. Look to gaming and the e-sports industry to inspire a more playful aesthetic with rave culture influences. Take a maximalist approach with vibrant, offbeat pairings and OTT prints that feed into the high-spirited mood of this trend. Products must spark joy, from performance to athleisure this trend is about mood-boosters. For hyper-bright colours use dope-dyeing instead of piece dyeing which is more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

3. Sports Science

Athletes from recreation to pro-level will look to optimise performance and enhance athletic ability via connected workouts. Training will be driven by data from programs powered by AI to on-demand personal trainers. Use cutting-edge technology and next-gen innovation to create connected products which heightened the gym experience. Integrate smart textiles with built in sensors for tracking and real-time feedback. Digital inspired-colour and glitch graphics move IRL products into the digital realm. All-in-one statement styles are designed to mirror gaming skins.

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:

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

For more information please feel free to contact Alex at the LTP Group [ali@tpgroup.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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