Fashion labels are leveraging graphene to create outdoor activewear
Trend - Fashion labels are using graphene to create outdoor activewear such as sweaters, coats, and pants. Graphene is both lightweight yet extremely durable, conducts electricity, repels bacteria, and dissipates the body’s excess humidity–making it an obvious choice to use when crafting performance wear.
Insight - Consumers who regularly enjoy outdoor activities are often met with varying terrain and shifting weather conditions, necessitating versatile, performance-focused apparel. Thus, this clothing is viewed as more of a long-term investment for many consumers. These individuals are prioritizing pieces that's both practical and comfortable, allowing them to seamlessly go about their day while also allowing them to engage in outdoor recreational activities.
Insight - Consumers who regularly enjoy outdoor activities are often met with varying terrain and shifting weather conditions, necessitating versatile, performance-focused apparel. Thus, this clothing is viewed as more of a long-term investment for many consumers. These individuals are prioritizing pieces that's both practical and comfortable, allowing them to seamlessly go about their day while also allowing them to engage in outdoor recreational activities.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage an emerging material in its products or services?
Trend Themes
1. Graphene-infused Apparel - The use of graphene in fashion continues to grow, as brands infuse the material into activewear and outdoor clothing for added durability and performance capabilities.
2. Multi-functional Outerwear - Outerwear garments that can protect from extreme weather conditions, be worn in a variety of situations, and have additional features like heating systems or emergency preparedness, are becoming increasingly popular.
3. Functional Comfort - As more consumers prioritize comfort and functionality in their clothing, clothing brands that cater specifically to performance, versatility, and durability are becoming more important.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Apparel - This industry can incorporate the use of graphene for better performance in activewear and outerwear that can be worn in a variety of weather conditions.
2. Athletic Wear - Athletic wear companies can utilize the benefits of graphene's durability and performance in their clothing for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Emergency Preparedness - Companies that focus on products for emergency preparedness can incorporate the functional and multi-purpose aspects of graphene clothing into their own products for added protection and durability in extreme situations.
