Outdoor brands are pursuing this new demographic, adopting modern and simple designs to spearhead a new fashion trend in mountain clothes, away from fancy, red-green-blue oriented designs. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Aug. 16 (Korea Bizwire) – Hiking is one of the most popular leisure activities in Korea, primarily among older men and women, with almost 50 percent of those in their 50s and above visiting a mountain at least once a month (2015).
Yet, the number of young Koreans following in their elders’ footsteps has rapidly increased in the past decade. For male Koreans in their 20s, the percentage that go hiking at least once a month increased from 15 to 34 percent between 2005 and 2015, while for women in their 20s, the increase was a more modest 9 to 13 percent.
Outdoor brands are pursuing this new demographic, adopting modern and simple designs to spearhead a new fashion trend in mountain clothes, away from fancy, red-green-blue oriented designs.
According to K2, the new products will feature straightforward designs with simple patterns and logos, while blue, grey, and white will be the dominant colors. (image: K2)
K2 is among the outdoor wear companies leading the charge, and it’s presenting three product lines for the coming F/W season: an Extreme Line focusing on functionality in rough mountain environments; a Flywalk Line for walking and running; and a NeoStadt Line that emphasizes urban lifestyle. According to K2, the new products will feature straightforward designs with simple patterns and logos, while blue, grey, and white will be the dominant colors.
French outdoor brand Millet has taken a similar approach, calling its 2016 F/W collection “Pragmatist”. (image: Millet)
French outdoor brand Millet has taken a similar approach, calling its 2016 F/W collection “Pragmatist”. Millet said that it decided to completely step away from conventional colorful designs and large logos, and concentrate on producing clothes that can be worn casually in everyday circumstances and during travel. The company also prepared for the fast-expanding athleisure market, subdividing its RSC (Relaxed Spirit of Chamonix) line to RSC Urban and RSC Active.
Upcoming products by The Redface will emphasize colors and designs that represent ruggedness and tenacity. (image: The Redface)
Upcoming products by The Redface will emphasize colors and designs that represent ruggedness and tenacity. The company broadened the scope of choice for its customers by launching not only functional clothes from self-developed materials, but also casual t-shirts.
“We’re seeing more modern and simple designs in outdoor clothing, in line with the increasing number of youths engaging in leisure and sports activities,” said an outdoor industry watcher. “Products that can be used for both hiking and under casual circumstances are part of the latest trends.”
The domestic outdoor market was valued at 7.4 trillion won ($6.76 billion) in 2014.
By Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
