The fashion industry is differentiating the materials used in basic apparel such as knits and cardigans to attract customers for the fall and winter seasons. By incorporating cashmere, silk, and alpaca, brands are enhancing texture and comfort while expanding material options for shirts and pants. The goal is to increase product competitiveness by adding variations in yarn and production methods to familiar designs.
According to industry sources, SPA (Specialty Store Retailer of Private Label Apparel) brands are increasingly incorporating high-quality materials into their product lines at reasonable prices. This includes expanding the range and quantity of cashmere items or introducing separate collections that enhance material quality and craftsmanship compared to existing basic apparel. This shift responds to consumer demand for both price and material comfort.
Samsung C&T Fashion Division's Eight Seconds is focusing on cashmere as a strategic product line for this year's fall and winter season. The brand has collaborated with Chinese cashmere specialist Erdos to create the 'All-Day Cashmere' collection, which includes over 20 items such as pullovers and cardigans. The company has increased the variety of items, colors, and quantities in its cashmere lineup.
According to the company, sales of Eight Seconds' cashmere products in September rose approximately 30% compared to the same month last year. Following the spring and summer collection featuring unique materials, the brand aims to continue material differentiation with cashmere for the fall and winter seasons. An Eight Seconds representative stated, "We have worked to ensure that customers can enjoy premium materials at reasonable prices, and we plan to continue discovering high-quality materials to strengthen our market position."
Musinsa Standard is proposing durable basic items with enhanced materials. To achieve this, the brand has launched 'Musinsa Standard Plus' after about 20 months of product planning and research and development. The sweaters feature a blend of repair alpaca, 100% Inner Mongolian cashmere, and silk-cashmere mixed yarns. This approach maintains the practicality of existing basic wear while targeting premium demand through improved material and production quality.
Efforts to elevate the materials of basic apparel are also evident in new everyday clothing brands. Kurly has launched the fashion brand 'HEDIT,' created in collaboration with model Han Hye-jin, featuring wool knit hoodies and merino wool cardigans. Eight basic apparel items, including zip-ups, pants, and skirts, are sold exclusively under the 'Kurly Only' label. Kurly emphasizes that careful material selection and refined fits and finishes set their products apart.
In winter coats, emphasis is placed on both material and tailoring. Samsung C&T Fashion Division's Le Beige has introduced a collection for this fall and winter that minimizes embellishments while showcasing cashmere silk handmade coats and cocoon-shaped cashmere coats. The focus is on enhancing the texture of the materials and the shape of the garments, with added details such as embroidery and stitching.
LF's Hazzys has launched its first premium line under the sub-brand 'His Hazzys' for this fall and winter season. This line features 100% cashmere coats and European goose down jumpers, applying high-quality materials while enhancing the silhouette and detail compared to existing lines.
An industry insider noted, "Young consumers are considering not only brand names and trendy designs but also quality aspects such as materials and finishes. Brands are moving towards strengthening material competitiveness to enhance product quality."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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