She also noted that the lighter fabrication trends are showing up in the athletic markets, provided the fabrics still preform well in athletic settings. "Light fabrications that are both soft and efficient are also in high demand," she said.
JACKETS/OUTERWEAR
The popularity of military-inspired styles is still very much driving outerwear designs. "Military-inspired apparel is still the rage right now," said Crow. "The military trend is translated in this industry to outerwear with lots of pockets and details," she added. Jennifer Chiu, product manager for Ash City USA, Lenexa, Kan., explained that athletic and urban styles, two apparel genres that are also very detailing-heavy, will play a large role in apparel designs for 2011, leading to a lot of diversity in outwear styles.