Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1534422
By Emily Walzer A ctivewear trends are fickle, hot new looks cool down, seasonal color palettes shi, fun fads fade and yet despite constant change, comfort remains key. With the evolution of athleisure, street-active and the "Covid casual" wardrobes, comfort has risen in status as a critical element of how we dress. Now with skin-sensitivity awareness garnering more attention, brands are going beyond soness to achieve ultra-comfort in everything from workout basics to performance run wear. Results from Aveeno's recent first-ever State of Skin Sensitivity report, for example, showed that 71 percent of adults identify as having sensitive skin, a 55 percent increase in the last two decades. Itch-free, non-chafe, super-so materials are important considerations in mitigating skin irritants, as is clothing made with fewer seams, tags and toxic chemicals. e rub, literally, is that traditional efforts to raise the bar on comfort in garments and hosiery, oen lessens the functionality. New collections for Spring '25 address this problem with a strong focus on feel- good fabrics and fit-enhancing construction techniques for next-to-skin styles. Brands are tapping into plant-based fibers such as organic cotton, bamboo, and Tencel, and animal- based fibers like merino wool and alpaca. ese fibers have inherent comfort features and performance properties that together afford soft-to-the-skin feel, breathability, efficient wicking, anti-bacterial capabilities and hypoallergenic functionality — all factors that can reduce itching, rashes, and general discomfort. Seam-free technology is another solution activewear brands are embracing this season. Today's seamless construction specializes in built-in, feel-good fundamentals to create smoother-feeling, non-constricting base layers that offer runners a better overall experience. MATERIAL INNOVATION runstylemag.com COMFORT ELEVATED ICEBREAKER Women's Merino Blend 75 T-shirt is the lightest weight layer yet in the Cool-Lite Featherweight Collection and features extremely breathable merino/Tencel blend fabric. DISSING DISCOMFORT WITH FEEL-GOOD FABRICS AND ENHANCED FIT. "Right now we see a shift with consumers ready to use more natural fibers and we will continue to explore natural fibers for apparel." CATHERINE LANGELIER, CIELE ATHLETICS