# Reimagined Utilitarian Traditional Silhouettes MEANSWHILE’s SS 2020 Boasts Functional Garments By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-12-30 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-garments References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2019/12/meanswhile-spring-summer-2020-lookbook) & [meanswhile.net](http://meanswhile.net) The ultra-chic functional garments in the MEANSWHILE collection find a balance between two extremes. The Japanese label offers a stylish take on traditionally Eastern silhouettes and reinterprets their aesthetic through the lens of contemporary sensibilities, with an emphasis on [utilitarian qualities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hh118389225-2). In terms of material use, MEANSWHILE employed a variety of fabrics and textiles for its functional garments – from “ black mesh, orange nylon, and brown canvas” to “iridescent rubber overlays, gray wool and light blue denim.” The Japanese label calls attention to the [Harrington Jacket](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-nicholson-fw25) which boasts a durable high-density gabardine with a 60 double-cotton warp yarn.” The MEANSWHILE Spring/Summer 2020 collection is expected to drop early next year. Image Credit: Toshio Ohno/ Meanswhile ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Functional Garments:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating garments that combine style and utility through the use of diverse materials and textiles. - **Reinterpreted Aesthetics:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in blending traditional Eastern silhouettes with contemporary sensibilities to create unique and stylish designs. - **Utilitarian Qualities:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing garments that emphasize practicality and functionality without compromising on style. ### Where This Applies - **Apparel Manufacturing:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the production of functional garments that incorporate diverse materials and fabrics. - **Fashion Design:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in reinterpreting traditional Eastern silhouettes through a contemporary lens to create new and unique aesthetic styles. - **Textile Industry:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the development of diverse fabrics and textiles that offer both style and utilitarian qualities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Refined Utility Tailoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apresse-2026.md) - [Layered Utility Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphpaper-yoke.md) - [Versatile Summer-Ready Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marmot-1.md) - [Spring-Ready Technical Danish Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fce-2.md) - [Coastal Utility Wear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanamica-springsummer-2026.md) - [Luxury Earth-Toned Workwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-doesnt-matter.md) - [Spring-Centric Technical Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyke-1.md) - [Utility Layering Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jjjjound-x-descente.md) - [Utility Tokyo Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blackeyepatch-winter.md)