Gear Trends: Men's lifestyle apparel gets sleek, technical features

Everyday performance wear goes retro-chic.

What is Flannel?

In short, it’s what outdoorsy men have worn forever. That staying power is built into the fabric. Flannel can be almost anything, from a standard cotton button-up to a heavy coat, and it’s not always dressed in plaid. This season, there are solid-color flannel jackets and pants, while some fleeces sport plaid prints. New dyes, yarns, and tech create patterns that use brighter colors in tighter checks, while some brands use classic stitching patterns. Performance touches include fast-dry fabrics, UPF protection, and softer brushed finishes.

Ones from the Vault

Style is the last thing on your mind when you’re climbing Everest. But let’s be real: Most of us aren’t exactly Tenzing Norgay—and we need our jackets to take us around town and the lodge without screaming “expedition.” Columbia taps its 75-year archive for its new Pacific Norwester Collection, which pairs modern cuts with heritage textures and looks. One example is the anorak, sure to induce some childhood flashbacks.

Street Style

The success of technical apparel in urban streetwear is compelling some brands to make a play for fashion buyers. Adidas Outdoor continues to develop its Terrex line for the outdoor audience, but is looking to expand its presence in new kinds of shops. “We’ll be in everything from hardcore outdoor specialty shops all the way up to trend shops,” said Greg Thomsen, managing director for adidas Outdoor.

Columbia’s outdoor casual aesthetic is on display in its Norwester Anorak ($150). The big, color-blocked horizontal baffles are filled with synthetic insulation equivalent to 550-fill down.

Marmot upgraded its Forged Flannel line by blending cotton with CoolMax. The twill flannel Banyons Insulated Hoody ($150) is soft and pill-resistant yet durable, with workwear looks. It’s filled with 80g of Thermal R synthetic insulation and has handwarmer pockets.

ExOfficio’s Harwood Quarter Zip’s ($120) hexagonal-quilted body gives the layer a bold, hybrid look, but it’s a tech piece, too. Ceramic particles in the garment’s fibers reflect heat back toward the body.

Adidas Outdoor seeks to leverage its street and sports positioning with the ZNE parka ($300). It’s a 3-in-1, with a removable bomber jacket, and responsibly sourced down fill. The black-on-black piece includes styled seams, zips, and a reflective black logo.

Performance continues to creep into city-savvy footwear with tougher sneakers rather than boots with urban looks. Helly Hansen’s Ten-Below HT ($130) makes use of a new PrimaLoft partnership with 400g insulation in its waterproof high-top upper. Tech embellishments include a protective toecap, reinforced heel, and multi-directional lugs for good traction.

-M.T. Elliott

This article was originally published on p. 26 of the Day 0 issue of Outdoor Retailer Daily Winter Market 2017.