A Meeting of MindsAt ISPO Textrends, Street Sports and Soft Equipment are just two of the sectors that are distinctive in their composition but also their creativity, leading the way for the Fall/Winter 22/23 season. Influenced by the key drivers affecting all the sectors of the winter sport and outdoor market, post-pandemic, these two sectors are anticipated to grow.From venturing to the great outdoors or cruising the city landscape, performance fabrics are becoming a crucial part of the crossover occurring in fashion and sport outdoor wear. Fashion brands continue to look to performance fabrics as consumers, having reassured their lifestyles, look to performance in the city as well as the increased interest in the great outdoors. It isn’t just the fashion sector delivering into the functional fabric arena, but also outdoor brands pursuing a higher level of creativity, bringing their manufacturing know-how to the fashion scene. In the middle, the textile mills are delivering, with creativity, functionality, and a strong sense of sustainability all featuring. VF Corporation’s (VFC) The North Face has also been bringing its apparel know-how to fashion with collaborations with Gucci and MM6 Martin Margiela. Renowned for their exploration clothes for the outdoors and their use of high-performance fabrics, essential for outdoor expeditions, the ubiquitous logo of The North Face looks just as good up a mountain as it does on the catwalk. Key Textile Drivers in the Outdoors Textile SectorSustainabilitySustainability is not a trend – it is now an inclusive element of the textile chain, in a multitude of processes. Recycled yarns, energy saving, water saving, recyclable fabrics – the list is endless, right down to durable virgin synthetics that offer a sustainable solution to the life of the garment, and even through to the ‘pre-loved’ market.Dyeing & FinishingA huge push in dyeing and finishing is a notable area with dope dye and eco-friendly chemicals and protective finishes coming through. Prints also feature, with the digital gaining ground but also sublimation prints.Biodegradable and compostable ingredients on the riseBio-synthetic, biodegradable and compostable are starting to emerge as serious contenders for performance. Still, in its early stages, the bio-based fabrics include virgin conventional/bio blendsFull CircleA circular economy continues, as the waste free cycle is the desired result. Brand developers are looking, not just how they want to design a product, but also how the product can be returned to the circle of the supply chain, affecting their sourcing choices.Naturals go it aloneOnce the blending partner of synthetics, that gave them a boost into the performance market, classic natural fibers including cashmere, merino wool, and cotton are now doing it for themselves. Printed merino wool single jersey from Zhangjiagang Shepherd IncPFC-free, DWR bi stretch corduroy from Grand Textile Co. LtdDigital printed Tyvek DuPont fabric with high tenacity, lightweight and wind and rain proof from _Huamao (Xiamen) Special Material Co LtdCORDURA and paper denim from Chia Her IndustrialLight and warm soft two-color knitted fabric_Toread Holdings Group Co LtdWindproof, waterproof and downproof 3D visual effect from Huamao (Xiamen) Special Material Co LtdTextured surface using Color Max new dyeing process direct onto the fabric from Grand Textile Co LtdHollow yarn for warmth with moleskin finish from Everest Textile Co LtdLaser Film from Chia Her Industrial Co Ltd Previous Next STREET SPORTSStreet Sports continues to evolve, especially after lockdown, where consumers have had the opportunity to reassess their lifestyles. From a health and fitness perspective, the great outdoors beckons, with high-level protection from DWR to thermal insulation a key factor. Also, there has to be an element of creativity, and we are seeing this come through on surfaces, as digital and sublimation prints feature.The functionality of garments, with a stylish twist, crosses through to city living, as changes in urban mobility, having been on the horizon pre-pandemic, come into daily commutes. With many cities embracing eliminating cars and introducing cycling lanes and pedestrian zones, the need for protection is key. This is where fashion brands can work with performance mills in creating multi-functional garments with a stronger sense of style.Textile DevelopmentsDownproof fabricsMembranes and coatings deliver waterproof, windproof, breathable functionality Bio-based nylonHigh tenacity ripstop for packable garments - providing protection when neededHigh tenacity woven fabrics, bottom weights – anti-tear (sustainable due to long-lasting life of the garment)Recycled polyester is still a favorite amongst consumer – enhanced hand feel is importantPerformance denim – anti-rip and bi-stretch or heat technology from performance yarns – but maintaining an authentic denim lookBase Layers - single knit jersey with built-in performanceMerino wool in fine gauge knits for thermal regulation and anti-odorDigital printing updates both woven and knit surfaces Digital printing updates a class multi functional abrasion resistant fabric from Honmyue Enterprise Co LtdRecycled nylon and nautral rubber foam double sided fabric from SHEICO GroupSilicone coating on a CORDURA surface provides a good tear strength and good abrasion resistance, and anti-dirt from Huamao (Xiamen) Special Material Co LtdSuper lightweight and strong ripstop weave with modern print finish using CORDURA Ultralite Fabric from AtextileBio based Polyamide, solvent free coating from Toray international Europe Previous Next SOFT EQUIPMENT Street Sports isn’t just apparel that fashion brands are taking an interest in, backpacks have become a staple product on the urban landscape. The functionality and comfort of backpacks appeal to consumers, but they don’t want the traditional outdoor backpack, they want an injection of style, and this season fabric manufacturers haven’t disappointed. Again, the key drivers of the season feature here, but the emphasis is placed on tougher and high tenacity products, but also designed to cross from wearing to work or hitting the hills at the weekend. Textile DevelopmentsTough, robust, and lightweightDouble-faced fabricsTough anti-rip twillsDouble-faced spacer-inspired knits – perfect for shoulder strapsWaterproof finishesPrinted ripstopSuper-lightweight high tenacity ripstopDigital printingRecycled synthetics