OutDoor, a leading international trade fair for the outdoor industry, will present the latest trends for the next season’s apparel, when it opens its doors from 13-16 July in Friedrichshafen, Germany. According to organisers, functionality remains key for manufacturers, who are using more and more material combinations. T-shirts, pants and jackets are getting lighter and more breathable.

“I believe that good functional apparel has to be multifunctional. However, having five different jackets to cover five different activities is hardly sustainable – for users or the industry,” commented Anders Blomster, Marketing Manager of Swedish brand Lundhags.

Elsewhere, classic mountaineering brands take a different approach. “Black Diamond focusses on the needs of its main target groups – climbers and backcountry skiers. Everything, from fit to details to materials are carefully selected to meet these requirements,” explained Julie Rogers, Category Director Apparel at Black Diamond.

Lightweight and comfort

For 2017, lightweight, comfort, material combinations and cuts dominate when it comes to new products at the OutDoor show in Friedrichshafen. “For the first time, we’re introducing a pant model – our trekking-tights – that outperforms everything that has gone before in terms of freedom of movement and fit,” said Thomas Gröger, Country Manager Fjällräven Germany. Other companies have also reworked their patterning.

“Houdini’s Made to Move collection is setting new standards for pant design,” said Jesper Danielsson, Head Designer Houdini.

“Material combinations with high-tech fabrics and natural fibres are on the rise. By using them intelligently at specific areas, we can make more robust, more comfortable and more functional products,” stated Hendrik Reschke, Marketing Manager Ortovox, describing a further trend. Whether its high-tech fabrics with organic cotton and wax finishes or merino wool with eucalyptus wood fibre, the outdoor industry has a variety of creative options when it comes to greater and more refined apparel functionality.

Authenticity and versatility

Authenticity, fit, versatility, functionality, comfort and lightweight designs set outdoor apparel apart from other sectors, organisers report. And this is why the industry is unconcerned about competition from workwear providers looking to benefit from the outdoor trend.

“Our products are made from natural fabrics and feature complex material combinations. They offer the highest quality and exceptional design. Workwear brands have not been able to deliver this, due to the extreme price pressure they face,” said Hendrik Reschke, Head of Marketing at Ortovox.

Columbia’s marketing manager Dana Eichinger noted: “Outdoor products are better, lighter and pack down smaller and they have more technological features, such as UV protection and moisture management.”

www.outdoor-show.com