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Tag: Korean fashion

  • [Korean News] Breaking the Freeze: Why Short Sleeves and Shorts are Dominating Korea’s 2026 Winter Fashion

    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.

  • [Korean News] From Daily to Office Wear: Why the ‘Quarter Zip-up’ is Dominating 2026 Fashion

    Samsung C&T Fashion Group has officially identified the “Quarter Zip-up” as the leading fashion trend for 2026.

    This style, characterized by a zipper extending approximately one-fourth of the way down a knit or sweatshirt, has seen a dramatic rise in consumer interest.

    According to data from the Samsung Fashion Research Institute and Naver Data Lab, search volumes for zip-up products began a sharp upward trajectory in late 2025, solidifying its position as a key fashion focal point.

    The trend’s explosive growth is most evident on the online platform SSF Shop, where searches for “Quarter Zip-up” skyrocketed by 2,950% year-on-year this past December.

    This movement is mirrored globally, with the style gaining significant traction through international luxury brand collections and celebrity short-form content. The item’s primary appeal lies in its exceptional versatility, as it transitions seamlessly from casual daily wear to professional office attire, meeting the needs of modern consumers looking for both comfort and style.

    In response to this demand, Samsung C&T is positioning zip-up items as the center of its 2026 collections across major brands, including 8seconds, Beanpole, and GLXY. A company representative noted that the sustained interest in both domestic and international markets confirms the Quarter Zip-up’s status as a must-have item for differentiated styling.

    As the year progresses, this trend is expected to remain a dominant force in the global fashion landscape.

  • From Office to Street: Why Brown Is the Most Versatile Color This Season

    Samsung C&T’s fashion division has named brown as the defining color of this fall and winter season.

    With global color authority Pantone selecting “Mocha Mousse” — a warm, refined brown — as one of the colors of the year, the shade aligns perfectly with the ongoing “Quiet Luxury” trend, where understated elegance takes center stage.

    Brown has emerged as a versatile tone suitable for everything from office wear to casual looks. It pairs beautifully with materials like wool, cashmere, leather, suede, and corduroy. Once limited to sweaters and knitwear, brown is now expanding into skirts, trousers, and outerwear as a key color for full looks. Combining brown with beige, gray, greige, or even blue and red creates a sophisticated contrast that elevates any outfit.

    Women’s brand KUHO increased its brown-toned lineup by over 30% this season, offering brown set-up suits, tonal layering styles, and luxurious cashmere coats. Likewise, Beanpole Ladies boosted its brown selections by over 20%, matching suede jumpers and corduroy jackets with blue or red sweaters for a classic yet lively aesthetic.

    The Samsung Fashion Research Institute noted, “Brown’s timeless appeal will continue into next year,” adding that tonal brown styling and brown accented with bold color highlights will define this season’s trend direction.

  • “Korean Brand TREEMINGBIRD Expands to Japan with Shibuya Debut”

    Korean designer brand TREEMINGBIRD has marked a strong debut in the Japanese market.

    On the 25th, TREEMINGBIRD, an investment brand under HAGO HOUSE, opened its first overseas pop-up store at Shibuya PARCO department store in Tokyo.

    Known for its monochrome normcore style rooted in neutral tones, TREEMINGBIRD has gained global attention and is well recognized as a favorite of K-pop idols such as Jennie, IVE, and TWICE’s Jihyo.

    The Shibuya pop-up marks its first overseas expansion, driven by this global popularity, and immediately drew long queues, creating an “open-run” buzz.

    The store features TREEMINGBIRD’s Fall collection unveiled at the “Tokyo Girls Collection 2025 AW,” alongside bestsellers such as sweat set-ups, off-shoulder knits, and hobo bags. In particular, the damaged sweatpants worn by Jennie—already a hot item—accounted for over 20% of sales, solidifying its hit status in Japan.

    The pop-up also offers special events, including limited gifts based on purchase amount, SNS verification campaigns, and a “one-day manager” program featuring Japanese influencers, delivering visitors a unique shopping experience.

    The pop-up store will run until October 16 on the 4th floor of Shibuya PARCO department store.