Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1524423
Are there any technical advances in terms of fabrics or production that dealers should know about? Kennedy: is ties back to an earlier ques- tion where we talked about sublimation and the creativity that allows in headwear. With us now allowing special pattern and designs, there is really nothing you cannot put on a cap that does not tie back into your uniform design. We see that opening up great opportunities. Currier: We are always researching and developing new, innovative styles that pro- vide style and comfort along with technical features that apply to all of the extreme uses. We have some new technology in the hopper that we are working on for 2025. Nixon: Lightweight perforated fabrics that are breathable and moisture wicking continue to perform at the top of our on- field category. Garrett: We are focused on performance materials and innovative decoration ap- plications. We have some exciting new products and decoration options slated for 2025 and 2026. Klein: We are promoting lightweight, breathable fabrics. Going into 2025, we are extending these features into a perfor- mance snapback cap. Bradney: Lightweight, functional perfor- mance-poly stretch fabrics continue to be very popular in all activewear categories, including headwear. Finally, where do you see the team headwear business headed into 2025 in terms of demand and styles? Nixon: I see the demand staying strong for 2024. e COVID hangover is over and things are back to normal. ere are always new teams forming and more and more tournaments to play in. e on-field styles will remain similar, just more lightweight and moisture management fabrics and the colors of the hats and the decoration on them will mimic the MLB, which sets the trends for on-field headwear. Dealers will want to be up-to-date on what the Major League teams are offering year aer year. Klein: Headwear appears to be rolling with retro designs in neons and snapbacks. Performance and lightweight fabrics are becoming a market-leading feature that spans multiple sports, as well as fanwear. Garrett: Headwear is more popular than ever today. We believe headwear is as im- portant as the traditional team T-shirt to teams and schools. In addition, parents and fans are looking for more ways to represent their teams, schools and pro- grams. Headwear provides a great price point opportunity for an athlete or fan to support their team beyond the tradi- tional shirt or sweatshirt. We expect this trend to continue to grow in 2025 and beyond. Bradney: We see demand continuing to grow for performance styles in both tradi- tional and pop colors. Perforated crowns will continue to trend and we expect to see specialty decoration make its way into on- field, performance headwear. Kennedy: We are continuing to see a large increase in visor styles over the last couple of years. We want to push more with our custom offering to show the diversity of this style instead of the standard stock visors most customers are offered. n teaminsightmag.com July/August 2024 ~ Team Insight • 25 Richardson The Game Cap America