Nike targets athletic jeans launch with its latest patent

US-based sportswear behemoth Nike, looking to strengthen its foothold on the athleisure market, has been awarded recently a patent for architecturally reinforced denim.

According to the patent, the denim is useful for extreme athletes, including BMX riders and skateboarders, who "require specialized gear that must be comfortable and protective," but prefer "clothing and other gear that are fashionable and attractive."

The fabric is made of a combination of cotton, and high-tenacity and elastic polymer fibers, and said to possess moisture management and stretch properties. Certain areas of the denim will also be woven will performance zones and padding for shock absorption.

Nike filed for the patent at the height of the athleisure trend in 2012. The patent suggests that the company intends to combine the versatility of jeans with the comfort of activewear in the future.