Outerwear-Guide-Blog

 

CHANGE IT UP WITH THE CHANGE IN SEASON – WHY OUTERWEAR IS THE ENDURING TOP TREND

 

Exciting things are afoot at Ralawise HQ as we’ve just launched our tantalising new Outerwear campaign! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be talking about how this category can help you grow your business and elevate your brand, all whilst boosting your sales and margins. This week, as we launch the first aspects of our campaign, we’re focusing on autumnal styling.

 

AUTUMN – THE UNPREDICTABLE SEASON

With the change in seasons and colder temperatures on the way, now is the ideal time to focus on the gamechanger that is outerwear. This week has been the perfect example of the British seasonal change from summer to autumn, with rain, sun, wind and even a little fog in the mix over just the last few days! It’s had all of us thinking about layering up, which means now is the ideal time to be considering outerwear options for the coming season. As the days get shorter and cooler temperatures creep in, it’s all about keeping the warmth in and the cold out. With flexible layers, cosy fabrics and a range of styles – not to mention comfort for the wearer – we think outerwear is the hero of the moment.

 


UNDERSTANDING THE OUTERWEAR CATEGORY

There’s a lot to unpack with outerwear, so let’s start at the top. It’s a huge category and so much more than ‘coats and jackets’. So, whether you specialise in a specific line of outerwear or prefer to stock a wider variety, you’re always going to meet demand. Like many fashion clothing categories, outerwear has become a statement piece in its own right. Across the corporate world and retail consumers, we’re seeing that most people have multiple outerwear garments in not just a variety of colours but also different styles, as there are so many different expectations of an outerwear garment. It’s such a versatile category that it’s perfect for attracting both existing and new audiences to view
your autumn stock.


There are many styles of outerwear, but here are four of our most popular, ideal for autumn:

 

Outerwear-Guide-Blog

 

SOFTSHELL


Though often referred to as a jacket or gilet, the term ‘softshell’ is actually a style of fabric that’s woven with synthetic material such as polyester, nylon or elastane to give it an innovative structure and balanced composition. Softshell garments often have two or three layers, offering water resistance, breathability and insulation, making them a great all-rounder.


CHECK OUT OUR CATEGORY FOR THESE HERE


They’re cool, functional, easy to brand, always stylish, and ideal for both corporatewear and leisurewear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outerwear-Guide-Blog

 
FLEECE

The go-to outerwear for the autumn season, fleece is a versatile synthetic fabric with a soft, cosy feel that keeps the wearer warm, thanks to its insulating qualities. For people on the go, there’s performance fleece, which is engineered to keep you dry and cool; or, for milder days, a microfleece garment is ideal, as it’s lighter and more breathable than thicker alternatives.

They’re classic, hard-wearing and comfortable, can be worn with absolutely anything, and are perfect for both work and weekend wardrobes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outerwear-Guide-Blog

 

GILETS

Bodywarmer, padded waistcoat or even vest if you’re dealing with the US market, a gilet by any other name is still a gilet in our book, and it’s basically a waist-length sleeveless jacket designed to be layered for added warmth on those chilly days. Available in a range of styles and materials, from quilted, padded and fleece to high-fashion fabrics and cotton-wax, there’s a style for everyone. There are also options more suited to corporate workwear, such as softshell and technical gilets, as well as more specialist products for industries such as construction where fabrics and design need to be more compliant.


CHECK OUT OUR CATEGORY FOR THESE HERE


They’re timeless, practical and super-versatile, perfect for print and embroidery, and the ideal layer for the changing seasons.

 

 

 

 

 

Outerwear-Guide-Blog

 

LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS

The staple lightweight jacket comes into its own during the more transitional ‘cool but not cold’ months of the year. Made from lighter fabrics like cotton or blended fabrics, but also wool and even fleece, these jackets are designed to act as a barrier from the elements while keeping you cool, promoting great flexibility of movement. More for light wind and rain protection, and even available in carry bags, there’s a lightweight jacket for everyone.


CHECK OUT OUR CATEGORY FOR THESE HERE

Thin by design, and flexible, they’re easy to wear and layer, making them a must-have item at this time of year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MAKING OUTERWEAR STAND OUT

When personalisation or branding is important, outerwear is a great category to be working with, yet it’s one of the most overlooked. Corporate logos or brand designs on more fashion-led garments or corporate workwear are often covered up when it comes to autumn, losing both impact and visibility. From embroidery to DTF print, HTV and transfer papers, there’s not a lot you can’t do to an outerwear garment
to ensure it stands out from the crowd.

 


LEVEL UP AND LAYER UP

As the go-to distributor for all of your outerwear requirements, we have the industry’s biggest range of products, including 19 exclusive brands across a range of styles, colours and sizes. Talk to us today about our unmatched selection of outerwear and get ready to freeze out the competition.

 

Outerwear-Guide-Blog

 

Other Posts

Corporate gifting guide

Read more..

Elevate your outerwear

Read more..

Follow us for the latest

 

back to top