Nike brings more technicalities into the regular sports bra by creating an adaptive tech sports bra that supports an athlete's specific needs. According to data collected by A.T. Kearney, a management consulting firm, sports bra sales have increased by over 20% over recent years to approximately $3.5 billion within the U.S. in 2016. Nike pushes the boundaries with its new 'Motion Adapt Bra,' with a basic sports bra exterior and an interior of adaptive material constructed of a unique foam and polymer blend. This material allows the bra to stretch and rest to specific body contours and locks out when it detects impact.
The Design Director for Nike bras and innovation, Nicole Rendone, explains that, "If you pull the front of the bra very slowly, you will feel the adaptive fabric moving with your hands. But if you pull it very quickly and with force, the fabric will resist movement by locking out, feeling almost hard. And that quality — that it doesn’t move during high-velocity movement — is the major benefit when it comes to support."
Adaptive Tech Sports Bras
Nike Introduced a New Form of Adaptive Technology to Its Sports Bras
Trend Themes
1. Adaptive Tech Sports Apparel - Sports apparel companies are exploring adaptive technology to create custom clothing and accessories that can adapt to an athlete's specific needs.
2. Smart Textiles Industry - The smart textiles industry is experimenting with incorporating sensors and other technology into clothing to enhance athletic performance and comfort.
3. Biometric Wearables for Sports - Wearable technology has the potential to monitor athletes' biometric data, detect impact, and adjust clothing to optimize performance.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Apparel Industry - The sports apparel industry is seeing a rise in demand for technically advanced clothing that enhances performance and provides support for specific body types during physical activity.
2. Fitness Industry - Gyms and trainers are exploring ways to incorporate adaptive technology and smart textiles into clothing and equipment to enhance workouts.
3. Healthcare Industry - Adaptive sports apparel has the potential to improve quality of life for people with physical disabilities or injuries, opening opportunities for healthcare providers to offer innovative solutions.