Impressions - March 2022 - 17

Versatility is important,
as consumers want
relaxed apparel they can
wear whether walking,
running, biking or doing
yoga. Photo provided by
Delta Apparel.
" As we transition to more fl exible
work environments and the
dramatic embrace of Zoom and its
counterparts, it's clear athleisure is
the new 'everyday casual.' "
- Michael Johnson,
HanesBrands Printwear
pieces, but also in the design of offi ce wear to be more comfortable
or " athleisure-like. " A return to the offi ce may result in relaxed dress
codes for many workers, as employees have grown accustomed to
round-the-clock athleisure apparel.
" We've lived through this pandemic for two years now, and our
everyday lives have changed, " Kilelee says. " We've had to make so
many adjustments personally and professionally. Th e one constant I
believe is that people want to be comfortable, and they are willing
to invest more into athleisure styles, if it means added comfort. "
Athleisure apparel will likely make its way into workwear design
to marry comfort with function, and the incorporation of athleisure
pieces or aesthetics into the workwear style and wardrobe will become
more the norm over time.
FORESEEABLE CHANGES
An adjustment and adherence to the " new normal " has been prominent
during 2022. Since supply-chain issues may have caused suppliers and
decorators to use what's available vs. what's preferred, the opportunity
to re-create the next " big decorating idea " lies in the wake, says Greg
Brown, chief operating offi cer, Citadel Brands, manufacturers of the
Just Hoods by AWDis and Just Cool by AWDis brands.
He adds that silhouette options are a trend that will continue, while
Johnson asserts that graphic tees and sweats - already entrenched
as wardrobe staples - will continue to see proportional growth.
" Anecdotally, where once [athleisure] may have been 30% of a
person's wardrobe, now it may take up 40% [or more], " Johnson says.
thleisure's popularity went into overdrive as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic. Th e current question is about this category's
longevity moving forward.
Michael Johnson, director of marketing for HanesBrands Printwear,
believes the pandemic has only accelerated the athleisure trend.
" First, it was the comfort of working from home, and now consumers
want to keep that comfort while also looking good, " he says. " As
we transition to more fl exible work environments and the dramatic
embrace of Zoom and its counterparts, it's clear athleisure is the
new 'everyday casual.' "
Tracy-Ann Kilelee, merchandising and marketing coordinator
for Delta Apparel, likens athleisure styles to the American staple of
blue jeans. " I think athleisure is here to stay, " she says. " I believe the
exponential growth of athleisure during the pandemic will continue
after COVID ends, and also will be solidifi ed even more in diff erent
styles of fashion.
She says consumers already see more of a hybrid of athleisure
and workwear, not only in the mixing of casual and more structured
" Unisex silhouettes are still on trend, as are garment-dye, tie-dye and
other garment washes. It's not only about the comfy silhouette and
the perfect versatile, midweight fabric; it's also about the well-worn
look and feel. "
Kilelee foresees end users mixing up their wardrobes to include
more athleisure pieces, mixing those styles with more structured pieces.
" For example, wearing nice joggers, an elevated tee or blouse with
a blazer to an offi ce event or function, " she says. " Wearing sneakers
and jeans with a blazer or button-down shirt. Th e key is comfort but
still looking put together. "
Athleisure trends that will rise to the top may be those that off er
the most comfort, but the key word when talking about athleisure
today is " options, " according to Johnson.
" Rather than having fi ve exact pieces to wear repeatedly, consumers
want multiple silhouettes, fi ts, colors and weights to choose from
when dressing each day, " Johnson says. " Versatility is important, as
consumers want relaxed apparel they can wear to multiple events
throughout the day. We've seen the 'athleisuring' of performance
apparel - apparel you can wear to walk, run, bike or yoga. Sun protection
is important, whether you are in the game or watching the
game, as is wicking. "
MARCH 2022
P.17
Impressions - March 2022

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