sportstyle

DESIGN / PERFORMANCE CASUAL inspired styles for men and women. What's directional about this new range from Cordura and brand partner Sapphire, based in Pakistan, is how durable functionality is no longer limited in scope for one or two spe- cialized apparel sectors but now realized across categories and silhouettes in garments for men and women for "anytime" wear. McNaull highlights the "Smart Casual'' line within the collection as featuring sophisticated comfort with crossover capability for today. "It's workwear meets street," McNaull states, adding, "We're redefining what 'work' is these days. Do we work from home, and/or an office, and do we commute? It's now a hybrid and we need to offer garments that organically, seamlessly represent that." Also upcoming from the brand is a so launch for a new Cordura x Tencel non-denim sport/workwear offering in part- nership with Artistic Milliners' new division called Art Mill. McNaull identifies today's shi from traditional outdoor to lifestyle as being driven by comfort, accelerated by the pandemic, and people carving out a dress code more focused on streetwear. ere are numerous ways to achieve this, says McNaull, adding, "Ingredient technologies and durable textiles are fundamental to this new wardrobe." Dovetail Workwear, garments and gear for women, by women, has leveled up the category in recent years in concept and direction. e Portland, OR-based brand has a progressive attitude but respects workwear's heritage as well. "Function is a leader in how we design around this nexus of outdoor, work, and street," says co-founder Sara DeLuca. "We are definitely taking a hard look at who is wearing our pants for work, and their life outside of work, and how we can bridge that gap with a single garment." e new Britt X style pant does just that with an ultralight, ultra-breathable, water and stain resistant ripstop, available in two colors. "e Britt is highly- constructed for work, but has the comfort of play," DeLuca explains. "We knew that the workwear world needed more lightweight options, and we started building something that would function great for backpacking, hiking, and the outdoor worker, with premium detail, and pops of style. e pants feel technical but are versatile to take to any part of your life." DeLuca shares that last year when she attended a national meeting of women in construction, "every woman commented on the Britt pant, saying, they need more lightweight options. It's exciting when a product resonates with many different demographics and meets a universal need," adds DeLuca. Next up from Dovetail is the Ready, Set, Cargo pant, set to launch this summer, made from a military grade fabric that is lightweight yet durable, and is comfortable worn in the heat. It is predominantly cotton – 73 percent organic cotton with 25 percent Cordura nylon and two percent spandex. "We've thought of doing a cargo for a long time. Lots of women we work with are running airports in Alaska, or teaching wildlife survival courses that would benefit from this style. e Ready, Set, Cargo has deep and functional pockets with a slim look with elastic on the bottom to tuck so pants can tuck into your boot. You can as easily wear the pant when you're going out on 6th Avenue in Manhattan, as you could teaching your wildlife survival course." Extensive wear testing, with a range of women, was well received. "In the workwear space it's taken people a little bit to under- stand this look. Some traditional accounts ask, 'what is this?' But that's Dovetail; We like creating things that truly fill a need; Something the market hasn't seen before," remarks DeLuca. How and where we "go" to work, what we choose to wear, and how we define ourselves is changing. Says DeLuca, "In our blurred world, feeling comfortable wearing products that are super-functional for you is what's important now." n EarthCore is a key outdoor lifestyle trend that featured at ORSM in the Venture Out area. 42 • September/October 2022 sportstyle • sportstylemag.com

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