INVISTA, owner of the LYCRA® brand, together with trend forecasting agency Stijlinstituut Amsterdam have predicted the legwear trends for 2017/18, brought to life through a capsule collection featuring the LYCRA® cutting-edge technology. The LYCRA® brand remains at the forefront of legwear innovations by presenting forward-thinking creative directions with new looks, textures and performance features.
Jane Gwyther, Marketing Segment Manager of Legwear at INVISTA said: “INVISTA presents a great variety of trends for Legwear because we recognise that wearers are so diverse, each one with their own lifestyle and multifaceted personality, who are constantly adapting to their changing environments. It is the versatility of the INVISTA fibre portfolio that enables and facilitates these dynamics by offering flexible, performing and creative garments to suit every woman and her various me’s.”
One of the innovations presented for 2017/18 is the LYCRA® ENERGIZE powered by Fusion™ fibre, which offers, for the first time, high performance compression levels with a longer lasting sheerness. Inspired by the Better Me mega trend for consumers who would like to look better all year round, sheer garments have created new opportunities for hosiery acting like a flawless-finish foundation for legs – lightweight, durable, ultra sheer and comfortable enough to wear during warmer months. Seven hosiery and sock trends are outlined below:
The Laboratory
Bold and bright colours complement innovative designs that look like they actually move. Compression and supportive legwear is made using LYCRA® LEG CARE® technology to keep 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 leg contour is accentuated thanks to the LYCRA® SHAPING technology.
The Virtual World
Inspired by VR games and the fusion between the real and the digital world, designs adorn the leg to meet the desires of consumers who want to play different roles. The virtual tattoo on nearly bare skin effect is made possible by the SUPER SUMMER SHEER technology by LYCRA® brand and all hues are muted and slightly surreal, used in a palette of gradient monochromes.
The Matchmaker
Long live the long leg, but how hard can it be to pull on your contouring hosiery? This trend offers an engaging design as well as a practical solution to the problem: two loose legs that can be pulled on separately. LYCRA® ENERGIZE™ brand powered by FUSION™ technology means there are no runs, and by layering the two pieces the silhouette looks even smoother as the support function is improved. 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, and while some find this peace by meditating or hiking, others head to modern-day beauty parlours to be pampered and cared for. Inspired by the early 50s with a fresh, friendly and positive look, the colour palette is comprised of soft mint, baby blue and blush pink reminiscent 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 experiment with innovative design. Historical knitting patterns, guipure, broderie Anglaise and multi-coloured tweeds are updated by using contemporary techniques and fibres ready for the future such as LYCRA® XCEPTIONELLE technology which evenly smooths the skin, and the FREEF!T® technology providing the waistband of the future with reduced red marks and less roll over. The colours match this crafty spirit by mixing rich colours with natural dye looks in shades of stained glass and glazed ceramics.
The Office
For socks, there is a need for change to speak to a new corporate generation that is young at heart and wants to move fast as well as look smart. This design/non-design is about classical corporate looks which feature innovative twists that add interest and fun without compromising on professionalism. 3D design aesthetics meet high performance thanks to LYCRA® ENERGIZE™ which keeps feet comfortable and cool due to the moisture managing qualities offered by COOLMAX® fibre, while the BLACK technology by LYCRA® fibre provides pure jet black with no glitter.
The Wild
Men turns towards nature, motivated by an awareness of its vulnerability while at the same time admiring its strength and infinite power. A new take on camouflage combines the SOFT COMFORT technology by LYCRA® fibre and the use of LYCRA® ACTIVE technology for premium foot-hugging stretch and recovery to power all active people, providing insulating warmth and comfort without weight as part of the THERMOLITE® brand. A compression sock, powered by LYCRA® ENERGIZE™ brand, qualifies for the COOLMAX® brand with a linear pattern on the calves highlighting the zones where compression is needed.
