For designers and entrepreneurs approaching the activewear market, there are a huge range of opportunities to choose from. From performance running gear, extreme sportswear, yogawear, to sports bras, each market comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. But sustainability remains one of the biggest.
However, there are opportunities for new and existing brands to change the way the industry operates. Synthetic fabrics made from petrochemicals are being traded for recycled ocean waste, innovative technologies in waterproofing and odour-resistance are replacing toxic chemicals, and multi-function garments are being embraced by designers as activewear starts to clean up its act.
Through easy-to-follow steps, fashion consultant Vicki Wallis is here to share her expertise for anyone looking to launch their own sustainable activewear label. This Masterclass covers everything from building a 360-degree view of your target customer, to sourcing sustainable performance fabrics, to the key considerations for designing an activewear collection that is environmentally conscious.
In this Masterclass, you will learn:
- About the activewear industry today; its key challenges and opportunities
- How to start a new and sustainable activewear label
- How to find your niche in a competitive market and identify your target customer
- About sourcing and selecting sustainable fabrics for different types of activewear collections
- What makes a suitable fabric or trim for an activewear line; their properties, care guidance, afterlife
- How to implement sustainable design methods into the creation of your activewear collection, for multi-functional lifestyles, circularity and longevity
- Tips for approaching activewear manufacture
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Getting started: Planning for a successful sustainable activewear label
with Vicki WallisSummary
The activewear market is booming. Whether we're talking high-performance gear or just athleisure, the trend for comfortable, durable and stylish sportswear has sky-rocketed in recent years. If you're looking to launch your own sustainable activewear brand into this competitive marketplace, doing your research and having a strong understanding of your target customer is crucial. In this video, fashion consultant Vicki Wallis, talks through the key areas you need to think about before you create your business plan.
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Working with Sustainable Activewear Fabrics
with Vicki WallisSummary
Fabric is always an important decision in the clothing design process - but in the design of activewear, fabric choice is absolutely crucial to building a good reputation in the market for brilliant performance during sports and leisure activities. Fabrics need to be comfortable, durable, easy to care for, waterproof... the list is endless - and entirely depends on your target customer's demands. Add to this the need to be sustainable and you have quite the challenge on your hands!
Nevertheless, sustainable and high-performance activewear is achievable. In this video, we look at the options available to businesses, the key considerations for selecting and sourcing fabrics and the background to the sustainable activewear fabric technologies on the market right now.
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How to Design Sustainable Activewear
with Vicki WallisSummary
How do you go about designing a collection of activewear that not only minimises impact on the environment and meets the technical requirements of activewear, but also impresses your customers with its durability, functionality and comfort? Sounds like a tall order?
In this video, we look at the three key considerations to take into account when designing sustainable activewear that will ensure you meet this criteria.
Interviews
Tierra: building the first ever bio-fuel jacket from castor beans, corn, Tencel and nuts
Wednesday Nov 1st, 2017
Rockay Socks: More wearing, less washing
Wednesday Apr 1st, 2020
League Collective: Sustainable Multisport Activewear Borne From Personal Lifestyle
Wednesday Apr 1st, 2020
Past Events
Take a look at these related lessons:
Tierra; building the first ever bio-fuel jacket
Oceanworks; recovered ocean plastic trims
London Contour Experts: Design and Development of Eco Swimwear
Follow on Masterclasses:
Introduction To Pattern Cutting
Launching An Eco Swimwear Label
Recycled Fabrics: The Social, Economic and Environmental Impacts
Additional Reading
Top Sustainability Textile Trade Shows All Designers Should Visit
Monday Feb 14th, 2022
Future Fabrics Expo 2021: Biodiversity, Natural Fibres and Regenerative Textiles
Sunday Jul 11th, 2021
Spring Summer 2022 Colour And Material Trends: Premiére Vision
Monday Feb 22nd, 2021
Our Pick of Ethical and Sustainable Swimwear & Activewear Brands
Wednesday Apr 1st, 2020
What is Fast Fashion and Why Is It Still So Popular?
Monday Jan 20th, 2020
Eco producers, manufacturers and innovators at Première Vision September 2019
Monday Sep 30th, 2019
Tips for attending fabric trade shows like Première Vision
Monday Sep 30th, 2019
The sustainable brands redefining luxury with made-to-order business models
Monday Sep 16th, 2019
Sustainable Fashion Packaging Alternatives for Eco Businesses
Monday Jul 15th, 2019
Innovative Materials for Fashion: The Questions You Should Be Asking
Monday Jun 24th, 2019