For the new season, the bike and running boom provides a fresh opportunity for brands to expand collections to include commuter-ready lines. As consumers re-emerge and reconnect with the world, run and cycle commuting gains momentum as a way to keep fit, maximise time and help the environment. Alex Ingildsen, CCO at LTP Group states

“Bike and running brands are looking to take market share from traditional outdoor categories with highly versatile, weatherproofed, office-appropriate collections”

Ingildsen, and trend forecaster Chantell Fenton look ahead to spring/summer 22 to discuss the aesthetics which will drive this trend, as featured in the LTP Groups seasonal forecast.

Wear-to-work Styles Are In High Demand Thanks To The Super Commuter  

As commuting habits change and consumers favour running or cycling over other forms of transport, a business casual aesthetic emerges across sport ranges with wear-to- work styling. Explore a formal take on activewear, styles should offer office/commuter adaptability and added functionality. Think about more premium and tailored versions of sporting classics like the legging, jogger and body warmer. Use fabrics with dynamic stretch, crease-resistance and dirt repellent finishes for saddle--ready office attire. Invest in self-cleaning technologies. Use a wash-less treatment with silver ions to prevent odour-causing bacteria, which means every other wash can be skipped.

Shapeshifters Provide Consumers With Added Value

As consumers increasingly expect more from their purchases, Explore buildable, shapeshifting apparel which is specifically designed for versatility. Hybrid and dual-usage styles ultimately offer better value for consumers who are looking to buy-less-but-better. Modular styles should feature zip off sections for 2-in-1 styling. Create trousers which transform into shorts and jackets which feature built-in backpacks or zip off sleeves or hems for a cropped fit. Think about indoor/outdoor adaptability. Opt for water-repellent and showerproof finishes to mitigate increasingly unpredictable weather. Craft in core transeasonal colour for wardrobe longevity.

Use Fabrics With Sheer Strength

As weather volatility intensifies due to the climate crisis, summer collections will increasingly need to incorporate weatherproofing and adaptable layers. Super-light sheers are key. Opt for nano-weights with a semi-opaque matte finish. Although lightweight, some weighing as little as 15g, these fabrics should also be strong and durable, offering both weather protection and breathability come rain or shine. Apply across lightweight outerwear for outdoor and urban city-ready styles. Take a sustainable approach favouring recycled options over virgin qualities. Invest in bio-based and eco-tech finishes to mitigate the negative impacts on the environment.

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

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 and 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