"Stronger When Mixed"... Outdoor Boundaries Disappear

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Outdoor companies are consecutively launching streetwear and athleisure (a combination of athletic and leisure) products following sportswear. Facing a growth stagnation in traditional outdoor apparel, these companies are seeking breakthroughs by breaking down fashion boundaries and embracing the latest trends.

According to the industry on the 5th, Nepa will introduce athleisure looks as its main products for this spring and summer. This is the first time that Nepa, an outdoor company, is presenting athleisure looks as its key product line. The athleisure collection, set to be released next month, consists of coordinated sets including jackets, T-shirts, and pants (leggings), combining the inherent functionality of outdoor wear with the slim fit characteristic of the latest athleisure trend.

Nepa also plans to launch sports walking shoes featuring Gore-Tex for this spring and summer. Gore-Tex is a fabric mainly used in high-end outdoor apparel and footwear lines due to its high cost. Nepa originally planned to release its spring and summer new products around the 20th of this month but postponed the launch to early next month considering the market impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

K2 will also showcase its main products for this spring and summer, including the lifewear 'All-Weather Infinium Coat.' Applying Gore-Tex Infinium triple-layer material, it offers excellent breathability and waterproofing, making it ideal for light wear during unpredictable spring weather. Since 2017, K2 has diversified its product lines into three axes: traditional outdoor products, sportswear, and lifewear.

The outdoor industry leader, The North Face, also introduced the 'Anorak Collection' this spring, combining streetwear and athleisure looks. This collection adds practicality to the functionality of The North Face’s traditional outdoor products, allowing for versatile use in everyday life. In particular, the Campton Anorak features a drop shoulder line and naturally wrinkled fabric, making it suitable for styling as athleisure wear.

This kind of deviation by outdoor companies was structurally predictable. After the outdoor market bubble peaked in 2014 and the market size shrank, companies that had been expanding sales through mass promotions such as events are now seeking new opportunities through collaborations with emerging trends.

The domestic outdoor market size peaked at 7.16 trillion won in 2014 and declined to 2.55 trillion won by 2018. An industry insider said, "Due to prolonged sales sluggishness and changing trends, brands are undergoing changes in their identity and strengthening expansion into sports athleisure and lifestyle brands."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.