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02 February 2024
Many critics and professionals have noted that fashion is due an overhaul as consumers become more aware of behind-the-scenes business matters such as supply chains and sustainability with demands for brands to do better and be authentic. But what will be trending in bodywear for 2024? Join Bodywear Lab as we explore the emerging trends that are reshaping the bodywear industry, with a keen focus on technologies and ideologies as well as the latest design trends that are set to define the fashion landscape and create transcendent brands of the future.
In the evolving landscape of contour fashion, a notable trend gaining momentum is the emphasis on community building and showcasing authenticity by brands. In 2024, we’re witnessing a shift from businesses merely selling products to showcasing authenticity through transparency and creating inclusive communities around a brand’s ethos. Bodywear brands are recognising the power of connecting with consumers on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging and shared values. This shift towards community-centric approaches is fueled by the desire to establish lasting relationships with customers. By engaging in open dialogues, brands gain valuable insights into consumer preferences, allowing for more informed design decisions and targeted marketing strategies.
If you want to learn more about fashion brand storytelling, head to HYSCULPT, our marketing, branding and PR sister company!Â
The benefits for businesses are multifaceted. Firstly, building a community creates a loyal customer base, as individuals feel a personal connection to the brand. This loyalty often translates into repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing. Secondly, the sense of community allows for real-time feedback, enabling brands to adapt swiftly to changing preferences and stay ahead of industry trends. Moreover, these communities become a powerful marketing tool, with satisfied customers becoming brand ambassadors who share their positive experiences within their social circles. As social consciousness continues to grow, consumers are actively seeking brands that align with their values, making community building not just a trend but a strategic imperative for bodywear businesses looking to thrive in the future.Â
One of the most significant advancements in bodywear fashion is the integration of glue bonding technology. This cutting-edge technique involves fusing fabrics using heat, adhesives, or ultrasonic waves, eliminating the need for stitching. The result is a seamless and smooth finish that not only enhances comfort but also creates a sleek and futuristic aesthetic. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in bodywear designs that embrace glue bonding technology, offering consumers a new level of sophistication and elegance.Â
Seamless knitting technology has been a staple in bodywear for a while, but 2024 will take it to new heights. Beyond the comfort it provides, seamless knit designs are becoming a canvas for creativity. Expect to see bold patterns, intricate textures, and innovative colour combinations seamlessly integrated into bodywear. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also showcases the limitless potential of seamless technology in crafting unique and attention-grabbing garments.
The integration of 3D technology is another game-changer in the bodywear industry. Designers are leveraging 3D printing techniques to create intricate and bespoke designs that conform to the contours of the human body. This allows for a level of customization never seen before in bodywear fashion. Tools such as Style3D are paving the way for fashion bodywear brands to explore new avenues of creativity and efficiency with soft body capabilities – allowing designers and consumers to see 3D product renderings on realistic and diverse body types. Style3D also allows for suppliers to input their fabrics directly into the software. This means designers from all over the world can trial the materials before purchase, saving time, money and the planet.Â
From personalised lingerie to tailored athletic wear, 3D technology is unlocking new possibilities, allowing consumers to express their individuality through their clothing. If you want to know more about new technological advancements in the world of bodywear fashion, read our blog all about it!
In addition to technological advancements, the design trends of 2024 are pushing the boundaries of creativity. The fusion of art and function is taking centre stage, with designers exploring unconventional shapes, asymmetry, and bold colour palettes. Bodywear is no longer just about practicality; it’s a form of self-expression. Look out for avant-garde silhouettes, unexpected cutouts, and designs that challenge traditional norms. The bodywear of the future is a canvas for wearable art.Â
Activewear, once relegated to workout sessions or morning jogs, has undergone a metamorphosis, emerging as a sartorial expression seamlessly amalgamating comfort, functionality, and style for everyday attire. Although everyday activewear gained widespread acclaim during and after the COVID-19 era, its presence on the catwalks predates 2020, permeating from the streets. In 2024, consumers seek comfort and functionality without sacrificing style – they desire products capable of effortlessly transitioning from a sunrise yoga class to a coffee rendezvous and an office team meeting. Trends like ‘bloke-core,’ featuring retro football jerseys, vintage tennis skirts, and sport-inspired sneakers, are gaining international traction. Activewear brands offering an elevated perspective on staple products can significantly enhance sales and brand visibility. The evolution of activewear has ushered in a plethora of innovative and fashion-forward designs, integrating breathable fabrics, cutting-edge silhouettes, and bold patterns.
To captivate street-style enthusiasts while retaining sportswear functionality, activewear brands must harmonise fashion with function. Incorporating vibrant hues, avant-garde patterns, and contemporary silhouettes into designs can infuse a bold and edgy aesthetic. A successful blend involves marrying breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics with trendy textures or finishes. Leveraging intelligent fabric technology, such as temperature-regulating fabrics or those providing radiation protection, enhances visual appeal without compromising performance.
If you want to stay ahead of mainstream bodywear trends, head to the London Contour Experts trend blog page, filled with accurate style predictions, inspiration boards and expert insights into what’s next for contour.You can also sign up to Bodywear Lab’s new monthly newsletter – You will receive exclusive access to our Brands of the Future insight report. Hurry, this offer ends soon!
SUSTAINABILITY
As we move forward, sustainability is a key driving force in the fashion industry, and bodywear is no exception. Designers are embracing eco-friendly materials, ethical production processes, and circular design principles. Expect to see a surge in bodywear collections that not only prioritise style and comfort but also uphold a commitment to environmental responsibility.
In 2024, sustainability emerged as a paramount trend in the bodywear fashion industry, reflecting a conscientious shift towards eco-friendly practices. A notable facet of this trend is the increasing use of organic fabrics, marking a departure from conventional materials towards innovative alternatives. Mushroom and orange leather, coconut fibre, seaweed, and the repurposing of deadstock and recycled materials are at the forefront of this sustainable revolution.
Organic fabrics derived from mushrooms, such as mycelium-based leather, and orange peels showcase the industry’s commitment to exploring biodegradable alternatives. These materials not only reduce the environmental impact but also offer unique textures and properties. Similarly, coconut fibre, known for its breathability and sustainability, is making its mark in bodywear, providing a natural and eco-conscious option for consumers. Seaweed-based textiles are gaining prominence for their biodegradability and low environmental footprint, adding an element of innovation to sustainable bodywear. The repurposing of deadstock and the use of recycled materials contribute to waste reduction, addressing the industry’s responsibility to minimise its ecological footprint.
The trend towards sustainable materials in bodywear for 2024 is not merely a response to consumer demand; it reflects a broader commitment to environmental responsibility. As consumers increasingly seek ethical and eco-friendly choices, the bodywear fashion industry’s embrace of organic fabrics aligns with a collective effort towards a more sustainable and mindful future.
The bodywear fashion designs of 2024 are a convergence of technology, innovation, and creativity. Bonding, 3D, and seamless technologies are reshaping the industry, offering consumers a new level of comfort and style. Meanwhile, designers are breaking free from conventional norms, creating bodywear that is not only functional but also a form of wearable art. As we embrace the future, the bodywear fashion landscape is set to captivate us with its seamless blend of technology and design, providing a glimpse into the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.Want your fashion business to be a brand of the future? Learn how we can support your growth with expert bodywear design, manufacturing and production services at Bodywear Lab.
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Brands of Tomorrow is a curated program, designed to support the growth of an exclusive group of creative entrepreneurs embarking on the journey to develop their businesses in the bodywear sector.
Interested? Find out more on our sister company,
London Contour Experts website.
Brands of Tomorrow is a curated program, designed to support the growth of an exclusive group of creative entrepreneurs embarking on the journey to develop their businesses in the bodywear sector.
Interested? Find out more on our sister company,
London Contour Experts website.