Impressions - March 2025 - 19

Historically, athleisure styles have been
less embellished and considered more to be
" basic " pieces. As a result, details and fabrics
are what matter to customers. Manufacturers
must strive to keep it interesting and appealing.
" Athleisure is going to continue to trend in
high-functioning pieces and tailored looks, "
says Hudson. " You can expect to see fun zippers,
bold highlights and luxe materials. "
Hudson adds bright colors will make a
comeback this year, while the neutral trend
will die down, as the neutral hues that were
all the rage in 2024 will take a back seat to
spicey neons and other bold hues.
Th at said, while colors and fi t do matter,
Davis drives home the importance of feel.
" Comfort and quality remain as some of the
highest features that consumers are looking
for in their athleisurewear, " he says. " Design
and style are important, but if the product
isn't comfortable, it's less likely to be worn.
And poor quality could lead to early retirement
from the wardrobe. "
Sustainability
Like the athleisure category itself, sustainability
has become less of a trend and more the new
norm, a kind of set expectation. Sustainability
is a major focus for all apparel categories
and will only continue to progress and evolve.
With this in mind, Davis says Hanesbrands
is committed to innovation and sustainability,
as is evident in its new EcoSmart, an innovative
polyester technology that allows synthetic
fabric to break down as natural fi bers would,
once in a landfi ll.
" It's clothing with a conscience and provides
the comfort and quality of clothing made to
last, just not in a landfi ll, " Davis says. " Th is
EcoSmart polyester innovation is a solution
that mimics nature. Th e synthetic textiles behave
like natural fi bers when they end up in
the environment. "
In practice this means that when textiles
made with EcoSmart polyester fi bers end up
in environments where biodegradation can
Imperial's Original Performance Cap
allows you to cross the line between
professional and casual. Photo
courtesy of Imperial Headwear
occur, microbes are attracted to the fi bers and
can mineralize them at rates comparable to
natural fi bers, such as wool.
" People look for brands and companies that
have a great reputation for sustainable practices,
whether it's through the materials in the products
or how the products are made, " Davis adds.
" Our Hanes Perfect-T triblend style 42TB is a
great example of combining sustainably grown
U.S. cotton with rayon and Ecosmart polyester.
Th is creates an incredibly soft and fashionable
tee perfect for any active lifestyle, with a focus
on sustainability throughout the entire product
lifecycle. Th e tee is 4.5 ounces and has a blend
of 60-percent EcoSmart polyester, 30-percent
U.S.-grown cotton and 10-percent rayon. "
Similarly, Allmade Apparel off ers a triblend
fabric as well, with numerous benefi ts to enhance
sustainable eff orts. " One of our favorite
ingredients in our tri-blend fabric is modal,
which is made from renewable beech trees, "
says Hudson. " It is moisture-wicking, soft and
breathable, so you can feel good and look good
The Imperial Ladies Rope cap adds
a stylish fl air to an outdoor ensemble.
Photo courtesy of Imperial Headwear
March 2025
P.19
Impressions - March 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - March 2025
