Functional sportswear is an increasingly important part of the modern wardrobe. From sport specific end use to corporate clothing, travel wear and active leisurewear all age groups have a need for clothing which is comfortable, looks good and which is fit for purpose. All age groups have an interest in good performance clothing. Top sports practitioners may rely on the specialist features of their clothing for survival. Fashion designers (such as Ralph Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger), mid level retail outlets (such as Marks & Spencer, Stockmann and Galleries Lafayette) and budget stores such as Asda (UK) and Citymarket (FIN) are introducing sportswear labels. The clothing and footwear industry is changing rapidly with design research, development, sourcing and production in a global concern.

There has been little specialist training available to aid clothing designers, buyers and retailers in this growing area of the market. New recruits to the industry or those seeking to expand their experience or change direction lack confidence in understanding the complex blend of technical terminology of design requirements, sport culture and elements of the marketing mix which affect the successful design development of performance sportswear and sports footwear products.

Guidance and training is needed which promotes a clear understanding of all the elements which are to be considered in the design research and development of aesthetically attractive product which is fit for purpose.

The focus of the "Performance Sportswear Design and Development" project is to collate and embellish teaching materials which were originally produced in hard copy and limited amount of web based material, during an initial 2 year Leonardo project which finished in Dec 1998.
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