sportstyle

I t used to be that all it took to stay warm during the cold days of winter was a next-to-skin layer of clothing for wicking, a midlayer for warmth, outerwear for weather protection and you were good to go. It was a simple, straightforward system for snow days. Now layers of innovation are more advanced with spe- cialized performance features and collections curated to appeal to an increasingly diverse community of active outdoorists. Market drivers for the season ahead come with a variety pack of performance features that includes thermo-regulation, comfort with function, protection from the sun as well as stains, and anti-microbial protection from germs and viruses. This new phase of functionality brings sophistication and adaptivity. Layers of innovation are also piling up developed to enhance environmentally-friendly fabrications. Trending now is a whole category of biodegradable, carbon-sequestering fibers, mono-materials for recyclability and circular textiles for closing the loop that together give shape to a new spectrum of sustainability. This contemporary eco approach by consumers and companies alike is outlined in a recent RANGE Horizon report that offers statistics and strategies defining what's next in sustainability. For example, Range reports: "Americans, on average, buy more than one item of clothing each week. Coming off a holiday season fraught with supply chain issues, many are asking themselves why they need so much stuff. True sustainability requires reducing our consumption, not just buying 'green' products or offsetting the carbon footprint of our purchases." Corporate degrowth strategies and putting responsibility first are cited as two areas to watch going forward, according to the Issue 71 of the Range report, titled Positive Outlook. The issue gives this statistic: 81 percent of CMOs agree their business will undergo a fundamental pivot in response to climate change, while shifting from a consumption- based economy to a circular economy. In fact circularity has leap-frogged sustainability as the hot topic in textiles for 2022, with ingredient brands, fabric suppliers and product developers more concerned than ever with designing for circularity. These factors, both performance-wise and climate-conscious, should bode well for the future of the outdoor industry. Chris Parkes, president of Concept III explains, "The outdoor industry's responsibility is to get people outdoors, and not be a fashion club for everyone, which just creates waste. What if outdoor companies designed garments for circularity? That might bring the industry back to what it does best: Responsible, thoughtful, functional product for the outdoors." Artilect and Houdini are two outdoor brands that are already on this new path influencing how we will dress in the years ahead. Artilect makes apparel built to last "because making fewer things that last longer is the ultimate sustainability platform," according to the Boulder, CO-based firm, launched in 2020. Its driving purpose is to "deliver an unmatched performance experience as well as create the least amount of impact on the world we love to play in." Houdini's Fall 2022 line showcases an essential approach for purchasing outdoor apparel, urging consumers not to embrace fast fashion. One hundred percent of Houdini's Fall 2022 fabrics are recycled, renewable, biodegradable and bluesign certified. Niclas Bornling, Houdini's head of brand and D2C describes the new Essentials line as a durable, timeless style, from everyday A NEW DRESS CODE INNOVATING LAYERS OF PERFORMANCE REFINEMENT & ECO RESPONSIBILITY. BY EMILY WALZER FUTURE FABRICS March/April 2022 • 39 sportstylemag.com • sportstyle

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