Impressions - September 2019 - 19

"Fleece is a great fabric to make jacket-style garments
because they are comfortable, easy to print and can
have the same features as a jacket."
- Taylor Rambo, Independent Trading Co.
Sportswear. "It only takes a few seconds online
to find out what the latest trends are. Consumer expectations continuously increase, and
suppliers have to keep up. Premium design
features and materials always find their way
into more affordable apparel, just as they do
in the automobile industry."
The function of jackets has changed in the
recent past. While outerwear historically has
been thought of as a one-purpose product
designed to keep a wearer warm or repel rain,
versatility is key today. Jackets have to go from
work to the gym, then to dinner with friends.
"Having a jacket that is practical and
functional drives many of the jacket needs,"
says Greg Brown, chief operating officer of
Citadel Brands. "A jacket that can be worn
casually on the weekends or for a corporate
team-building event makes for simplicity
when choosing a style."
Incorporating performance features and
technical innovations into more traditional fabrics has gained importance. End users
crave these features, such as water resistance,
odor control and sun protection.
"The challenge is making comfortable,
lightweight, multifunctional fabrics that
also include those performance features,"
says Marcus Davis, product development
manager, HanesBrands. "That French terry
pullover hood will never be windproof and
waterproof, but it can wick and cool. The
question remains: As you are designing these
less-techy fabrics, how do you keep some of
the performance attributes?"
Lightweight outerwear always is a popular
choice, but this style cannot be not light on
features. Warmth still is a necessity, along with
water resistance, packability, breathability and
comfort. Enhanced air flow can help maintain
a comfortable temperature, so products with
mesh, open fabric construction and wicking
properties will be in demand.

to constantly traverse between indoors and outdoors. A delivery driver, for example, routinely
enters and exits warm and cold environments.
Therefore, a lightweight layering piece would
make sense instead of a bulky jacket.
Brown says the Great Outdoors validates
the rugged appeal from multiple angles, and
the service industry has the ability to feed off
all of them. Athleisure will continue to drive
outerwear as well, as the market still is focused

on athletic-lifestyle trends and supporting
the active socialite on the go.

The Fleece Factor
Technology continues to play a role in the
functionality of outwear fabrics, but fashion
and style still are king. From nylon and polyester to fleece and heavy cotton, fabrics must
offer ease of care, durability and longevity.

Industry Drivers
Outerwear is routinely driven by the sports,
service and outdoor markets. "In the teamwear and spiritwear markets, you have fans
who want to be attached to the team," Davis
says. "While they're not looking for classic
athletic fabrics, they still need protection from
the sun and wind while sitting in the bleachers."
Some service-industry jobs require workers

Premium design features and
materials dominate today's
outerwear offerings. Shown is
the 6 in 1 jacket from GAME
Sportswear, featuring a radio
pocket, fleece-lined collar,
detachable hood, reflective
tape and more.
SEPTEMBER 2019

P.19

Impressions - September 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - September 2019