pedal for a more sustainable future

In recent years, a significant cultural and environmental shift has occurred that is redefining the way we view, interact with and move in the world around us. As we approach the coming seasons with a greater emphasis on sustainability, a focus on conscious design has given brands the opportunity to join in Activewear to rethink classic silhouettes and focus on multifunctionality and circular innovations.

One-dimensional and environmentally hostile activewear designs are losing their power. Consumers gravitate toward garments and accessories that offer hyper-flexible constructions and integrated details that seem to anticipate the unexpected. The rise in anxiety is leading to an emotional attachment to clothing items that provide a sense of on-the-go adaptability and enable more conscious purchases that transcend a specific occasion or season. With climate concerns fueling a rise in #bikecore culture, the focus is on designs that celebrate modern cyclists while supporting active flexibility from the street to the studio – and everywhere in between.

Cycling has always been popular, but over the last decade we have seen a massive increase in the number of people choosing cycling as their preferred mode of transport. There are many reasons for this increase, such as increasing concern for the environment and more health-conscious lifestyles, with consumers considering new ways of commuting that are beneficial for both the planet and cyclists .

With a growing presence at fashion weeks and recent collaborations between bike brands such as Super 73 X Daily Paper, Shrimp X Rapha and Cowboy This increasing popularity of #bikecore style has also increased demand for activewear that seamlessly blends form and function. Cyclists look for clothing that gives them full freedom of movement and protects them from the environment and unexpected changes on the route. Designers across the activewear market and beyond are responding to these unique demands by creating innovative hybrid designs that are extremely versatile yet extremely stylish.

The emergence of performance-driven collections that combine fashion and function is giving way to a universal need for designs that serve a greater purpose. The freedom to move has become an inspiration catalyst for the collections of designer Johanna Parv, who has her roots in women’s fashion and experiments with elegant silhouettes made for mobility. By placing the urban cyclist at the center of the design process, Parv’s designs elevate everyday garments through transformable constructions and conscious adaptability. Thoughtful details like integrated ponytail holes, ergonomic cuts and versatile straps allow everyday clothing to be reimagined with an active twist – giving consumers the opportunity to move with support and ease.

Another example of #bikecore inspiration comes from the collaboration between bike-sharing company Lime and sustainable designer Lydia Bolton, which offers commuter garments made entirely from upcycled materials. The collection, aptly named “Re-Cycle,” was motivated by a recent survey that found nine out of 10 people avoid cycling due to concerns about their clothing and more than half expressed a desire for fashionable, bike-friendly clothing .

Made from reused materials such as waterproof coats, quilted puffers, discarded tents and old jerseys, the garments were developed using the closed-loop principle. These unisex and seasonless designs feature shape-shifting cuts that range from short to long, including removable adjustments and clothing clips that ensure a snug fit while riding. Designers like Parv and Bolton are building on the success of the Gorpcore-Booms, ushering in a new era of performance design that elevates everyday items with an increased sense of practicality.

There’s also a cycling-inspired resonance in active footwear, as the focus on hybrid designs has sparked an influx of innovative silhouettes that take different terrains and activities into account. Earlier this year, Salomon and Pas Normal Studios released an updated version of a classic design, giving a taste of what’s possible when it comes to creating a next-generation hybrid lifestyle. The robust design offers a lightweight sneaker and an internal quick-lacing system with a water-repellent gaiter, providing both thoughtful insulation and protection from the elements to enable the journey from mountain to street to cafe.

Even the TikTok-popular Samba has gotten a bike-friendly makeover, as Adidas recently introduced the Velosamba Cold.Rdy sneakers. Designed specifically for cold-weather commuting, the shoes highlight the trend toward sustainability with vegan styles and construction techniques made from 50 percent recycled materials. With cycling-friendly details like integrated cleat mounts on the sole and highly reflective accents for a safer ride, the hybrid sneakers will easily find a place on social media and bike pedals.

As consumers’ desire for products that can adapt to any situation grows, designers are trying to respond with thoughtful solutions. This rapidly growing marriage between bike-ready designs and innovative circular economy methods has sparked a new wave of design that celebrates the universal freedom to move in any unexpected climate or environment.

This article originally appeared on FashionUnited.com. Translated and edited by Simone Preuss.