Back to Blog
In this junction of the COVID-19 pandemic, many well-established realities and practices of the world are changing rapidly. Industries, businesses, social dynamics, the lifestyle are few to name and so the definition of fashion and the fashion industry is also going to see a major change. It seems the dominating concept of ‘Fast Fashion’ is going to be affected by the need for function, protection and serviceability and so the word ‘Functional Fashion’ is to become the next buzz word in the fashion industry.
Demand-for-protective functions
Today not only the sportsmen, but travelers of adverse weather, or especially vulnerable persons or the children also need protection and special functions on their clothing, it is going to be feature asked by everybody on their fashion products. Function in fashion is going to give critical market advantages to fashion brands and retailers.
Functional clothing is specifically designed and engineered to ensure predefined performance requirements and/or functionality for the user. Like in personal protective equipment or protective apparel with antibacterial properties demand for which has surged to protect from Coronavirus. So, Functional Clothing is going to insert in the regular fashion market. The adverse effects of climate change is only to make it more relevant for the time beyond the current pandemic.
Besides, functionally made wear includes protection under harsh environmental conditions during work or sporting activities and protection against extreme hazards and environments, textiles for defense forces, etc. All these demands will continue to rise as well making it a beneficial investment for retailers and brands.
Functional Fashion is the term that binds fashion awareness, style and design distinguished with the necessary function of protection and also product life cycle. The fashion is to be more sustainable in nature than the ‘Fast Fashion’.
Functional Seasonality for F/W 2021-2020 and S/S 2022
The pandemic is affecting consumers’ purchasing decisions and personal style.
Textiles that offer soothing and palpable elements are gaining traction as consumers looking for a comforting touch.
Upcycled textiles and garments that feature crafted and mending techniques offer a different kind of vintage allure, but are comfort nonetheless. This home-crafted look is expected to appear in future textiles.
Designers will also need to prioritize “functional seasonality,” a term used to describe everything from colors and fabrics with season-less appeal, to durable fibers, to garments that can protect and adapt to unpredictable weather patterns. Fabrics from the outdoor apparel space will be integrated into daywear to provide the wearer with thermal regulation, breathability and other performance attributes.
Protective Performance: The popularity of outdoor activities and unpredictable weather patterns are leading to the mainstreaming of outdoor apparel—or at least its performative qualities. These technical materials, however, must take an “earth-loving” zero-waste approach. Look for problem-solving fabrics like bonded and reversible weaves, perforated jersey, ribbed knits and coatings that protect the wearer from wind and rain. Trims like laces, paracords and zipper tapes made from recycled plastic are hallmarks of the outdoor category, while ombre effects and lacquered or marbled camouflage tee up unique color combination.
