Outerwear Category Analysis + What's to Come in 2025

Outerwear styles are being heavily influenced by macro-trends such as utility sport, new minimalism, and wannabe vintage. Consumers are looking for practical options that equally satisfy an emotional buy, too, including a touch of whimsy through embellishments, vintage nods, or a near-neutral color range. Click here to download our full report, supported by Trendalytics data. 

Macro-Trends

The societal movements influencing the outerwear market in the year to come.

Utility Sport

Functional details can actually be pretty cool if done right––and, they don’t have to look just one way. We’re seeing inspiration come from futuristic utilitarian looks as well as sports. Consumers are taking a mix-and-match approach to styling by wearing traditional sports jackets and styling them with sweeter styles. Plus, we’re seeing a comeback in the use of stripes, drawstrings, and nylon fabrications.

New Minimalist

Minimalism is far from boring––it’s actually the perfect canvas for adding an emotional twist to a key item. Whether that’s paneling of another fabric, art-driven stitching and buttons, or a fresh yet classic color palette, this aesthetic should take tried-and-true outerwear to the next level. Plus, even logos or design house signatures done in a tasteful way are a great avenue here.

Wannabe Vintage

Whether it’s brand new or from decades past, jackets that appear to be vintage are the most coveted of the moment. Right now, this is effecting the market through oversized bombers, but this is only the beginning. This will expand to varsity jackets as well as ‘60s-inspired box blazers, shoulder pad overcoats of the ‘80s, and more. Consider this one to watch and an avenue for upcoming creativity in fabric (from worn leathers to extravagant jacquard) to silhouettes and small details that take a look to the next level.

What's New: Key Styles

Ready to learn more? Be sure to set up a demo to learn more about Trendalytics' platform capabilities.