# Functional Couture Multipurpose apparel reflects consumer demand for more productive necessities. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 18, 2014, updated Mar 27, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-couture ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Functional Couture trend? **Functional Couture:** With consumers often getting caught up between responsibilities of work and home, time easily becomes a limited factor, resulting in limitations of certain activities. As a means to make everyday living more convenient and productive, consumers are turning to multipurpose clothing to add more diversity to their ordinary wardrobe. Adding functional features to simple designs, these clothing pieces reflect the need for techniques that make basic necessities more useful in everyday settings. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 25, 2012 to Mar 12, 2014 - Published: Mar 18, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Functional Couture trend ### Multipurpose Clothing With consumers turning to multipurpose clothing to add more diversity to their ordinary wardrobe, there is an innovative opportunity to design clothing that can serve more than one purpose. ### Nanotechnology in Athletic Apparel Nanotechnology in athletic apparel has made fabrics scent-resistant, quick-drying, and waterproof, paving the way for further developments. ### Smart Clothing The development of smart clothing that tracks fitness data, lighting up to show optimal performance and linking with other devices to gather GPS data has paved the way for more innovation in clothing with technological features. ## What the Functional Couture trend means for industry ### For Fashion The fashion industry can benefit from promoting and developing multipurpose clothing, nanotechnology in athletic clothing, and smart clothing to provide added value to consumers. ### For Sportswear Sportswear companies have the opportunity to implement nanotechnology into their fabrics to offer superior features, such as odor-resistance and increased durability. ### For Luxury Luxury brands have the opportunity to incorporate technology into their products, such as bulletproof suits, to differentiate their offerings and provide exclusive value to consumers. ## Trend signals for Functional Couture Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 54%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 54% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Functional Couture trend 6 featured examples from Nov 25, 2012 to Mar 12, 2014. - [Multipurpose Dress Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-oxford): The VoyVoy Summer Oxford Has a Durable Pocket and Patch for Cleaning (Category: Fashion) Implication: New designs in the fashion world are allowing for a greater integration of technology and utility, changing the way consumers think about dress shirts. - [Diamond Bulletproof Suits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diamond-armor): The $3 Million 'Diamond Armor' is the World's Most Expensive Suit (Category: Fashion) Implication: The luxury fashion industry can collaborate with high-tech companies to create premium products like the Diamond Armor suit that showcase the perfect balance of luxury and technol… - [Multifunctional Snowboarding Gear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowboard-jacket): Aether's Snowboard Jacket Has Bells and Whistles to Keep You Dry (Category: Business) Implication: Creating custom-designed outdoor gear for niche markets can generate a loyal customer base and diversify product offerings. - [Lighted Smart Running Clothes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glowfaster-jacket): The Glowfaster Jacket by Simon Weatherall Monitors Progress (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Sporting goods companies can innovate by incorporating technology into their products to help users improve their performance. - [Water-Activated Menswear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lpg-convertible-shorts): LPG Convertible Shorts Offer Laidback Style That Changes When Wet (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion retailers can tap into the multifunctional clothing trend by offering innovative designs such as convertible garments. - [Odorless Athletic Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athletic-apparel): These SilverAir Shirts are Scent Resistant for Athletes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for sportswear companies to develop odor-resistant clothing that enhances the athlete's experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)