InsideOutdoor Summer 2015

24 / 84

In response, women’s brands known for
performance wear, and major women’s
apparel brands that have never sold
sportswear, have begun selling yoga per-
formance wear and ensembles that, with
the addition of a coordinating jacket or
sweater, can be worn running errands or
after class at a local bistro.
This trend is referred to as “athlei-
sure” and as it has grown, more and
more women are wearing those com-
pressive, figure-revealing yoga tights,
Capri’s and tops throughout the day,
whether or not a trip to the yoga studio
is part of the daily plan.
According to Stacey Finnemore, the
marketing merchandiser for L.L. Bean’s
Women’s Active Wear line, yoga has had
a major impact on active apparel and the
sportswear markets. During the past five
years, she said, the “yoga pant phenom-
enon has impacted almost every angle of
the marketplace.” She believes it’s cre-
ated the athleisure movement and says
that it “has had a trickle down impact
on nearly every category of product,”
including sneakers as fashion, backpacks
as fashion, sports bras as fashion and
“uber-stretch denim in ‘tights’ silhou-
ettes,” paired with longer length tops.
Keryn Francisco, the creative director
for the Lucy yoga attire line, agreed. “We
are absolutely seeing yoga wear becom-
ing everyday wear,” she said. “It’s com-
fortable, functional and easy. [It’s] the
perfect formula for our busy lifestyles.”
Stylish yoga ensembles that include
the usual compressive leggings and
clingy yoga-friendly tops are even find-
ing their way into resort wear lines from
brands such as Lilly Pulitzer and Boston
Proper. But here, yoga essentials are
showing up in bright colors, paired with
flowing jackets, $200 purses, stylish hats,
big jewelry and sparkly sandals.
FabricsTellThe Story?
Lucy, as with several of the new yoga
attire lines, is using fabrics that have
grown out of the performance industry
as the basis for their yoga attire. This
includes fibers that wick moisture and
offer what Francisco described as “the
right amount of support and coverage
for each activity,” as well as fabrics that
thermo-regulate.
Items suitable for yoga from L.L.
Bean’s Women’s Active Line also sport
similar performance properties. This
Kwik Tek is just one the brands offering
SUP boards for yogis with it Bliss ladies
and FIT men’s yoga/fitness boards.
Sturdy 2 mm polypropylene plates that hold
your food and beverages all at once. Thumb
hole for easy carrying. Holds wine glasses on
the side, or standard drink cans in the middle.
Dishwasher and microwave safe.
VISIT US AT ORSM BOOTH #7043
TWITTER: @COGHLANSGEAR •
Inside Outdoor | Summer 2015 24