The panel discussion “Future Fit Forum” on day one of the Kingpins denim fair discusses the future of denim fits. The conversation, moderated by Michelle Branch, founder and creative director of American Markt & Twigs, Inc., a global creative company specialized in denim innovations, will take place between Carme Santacruz (Jeanologia, Spain), Esther Knight (Fanfare Label, England) and Ruben Jurriën (independent designer, Netherlands). The panel focuses on innovative denim fabrics, the importance of stretch and the ‘supersize’ trend as a counterpart to the worrying ‘size zero’ trend.
Because ‘the future’ is such an abstract concept, Branch explains, we look at the fabrics, technologies and social trends that will influence jeans fashion in the next five years.
Evolution and revolution of fits
Santacruz, creative director and senior denim designer at Jeanologia, emphasizes the importance of fabrics and technologies such as Creora’s biobased stretch fiber (an elastic fiber based on natural raw materials) and polyurethane elastomer, better known as Lycra or elastane, for comfort. Lycra is often used in stretch jeans and ensures that the pants can move somewhat, which is less and less a reason for consumers to buy a smaller size. “A noticeable trend is the shift towards looser-fitting clothing in general,” says Santacruz. Examples of this are the ‘Baggy jeans’, a model that runs very wide from a fitting waistband, and the ‘Relaxed fit’, a model with a wide cut.
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In addition, Knight predicts that consumers will increasingly adhere to the sustainability mantra of late designer Vivienne Westwood: “Buy less, choose well and make it last.” This means that consumers will invest in jeans that not only fit well and are trendy now, but will also fit well and remain fashionable in five years. Stretch fabrics and their impact on wearing comfort are discussed. “Bodies change and people want jeans to stay comfortable,” Jurriën emphasizes.
A point of concern is the return of the ‘size zero’ trend, which is associated with the Y2K aesthetic, inspired by fashion from the early 2000s. The panelists emphasize the need for a future where comfort and inclusive fits are central. Jurriën, who makes clothing that fits (almost) everyone because it is adjustable, ends the conversation with the quote: “Clothes should shape themselves to the wearer, not the other way around.”
Source: fashionunited.nl
