# Featherlight Function The outerwear market sees consumers expecting more payoff with less material. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Nov 27, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/featherlight-function ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Featherlight Function trend? **Featherlight Function:** As new clothing materials emerge, giving designers more efficient and warmer tools to work with, consumers are looking to wear winter gear that sacrifices extra bulk without giving up comfort. Transforming winter gear into something easier to both pack and wear, this shift speaks to heightened aesthetic demands that consumers are putting on function-focused fashion. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 19 to Nov 19, 2014 - Published: Nov 27, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Featherlight Function trend ### Lightweight Winter Gear Designers are creating new, warm and efficient clothing materials that allow winter gear to be more easy-pack and provide greater comfort. ### Packable and Performance Enhancing Capacities Consumers demand for clothing that is both functional and stylish. Designers are creating outerwear that marries style and performance while being lightweight and packable. ### Innovative yet Practical Fillings Filling materials are being created to improve the fluffy look and warmth of jackets. There's a push to create fillings that make the jackets anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and water repellent. ## What the Featherlight Function trend means for industry ### For Fashion and Apparel Fashion designers will benefit from incorporating new clothing materials into their designs that are not only lightweight and warm, but also provide greater comfort to consumers. ### For Sports and Outdoor The sports and outdoor industries can tap into the trend of consumers demanding for clothing that is both stylish and functional to create products that cater to this demand. ### For Textile Production and Innovation Textile leaders should develop innovative materials that enhance the performance and utility aspects of outerwear, improving protection to the user while maintaining a lightweight design. ## Trend signals for Featherlight Function Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 61%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 61% - Activity: 61% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Featherlight Function trend 4 featured examples from Aug 19 to Nov 19, 2014. - [Featherweight Winter Parkas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-storm-parka): The Black Storm Parka Features High-Tech Construction (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Continue to push the envelope by developing and leveraging new materials and technologies to consumer outdoor sports and activities. - [Packable Thermal Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/north-face-thermoball): The North Face THERMOBALL™ Hoodie Is Lightweight and Warm (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The North Face THERMOBALL™ hoodie demonstrates that the outerwear industry can combine both style and performance through the use of high-tech materials. - [Protective Down Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warm-down-jacket): The Mojave Warm Down Jacket Boasts a Unique Water-Repellent Fill (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Outdoor apparel brands can incorporate water-repellent, antimicrobial materials to cater to adventure enthusiasts looking for practical and protective gear. - [Featherweight Luxury Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-jacket): These Adidas Jackets are Perfect for Fall and Winter Activities (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Innovations in luxury sportswear that combine style and performance are gaining popularity. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)