BIG IDEASApril sales floors echo Spring!s arrival, with a shift to

warm-weather essentials like short shorts, knickers,

sleeveless vests and racerback tanks. Retailers

showcased large selections of running apparel and

footwear, and bright mustards and corals updated

various assortments. Fresh active ponchos and unique

design details keeps the sport apparel market

interesting.

Bright mustards for Spring

Knickers gain traction

Unique design details

Coral hues are strong

Running apparel and footwear

Ponchos update active looks

Adidas by Stella McCartney Niketown Adidas by Stella McCartney

Riachuelo

Adidas

Large selections of running apparel and footwear dominated sales floors in April.

Major brands and retailers allocated space / Minimalist footwear styles continue with a massive following /

Running skirts are ubiquitous for women / Unique design details and prints

RUNNER!S WORLD

INSPIRATION

Nike

Forever 21 Adidas C&A

Nike

Puma

Edgy springtime workout looks keep active assortments interesting.

Forward-thinking photorealistic floral prints / Studio-to-street looks / Darker color palettes for sleek ensembles:

black, red and bright mustard / On-trend sheer fabrics / Crop top styles nod to runway looks

Related Reports: Active Retail – March 2011 > Back in Black

STREET EDGE

INSPIRATION

Adidas Forever 21 Burton

Lululemon Athletica

Under Armour

Coral hues brighten active assortments for Spring.

Ultra red to deep orange shades / White additions keep items light and seasonally appropriate / Alternative ombré

effects on plaid button fronts / Bold tie-dye treatments for sports bras

CORAL WAVES

COLOR

Mulher Elastica

Niketown Splendid Adidas

Mulher Elastica Tate Adidas by Stella McCartney

Chic, fashionable sweatshirts continue to evolve.

Unique ruching at collars and shoulders / Heather grey remains important, but not as strong / Spring color

options: cornflower blue, sea green and teal / Asymmetric pockets / Ribbons replace classic drawstrings at

neckline

THE BEST SWEATS

ITEM

Soul Mind Breath Life

Saks Fifth Avenue Burton Adidas by Stella McCartney

Adidas

Puma

Knickers gain traction again this month on active apparel sales floors.

Popular style during March and April / Update to leggings / Directional option for many sports: yoga, gym, studio,

running / Basic black along with pops of coral and royal purple / Ideal transitional sport-to-street piece

Related Reports: Active Retail – March 2011 > Knickers

KNICKERS

ITEM

The North Face Adidas by Stella McCartney Adidas

New Look

Eastpak

Warmer weather brings amped-up cycling apparel and gear assortments to retail.

Traditional styles with fashionable updates / Leopard prints in lieu of side racing stripes / Ultra-light windbreakers

with logo repeat prints / Classic hoodies in light blue / Messenger bags for street and cycling

CYCLE STORY

INSPIRATION

Burton

Riachuelo Gap Body Adidas

The North Face Riachuelo Adidas

Sleeveless vests and jackets have a large presence this month in a variety of styles.

Paper-thin windbreakers for cycling and running / Classic heathered fleece for a sporty look / Typically with hoods

/ Ideal silhouettes going from Spring to Summer / Great layering pieces / Array of colors and neutrals / Mustard,

orange and fuchsia are key

SLEEVELESS STANCE

ITEM

Adidas

Niketown Burton Adidas

The North Face

Gap Body

Ultra bright mustards seep into a wide array of active assortments this Spring.

Hats, racerbacks, swimwear, sweats, windbreakers and jackets / Edgy and directional looks for Spring and

Summer / Day-Glo tints are not too overt; ideal for sport

Related Reports: Trend Alert – Mustard

BRIGHT MUSTARD

COLOR

Splendid Gap Body Stem

Adidas Forever 21 Nike

Short shorts remain steadfast staples going from Winter to Spring.

Heathered pink fleece for a forward take / Adjustable side ties for temperature control / Extra wide ribbon ties at

waistbands / Dolphin hemlines remain key for runners / Shorter the better

Related Reports: Active Retail – March 2011 > Short Shorts

SHORT SHORTS

ITEM

Mulher Elastica Gap Body Adidas by Stella McCartney

No longer an emerging trend, running skirts are here to stay.

Skirts are beginning to segue into other sports / Built-in leggings and briefs for a no-frills fit / Stirrups for

maximum support / Basic black is key / Colors are slowly emerging / Lengths are typically ultra short

Related Reports: Tokyo Marathon 2011 > Running Skirts

RUNNING SKIRTS

ITEM

Adidas Mulher Elastica Daily Project Adidas

Chic, sophisticated ponchos offer a fresh silhouette for active apparel.

Cape-like styles with bat wings / Both pullover and zip-front closures / Active-inspired standup knit collars /

Heathered fleece / Perfect for after-gym or as streetwear

ACTIVE PONCHOS

SILHOUETTE

Zella Gap Body Under Armour

Lululemon Athletica

Lululemon Athletica

Updated design details keep things interesting for active apparel.

Function and fashion fusions / Mesh shoulder inlays for breathability and an on-trend look / Ruched pockets /

Dolphin hemline shorts in mesh fabrics that wick moisture / Multiple straps / Hidden back pockets with zipper

closures

Related Reports: Active Retail – March 2011 > Unique Details

TIGHT LOOKS

DESIGN DETAIL