Impressions - January/February 2025 - 31

fabrics is only just beginning. " Some brands have decided to address
it by manufacturing bigger sizes that don't look like you are wearing
someone else's shirt, " he says. " The loose fit has to do with comfort and
ease of movement. "
A twist on tradition can be expected as well. For instance, polos
tend to follow fashion trends, so we can expect to see a few different
looks, says Quilter. These include modern, minimalist looks with visual
fabric texture, smaller collars with upgraded construction to maintain
shape and a return to a more classic, retro-preppy look that offers an
on-trend, sporty design.
Rubin points to Blue Generation's newly introduced " revolutionary
polo, " which has a bonded knit collar mimicking a woven collar. " It
is uniquely designed to transform a polo into a more polished, dressy
look, " he says. " It is the perfect answer for those looking for the comfort
of a polo shirt with the dressier look of a woven shirt. It can even
be worn with a tie. "
Aesthetically, expect to see colors in various combinations and patterns,
while fabrics will be even softer in 2025 as manufacturers strive to
meet the demand of the end consumer. A nice-looking and long-lasting,
comfortable piece will be complemented by a soft feel.
" Stripes, plaids and patterns are still a mainstay in the retail space for
wovens, " says Hoffman. " For our customer, we are seeing growth in smaller,
easy geo prints. These can easily work for individuals or groups, giving
seasonal variety and a little pop of interest that can elevate classic styles. "
Patterns, in particular, pose a difference in the perception of the garment,
says Botello. Smaller, finer designs can create a look that is more
elegant to dress, whereas bigger patterns, such as squares, flowers and
other mixed lines, can create a more casual look. Blue Generation offers
a full line of tropical-printed camp shirts that are popular in the hotel
and hospitality markets as well.
Polyester blends remain popular with plackets and wovens, with brands
like Columbia and The North Face offering all-poly or all-cotton woven
lines with breathable designs for outdoor activities-widely popular in
the American market.
Fashion Forward
Fashion remains a driving a factor in the plackets and wovens space,
fostering changes in all aspects of a garment. These shifts range from
initial fabric choice, fit and silhouette to design detail decisions regardThe
traditional woven dress
shirt never goes out of style,
such as Yazbek's Oxford.
Photo courtesy
of YazbekUSA
Whether you're headed to the
boardroom or for a casual night
out, the Mercer+Mettle Long
Sleeve Twill Overshirt is ideal
for loose layering. Photo courtesy
of SanMar
The Port Authority Women's
Textured Crepe Long Tunic is
made of 100-percent polyester
textured crepe for a timeless look.
Photo courtesy of SanMar
ing collar shape and size, and placket length.
" Performance and versatility are critical for today's consumer, so fabrics
with performance attributes are key, " Quilter says. " Consumers have
come to expect performance attributes, such as wicking, stretch and
softness, from their everyday apparel. "
The women's space is seeing an increased demand for feminine woven
shirting, says Hoffman. Expect to see styles with special details that give
the customer a modern, polished office vibe. From a popover silhouette
to subtle shirring and sleeve details, wovens will be the go-to option.
Rubin adds that sales volume is in the basics, no matter what the
trending elements may dictate: " Customers always want to see what's
new, " he says, " but, although we offer 25 colors in many styles, black is
the No. 1 selling color. "
The main takeaway? The woven shirt is not going away. " Fashion can
add to the style, if we consider the oversized or untucked trends, " Botello
says. " It is a piece that defines a polished, well-dressed, professional
look, so it may be modified because our dressing habits are changing.
However, it won't disappear. " 
Jennifer Morrell Todd is an award-winning writer who has written for a number of
national consumer and trade publications. For more information or to comment
on this article, email Jennifer at jennmorrell@hotmail.com.
Resources
Blue Generation - bluegeneration.com
Edwards Garment - edwardsgarment.com
Momentec Brands - momentecbrands.com
SanMar - sanmar.com
Yazbek USA - yazbekusa.com
Jan./Feb. 2025
P.31
http://www.bluegeneration.com http://www.edwardsgarment.com http://www.momentecbrands.com http://www.sanmar.com http://www.yazbekusa.com
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