After a year dominated by loungewear, followed by the expected return of formal wear, the streetwear hype has calmed down in recent seasons. Virgil Abloh’s death, however, has pushed the spotlight back, revealing the continued influence of streetwear in fashion.

In a new report, Edited examines the future of the category, particularly how it is evolving from its grassroots roots into a category that mixes couture, nostalgia, and outdoor references.

Although already in fashion, preppy and gorpcore are two dominant themes that will influence the streetwear trends of the new year. Preppy hero pieces like varsity jackets, sleeveless sweaters, polo shirts and moccasins can be found in both men’s and women’s categories, while technical fabrics and everyday functional pieces are behind the gorpcore movement. . Windbreakers, vests and cargo bottoms are styles to watch out for.

These popular products will need an update this year.

Brands that embrace the gorpcore aesthetic rely on fleece jackets for their comfort and warmth. Contrasting panels, pockets and zippers, along with psychedelic-inspired prints from Lazy Oaf and Golf Wang have been popular, but Edited sees an evolution towards monochrome colors and patterns. There is also a growing opportunity for brands to use fleece for other styles like hoodies and joggers.

Likewise, cargo pants are moving away from basic work wear, like Carhartt’s olive cargo bottoms, in favor of looser cuts. Upcoming styles will also feature more experimental pocket placements. For women, satin fabrications and bold colourways, seen on the catwalks of Tom Ford and Blumarine, are ways for designers to embrace the Y2K fashion trend.

“As men’s clothing focuses on a more traditional style, women’s assortments are expected to include more colors and stock options in the jeans and pants categories,” Edited said.

The waistcoat (or outdoor vest) is a unisex streetwear staple. Wavy quilting and collarless construction proved to be the most popular in 2021, Edited reported, while quilted vests saw color blocking in citrus hues or patterns like checks and camos take off.

Fashion statements aside, next year’s vests will emphasize technical properties that keep the wearer warm and dry as well as the garment’s lasting bona fides. With nylon being a common manufacture for vests, Edited said it expects brands to promote recycled alternatives such as Econyl.

No garment screams preppy like the cardigan, and yet old-fashioned items have become associated with streetwear thanks in part to labels like Stüssy and PAM (Perks and Mini), which upped the top with bold graphics and patterns. .

The knitted textures, loose shapes and v-necklines only amplify the garment’s genderless appeal. These elements will remain important, but Edited noted that brands and retailers should consider sweater vests in non-traditional manufactures like fleece and jersey sweatshirts to encourage new purchases.

Netflix’s smash hit “Squid Game” isn’t the only reason tracksuits are back on consumer radar. The nylon tracksuit has been at the center of the collaborations between Patta x CP Company, Supreme x The North Face and Nike x Amush, resulting in several sporty looks inspired by the 90s.

“The growing popularity of technical features and apparel fabrications in the streetwear market has seen many brands partner with performance clothing brands this year, combining innovation and style,” said Edited.

Tracksuit updates for 2022 include brighter colors and color blocks, fuller silhouettes and gender neutral styles, but drawstrings, sealed zippers and reflective fabrications remain important elements. .

While camouflage remains popular in Gorpcore on items like loose Bermuda shorts and wide leg pants, Edited said there are opportunities to incorporate this pattern into the prep trend. In classic colourways, the print, in a traditional or digital version, looks fresh on varsity jackets.

With the early trend for mini-me designer fashion returning, Edited said he expects the buzz to grow for kids’ streetwear. Off-White, Fear Of God, Marine Serre and Ivy Park launched children’s clothing collections in 2021, while luxury fashion platforms SSENSE and Browns showcased children’s products.

Collaborations, like the one between Kith Kids and OshKosh B’gosh in the fall, featuring genderless styles and enduring designs will be key themes in children’s streetwear, Edited reported.