The new year will be here before you know it – along with resolution season – and demand for athleisure apparel keeps growing. These comfy clothes can now work in many office settings, but brandable activewear that can also outfit fitness activities is a great opportunity to get a company’s logo out from behind a desk and into the streets, whether it’s a gift or an item in a company store.
“A lot of corporate company stores are offering this stuff now. Employees are a lot younger than they were 10 years ago, and they want this stuff in their company stores to wear on their off time,” says Andi Goeing, trendspotter and content strategy specialist for supplier S&S Activewear.
Goeing checked out several Big Tech company stores, including Google and Microsoft, and found a lot of branded tie dye and matching sets in styles that employees are likely to wear both in and out of the office.
Activewear is a big category, adds Lauren Cocco, director of merchandising and design for supplier Vantage Apparel.
“Athleisure-type items are important because of the versatility that they have to offer,” she says. “We’re still in a very hybrid world in the sense that you may be going to the office a few days a week, you could have a couple of calls throughout the day and also shifting a little bit and doing non-work-related things – so you need products and apparel that fit that world.”
Matching sweats can be viewed as a modern take on the power suit, thanks to the more relaxed atmosphere in many workplaces, says Kathy Cheng, founder and president of Canadian supplier Redwood Classics Apparel.
“If you look at the industries we serve and also the age that we’re serving on the workforce, they do tend to be younger, and younger tends to be a little more casual,” she adds. “And then also in tech, it’s been totally cool to just wear really good joggers and a high-quality sweatshirt.”
In August, retailer H&M launched its Move collection chock-full of matched activewear pieces with a video featuring fitness legend Jane Fonda and hip-hop choreographer JaQuel Knight:
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Although their pieces are fitted, oversized is in (’90s throwback) style for sweats. In the past year, Goeing says she’s noticed increased demand for crewneck sweatshirts – almost pulling even with hoodies – and unisex sweats, as well as straight-leg joggers.
“Skinny jeans are out. It’s all about the straight leg, the wide leg,” she says, “and now we’re even seeing it in the activewear space where it’s not the cuffed joggers.”
When it comes to colors, Goeing says earth tones and bright colors like hot pink, yellow and lavender are popular with consumers. Cocco sees more demand for earth tones, especially neutrals like cream and brown, but she gets more customer requests for the traditional black, gray and navy.
Whatever palette you’re working with, here are a few activewear and athleisure options fit for any branded apparel program:
Crewneck sweatshirts are gaining in popularity. Pair this poly/cotton blend Midweight Sweatshirt from Independent Trading Co. with matching joggers for a head-to-toe branding opportunity. Available in 20 colors (red shown) and sizes XS-5X.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12 / www.ssactivewear.com
Finish the look with a pair of Independent Trading Co. Midweight Fleece Pants, available in 14 colors (red shown) and sizes XS-2X.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, S12 / www.ssactivewear.com
Cocco says requests for brand-name apparel have increased, especially as a way to make an employee feel special with holiday gifts from brands they know and love. This unisex Gapfit Performance Hoodie stretch knit fleece jacket features breathable Go Dry moisture-wicking fabric for comfort, plus a front zip chest pocket and kangaroo pockets. Available in navy, black or gray (shown) and sizes S-2X.
Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235, S10 / www.vantageapparel.com
Layering pieces add versatility, especially those that can be worn on their own or as outerwear. The office-ready Spirit Bear Polo sweatshirt features a quarter-zip with teardrop accent pull. Made in Canada from 100% cotton. Available in 16 colors (park green shown) and sizes XS-5X.
Redwood Classics Apparel / PPAI 696010, IS / www.redwoodclassics.net
Goeing recommends Bella + Canvas for fashion-forward styles like the Unisex Straight Leg Sweat Pant. These lightweight, ultra-soft sponge fleece pants are designed to be gender-neutral so that anybody can feel comfortable wearing them. Available in four colors (charcoal shown) and sizes XS-2X.
Bella + Canvas / PPAI 304892, S6 / www.bellacanvas.com
Tie dye is still going strong, and this poly/cotton Unisex Tie Dye Pullover Sweatshirt covers four key trends: tie dye, unisex, crewneck and oversized fit. Four colors available (white/sky blue shown) in sizes XS-5X.
Bella + Canvas / PPAI 304892, S6 / www.bellacanvas.com
For yoga studios and other fitness-based businesses, these Women’s Love’Em Longer Leggings can be a perfect fit, especially when paired with a tank or performance top. Available in charcoal (shown, black or navy and sizes XS-2X.
Boxercraft / PPAI 159420, S5 / www.boxercraft.com
Hoodies remain a top seller and popular fashion choice to pair with any bottom. This classic Comfort Colors Adult Hooded Sweatshirt is currently trending on Gildan’s site. Available in 11 colors (shown in true navy) and sizes S-3X.
Gildan Activewear / PPAI 250187, S13 / www.mygildan.com
