River Island Launches Activewear

River Island is launching its first activewear line, RI Active, the brand has exclusively revealed, and according to designer Hannah Hope, there couldn't be a better time to do it.

"Activewear is such a huge market at the moment - with athleisure and wellness both being huge trends, we felt 2016 was the right time to launch the collection, especially with the ever rising presence of fitness sensations on social media," she explained.

The first collection - which includes crop tops, slim-fit leggings, shorts, vests, padded gilets, fleeces and hooded ponchos - launches in store and online in May and has been finely tuned, according to Hope, to make sure that the details that set sportswear apart from everyday ready-to-wear are on point.

"It's important to us to ensure the range is technical as well as being fashion focused," she explained of the 23-piece range that caters to sizes 6 to 18. "We have used breathable and active stretch fabrics for maximum comfort with all of the styles being ergonomically designed to flatter and support the body, for example deep waistbands for sculpting the body; special seaming; and double layered fabrics."

Being a trend-led retailer, the aesthetic was as important as the structural elements, and the design team have worked to make sure the collection "was fashion forward and in keeping with the River Island brand aesthetic".

"This includes strong urban camouflage prints, irreverent slogan vests and vibrant pops of colour," revealed Hope. "Our aim is for our customer to look good whilst keeping fit."

RI Activewear will be priced between £18 and £38 and will be available from May in store and online at Riverisland.com.