Invista, a leading producer of fibres and polymers and owner of the Lycra brand, has launched its 2017-2018 global legwear trends and fashion directions, which focus on the importance of dynamic looks and versatility.

Invista and trend forecasting agency Stijlinstituut Amsterdam have predicted the must-have legwear trends for 2017/18, which are brought to life through an inspirational Lycra capsule collection featuring innovative trends and technologies. With this collection of trends, Invista is extending the utility of hosiery by adding performance features, as well as re-designing looks and textures.

“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,” commented Jane Gwyther, Marketing Segment Manager of Legwear at Invista.

Comfort and performance

Focusing on the importance of dynamic looks and versatility, legwear is in the slipstream of athleisure, where all-round 24/7 comfort and performance features are pushed to new limits.

Driven by the consumer trend towards healthier lifestyles and revitalised by sportswear innovations, features such as compression in fashion garments now offer all-day comfort and support. Lycra Energize powered by Fusion fibre aims to offer the reality of reaching high performance compression levels with a longer lasting sheerness, the company reports.

Hosiery trends

The Laboratory trend direction is depicted through bold and bright colours. Compression and supportive legwear is made using Leg Care technology by Lycra brand and Lycra Energize powered by Fusion technology to create support and prevent laddering. Pattern is used to map where the graduated compression is the strongest, while sleek and the contoured leg is accentuated thanks to the Shaping technology by Lycra fibre.

The Virtual World direction is a fusion of the real and the digital world, and a vision of the future that is fast approaching. Inspired by VR games, Invista offers garments that enable this transformation, the idea is to adorn the leg with a lace pattern, like a virtual tattoo on nearly bare skin, thanks to Super Summer Sheer technology by Lycra brand. All hues are muted and slightly surreal, used in an endless palette of gradient monochromes.

The Matchmaker tights offers an aesthetic engagement, as well as a comfortable and practical solution to the problem of pulling on the contouring hosiery – two loose legs that can be pulled on separately. Easy to put on, easy to wear, easy to care for, this garment is an ode to longevity and durability.

The Beauty Parlour is all about retreating. Invista looked for inspiration in the early 50s where it found this look of fresh friendliness and positivity. The colour palette reflects this optimism: soft mint, baby blue and blush pink is reminiscent of classic 50s shades of makeup, nail polish, powders and creams.

The Werkstatte samples are inspired by lively crafted looks based on historical knitting patterns, guipure, broderie Anglaise and multi-coloured tweeds are updated by using contemporary techniques and fibres ready for the future. Xceptionelle technology by Lycra brand evenly smoothens and caresses the skin, and Freef!T technology by Lycra fibre provides the waistband of the future with reduced red marks and less roll over for enhanced comfort and freedom of movement. The colours are rich with natural dye looks, with tone derived from vegetal and mineral resources.

Sock trends

For socks, innovation in finishing and product design adds fresh flavour to dress socks. Corporate looks are not just for the classic career hunters, but also for a generation that is youthful and wants to move fast, as well as look smart, the company reports.

The Office is about classical corporate looks and innovative twists that add interest and fun without compromising on chic smartness. 3D design aesthetics combine with high performance thanks to Lycra Energize and moisture managing qualities offered by Coolmax fibre. Black technology by Lycra fibre provides pure jet black with no glitter.

The Wild sport socks should feel like an extension of the foot, like part of the skin, to be forgotten during wear. A new take on camouflage combines with Soft Comfort technology by Lycra fibre for hyper comfort and the use of Active technology by Lycra brand for premium foot hugging stretch and recovery to power all active people.

www.invista.com