Roark 2023 Great Outdoors Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Great Outdoors 2023 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Roark
Interviewee: N/A

Two years after the pandemic hit Europe: How has Covid-19 impacted the Outdoor Market?
While the pandemic upended our leisure time and imposed the stay at home policy that most of us experienced, two years from that we can definitely that despite the pandemic the Outdoor market is still growing and trends for the future are looking great. It led to people change their behaviour and practices. People were traveling less distances and reconnecting to their own surroundings.

How has Covid-19 or the economic status affected your SS23 sell in plans (delays/ range cancellations/ carry over)?
Just when we thought we were over Covid-19 the war in Ukraine broke out leading to additional delays on getting samples to our facilities leading to shorter sale season.

What are the major trends in the Outdoor Apparel market next Spring/Summer?
The habits and attitudes of outdoor consumers are changing fast, we can imagine the Outdoor and urban lifestyle continuing to merge together.

What marketing stories and themes are you telling in your Outdoor Apparel line for SS2023?
The chase for Roark is the desire to tell stories born of adventure and discovery. Every season the collection is inspired by stories, culture, climate, people and local textiles from travels to a different point on the map.
This season, Roark jumped ship in Tahiti. Painstakingly remote and heartbreakingly stunning, Tahiti has been luring travelers for centuries to jump ship, never to return home. We surfed backless lefthanders off far reef passes, dove for black pearls, climbed coconut trees and caught fish to make poisson cru, and learned from the original voyager how to operate outrigger canoes in blue open seas…

What are the most important technical features & materials?
Durable quality and comfort is the guiding light. Roark continues to utilize and expand upon sustainable fabrics and Fair Trade partners throughout the collection, making sure we always tread as lightly as possible for future generations. Both our mainline and Run Amok Collection have technical features such as perforated micro-perforated, stretch and quick-drying fabrics.

What about silhouettes, looks & styles?
We continue to purpose our Adventure Ready Goods that are purpose-built gear with styling details; fit to accommodate needs from trail to bar.
Our SS23 collection is inspired by Polynesian journey and most specifically Tahiti. Exotic and seductive, we sampled a few of Tahiti’s forbidden fruits.

Key Products 2023

The Bless Up Shirt

A few years back we found ourselves drenches in the hot, humid climate of Jamaica. What became of that sweltering summer trip was our favorite shirt: The Bless Up. A micro-perforated, moisture-wicking button up that is anything but average. It’s technical, but doesn’t look the part.
Constructed from durable Tactel nylon fabrics, it features a mechanical stretch and lightweight, durable construction. The added extras like quick drying and soft, rubberized buttons position the Bless Up as the perfect shirt for both active use or staying cool in the sun.

The Layover Trousers

A new and evolved version of our, slim, straight fit, travel pant. Drawstring closure that wraps entire waistband with zipper fly, front extended long zip pockets with internal stash sleeve intended to accommodate all your travel documents. Back patch pockets with button closure and small stash pocket at back yoke for quick cell phone storage.The back yoke vented mesh panel now constructed with laser cut perforations for breathability and comfort.
⦁ Resistant, Comfortable and Useful Travel Pant
⦁ 230gm Blended Stretch Canvas
⦁ Back Yoke Mesh Ventilation Panel
⦁ 2 Oversized Zipped Front Pockets with Internal Sleeve
⦁ 1 Cell Stash Back Yoke Pocket
⦁ 2 Button-flap Back Pockets
⦁ Drawstring Travel Waist & Zip Fly
⦁ Classic Slim Straight Fit
⦁ YKK® Zippers

The explorer 2.0 Hybrid Stretch Short

Lightweight, 4-Way stretch amphibious short for year round multi-purpose function. Lower zip pocket for locking in your goods. 19” out-seam with internal draw-cord waist to enhance movement while securing the shorts. Quick drying, Polyester blend Stretch fabric enhancing performance in and out of the water. Mesh lined pocket bags for breath-ability on land and flow through in the water.
⦁ Multipurpose Functional Short
⦁ Hybrid Short / Boardshort
⦁ 170gm Heather Stretch Blend
⦁ 4-Way Stretch Technology
⦁ Durable Water Repellent DWR
⦁ Quick Dry
⦁ 2 Front Hand Pockets
⦁ 1 Side Hidden Zipped Pocket
⦁ 2 Back Pockets, including 1 Button-flap
⦁ Mesh Pockets Lining
⦁ Drawstring Waist
⦁ YKK® Zippers
⦁ 19” Outseam (32 size)