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2005 TREND REPORT

Brighter Days Ahead

Color makes a comeback, not only in knitwear, but across all categories of shirts, sweaters, activewear, accessories and even outerwear. These colors really pop when contrasted with white in accent edge stripes or blocks and when paired with white bottoms for both men and women.

Preppie Revisited

The polo takes center stage again as a fashion silhouette in both men’s and women’s wear. The new polo craze is getting its inspiration from a younger, hipper set. It’s a throwback to the ’70s and ’80s preppie look in solid bright colors or simple chest stripes, layered over tees or under blazers and even worn collar up! Look for other influences of preppie attire to work their way back into men’s wardrobes like brightly colored sweaters in crew necks and v-necks and a revival of the cardigan.

Business Casual Dresses Up

Tailored clothing sales are picking up, but not necessarily in suitings as much as blazers and sport coats. Woven shirts continue to be one of the strongest categories for menswear both in dressed up looks to be worn with a tie and dressed down, casual looks to throw over or even under a polo! “Commuter jackets” are replacing the office top coat, with hip length styles in wool, leather and suede for colder months and microfiber and microsuede for the spring and summer.

Easy Wear, Easy Care

New fabrics and finishes offer wrinkle-resistant and stain-free characteristics that not only make caring for clothes easier but keep them looking new longer.

Performance a Big Plus

Technology continues to amaze in all facets of our lives. Apparel is no exception with new fabric developments that help keep us warmer, cooler, dryer, cleaner and more comfortable than ever before. Whether for sport or everyday wear, there are fabrics that do everything from repelling stains to concealing sweat. Look for this trend to continue with new performance features and fabrics at every price point.

Living Luxuriously

After several years of living the simple life and staying away from wearing one’s wealth, the market has taken a full swing back to frivolous purchasing with designer labels and luxury fabrics driving the market. Upscale luxury fibers like silk and cashmere are extremely popular in both men’s and women’s wear in refined sweater looks, sport coats and overcoats. Even simple knit polos take on a luxury edge in mercerized fabrics, Pima cottons and silk blends.

Source: Vantage Marketing Report (www.vantageapparel.com)
 

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