Environmentally conscious fabric selection in sportswear design

The sportswear industry has always been an early adopter of technical textile and fibre innovation. This chapter will focus on the selection of fabrics for the functional clothing layering system for use in the outdoor environment where garment design and manufacturing methods are interdependent. It will draw attention to growing concerns associated with the environmental footprint of the global textile and clothing chain. It will site well-established brands recognised for introducing more innovative approaches to product innovation driven by user need in combination with more responsible textile selection. It will conclude with guidance on how designers and product developers may access networks to become better informed in their selection of materials and related processes.