Unsightly Athleisure

A faction of popular athleisure prioritizes "ugly" aesthetics

Implications - "Ugly" aesthetics are rising in popularity within the athleticwear industry, with brands offering accessories that are intended to be disproportionately sized, kitschy, and over-the-top. Such trends increase in popularity for their inherent virality, with consumers aiming to mimic the attention such items draw on social media, and brands chasing that demand.
Workshop Question - How could your brand unexpectedly enhance the virality of one of its products/services?

Trend Themes

  1. Ugly Aesthetics — Athleticwear brands are offering accessories that are intended to be disproportionately sized, kitschy and over-the-top to mimic the attention such items draw on social media.
  2. Statement Sneakers — Designers are creating sneakers that make a statement through bold color combinations, contrasting logos and large Velcro straps.
  3. Monochromatic Chunky Sneakers — Sneaker brands are pairing the chunky silhouette with monochromatic pastel shades to meet the functional and style-focused demands of urbanism and contemporary fashion.

Industry Implications

  1. Athleticwear — Athleticwear companies can innovate further by offering more 'ugly' items to capture viral attention and social media buzz.
  2. Footwear — Footwear brands can create more statement sneakers through contrasting logos, bold colors and unique material combinations.
  3. Fashion — Fashion companies can take inspiration from the monochromatic chunky sneaker trend to create statement pieces with elevated style and subdued color palettes.
4.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
7 Featured, 62 Examples:
161,698 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Jun 17 — Jul 18
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

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These custom IKEA Yeezy Boost sneakers are the work of Instagram user mache275, a shoe fanatic and artist who specializes in transforming iconic footwear styles. This IKEA-inspired rework is one of... MORE
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Virgil Abloh, the famed designer behind the Off-White brand, recently shared news of a fresh creation, a CST-001 Sneaker that is believed to take after the YEEZY BOOST 350. The high-top sneakers... MORE
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Footwear label PUMA launches two new colorways of its Thundra Desert monochromatic sneakers. The ultra-popular chunky silhouette is made available to consumers in Smoke Green/ Silver and Cream Tan/... MORE
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KAWS x YEEZY BOOST 700 Deliver The Bright Wave Runners
Sneaker customizing designer Alexander-John’s latest collaborative shoe design are the pair of Wave Runners—blending together the iconic KAWS aesthetic onto the YEEZY BOOST 700 silhouette.... MORE
Raised Orange-Accented Sneakers
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Nike's Orange Air Max 1 Boasts a Chunky Build and Colorful Hues
As a part of its seasonal range, Nike launched the Orange Air Max 1, which has a retro look with a modern twist, due to the chunky build and unique combination of colors. The base color palette... MORE
play_circle_filledCalifornia-Inspired Motocross Apparel
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The Latest Thermonuclear Protection Capsule Nods to the 90s
Oakley releases the second season of its Thermonuclear Protection capsule full of largely fitted silhouettes, captivating graphics, bold hues and ultimate protection. The latest range draws... MORE

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