These days, people are making outerwear a statement piece, blending functionality with style.
“We’re seeing a lot of layering, where outerwear isn’t just for warmth, but part of the whole look – think lightweight jackets over hoodies or structured coats over casual wear,” says Jenna Dilsaver, creative director at Colorado-based supplier Hexa Custom. “We also see puffies and oversized jackets, keeping the look fun and casual. It’s about versatile pieces that can move from outdoor to indoor settings while adding personality to any outfit.”
The outerwear market is projected to grow strongly across various demographics, with a significant push from Gen Z and millennials. “These groups are increasingly prioritizing quality, versatility and sustainability in their outerwear choices, making customizable, ethically produced options more appealing than ever,” Dilsaver says.
Gen Z, in particular, values brand transparency and eco-friendly practices. They want durable, sustainable outerwear that aligns with their values. “This generation also favors pieces with functional versatility, allowing them to seamlessly adapt to different settings from urban environments to outdoor activities,” Dilsaver says.
Danielle Soque
Marketing Coordinator, FPS Apparel
Colleges are also a huge market for outerwear, appealing to Gen Z and a wide range of students, faculty and families.
“Sports teams are another huge market for outerwear,” says Danielle Soque, marketing coordinator at FPS Apparel, a New-York based supplier. “Not only do the teams wear custom windbreakers and track jackets for traveling, but you can’t watch a sporting event without seeing jackets, vests and more with the team’s logo.”
Regardless of demographic, the promo market is moving toward more premium apparel.
“Folks want to put their logo on products they know and love already,” says Evan Butler, custom account manager at California-based supplier Marine Layer. “Large companies select retail brands like ours for outerwear as employee gifts, sports teams offer it as stadium merchandise, and colleges use it to add premium options to their apparel collections.”
Butler recommends decorating outerwear styles using embroidery, direct-to-film and classic water-based screen printing for a softer hand feel. “Embroidery allows for a subtle, high-quality professional look, while DTF allows for bright, vibrant colors even on darker textiles,” he says.
Now more than ever, outerwear trends are dialing up the balance of comfort, style and functionality.
“Maxi coats are popular for their dramatic length, while oversized and puffy jackets are also in, giving a relaxed look with plenty of insulation,” Dilsaver says. “Vests and sherpa fleece bring a textured, cozy vibe that’s great for layering. These styles speak to the trend of functional yet statement-making outerwear.”
Retro-inspired and vintage styles are trending, too. “Think varsity and bomber jackets using a brand’s vintage logo,” Soque says. “The anorak is an extremely versatile style that can be paired casually with leggings and sneakers as an athleisure look or layered with a turtleneck as transitional outerwear.”
There has also been a significant shift toward eliminating the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – better known as PFAS – previously applied to outerwear fabrics to add a waterproof benefit.
“As of January 2024, all of our materials partners have eliminated these from their fabrics, and innovation has resulted in a better, higher-performing waterproof application,” Dilsaver says.
Now that you’re up to date on outerwear trends, check out some popular styles.
Transform spectator comfort and brand visibility at outdoor events with the Puffer Poncho. This one-size-fits-all design features a durable quilted polyester shell, kangaroo pocket and adjustable drawstrings. Your client can customize the hood, drawstrings and front pocket, as well as the larger front and back.
FPS Apparel / PPAI 690355, Standard Plus / fpsapparel.com
The Men’s Afternoon Hoodie is a go-to layering piece. Blending Supima cotton with micromodal derived from recycled beechwood, this hoodie reimagines everyday wear with comfort and conscious craftsmanship in five colors.
Marine Layer / PPAI 690355, Standard Base / marinelayer.com
The Men’s Reversible Corbet Pullover is a cozy, stylish piece for any autumn or winter ensemble. Crafted with a two-toned polyester/rayon blend fabric, this pullover features quilted layers that create an insulating sandwich of warmth without the bulk.
Marine Layer / PPAI 690355, Standard Base / marinelayer.com
Reinvent your outerwear offerings with the Reversible Sherpa Jacket, which offers two distinct looks and textures: sherpa for warmth and durable nylon for weather protection. “Customizable outerwear allows people to represent their personal or corporate brand, so it’s not just about style but also about identity,” Dilsaver says.
Hexa Custom / PPAI 767010, Standard Base / hexacustompromo.com
The Insulated Pullover delivers fashion-forward appeal and weather protection, providing an ultra-soft nylon shell with durable water repellent finish and polyfill insulation. Featuring design elements such as a generous pocket and a spacious hemline, this statement piece comes in 23 colors and an array of sizes.
Hexa Custom / PPAI 767010, Standard Base / hexacustompromo.com
The fully customizable Mega Puff Jacket, available in 23 colors, wears like smart streetwear and offers premium winter protection. The premium down insulation is certified to the Responsible Down Standard, and its 75 denier polyester shell with DWR coating keeps wearers safe from the elements.
Hexa Custom / PPAI 767010, Standard Base / hexacustompromo.com
Designed and crafted in Canada, the versatile Unisex Hooded Quilted Jacket combines environmental responsibility with performance. Each feather-free jacket repurposes 25 to 35 plastic bottles and 50% recycled polyester film, and its nylon exterior is treated with a water-resistant coating made without PFAS.
Attraction / PPAI 474094, Standard Base / attraction.com
Nicole Rollender heads up New Jersey-based STRANDWritingServices.com.
