Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1334452
W hile the pandemic has put a hold on many positive aspects of everyday life, exercise is an exception. Trying a new sport, purchasing new gear and making face coverings a new part of an activewear wardrobe emerged as key aspects of the 2020 COVID-19 experience. A small percentage of the survey respondents who replied "No" when asked, "did you purchase any apparel, footwear or related gear for a new sport or fitness activity in 2020," qualified their statement explaining, "But I rented gear for that sport activity." Rental is a category to watch in 2021. Whether actually worn or not, face coverings are now recognized as a lifestyle item, with 54 percent of survey takers stating that a face covering is "an essential part of their active wardrobe." When purchasing a mask, "fit" was a top priority in decision-making, with "fabric" ranked second. Interestingly, with all the talk about antimicrobials in the age of COVID, just six percent of individuals surveyed highlighted "antimicrobial" as a characteristic influencing their face covering purchase. n e survey, conducted by MESH01, included 373 respondents, men and women, ages 18 to 60 who identify themselves as active and outdoors. How Consumers Stay Fit in the Age of COVID TRENDINSIGHT We surveyed 373 consumers. Here is what they told us. S E I Z E T H E T R E N D ! CARPE TRENDEM Trend Insight Consumer is a feature within Textile Insight that delivers research conducted on the MESH01 Platform. MESH01 collects data from a select panel of sports enthusiasts. For information on the Mesh1 Platform, contact Brian Bednarek at 603-766-0957 or brian. bednarek@mesh01.com. For more information on Trend Insight Consumer and how your company can participate, contact Jeff Nott at 516-305-4711 or jnott@formula4media.com. Did you try a new sport or fitness activity in 2020? (Select all that apply) If yes, did you purchase any apparel, footwear or related gear for that sport or fitness activity? (Select all that apply) When picking up a new sport or activity, where do you seek out advice when it comes to purchasing your new product? Golf Tennis Rock climbing Pickleball Stand up paddle boarding Kayak/Canoe Road biking Mountain biking Trail running Hiking Running At-Home subscription based training Fitness walking Yoga Strength training Did not try a new sport for fitness activity 4% 5% 5% 8% 9% 11% 11% 12% 17% 19% 22% 23% 23% 24% 24% 25% 5% Purchased Gear/ Accessories/ Equipment Purchased Footwear Purchased Apparel No, but I rented gear for that sport or activity No, I did not purchase anything new Coaches Instructors Retail Sales Associates Family Friends Internet 13% 19% 23% 39% 74% 83% 3% 32% 43% 48% 50% 30 • Textile Insight ~ January/February 2021 textileinsight.com