[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The fleece craze that swept the fashion industry last year is expected to continue this year. Fleece products, which gained popularity last year as part of the 'Newtro' trend, are anticipated to see increased demand due to prolonged stay-at-home lifestyles caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Also known as 'ppogeuli,' fleece is lightweight and highly insulating, making it perfect not only for outdoor wear but also for indoor use.
Outdoor brand K2 has released the 'Bichon Fleece Down,' which enhances warmth by applying goose down to fleece material. It draws inspiration from the French representative dog breed, Bichon Frise, known for its curly fur. The outer fabric uses eco-friendly recycled fleece material, while the lining is filled with goose down, allowing it to be worn on both sides. The fleece side features a laminated film to block cold wind, providing windproof functionality, and the goose down side uses a 2-layer material with excellent waterproof and windproof properties, making it highly versatile for wear without worrying about rain or snow.
Sports brand Prospecs has launched various lines, including a basic line and a line with padded filling. The basic line features clean designs with diverse shapes and colors, targeting not only the existing fleece customer base of people in their teens and twenties but also those in their thirties and forties.
The men's product, the 'Fuzzy Fleece Jacket,' highlights the cozy and soft texture unique to fleece. It is lightweight and highly insulating, making it easy to wear for daily life and light outdoor activities. It is available in four colors: ivory, beige, khaki, and black.
The women's 'Basic Fleece Jacket' uses smooth fleece fabric from below the chest to the waist to reduce bulkiness, covering the potential drawback of appearing puffy. When the zipper is fully closed, it covers the cheek area of the face, providing extra warmth in cold weather. The jacket comes in four colors: ivory, light pink, brown, and black.
Nordic-inspired golf wear brand Wide Angle has introduced fleece-material women's golf wear and accessories targeting young golfers.
The 'Women's Confidence Fleece Long Vest' is a product that stands out with the unique and soft appearance of fleece material. Its long length covers down to the lower body, enhancing warmth, and as a vest, it can be layered with various outfits. The waist features a banding design that provides comfortable wear while helping to create a slim body line.
The 'Women's Fleece Hybrid Full-Zip Mid-Layer' enhances functionality by mixing various materials. Stretchy materials are used on the arms and waist for ease of movement, fleece material covers from the chest to the neck, and brushed fabric is applied to the back to maximize warmth while adding design differentiation. The tape design on the arms completes a stylish look.
The 'Women's Confidence Print Fleece Windbreaker Jacket' features the Wide Angle signature W logo prominently. It uses fleece material on the front along with a windproof lining for excellent insulation, and the arms use jersey material to enhance mobility. It is practical for everyday wear and rounds of golf, suitable as an outer garment or for layering.
Basic trendy casual brand TBJ has re-released the 'Shuris' line, which was highly popular last season, nearly selling out. TBJ's Shuris products embody the meaning of soft and fluffy fleece, like cream puff.
Among the main products, the 'Shuris Stand Collar Jumper' enhances warmth with polar fleece lining and heat-retaining lining on the sleeves, and features detailed triple stitching for refined craftsmanship. The design is further elevated with a color-block patch pocket and zipper pull decoration on the chest. This year, pink and blue colors have been added to the basic black, ivory, and beige, maximizing the fluffy cream puff feel.
The 'Shuris Y-Neck Jumper' also applies polar fleece and heat-retaining lining for excellent warmth, and its Y-neck design allows it to be used both as an inner and outer layer depending on coordination. Especially, wearing the 'Shuris Y-Neck Vest' together with the Shuris jumper creates a visually warm healing look.
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