# Alternative Insulation Combining novelty and function, brands turn to unique outerwear materials. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Nov 27, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/alternative-insulation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 3 ## What is the Alternative Insulation trend? **Alternative Insulation:** Enhancing traditional winter wear products, brands are turning to material innovations to enhance consumer allure. Levering unexpected elements like gas and electricity to provide warmth, brands are seeking to offer function without added aesthetic fuss. This reflects a turn toward more tech-advanced versions of even the most mundane goods. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 3 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 8 to Nov 1, 2012 - Published: Nov 27, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Alternative Insulation trend ### Material Innovation Brands are leveraging unexpected elements like gas and electricity to provide warmth and offer function without added aesthetic fuss. ### Tech-Advanced Winter Wear There is a turn toward more tech-advanced versions of even the most mundane goods to enhance consumer allure. ### Sun-Absorbent Materials Designers are creating garments made from special fabrics that trap thermal energy from the sun to insulate the wearer. ## What the Alternative Insulation trend means for industry ### For Outdoor Apparel Companies can explore tech-advanced options to enhance their products and stand out in the market by providing added functionality. ### For Fashion Fashion designers can experiment with material innovations to create practical but stylish garments like electrically insulated outerwear. ### For Sustainability Sun-absorbent materials can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands looking to create sustainable garments that rely on renewable energy sources. ## Trend signals for Alternative Insulation Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 40%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 66% - Activity: 40% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Alternative Insulation trend 3 featured examples from Jun 8 to Nov 1, 2012. - [Sun-Absorbent Suits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-charge-suit): The Solar Charge Suit Absorbs and Traps the Sun's Heat to Keep You Warm (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to invest in the production of solar charge suits and thermal energy trapping fabrics. - [Electrically Insulated Outerwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omniheat-electric): Stay Outdoors Longer with the Omni-Heat Electric Squall Jacket (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity to create electrically insulated jackets and outerwear for prolonged outdoor activities. - [Gas Insulated Coats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/klymit-ulaar-jacket): This Klymit Ulaar Jacket Keeps the Cold Out Without Being Big and Bulky (Category: Fashion) Implication: Outdoor apparel companies can explore the use of gas insulation technology and NobleTek technology to create lightweight and adaptable coats for all weather conditions. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)