Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1523540
I am picky about what I wear. Funny enough, my kids are the same way. For my son, it's sweatpants or shorts; and on top, a tech tee or soccer jersey. My daughter prefers super-so, stretchy leggings. While we may not fall into the "traditional" consumer seeking sensory- friendly clothing, we definitively place a heavy emphasis on comfort. As I explore in the Strategies section this issue, sensory-friendly dressing is changing, with the market widening for consumers bothered by scratchy fabrics and tight waistbands. We have so many things in life to be bothered by, that our clothing should not be one of them. Even in performance apparel, comfort is creeping in as a big factor in purchasing decisions. What we wear during the day and for athletic endeavors is looking better (with more fashion influence) and feeling better on the body. When I met up with our editor-at-large Emily Walzer for a recent press event in New York City, we discussed the strides being made in athletic apparel. Over lunch at Cafeteria, we did some brainstorming and zeroed-in on some of the biggest innovation we've seen lately. On an unseasonably warm day in May, climate was definitely a hot topic. As Emily explores in her story "5 Factors Driving the Next Era of Active/Outdoor Product Innovation," climate-conscious clothing is the future. With 2023 being the hottest year on record, demand for cooling technologies is bound to grow. As we get ready to hit the beach, textile execs are exploring ways to keep us feeling refreshed – and comfortable. COMFORT IS KING We have so many things in life to be bothered by, that our clothing should not be one of them. Sue & Emily out in NYC 4 • Textile Insight ~ Summer 2024 textileinsight.com TEXTILE TALK/SUE BLECHER