30/01/2017 – Invista — auf Deutsch lesen
2017-2018 legwear innovations & fashion directions
Invista and trend forecasting agency Stijlinstituut Amsterdam, have predicted the must-have Legwear trends for 2017/18.
Focusing on the importance of dynamic looks and versatility, legwear is in the slipstream of athleisure, where all-round 24/7 comfort and performance features are pushed to new limits. From sport-based product features such as the use of compression in fashion garments offering all-day comfort and support, Invista is extending the utility of hosiery by adding performance features as well as re-designing looks and textures.
Super summer sheer garments have created new user opportunities for hosiery, especially amongst the younger generation. Like foundation for legs, super summer sheers can be worn every day of the year, in every season and region of the world.
Sybille Bald, Global Segment Director Legwear at Invista said: “Invista presents a great variety of trends for Intimate Apparel, Swimwear and Legwear because wearers come in vast numbers, each one with their own lifestyle and multifaceted personality, adapting to constantly changing environments. It is the versatility of the Invista fibre portfolio that enables and facilitates these dynamics by offering flexible and performing wardrobes to suit every woman and her various me’s.”
Invista Fashion Directions have become a recognised source of inspiration underpinned by sound technical innovation, creating value for brands and retailers and supporting Invista partner mills with valuable trend insights, innovation and new business opportunities.
Seven hosiery and sock trends
The laboratory
True innovation comes from a study of materials and design. Garments are like swatch cards, showing an exercise in patternmaking with the aim of making designs that look like they actually move. The colour card is bold and bright. Compression and supportive legwear is made using Leg Care technology by Lycra brand to keep your legs feeling good all day long and Lycra Energize powered by Fusion technology to create support and prevent laddering. Pattern is used to map where the graduated compression is strongest while sleek and the contoured leg is accentuated thanks to Shaping technology by Lycra fibre.
The virtual world
The fusion of the real and the digital world is a vision of the future that is fast approaching. Inspired by VR games, we play with this idea by offering garments that enable this transformation, the idea is to adorn the leg with a lace pattern, like a virtual tattoo on nearly bare skin, thanks to Super Summer Sheer technology by Lycra brand. Temporary tattoos and projected ornamentation meet the desires of consumers who want to play different roles, add personal touches and profile themselves with subtle fashion features. All hues are muted and slightly surreal, used in an endless palette of gradient monochromes.
The matchmaker
Long live the long leg, but how hard can it be to pull on your contouring hosiery? This matchmaker tights offers an aesthetic engagement as well as a comfortable and practical solution to the problem: two loose legs that can be pulled on separately. Easy to put on, easy to wear, easy to care for, this garment is an ode to longevity and durability. Lycra Energize brand powered by Fusion technology means there are no runs, and by layering the garment the support function is improved and the silhouette is smoothed. Compression in the garment gives improved comfort, preventing fatigue thanks to Leg Care technology by Lycra brand.
The beauty parlour
This trend is all about retreating. Some find this by meditating in calm spaces or by going basecamp mountaineering, others head to modern-day beauty parlours to be pampered and cared for. We looked for inspiration in the early 50s where we found this look of fresh friendliness and positivity. The colour palette reflects this optimism: soft mint, baby blue and blush pink remind us of classic 50s shades of make up, nail polish, powders and creams.
The werkstatte
It’s back to the future as a new generation of artisans use their technical expertise, knowledge of materials and ancient techniques to blend cultures and traditions and distil experimental and innovative design. In creating these legwear samples, lively crafted looks based on historical knitting patterns, guipure, broderie Anglaise and multi-coloured tweeds are updated by using contemporary techniques and fibres ready for the future. With Xceptionelle technology by Lycra brand evenly smoothing and caressing the skin, and Freef!T® technology by Lycra fibre providing the waistband of the future with reduced red marks and less roll over for enhanced comfort and freedom of movement. The colours match this craft spirit; they are rich with natural dye looks, with tone derived from vegetal and mineral resources. These are the shades of stained glass and glazed ceramics.
Sock Trends
For socks, innovation in finishing and product design adds fresh flavour to dress socks. Corporate looks are not just for the classic career hunters but also for a generation that is young at heart and wants to move fast as well as look smart.
The office
There is a need for understated calm new pragmatism: this design/non-design is about strict and stern classical corporate looks and innovative twists that add interest and fun without compromising on chic smartness. 3D design aesthetics combine with high performance thanks to Lycra Energize brand which keeps feet comfortable and cool during the day due to the moisture managing qualities offered by Coolmax fibre. Black technology by Lycra fibre provides pure jet black with no glitter.
The Wild
Man turns towards nature, motivated by a serious concern regarding nature’s resilience and awareness of its vulnerability, while embracing it, admiring its strength and infinite power. To challenge the slopes, good gear is crucial. Sport socks should feel like an extension of the foot, like part of the skin, to be forgotten during wear. A new take on camouflage combines with Soft Comfort technology by Lycra fibre for hyper comfort and the use of Active technology by Lycra brand for premium foot-hugging stretch and recovery to power all active people. These socks provide insulating warmth and comfort without weight and qualify for the Thermolite brand. A compression sock, powered by Lycra Energize brand, qualifies for Coolmax brand - the linear pattern on the calves is inspired by body-mapping vectors, highlighting the zones where compression is needed.