# Athletic Masks Brands are launching masks for athletes to wear while exercising or playing sports. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published May 27, 2020 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/althetic-masks ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Athletic Masks trend? **Athletic Masks:** In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing masks while in public has become the new social norm, and brands are launching curated masks to be worn while exercising or playing sports. These masks feature specific qualifications that will address the need to offer both protection and performance. ## The consumer insight behind the Athletic Masks trend Amid COVID-19, consumers want to get back to their regular activities as soon as possible and will likely resume these activities before a vaccine is available to the public. The post-pandemic world will likely look different, with new social norms being implemented that consumers aren't yet accustomed to. This demographic is turning to brands to provide curated offerings that allow them to resume pre-pandemic activities safely. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 17, 2018 to May 27, 2020 - Published: May 27, 2020 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Athletic Masks trend ### Athletic Mask Technology As consumers continue to prioritize health and wellness during the pandemic, there is an opportunity for brands to innovate athletic masks that provide both protection and performance for various sports and workout activities. ### Advanced Air Filtration Technological advancements in air filtration materials have resulted in high-performance masks that capture a minimum of 95% of particles during daily activities- a trend that can be applied to various industries to promote health safety. ### Respiratory Training Technology The development of respiratory training masks presents opportunities in the fitness industry as consumers seek to improve breathing during physical activities by building respiratory muscles. ## What the Athletic Masks trend means for industry ### For Athletic Equipment Industry With demand for athletic masks increasing due to COVID-19 concerns, manufacturers within the athletic equipment industry can focus on developing performance-based masks that cater to the needs of athletes. ### For Health Care Industry The development of advanced air filtration masks can immensely benefit the healthcare industry for personal protection of medical professionals and to prevent airborne diseases. ### For Fitness Industry Respiratory training masks present an innovation opportunity for the fitness industry to offer advanced training masks that improve respiratory function and enhance sporting performance. ## Workshop question How can your brand cater its products/services to protect niche markets? ## Trend signals for Athletic Masks Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 90%, activity 64%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 90% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Athletic Masks trend 4 featured examples from Jan 17, 2018 to May 27, 2020. - [Protective Athletic Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athletic-mask): Reebok's Face Mask Concepts Imagine Post-Pandemic Fitness (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for sports equipment manufacturers to develop and produce high-performance athletic masks. - [Five-Layer Filtration Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/takta-face-mask): The Tekto Gear 'Takta' Face Mask Filters 95% of Particles (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and manufacture high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) products with advanced filtration technologies to improve safety in hea… - [3D-Printed Training Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-flexweave): Modla's Training Mask Shows Off the Innovative Reebox Flexweave Material (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Athletic gear manufacturers could explore integrating the innovative Flexweave material into their products to create more lightweight, breathable, yet durable gear. - [Sports-Specific Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trainingmask): The TrainingMask Helps Endurance Athletes Improve Their Performance (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The TrainingMask showcases the potential for disruptive innovation in the fitness equipment industry by incorporating respiratory muscle training. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)