Impresssions - March 2017 - 26

Th is category encompasses a range of
sport- and lounge-inspired styles, from athletic fleeces to textured performance knits
with technical details designed for wearing
during exercise or general use. According
to Shaw, sporty color blocking will be important in the industry this year.
"Our Enza designer calls it 'rocking the
block' and believes it to be one of the biggest trends at retail that will make strong
headway into the imprintable sportswear
market as well," she says.
At the heart of this athleisure boom is
a focus on comfort. "Super-soft and cozy
fabrics are most important in the womenswear market," says Foland, listing triblends, cotton sueded fabrics, ring-spun
cotton, French terry, heathers and luxurious Sherpa as the most-requested fabrics.
Tri-blend fabrics also have led the way
for more interesting twists and cutting-edge
detailing. "There is a whole new trend in
textured knits, which continue to generate
buzz in the womenswear market," Shaw.
says "Anything from a mock twist, marled,
space dyed, to injected slub; whatever creates a texture on the surface of the fabric
is what we see in demand."

DETAILS DELIGHT

New Styles: Womenswear
Sign up at impressionsmag.com to get the
Impressions Product Guide to Womenswear,
which will be emailed March 7.
1. Augusta Ladies Full Force Tank
Styles 1672/1673 Made of 100% polyester wicking
Propelit micromesh Pad-print label and racerback styling Available in eight colors Available
in ladies' sizes S-2XL; girls' sizes S-L
Use Info⋅Action #300 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

2. BLANKS PLUS Fine Jersey Racer-Back Tank
Made of Eco-Hybrid 4.3-ounce fabric Garment
is 100% natural, AZO-free and sustainable
Moisture-wicking properties Ultra highdensity fabric for a smooth printing surface,
according to the company
Use Info⋅Action #301 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

3. Champion Women's Triblend Jersey
Swing Tank
Style AO400 Scoop neckline, racer-back
silhouette and longer length for added coverage

P.26

Soft with a gentle drape Natural-color twill tie
at the back Available in sizes S-2XL
Use Info⋅Action #302 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

4. Delta Apparel Ladies Short-Sleeve Tee
Style 12500, part of the Delta Soft Line Made
of 4.3-ounce, 30-singles Soft Spun fabric Side
seamed for a curved silhouette Sizes S-2XL are
available in 16 colors
Use Info⋅Action #303 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

5. Gildan Softstyle Ladies' Deep Scoop T-Shirt
Style 64550L Made of 4.5-ounce, 100% ringspun cotton Features a scoop neckline and semifitted silhouette with side seams High stitch
density for a smoother printing surface
Available in sizes S-3XL and 15 colors
Use Info⋅Action #304 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

6. Hanes Women's X-Temp Triblend Tee
Style 42VT Made of textured 60/30/10 cotton/
poly/rayon blend Combines the heathered look
of a tri-blend with the cooling, wicking X-Temp
technology and odor control of FreshIQ
Use Info⋅Action #305 at impressionsmag.com/infoaction

While Bonner has observed a return to classic styles like the crew neck, ringer and basic
V-neck - which are popular for graphic tees
with slogans - she also sees a collection of
more unique looks in the market. "Highfashion tees also will continue to be on trend,
with cost-effective versions of popular specs
appearing in popular mills within the industry," she says.
According to suppliers, womenswear
customers look for variety and surprising,
standout details. Necklines, in particular, are
an area where women like to see a diversity of
options, with looser, shoulder-revealing styles
making their mark on the industry in 2017.
"[Watch for] the 'flashdance shoulder,'"
Shaw says. "The '80s are back and this season,
if it isn't off the shoulder, you're not wearing it right." She also continues to see more
voluminous necklines, like funnel necks and
those with exaggerated crossovers, particularly in fleece.
Technical features, such as breathability
and anti-odor, also are sought after - but
female customers consider stretch construction most important. "Anything that is constricting or stiff does not drape with their
bodies, so it is important for fabrics to have
stretch," Slinn says.

I M P R E S S I O N S M A G . C O M MARCH 2017

24-28_IMP_0317_WomensWear_Feature.indd 26

2/16/17 12:50 PM

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Impresssions - March 2017

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