The annual athleisure tradeshow Active Collective showcases more than 250 brands, including active performance apparel, yoga fashion, accessories, and footwear. It’s a terrific snapshot of not just trends in the stores, but trends coming soon to a barre class, yoga studio, and treadmill near you—especially if you keep tabs on other top fitness companies, not at the show such as Lululemon, Sweaty Betty, Nike, Adidas, Outdoor Voices, Gymshark and Athletica. Here’s what you should know about fabric technology and fitness fashion trends now.
What’s New: Fitness Fashion and Gear
Brands at the tradeshow include Alo Yoga, Casall, Fila USA, Lole, Manduka, Noli Yoga, Onzie, Spiritual Gangster, Varley and Think Royln (we’re a fan of the fun and fresh rain-friendly gear). A walk around the convention floor and elsewhere showed plenty of camouflage, tie-dye, leopard, light blue, pistachio green, Gen-Z yellow, Sherpa, matchy-matchy, color blocking, neutral-colored gym shoes and other neutrals, high-waist leggings, bike shorts, compression athletic dresses and skirts with bike short components.
There were ruffly tennis skirts, skorts, and dresses as well as chunky-soled “dad” sneakers. Collaborations are big too: Misty Copeland just launched her new Uncontainable collection with UnderArmour.
Barre class doesn’t have to be for lightweights. Bala Weighted Wrist Bangles are adjustable, travel-friendly bracelets that keep you hands-free and come in a range of stylish colors. Sprint through April showers with Nike Odyssey React Shield Water-Repellent Running Shoe—these help you get a grip when it’s wet outside. Plus, they have reflective elements, because who doesn’t want to stay safe out there when you’re running like mad when it’s dark and rainy?
Fitness Technology
Sweat-wicking fabrics pull moisture away from the body so that it quickly evaporates. High-tech materials keep those cold and clammy sensations at bay. Scientists are currently working on textiles that are even more breathable in super-hot and sweaty conditions. Until then, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab reviewed dozens of leggings. They gave top honors to the Athleta Stealth Capri, not just for its sweat-wicking, but also for its flattering Sculptek compression.
The North Face FUTURELIGHT Outerwear keep you dry while you hike and on your outdoor run. The waterproof technology launches later this year. It’s said to be their most advanced launch yet for waterproof outerwear that’s actually breathable.
Apple Watch Series 4 isn’t just for tracking your workouts. This watch comes replete with a new electrical heart sensor, so you can use the ECG app to generate an ECG, or electrocardiogram, at any time to share with your doctor.
Feeling like you need a little more support? Shock Absorber Sports Bras take you to a 40HH. Lululemon Enlite Bra is made with Ultralu technological fabric that’s both smooth and supportive.
And finally, a smell check: HEX Performance Anti-Stink Spray for clothes and gear isn’t so much for you in your sweaty glory—it’s for those near and dear to you.
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