Impressions - March 2025 - 23

I
n 2025, women's fashion choices will focus on versatility, comfort,
oversize fi t and heavy weight. Other 2025 buzzwords will include
sustainability, vintage and gender neutrality and inclusivity.
Fashion Infl uences
Women drive many household purchasing decisions, even those marketed
to men, and when it comes to the fashion industry especially,
women are also infl uencers and trendsetters.
" It's funny, because I always tell people that to fi nd out the trends,
you should always look at the younger generation. Th ey are the ones
that fi nd the trends, put them on social media, and then the mainstream
catches on and those take off . Th e fi rst to wear something used
to be on the fashion runways. Now you just have to look to see what
the younger [people] are wearing, and within a year, they will be everywhere, "
said Andi Goeing, product marketer and content strategist
with SS Activewear,
Fashion trends in womenswear are also infl uenced heavily by the
music industry, particularly those artists favored by Gen Z, Gen Alpha
and even younger millennials. Th ink Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Sabrina
Carpenter, BLACKPINK, Taylor Swift, SZA and more.
At the same time, it is generally agreed that trends predominantly
deriving from Gen Z, do not take into account how more mature
generations also infl uence trends. In other words, all demographics of
women and all age groups have a say. Not only that, but with headwear,
Jeremy Laney, president of Infi nity Product Group, said men's headwear
trends are even encroaching in the women's space. " We look across and
see what is trending in men's and adopting and adapting that to women's
headwear, " he said.
trends are even encroaching in the women's space. " We look across and
see what is trending in men's and adopting and adapting that to womThis
unisex classic
mid-weight hoodie is
spun from premium
3-end fl eece, making it
soft and prime for DTG
printing. Photo courtesy
of Lane Seven
Beyond that, elevated basics and comfort-driven silhouettes serve
as the foundation for workwear-infl uenced styles, which will also be
trending. " Infl uenced by the 'utility' trend, workwear-inspired promo
items like chore jackets, utility vests and cargo pants are emerging as
stylish yet functional choices. Th ese pieces are popular in industries
where practical apparel is needed, but they also appeal as fashionable
and unique items that can work beyond the workplace, " said Goeing.
" Womenswear styles are being modernized for both work and play.
We're combining comfort with functionality by leveraging fabrics with
stretch, softness and easy care, " agreed Amy Carton, director of merchandising
and brand management, SanMar.
Eco-friendly Options
Continuing a longstanding trend, many companies increasingly use
organic or recycled materials, or materials that are carbon neutral.
" When corporate values change to put sustainability at the forefront,
consumers tend to align themselves with these brands in
a deeper way, " said Mel Lay, marketing director and co-founder,
Allmade Apparel.
In previous years, perhaps making eco-conscious buying choices
was a luxury for many consumers because products made in a
sustainable much were more expensive. And while that is still true,
the tide is now turning, with manufacturers able to incorporate
sustainability practices into their production facilities with greater
ease and less expense. As a result, while sustainability may not be
fully mainstream just yet, with the passage of time it is becoming
more the standard in manufacturing, in direct response to growing
consumer demand.
This unisex classic midweight
crewneck is crafted
in a plush, textured knit
and features ribbed cuff s,
and waistband. Photo
courtesy of Lane Seven
March 2025
P.23
Impressions - March 2025

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