PPB June 2017

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by Julie Richie f l eece
Warm, fuzzy fleece. It’s a staple of
American athleisure wardrobes
and a colorful canvas for corporate
branding. Your clients clamor for the latest
and greatest in fleece apparel so staying
on top of what’s trending with this popular
fabric is important. PPB reached out to
several industry suppliers to find out
what’s new in the styling, decoration and
fabrication of fleece.
“Lighter fabrics, decorated hood liners
on hoodies, and the revival of the quarter
zip are definite uptrends in the fleece
category,” says Steve Pinzon, marketing
director for City of Industry, California-
based supplier AKWA (PPAI 205981).
He also emphasizes that lighter-
weight fleece is becoming more popular.
“Traditional 80/20 sweatshirt fleece has not
gone away, but mid-weight, soft-shell fleece
has really established itself,” Pinzon says.
“Soft shell is generally lighter, softer, often a
higher perceived value, and was a non-
factor 10 years ago. Now, it’s thoroughly
entrenched and growing. It’s more intuitive
Incorporate
these style
trends for
a stellar
fall apparel
sales lineup.
Feel-Good Fleece
14 | JUNE 2017 |
INNOVATE