New Balance is taking steps to prove that highly functional clothing doesn't need to be some sort of combination of neon and mesh -- with its latest lifestyle collection infusing less sports-driven styles with technical material.
Although the pieces are stylish enough to wear just about anywhere, New Balance's goal was to make each complement heavy physical activity. With this in mind, the brand's technical material allows it to be water and sweat resistant, modular and breathable all at once.
In order to achieve this, New Balance constructs shirts, shorts, jackets, backpacks and more with a cotton and nylon blend. The casual wear series is therefore comfortable and durable, as well as incredibly versatile given the simplistic branding and neutral tones each piece carries.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Functional Fashion
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing stylish clothing that combines fashion and functionality, incorporating technical materials for features like water and sweat resistance.
- Modular Apparel
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating clothing that is modular in design, allowing users to customize and adapt their outfits based on their activities or preferences.
- Versatile Clothing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing clothing that is versatile in nature, suitable for both casual wear and heavy physical activity, catering to consumers who value multi-purpose garments.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion Retail
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with technical textile manufacturers to create a range of functional and fashionable clothing items, targeting consumers who prioritize performance and style in their apparel.
- Outdoor Gear
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating technical materials into outdoor clothing and gear, offering water and sweat resistance, breathability, and durability to enhance the user experience in outdoor activities.
- Sports Apparel
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Experimenting with cotton and nylon blends and other technical fabrics in sports apparel, creating innovative designs that provide comfort, performance, and versatility for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
