# Preventative Performance Consumers turn to fitness garments that incorporate long-term wellness. By [Vasiliki Marapas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Vasiliki.Marapas), Research Advisor & Writer | Published Feb 16, 2016 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/preventative-performance ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Preventative Performance trend? **Preventative Performance:** As fitness culture becomes more extreme and competitive, consumers are looking for apparel that boosts comfort in addition to performance and style. This progression suggests not only that fitness apparel has become more of a long-term investment, but that the desire for products with built-in preventative features is continuing to grow as consumers become more proactive about their health. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 5, 2016 - Published: Feb 16, 2016 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Preventative Performance trend ### Preventative apparel Consumers are adopting apparel products that feature anti-bacterial, anti-odor and breathable materials that help prevent injuries and blisters by reducing friction and delivering comfort during long activities. ### Personalized Comfort Brands are incorporating ergonomic methods and materials to create athletic gear that delivers personalized comfort to athletes, improving their fitness journey. ### Hygienic Workout Wear Fitness brands are increasingly using materials like bamboo and woolen blends to promote breathability, hygiene and comfort in athletic wear. ## What the Preventative Performance trend means for industry ### For Athletic Wear Industry Proactive and innovative companies in athletic industry can leverage new innovative materials and supportive design methods to appeal to consumers who want to invest in comfortable and long-lasting fitness apparel. ### For Footwear Industry Manufacturers of fitness footwear can benefit from this trend by incorporating new materials and designs adapted for ventilation, moisture and bacterial resistance, blurring the line between textile and footwear production. ### For Sports Accessories Industry Brands focused on producing sport accessories such as socks or protective pads, can leverage materials like silicone and smart algorithms to offer injury prevention personalized for each athlete and team sport. ## Workshop question What consumer worry does your brand alleviate? How could you communicate that to consumers explicitly? ## Trend signals for Preventative Performance Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 42%, activity 40%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 42% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Preventative Performance trend 4 featured examples from Feb 5, 2016. - [Padded Running Socks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/run-socks): Lululemon's Padded Run Socks Ensure Premium Comfort (Category: Fashion) Implication: Companies in the sports apparel and accessories industry can innovate by creating products that focus on breathability, style, and performance. - [Injury-Preventing Athletic Socks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silicone-pad): These Sports Socks Feature a Silicone Pad That Protects the Foot (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The emergence of protective sports socks highlights a need for innovation in athletic apparel, especially in terms of injury prevention. - [Blister-Banishing Socks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oh-my-sock): These Bamboo Socks Prevent Blisters and Nasty Odors (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation: Integrate bamboo fibers and other innovative materials into textile production for enhanced product performance. - [Blister-Proof Performance Socks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-socks): These Double Layer Running Socks Prevent Friction and Injuries (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity to improve athletic performance and comfort. ## 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)