Conventional winter fashion stereotypes are shifting rapidly in South Korea, with short-sleeved knits and shorts emerging as defining trends among the youth.
According to the fashion platform ZigZag, transactions for short-sleeved knits in December 2025 rose by 158% year-on-year. This popularity is driven by the “layering” trend, where these pieces are styled over crisp shirts or under heavy coats to balance warmth and aesthetic appeal.
Nordic-patterned short-sleeved knits, in particular, have seen a massive 696% growth, becoming a favorite for those seeking a cozy yet trendy winter look.
This movement extends to bottoms, where sales for wool shorts have skyrocketed by an incredible 1,006%.
Despite the freezing temperatures, there is high demand for shorter lengths made of high-performance, heat-retaining materials like wool or napped fabric.
This shift has also fueled a 694% rise in “illusion stockings”—products designed to give a bare-leg appearance while providing significant thermal protection—alongside a 144% increase in over-knee socks.
Together, these items allow consumers to express their personal style through versatile and creative coordination without sacrificing comfort.
Industry experts observe that as consumers increasingly prioritize individual taste over traditional weather constraints, items with blurred seasonal boundaries are gaining permanent traction.
The focus on highly versatile pieces like short-sleeved knits and wool shorts suggests that the practice of unique layering will remain a core element of Korean winter styling.
As the 2026 season progresses, these “seasonless” items are expected to redefine the commercial landscape of the fashion industry, favoring pieces that offer year-round utility.
ONLINEKOREANEWS.COM 
Leave a comment