Coming Up Aces
Women’s fitness apparel is becoming more sophisticated and elegant, with looks that win both on and off the court.
Coming Up Aces
Women’s fitness apparel is becoming more sophisticated and elegant, with looks that win both on and off the court.
Word has it that 1980’s “Official Preppy Handbook” is re-emerging as a must-read for today (currently on Amazon, an original hardcover version will set you back a cool $1,600). The retro vibe and aspiration of high society is flowing into the styles we are wearing today. New offerings from several activewear brands follow suit. “There is a whimsical and nostalgic feeling in this trend that makes us think of gin and tonics in the sun, and we can get behind that feeling,” commented Mark Smith, marketing director of In-Sport Fashions, North American distributor for the athleisure brand Lune Active. Meanwhile, matching pant/bra/top sets are elevating wardrobes with a “cohesive and put-together look” that is also very clean and classic,” explains Mondetta (MPG Sport) creative director Tony Lavilla. Throw eco consciousness into the mix (which Smith calls “not a trend, but required”), and we have three strong chapters that emerge for the season — Matched Sets, Country Club prep and Eco-Influenced apparel. Sportstyle previewed new active styles from brands at the recent NYC Active Collective show. Here are some standouts, and what execs told us about their offerings.
Matched Sets
TAVI
“Matching sets and quiet luxury both highlight pieces that transition easily and can be incorporated into an everyday wardrobe – consumers are looking for functionality and fashion as a way to feel effortlessly put together,” notes Stephanie Turpin, marketing director for Thirty Three Threads, parent co. of active brand Tavi. The brand’s entire line for the latest season is coordinating sets, focusing on jewel tones “that feel rich and sophisticated,” the exec says. Comfort and fit are key in the looks, while also “incorporating fashionable finishes and elements that elevate the entire outfit.”
Tavi Polo Tank ($68), High-Waisted Tight ($92) and Maddie Grip Sock ($22): Preppy-meets-timeless in a delicate, intricate pattern. Toile dates back to the 1700s French countryside, where it originated. Here, a pinch of a tropical feel is integrated within. A Vooray Studio Duffel completes the ensemble.
MPG SPORT
Easy-to-assemble sets eliminate the need for the consumer to spend time mixing and matching for the right look. Tony Lavilla, the brand’s creative director, explains that it also “allows wearers to boost their motivation on how they look and feel in their outfit.” For brands, it’s a win-win. “Matching sets are great for brand loyalty, creating a faster and stronger customer base,” he adds. In the future, Lavilla is expecting earth tones, textures and the elevated sweatsuit to be strong themes.
MPG Sport Explore Recycled Polyester Multi-Strap Light Support Sports Bra Peached ($44) and Explore Recycled High-Waisted Side Pocket 25-Inch Legging ($54): Multistrap detail draws interest to this feminine top, while removable cups allows for optional shaping and coverage. The pant features anti-chafe seaming and four-way stretch fabric.
Country Club Prep
HEDGE
“Country club looks are almost always in style, as they tend to be more classic by nature,” comments Meagan Ouderkirk, founder of Hedge, a brand centered on the premise that women should be able to look “lovely on the tennis court, demure on the golf course and elegant for the rest of the day.” Hedge pieces are offered in classic colors including cream, navy and black for a timeless appeal.
Hedge Dune Racerback Dress with Collar ($245): This graceful number accentuates the shoulders trims the waist for a purely feminine look. A Peter Pan collar conforms to conservative country club rules. Stretch ribbon holsters hold golf tees and other accessories (plus there are two mesh pockets). The length is demure enough for any setting.
BLOQUV
BloqUV President Corina Biton is witnessing tennis, golf and pickleball looks being worn “in and out of the club, expanding the trend to everyday activities.” In a collaboration with swimwear brand Jantzen, the firm offers tops with UPF 50+ sun protection which blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays in cooling, quick dry, moisture wicking fabric.
BloqUV Relaxed Mock Zip Top ($96) and Jogger ($106): Featured in a Botanical Domino Jantzen print, the zip top provides neck coverage and elongated sleeves. The UV protection is inherent to the fabric and is unaffected by laundering. The high waisted jogger has front pockets and
a relaxed fit.
ECO INFLUENCE
LUNE ACTIVE
The Amsterdam-based athleisure brand is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and promoting a more sustainable way of life. Its season-less styles are meant to be worn often and year-round – and last. The MAIA core offering is crafted from a Modal fabric, made from beech tree pulp. It is considered an eco-friendlier alternative to cotton, as the production process uses about 20 times less water.
Lune Active MicroModal Soft Rib Longsleeve ($100): This seamless, round neck longsleeve is fitting both for your yoga practice or outdoors (thumbholes, check). Micro technology is applied to Lenzing Modal fibers for a finer, lightweight feel and softness.
SEAAV
“Many consumers today prioritize brands that align with their values,” comments Mckenna Haz, founder of Seaav, an “elevated” athleisure brand. The exec founded the company from her dorm room and prioritizes ocean-friendly production practices. With each purchase, Seaav removes one pound of waste from shorelines and donates 1% of profits to coral reef restoration. Every Seaav garment is made from at least 80% recycled plastic bottles. Biodegradable bags are used for packaging.
Seaav Cut Out Boot Cut ($110), Cut Out Bra ($60), V Neck Bra ($60) and 5-Inch Biker Short ($65): Seaav’s Cut Out separates are a part of the brand’s Coast-to-Coast collection created with 83% recycled polyester from plastic bottles. Fit for yoga, running or hiking; the bras provide standout support.
Spring ‘24 Product to Watch
A Tech-Driven Style from Alegria
Fashion and function merge in Alegria’s Exhault ($130), an upcoming Spring ’24 sneaker that is a tech-driven athletic style with an adjustable lacing system, breathable mesh upper, and protective mudguard. Inside the Exhault, there’s a removable contoured footbed made of memory foam and cork for comfort, while an ultra-lightweight EVA ReBounce outsole with rubber tread is designed to deliver optimum performance. Built to take athleisure to a new level, the new ReBounce collection from Alegria is the brand’s most lightweight and supportive footwear to date.
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