Although the Beard Cap might seem like a late April Fool's Day joke from Virgin Trains, it appears to have been created in all seriousness. Developed for male swimmers participating in the United Kingdom's Great North Swim, the Beard Cap is decrease drag while they are competing.
Made out of Lycra, the Beard Cap is reusable and adjustable, making it a great purchase for those who are loathe to shave their facial hair for the one day event. Granted, it might still be easier to swim in if they do make that sacrifice. Event director Alex Jackson says, "As a newly bearded man, who is also a keen swimmer, I can empathize! We’re sure our swimmers will appreciate the efforts Virgin Trains has gone to and perhaps the Beard Cap will solve the problem of ‘facial hair-drag’ and encourage more guys to suit up and take the plunge in 2015!"
Swimming Beard Caps
Virgin Train Designs a Unique Water Cover for Facial Hair
Trend Themes
1. Swimming Accessories - There is a trend in designing accessories that make swimming easier and more comfortable for specific groups of people.
2. Personalized Sports Equipment - The Beard Cap sets a new example for creating personalized sports equipment that cater to specific needs and preferences of athletes.
3. Men's Grooming - The Beard Cap highlights a trend in men's grooming, where facial hair is valued and considered important to a person's identity and style, even when they are engaged in physical activities.
Industry Implications
1. Sporting Goods - The Beard Cap presents an opportunity for sporting goods manufacturers to create specialized equipment that caters to the unique needs of different categories of athletes.
2. Personal Care - The trend of men's grooming and valuing facial hair presents a business opportunity for personal care companies to offer new products and services that cater to this market segment.
3. Fashion - The trend of grooming and valuing facial hair also presents an opportunity for the fashion industry to incorporate this aesthetic into their designs and styling choices.