Outdoor fashion is constantly evolving because customer tastes are always in flux. In this post, we're going to look at the trends you need to be aware of, the ones that will help you tap into more potential sales opportunities.
Sustainability
The first of these is sustainability. It may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of a fashion trend. But even though it isn't a color or a look, it's definitely a fashion that's in vogue. More consumers than ever now want the reassurance of knowing that their outdoor fashions are manufactured sustainably using eco-friendly processes and recycled (and recyclable) materials. And they will also appreciate it if your supply chain is free from worker exploitation. These are now selling points that can help your brand gain traction among a very eco-conscious buying public, so don't be shy about including the eco-credentials of your manufacturer in your product advertising.
Gorpcore and Mountaincore
So, on to what might be thought of as a couple of outdoor fashion trends in the traditional sense of the phrase. Gorpcore combines the rugged looks of clothing designed for trekking, hillwalking, trail running, and so on, and applies them to everyday clothing. Mountaincore uses the same principle but takes its inspiration from the world of climbing. Both styles mean that garments make the wearer look and feel as if they have just been getting out of breath in a harsh landscape, even in the heart of the city.
It’s a step-on from army surplus and camouflage gear, dispensing with the military overtones, but retaining the underlying sense of toughness. Brands like The North Face, Timberland, and Arc’teryx are as happy to sell to dedicated hillwalkers as they are to those who consider shopping trips to be as arduous as backwoods expeditions, and with prices that reflect exclusivity either way. For instance, this Arc’teryx down-filled jacket retails for $800:
It’s expensive but desirable, which potentially raises the perceived value of similar items in the same category (this is known as the halo effect). The jacket below also features excellent insulation properties and looks equally as good, and with low manufacturing costs and speedy shipping, the right branding could realistically open the door to higher margins for you.
Athleisure
Sportswear has now become everyday wear, and this is a strong trend that looks set to continue indefinitely. While retailers and wholesalers may not be able to compete with the sheer strength of heavyweight brands like Nike, Adidas, and Asics, they can still cash in on the Athleisure look by stocking equally stylish, but arguably better-value items. (The big hitters do like to use their logos as an excuse to overcharge.)
For the outdoor market, that means blending high-fashion and functionality in items like fleeces, lightweight running jackets, and hoodies that feature contemporary designs, along with high-performance, breathable, weather-resistant materials.
Popular Items
SNOW GEAR
Ski jackets and pants started life in the 19th Century as fairly uninspiring functional outerwear. They kept you warm and dry but they didn’t look all that good, despite the fact that most people who were skiing were generally well off. Skiing is much more accessible nowadays, and wherever there’s a group, you’ll find that people want to look good and stand out from the crowd. Snowboarders have arguably accelerated this trend. They seem to share the same DNA as skateboarders and surfers, a kind of punk aesthetic that makes for some interesting style choices.
This snowboarding jacket offers all the padding, insulation, and waterproofing that a skier could wish for, but the distinctive glitched print sets it apart as something that only a snowboarder would wear.
Gore-Tex Jackets
Gore-tex is probably the best-known breathable waterproof material on the market, and it finds its way into shoes, gloves, and jackets. It’s made from PTFE (the same stuff that plumbers use) with tiny holes in it that keep water out but let sweat escape. There is no one style of Gore-Tex jacket. Material is added to designs of every type but in terms of the fashion element, it’s important to recognize that this lies in the appeal of the material. Consumers recognize it as a feature that they can trust, and so they may favor it over less well-known alternatives.
Down Parkas
The parka was originally invented by the Caribou Inuit to keep them warm in frigid Arctic weather. It’s a long, well-insulated coat that drops below the waist and has a hood, which is often lined with (fake) fur. These days examples resemble the one above which features a retro design and thoughtful accents. Parkas are a mainstay of outdoor and urban fashion.
Puffa Jackets
Puffa jackets are another perennial favorite that remains strongly in fashion. That ribbed, padded look suits town and country dwellers alike, and one of its latest iterations is the waistcoat style look seen below that is something of a hybrid, since it's half fleece.
This design is great for providing warmth under a waterproof layer or a stylish top layer when conditions permit.
A traditional puffer jacket looks more like this:
The style continues to be popular as an outdoor fashion trend, with North Face puffas on sale for hundreds of dollars. Fashion fans don’t need to dig quite so deep in their pockets to get this popular look, and in the current economic climate, it’s highly likely that many will be looking for better value alternatives.
WINDBREAKERS
Windbreakers are perennially popular because the wind can blow in any season. They offer protection without being bulky, but they also represent a canvas for color and contrast that customers expect:
LotoGarment
Since 2001, Chinese garment manufacturer LotoGarment has been supplying clothing retailers, including some prominent European and American brands. With our dedication to sustainability, modern eco-friendly materials, contemporary styles (guided by our ongoing collaboration with British and German designers), and relentless focus on quality, LotoGarment is among the most dependable and cost-effective partners you could wish for.
