Impressions - August/September 2024 - 19

Cream Heather provides a neutral alternative to white, and earthy
Putty is a great update to heather gray, " Mejia says.
Similarly, bold color blocking is also on trend, bringing retro vibes.
Davis points to Holloway's All-American pullover as a great example,
with bold blocking in key neutral colors.
The JERZEES ECO Premium Blend
Fleece provides more loft for added comfort.
Photos courtesy of Jerzees
" Brands continue to follow retail trends, " Marcantelli says, " and
seasonal color collections will always create a refreshing look to a
popular style and category offering. These classic core, soft utilitarian,
neutral tones, like gray and slate blues, earthy tans and browns, soft
olives and sages and ivory, pair well with pops of colors in accessories
or layering pieces. They also work well in creating monochromatic
and contemporary looks. "
Trends in Fit
and Styling
" For fleecewear, style and fit preferences have evolved toward unisex
and genderless sizing, " Mejia says. " Fleeces that can be sized up or
down and feel comfortable for customers are taking center stage. "
Davis notes that sustainability factors also support the unisex trend,
with suppliers looking to carry fewer SKUs, leading to less dead
stock and waste.
The wholesale market is also seeing a higher demand for women's
options and companions. " Buyers want these styles more than ever
in the last decade, " Gibson says, " with boxy and relaxed fits leading
the way. "
For women's styles, Marcantelli sees a shift toward more relaxed
and modest styles that cater to a wide range of sizes and ages. One
evolution is in crop fleeces, which have transitioned to more modest
lengths in retro jersey styles and raw-edging details. Boxercraft's
Women's Angel Fleece Crop Hooded Sweatshirt is an excellent example
of this trend.
" Fit extension and expansion are also important for varying body
types, and inclusivity is key to the growing fleecewear market, " says
Mejia, who notes that recent additions include an XS in the JERZEES
ECO Premium Blend Fleece styles.
" Another trend to watch for is the retail-inspired look of tops
with balloon sleeves and dropped shoulders, " says Marcantelli, who
points to Boxercraft's popular cuddle fleece collection for the looks.
Additionally, unique detailing like more oversized ribbed knit cuffs,
waistbands and collars, including drawcord waists, is becoming increasingly
popular. " Even unisex styles like the new are embracing
this trend with larger ribbed cuffs, " she says.
Fleece styles without drawcords have quickly become a fan favorite
this season as well. " The lack of drawcords gives these hoodies a
cleaner look and allows the front chest decoration to shine now more
than ever, " Marcantelli says. As an example, Independent Trading Co.
added a drawcord-free fleece hoodie, the 12.5-ounce Main Street style.
" Talk about a head turner - this has all the bells and whistles with
When it comes to
trends, paying
attention to younger
buyers' eco-friendly
concerns is an
excellent way of
guiding your pitch
choices
Aug./Sept. 2024
P.19
Impressions - August/September 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - August/September 2024
