Surveys by Publications:
Footwear Insight Textile Insight Outdoor Insight
Consumer Survey
Consumer Q&A
survey

How Active Outdoor Explorers Shop

An important element of today’s active lifestyle is adventure travel, with destination getaways focused on fitness and cultural experiences. Packing decisions for weekend breakaways as well trips for longer durations focus on items that go the distance in terms of versatility, packability and products made with fabrics that have multiple performance features. Interestingly, that doesn’t necessarily mean a carry all stuffed with slick synthetics; natural fibers are on the comeback trail in active wardrobes. The charts shown here illuminate these and other trends in consumer shopping behavior. For example, when asked, “When purchasing active apparel for travel purposes,” respondents gave wicking the top spot, but anti-odor, water resistance and UV protection also made the list. Packability and stain resistance are also mentioned favorably. This level of performance savvy bodes well for textile suppliers looking for growth in the travel market. A few other takeaways of note: The emerging categories of performance denim and workwear, along with the issue of micro-plastics ocean pollution appear not to resonate with the mainstream consumer despite considerable attention within the industry. It will be interesting to watch how these trends develop in the year ahead.

The panel consisted of 106 active, athletic men and woman who live in the U.S, with an average age of 36.
Identifying Performance Preferences
What workout items are always in your weekend getaway bag?
Are you more vigilant about wearing clothing that offers UV protection than five years ago?
Are you more likely to buy apparel or footwear technology that you can see or feel?
Are natural fibers like wool and cotton making a comeback in your active wardrobe?
Do you have more or less denim products in your closet than 5 years ago?
Do you wear denim more or less often for outdoor experiences?
Identifying Performance Preferences
When purchasing active apparel for travel purposes, what functional property is top priority?
Have you heard of microfiber pollution? If yes, are you...
Quotes

What does the word “Workwear” mean to you?

Clothes and footwear made for intentional purposes such as steel toe work boots or wicking shirts.

I think of technical clothing to wear for work.

Construction/yard work. This term always makes me think of non-technical outdoor brands like Timbeland or Carhartts, etc.

Wear that pertains to those who work in the elements, literally.

Rugged toes, knees, rip-stop

Clothing that has cooling technology and UV protection.

Athletic apparel that is work appropriate.

Durable, practical, able to get dirty and wear forever without wearing out.

Comfortable clothes you can wear every day and last.

Issued uniform.

Clothes that you can wear to work, but are comfortable to just wear.

Business casual - cotton polos and khakis

For work workwear means business casual clothes. It Is also for exercise hiking, boating, fishing etc.

Workwear to me includes many of the shirts and pants that I currently own - Patagonia and Kuhl shirts/pants that are comfortable and fashionable enough to wear in the office while bulletproof durability and wicking features allow them to work well at the campsite.

Clothes for working outside.

Gear for specific trades.

Something durable that I can use while doing a hard labor or messy job.

For work I wear a button-down shirt and slacks.  But the term actually implies heavier clothing that one would wear to work in a fabrication shop or to perform an industrial or craft trade.

Means items typically worn by people who work outside all day, rangers, firemen, construction workers.

Workwear means rugged clothing for more rigorous work. Typically for tradework but very helpful for anyone wanting quality clothes that will last.

Clothes you wear to work.

Professional, protective, classic style active clothing.

Clothing that is durable and somewhat uncomfortable to wear.

material that will withstand sweat, stains, sun exposure, weather conditions and wound tear easy or at least be rip stop. also must be comfortable and breathable.

I don’t wear it - I associate it with construction, farming, or other jobs associated with a more “blue collar” lifestyle.

Not sure I’ve ever heard the term ... I’d guess it’s business clothing. I work for an insurance company and the dress slacks and button up shirts I wear to work are “workwear.”Tough, long lasting. Not particularly fashionable.

Workout clothes that pass for nice enough to wear to work!

Apparel specifically designed for the workplace, wherever that is - from formal/business attire to construction gear.

Workwear means clothing needed for a specific occupation.  Typically a manual labor type job or something where you are on your feet more often than not.  Basically, anything other than a desk type job.

Pushing my body in intensity while the clothing provides technical support.

Brutally tough seams, abrasion resistance that is unrivaled. This usually is reflected in a higher price point which I am comfortable with.

Durable, but not active.

Clothing which has been created for more specific type of work use, often made out of a more rugged material and designed with the help of workers who are using it in the field.  This sort of clothing should not just look like workwear, but actually perform for men and women who will be really using the clothing hard. For work, not working out.

Items that I can wear under my uniform that will enhance my comfort level all day.

Something that’s durable, I can get dirty, something I don’t wash after every use because I’m just going back in it tomorrow to work again.

Clothing that I can wear to work at my white-collar job.