# Speed-Inspired Sportswear Merrill+Forbes' New Line Blends Modern Style with Supreme Functionality By Riley von Niessen | Published 2016-09-29 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrillforbes References: [fuckingyoung.es](http://fuckingyoung.es/merrillforbes-springsummer-2017-lookbook/) & [merrillandforbes](http://www.merrillandforbes.com) Merrill+Forbes, a [contemporary men's fashion brand](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-run-menswear-collection) that's based in New York, manages to seamlessly infuse modern life wear style into technical constructions. It does this by utilizing [lightweight and breathable materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motion-collections) -- which it then complements with minimalist graphics and patterns. While the the majority of each piece is taken up mainly by a singular color, Merrill+Forbes supplies a bit of contrast by adding in bands of a different material or simple sans serif slogans. This, paired with the [reflective material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-mountaineering-umbro) that some of the apparel is made from, gives the collection a futuristic aesthetic that speaks to a theme of strength and speed simultaneously. In particular, Merrill+Forbes is said to have drawn much of its inspiration from cyclists. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Technical Constructions:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing advanced materials and construction techniques for sportswear. - **Minimalist Graphics:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating clean and simple designs for sportswear that appeal to modern consumers. - **Futuristic Aesthetic:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in incorporating futuristic elements into sportswear, such as reflective materials and sleek designs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry by combining modern style with functional sportswear. - **Materials Science:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in materials science to develop lightweight and breathable materials for sportswear. - **Athleisure:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the athleisure industry by blending casual style with technical constructions in sportswear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Urban Technical Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/champion-black-edition-fw25.md) - [Technical Apparel Capsule](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mizuno-for-margaret-howell.md) - [Dynamic Technical Outerwear Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sportstyle-line.md) - [Performance-Ready Technical Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goldwin-0-2.md) - [Trail Running Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/driftform-collection.md) - [Versatile Summer-Ready Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marmot-1.md) - [Retro Sports Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marty-supreme.md) - [Function-Focused Athletic Wear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/welterweight-sweats.md) - [Expansive Performance Running Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bandit-fall-2024.md)