The "City-to-Summit" Shift: What Buyers Are Actually Asking For in 2026

It’s mid-January. The holiday rush is behind us, and if you are analyzing your sell-through reports from the last three months, you’ve likely noticed a pattern. The heavy, expedition-grade gear moved slower. The versatile, "wear-everywhere" items? They sold out.

At Chinabase Trade, we are seeing this shift in real-time on our production lines. The line between technical outdoor gear and daily commuter wear isn't just blurring—it's gone.
For your FW26/27 collection, here is where the volume is heading.

1. Softshell is the New Standard Five years ago, softshell gloves were a niche category. Today, they are our number one inquiry. Why? Because end-users want to drive, hold a coffee, and navigate a smartphone without taking their gloves off.

.The Sourcing Tip: Don't just look for warmth. Look for windproof ratings and stretch. We are currently finishing orders using 4-way stretch bonded fabrics that block the wind but feel as comfortable as a second skin. This is the item that bridges the gap between your "Sport" and "Lifestyle" categories.

2. The Texture Update on Beanies Basic acrylic beanies are becoming harder to sell at premium price points. The market is demanding a "hand-feel" upgrade.

.What’s Working: We are seeing huge success with Polylana® fiber blends and recycled polyester knits that mimic the softness of merino wool. They offer the sustainability story your marketing team needs, without the high cost of raw wool.

3. Accessories Are No Longer Afterthoughts Neck gaiters and balaclavas used to be cheap add-ons. Now, thanks to the "Gorpcore" trend, they are fashion statements.

.The Trend: We are producing insulated neck warmers using 300gsm high-loft fleece and down-filled nylon. These aren't just for skiing anymore; they are being worn with overcoats in London and New York.

The Window for Customization is Now If you want custom Pantone colors or specific eco-certified materials for Autumn 2026 delivery, the raw material booking window is open until March. Once April hits, fabric mills get backlogged.

Let's review your tech packs this week. We can help you tweak your material choices to hit that "Urban Outdoor" sweet spot while keeping your landed costs in check.