# Nature-Inspired Hoodies The Apex Merino Hoodie Promises Style and Design Flawlessness By Taylor Keahey | Published 2014-06-12 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apex-merino-hoodie References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modernindustry/apex-a-premium-merino-hoodie-for-just-95) & [themodernindustry](http://www.themodernindustry.com) San Francisco-based design collective Modern Industry has decided to change the stigma of sweatshirts as low quality garments with this apex [merino hoodie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proof-72hour-merino-air-tshirt). Made with nature's ultimate fiber, it's water resistant, odor resistant, and six times stronger than cotton. The [Apex](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apex-duffle-collection) has also been designed from the ground up to have a stylish fit so that you feel comfortable wearing it everywhere. And at the going price of $95, the Apex Merino Hoodie is half the price of the competition and is poised to change the way we think of this wardrobe staple. Using the [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nomade-58) platform, the Apex has raised $30,000 in the first week, and over $45,000 at this point in the second. The project closes on July 12th. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sustainable Fashion:** The rise of nature-inspired clothing like the Apex Merino Hoodie presents an opportunity for the fashion industry to adopt more sustainable practices and materials. - **Functional Apparel:** The success of the Apex Merino Hoodie demonstrates a growing demand for clothing that combines style and functionality, opening up opportunities for brands to innovate in the apparel industry. - **Affordable Luxury:** The competitive price point of the Apex Merino Hoodie challenges the notion that high-quality garments come at a steep cost, paving the way for disruptive business models that offer affordable luxury products. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** The fashion industry has the potential to leverage nature-inspired clothing to attract environmentally-conscious consumers and drive sustainable innovation. - **Apparel Manufacturing:** The success of the Apex Merino Hoodie points to the need for apparel manufacturing companies to explore new materials and techniques that enhance functionality and durability. - **E-commerce:** The rising popularity of functional and stylish apparel like the Apex Merino Hoodie presents an opportunity for e-commerce platforms to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers and offer a diverse range of sustainable fashion options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Merino Wool Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovative-tech-merino-collection.md) - [Performance Fleece Hoodies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deep-sea-diver.md) - [Four-Way Stretch Wool Hoodies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/khl-dynawool-skuba-hoody.md) - [Merino-Based Adventure Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icebreaker-1.md) - [Advanced Armor-Like Sweaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vollebak-indestructible-hoodie.md) - [Ultra-Dense Fabric Diver Hoodies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vollebak-deep-sea-diver-hoodie.md) - [Multi-Day Wear Wool Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proof-72hour-merino-air-tshirt.md) - [Comfort-Focused Stylish Hoodies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hinoki-in-common.md) - [Premium Merino Wool T-Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nikke-axio.md)