Impressions - April 2020 - 18

"Health is a lifestyle" is a phrase that echoes
a trend that embraces healthy living in all
aspects. "This trend is a natural for athletic

wear, as people want apparel that allows them
to be active and focused on their health,"
Thompson says.

Preparing for Success
It's only logical that athletes gravitate toward fabrics
and styles that enhance, rather than impede, performance.
After all, a runner wouldn't wear casual shoes to compete
in a marathon, as it would increase the potential for injury. When it comes to performance, most athletes look for
freedom of movement and breathable fabrics.
According to Carlson and Thompson, performance probably is
as important as fashion in athletic wear. However, Vanover
says price can be the most significant factor, depending
on the demographic. At the lower levels, such as youth
recreation leagues, price is the most important factor.
"As the age and skill levels of the athletes [increase],
performance becomes more important - even paramount at
the highest levels," Vanover says. "In between those two
scenarios, you have the sweet spot where fashion can influence the decision as much as price and performance."

Styles and Fabrics

Expect to see more fitted team apparel this
year. "A tighter fit in a football jersey, for instance, leaves less to grab on to for would-be
tacklers," Vanover says. "Another trend that
we expect to continue on the men's side is the
move to shorter inseam lengths on shorts. A
few years ago, 10-inch and 11-inch inseams
were common, but those are giving way to
9-inch-and-below [inseams]."
Lightweight hooded tees are also having
a moment in the sun. "[This trend] may be
because athletes like LeBron and Steph Curry have been seen shooting around in these
styles, but whatever the reason, at A4 we are
seeing strong demand and expect it to continue," Vanover adds.
As for fabrics, synthetics still rule. They
have a tie-in with performance, as many experts agree their breathability positively impacts the ability of the athlete to perform.
Fabric blends, including spandex combined
with polyester, provide greater stretch and
athletic mobility.
Other advantages offered by synthetics,
Thompson says, include wicking, antimicrobial and cooling properties. She adds that

New Styles: Athletic Wear

Sign up at impressionsmag.com to get the Impressions Product Guide to
Athletic Wear, which will be emailed April 16.
1. Gildan Heavy Cotton Victory T-Shirts
Styles 5000VT and 500VTL  Made of 5.3-ounce, 100% cotton  Available in
eight colorways in adult sizes XS-3XL  Semi-fitted ladies' sizes S-2XL
 Features contrasting self-fabric sleeve stripes and double-needle stitching
at the sleeve and bottom hems
Use Info⋅Action #300 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

2. A+ Career Apparel Performance Quarter-Zip Pullover
Unisex style 613  Moisture-wicking and ideal for full-color sublimation
graphics  Made from 100% polyester  Provides lightweight, flexible
comfort and can be layered, according to the company  Available in adult
sizes S-3XL
Use Info⋅Action #301 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

3. Poli-Tape POLI-FLEX TURBO Heat Transfer Vinyl
Pantone Color of the Year Classic Blue recently was added  Polyurethane
film equipped with adhesive, allowing for application at a low temperature,
with three-second application time using low pressure  Can be used on
other substrates
Use Info⋅Action #302 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

4. Comfort Colors Baseball Caps
Fourteen direct-dyed colors (style 103) or 15 pigment-dyed shades (style
104)  Retro-inspired trucker cap (style 105) is available in nine colors
 Made with 100% tea-dyed cotton at the front and 100% polyester mesh
panels at the back

Use Info⋅Action #303 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

5. Expert Brand Women's V-Neck Tec Tee
Style AJ 202D  Made with 100% microfiber polyester oXymesh  Shortsleeve style with curved hem  Relaxed fit in feminine, contoured design
 Sizes S-3XL are available
Use Info⋅Action #304 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

6. OTTO Cap Performance Cap
Style 19-1275  Made of 95% polyester /5% spandex  UPF 50+ cool-comfort
stretchable knit with perforated back  Structured, six-panel, low-profile
style  Available in three colors
Use Info⋅Action #305 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

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Impressions - April 2020

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