School sportswear demands have changed this Back to School period, says Chadwick Teamwear. Garments that were once seen as complementary pieces for schools – such as leggings and midlayers – are now outperforming even core sport and games kit items.
What’s created this trend?
One reason is the current pandemic. Schools are seeking to minimise infections between pupils by limiting not only their contact with others outside their ‘bubbles’, but also by the use of shared spaces such as changing rooms.
This has led to students being encouraged to attend school and in some cases remain throughout the day in their games kits if they have PE or sports clubs that day. This adds travelling to and from school in their sports kit into the equation, therefore surging demand for warmer outer layers and baselayers.
Understandably, the parents of the students are now formally encouraged to send their children into school in fresh, clean clothes each day. So, for example, a child that pre-Covid-19 may have worn one pair of shorts and a T-shirt for two junior PE lessons a week may now be wearing a pair of skinny pants, a baselayer, T-shirt and a midlayer. Subsequently, rather than just the one set, they may have multiple sets.
Will this trend continue?
The jury is still out. On one hand, it may go back to years of old once the Covid-19 threat passes. On the other hand, this shift in style demand may well become the new norm as infection control continues to take precedence in schools and similar settings to mitigate future threats.
There’s also the fact many pupils, parents and schools are now aware of a broader range of garment styles available to them. This could lead to demand continuing or even ramping up further; particularly if new trends begin to set in amongst pupils.
School sportswear top 10 bestsellers
It’s hard to say which way trends will go or what demand will be in the years to come. However, Chadwick Teamwear has identified its currently bestsellers in school sportswear as the Pro Training Short; Baselayer Tights; Pro Rugby Shorts; Academy Leggings; Classic Stadium Pants; Power Stretch Leggings; Baselayer Tops; Functional Midlayers; Pro Team Midlayers; and Skinny Pants.
The unprecedented increase Chadwick Teamwear has seen in sales has naturally had an impact on its stock levels. However, it backs its products, is always producing and has fast turnaround times, so replenishment is always imminent.
Contact Chadwick Teamwear’s sales office on sales@chadwicktextiles.co.uk to request a sample from any of its top 10 bestselling school sportwear styles. For further information on Chadwick Teamwear, please click here.
