TRENDS IN APPAREL + FOOTWEAR DESIGN AND INNOVATION
If new government regulations that ban the use of “forever chemicals”
result in your swimsuit staining from sunscreen, what will be your response?
I’ll be upset! Female 48

I would probably have no idea that that is why my swimsuit was stained, so I would probably just think that the fabric was cheap. Now, if I was aware of the issue, I probably would not purchase that product. Female 40

I’ll be stained then because sunscreen is very important. Female 44

If I understand the why and understand the larger effects on the world it would be okay. If it happens and I don’t understand I would be upset. Male 25

No response. The price of doing it part to try and fix the irreversible damage done to the reefs. Female 42Maybe sunscreen needs to change, too? Female 46

I’d be pretty sad. I don’t want to buy a new swimsuit each time. Female 25

Sweet, no tan lines! It wouldn’t be something that would bother me, as I’d be inclined to find a higher-quality organic sunscreen. Female 42

The government owes me a new bathing suit. Just kidding, I would not use the sunscreen and wear a hat and long sleeve shirt instead. Male 55

Not using that sunscreen anymore.
Female 31Well, at least everyone else’s swimsuit is stained too. Male 44

Look for fabrics that work well with said sunscreen. Female 38

Not a big deal. I’m sure some swimsuit or sunscreen manufacturers will figure it out or natural fibers that don’t stain will be increasingly used. Female 54

I’ll probably tend to get darker colored swimsuits then. I would much rather do that than have forever chemicals floating in our waterways and in our soil.
Female 34

Upset but understandable. “Forever chemicals” are to be avoided at all cost, even if that means that technical gear won’t be as durable. Male 35

So what. Sunscreen is important. I’m not so vain as to not take care of myself if it means discoloring my swimsuit. It’s like wearing deodorant or using toothpaste, if it gets on your clothes and people notice it, so what. Female 42

Not great but I’ll deal with it. Female 25

The government regularly engages in lies, fabrications and propaganda in its efforts to socially engineer the public. Information from the government cannot be trusted. Male 53

Nothing that we put on our bodies should stain something. Female 35

Be more careful with application of sunscreen. Male 42

Buying a new swimsuit, or wearing my birthday suit. Male 45

I suppose if the government bans forever chemicals and new products cause staining, I would need to look for apparel that covers or masks the stains based on their color or print. Female 49

If that were to happen, I would consider the pros and cons. Forever chemicals are a much bigger issue than my swimsuit being stained. Female 36Oh well, let’s keep the Earth habitable with spotty clothing. Male 42

I will buy in a color or pattern that won’t show the staining. Female 33

I will search for swimsuits that do not stain from sunscreen, or sunscreens that do not cause staining. Female 40

I will find a company that has a more reliable product with the new strict restrictions. Male 30

Consumer adaptation: Swimsuit manufacturers and consumers may explore innovative fabric treatments or coatings that repel sunscreen stains or are easier to clean. Additionally, consumers may adjust their sunscreen application habits to minimize the risk of staining, such as allowing sunscreen to fully absorb before wearing a swimsuit or using alternative sun protection methods like UV-protective clothing. Policy adjustments: If the staining issue persists and poses significant challenges for consumers or manufacturers, policymakers may revisit the regulations and explore potential amendments or exemptions. Balancing the need for safe products with practical considerations is crucial in regulatory decision-making. Female 23

I’m not sure what you are getting at here... I will continue to use sunscreen and continue to swim in a swimsuit. Female 40

My response is that the company is too lazy to innovate to make new fabrics that don’t use PFAS. Female 25

I typically put sunscreen on prior to dressing to prevent staining and I try to avoid sunscreen coming in contact with my clothing but when it does stain I see it as a sign that I’m using my swimsuits or workout gear properly and not for fashion. Male 49

Switch to a biodegradable sunscreen like zinc oxide. Switch swimsuits. Buy swimsuits made from recycled plastics. Forever chemicals have to be out of our systems! Female 52

Sunshirt over bathing suit. Female 32

I won’t be upset because I don’t think we should have forever chemicals in anything we own or purchase and I look down on brands who use such chemicals in their products. It’s not safe for me or my family. Female 36

It won’t change/effect what I buy or wear. Male 35

That is fine, If it were common, I would go for more swimsuits that does not show stains. I would not overall be bothered in the long run. It is just something to get used to. Female 25

I’m excited that there is a possibility of a ban on “forever chemicals.” I already use organic mineral zinc sunscreen that stains my clothing. I just have to be careful or wear darker clothing. Male 54

I think having less PFAS will be good for all. People just need to be less concerned and not return merchandise…that’s what’s really wasteful. Male 52

Heck Ya! I will pay for that. Forever chemicals scare me. Male 43

I support the ban of forever chemicals, and I hope that apparel brands can create functional, stylish, and durable items without them. I will prioritize spending my money on brands that last and if I find one that doesn’t I won’t blast them or hate them, but I will not purchase from them again. Female 35

Won’t like it but likely won’t change my behavior. Government solutions commonly create a new problem.
Male 51

I don’t think it really matters. I’m underwater. I’m on the beach I don’t think it really matters. Female 50

I will be alright with it as long as I am made aware of it. Maybe will also look for sunscreens that are less likely to stain swimsuits. Male 43

I am all for the government banning the use of forever chemicals. I believe there needs to be a lot more research done by manufacturers to identify and/or create alternative materials. Female 40

I can buy a new swimsuit, but we cannot buy a new planet. Male 60

Either won’t buy the suit or not use sunscreen. Male 43

Hmm. Guess I’d like for the staining to later become part of the overall swimsuit. The more you wear it, the more sunscreen stains it. The cooler the design. Add it as a feature vs a negative. Male 34

I’m 100% for it. We have to stop convenience at the sake of the planet we live on. Consumers have to say no or it will just continue. Inform me about the changes I should expect and I will accept it and make the choice. Female 39

My response would be: I won’t be buying expensive swim suits anymore and If I do I will be very careful applying the sunscreen, I won’t wear any, or I’ll hope to find a sunscreen that doesn’t stain. Female 29

It’s a swimsuit! I have bigger issues to be concerned with. Male 56

My technical gear, especially SPF rating shirts and base layers already stain from sunscreen. Male 37

It will be extremely frustrating if material is easily stained by a sunscreen then there should be a requirement that the government also look into the chemicals in sunscreen that causes such damage to material and the impact it has on our skin. Female 36

I’d be sad about it and would probably not pay as much for swimsuits knowing that they’d have to be replaced often. Female 29

Wear a sun shirt instead of sunscreen. Sunscreen companies can be more innovative. Male 34

I’ll continue to buy clothes that hide stains well, like I already do. NBD. Male 42
TEXTILE INSIGHT MEDIA KIT 2023