Gemline (PPAI 113948, Premium), PPAI 100’s No. 11 supplier, prides itself on being ahead of the curve.
A certified B Corporation, the Lawrence, Massachusetts-based firm held a trend forecasting workshop during The PPAI Expo 2025, where its on-staff experts shared their predictions for 2025 fashion trends.
“As designers, we love to find and create innovative products,” said Nino Ambrogio, senior industrial designer at Gemline. “We start by looking at cultural drivers… then we look at product trends, looking at what others have created and what inspires us. Synthesizing this information helps us create products with purpose to translate consumer behavior and product solutions.”
Nino Ambrogio
Sr. Industrial Designer, Gemline
Modern Utility
One big trend Gemline has forecasted for 2025 is the emergence of modern utility in fashion. A big influence on this style is the increased visibility of labor jobs and traditional workwear.
- The clothing is supposed to serve the purpose of practicality and elegance, with subtle details and neutral colors.
- The focus on these designs is minimalist and purpose-driven.
Another aspect of this trend is accessories. Gemline believes pieces like backpacks, duffle bags and totes will be reimagined to transition from work to play by offering reasonable space and sleek designs.
Cargo pockets are also a feature the company predicts will coincide with modern utility. Taking inspiration from military uniforms, cargo pockets are easy to access, offer plenty of storage space for personal items and offer a timeless appeal due to their military roots.
Classic Luxury
This trend represents a conscious choice to “invest in enduring, sustainable and steady timeless products,” said Pam Stauffer, director of design at Gemline. These designs feature a modern and neutral color palette that take influences from nature.
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Another nod to Mother Nature is the sustainability aspect. Using recycled material to create products will is an important part of classic luxury, which is perfect for the “conscious customer” who’s seeking high quality material without a steep price tag.
- Products like tumblers, mugs, backpacks and weekender bags are predicted to be staple pieces of this movement.
- The luxury and practicality of these products is meant to offer professionals a versatile choice for work commutes, business trips or weekend getaways.
The core of lasting luxury is a dedication to craftsmanship by using durable materials designed to last a lifetime. This enables products to “be cherished and maintained, rather than discarded or replaced,” according to Stauffer. Examples of this are seen in products like an aged leather jacket, handcrafted fitness items or a pair of artisan boots.
All of these items feature leather, which can be cleaned and cared for to ensure its longevity. This trend is meant to be an investment into heirlooms.
Social Sports
Consumers are hungry for brands that resonate with their daily lifestyle routines, while encouraging them to explore new opportunities. Gemline has been tracking the most popular trends in outdoor recreation, finding that consumers are craving social sports. With more flexible work schedules, people are finding ways to incorporate sports in their daily routines.
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An example of this is the popularity of pickleball, which is equal parts about camaraderie and competition. This movement toward a sports-focused social life is also paving the way for timeless sports like golf to have a resurgence, reimagined for a new generation of players.
Some golf-related statistics Gemline presented were:
- A 40% rise in young golfers.
- A 23% rise in female golfers.
- A 43% surge in players from diverse backgrounds.
This spike in new golfers has also translated into the accessories they use to allow them to express their individuality. Hats, which have long been a staple in the golf world, are being reimagined to serve not only as functional barriers against the sun’s rays, but also as statement pieces that reshape fashion and lifestyle.
Another timeless sport that’s seeing a resurgence is tennis. “Tennis core” fashion – which features pieces like polos, tennis skirts and knit sweaters – allows consumers to reimagine country club wear that can transition from the courts to the streets. Accessories like tote bags to carry rackets are also a part of tennis core attire.
