# Collaborative Activewear Apparel This J Crew and New Balance Collection Expands Beyond Footwear By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2016-10-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/j-crew-and-new-balance References: [wellandgood](http://www.wellandgood.com/good-looks/j-crew-new-balance-activewear-line/slide/11/) & [jcrew](https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sport/blue/PRDOVR~F6356/F6356.jsp?color_name=navy&srcCode=AFFI00001&siteId=QFGLnEolOWg-giC0IK32mFypmlv6xvF3sw) While J Crew and [New Balance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/staud-sport-1) have been partners in creating lifestyle sneakers for more than a decade, the duo is now expanding into the creation of activewear with a new collection. The collaborative 20-piece collection features some of the basics of classic J Crew style, including polka dots, stripes and colorful pairings of contrasting orange and blue, which adorn everything from headbands and leggings to jackets and tank tops. For the release of the collection to the public, J Crew and New Balance enlisted women like Muy Thai boxer Gracie Cavalho, Taye Johnson from [SoulCycle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/applicationbased-membership-platform) and [Allure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scentonomy) fashion director Rachael Wang to model pieces for the activewear lookbook. All of these strong, beautiful women are perfect representations of the point at which fashion meets fitness. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Collaborative Activewear:** Collaborations between fashion brands and activewear companies are creating unique and stylish athleisure collections. - **Fashion-meets-fitness:** The intersection of fashion and fitness is giving rise to fashionable activewear that combines style and functionality. - **Inclusive Athleisure:** Activewear collections featuring diverse models are promoting inclusivity and body positivity in the fitness industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion Retail:** Fashion retailers can explore collaborations with activewear companies to create trendy and versatile athleisure collections. - **Sports Apparel:** Sports apparel brands can tap into the fashion-meets-fitness trend by incorporating stylish designs into their activewear lines. - **Fitness and Wellness:** Fitness and wellness companies can partner with fashion brands to offer inclusive activewear collections that cater to a diverse customer base. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Contemporary Athleisure Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/staud-sport-1.md) - [Supportive Activewear Silhouettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joe-fresh-1.md) - [Athletic Wear Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikeskims-collection.md) - [Contemporary Functional Athleticwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-danielle-guizio.md) - [Performance-Inspired Fashion Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-x-white-mountaineering1.md) - [Brunch-Inspired Activewear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nimble-activewear.md) - [Versatile Activewear Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/activewear-essentials.md) - [Earthy Athleisure Clothing Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-run-active.md) - [Essential 90s-Inspired Activewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/90sinspired-activewear.md)