Impressions - March 2022 - 26

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Oleksik says this development is exciting
to witness fi rst-hand. " Women are more
confi dent than ever and are embracing their
bodies and their curves, " she says. " More and
more, the market will see that brands are
moving to all-inclusive stories and extended
sizing to meet the needs of all women, not
just the minority. "
Sustainability & the Supply Chain
Sustainability is another consumer demand
that is being addressed in the athleisure category.
In a changing social, fi nancial and political
climate, Rosen says, customers want
to know about brands' best practices, ethos
and commitment to the planet. Th ey want
to invest in products that are made with sustainable,
durable and high-quality materials.
Examples include natural fi bers; recycled
synthetics; and non-toxic dyes and fi nishes.
" Sustainability will play a bigger role in
how traditional textile options are sourced
and processed, " Freeman says, " while any new
textile concepts will be better engineered
from [the] start with the end in mind. "
As the push for sustainable products continues,
manufacturers and retailers alike are
coping with supply-chain issues that have
accompanied the pandemic. A lack of raw
materials, inventory shortages, cost increases
and logistics challenges are having a sizable
impact on the apparel market.
" Cotton and polyester prices are skyrocketing,
causing yarn shortages and price hikes, "
Oleksik says. " Freight prices are also through
the roof and transit time is longer than ever
before. All of these factors are directly affecting
the apparel industry in every way.
Infl ation and price increases will be seen
across the board. "
Freeman says companies that are only dabbling
in athleisure should concentrate on
their primary off erings. On the other hand,
brands that are committed to the category
can be successful by focusing on their core
styles while making diffi cult decisions on
how to best service their customers.
" Brands need to strike the right balance of
styles/SKUs that drive their business while
still off ering some freshness year over year, "
he says. 
Chelan David is a Kansas City-based freelance
writer. His work has appeared in such publications
as Smart Business, Entrepreneur, The Seattle
Times, Writer's Digest and Apparel. For more
information or to comment on this article, email
Chelan at chelandavid@gmail.com.
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New Styles: Womenswear
7. BELLA + CANVAS Women's Relaxed Jersey
Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt
Style 6405 from Atlantic Coast Cotton  Made
of 4.2-ounce, 40-singles 50% Airlume combed,
ring-spun cotton/25% polyester/25% rayon triblend
fabric  Available in solid colors
Use Info⋅Action #406 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction
8. Lane Seven Urban Pullover Hoodie
Made of 26-singles, 10-ounce 80% cotton/20%
polyester with a 100% cotton face  Oversized fit,
3-end fleece, two-panel hood and double-needle
topstitch on all seams  Pigment dyed with1×1
ribbing at cuffs and waistband  Six colors are
available
Use Info⋅Action #407 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction
9. Champion Powerblend Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie
Made of 9-ounce, 50% cotton/50% polyester
 Part of the Champion Made initiative, the
fleece is made with U.S.-grown cotton  Wider
ribbing, longer length, two-ply hood and handwarming
front pouch pockets  Resists pilling
and shrinking, according to the company
Use Info⋅Action #408 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction
IMPRESSIONSMAG.COM MARCH 2022
10. LAT Apparel Ladies' Curvy Fine Jersey Tee
Style 3816  Made of 4.5-ounce, 60% combed,
ring-spun cotton/40% polyester fine jersey
 Ribbed collar; self-fabric back neck tape; and
double-needle sleeves and bottom hem
 Multiple colors are available in sizes S-XL
Use Info⋅Action #409 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction
11. Russell Athletic Essential Ladies' Tee
Style 64STTXO  Dri-Power moisture-wicking,
odor-protection and UPF 30+ protection
properties  Made of 4.75-ounce, 60%
cotton/40% polyester  Feminine fit and can
transition from workout to casual outing,
according to the company  Available in 14 colors
and sizes XS-2XL
Use Info⋅Action #410 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction
12. Tri-Mountain Cassidy Pullover Heather
Knit Hoodie
Style LB651  Made with a stretch-fit, 8.8-ounce
polyester blend  Kangaroo pocket and contrast
white twill tape drawstring  Available in seven
different colors
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Impressions - March 2022

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