Issue Focus

Lightweight Puffer Comeback : Gen Z Embraces the “Dad Jacket” Trend

This article explains how the once utilitarian, middle-aged staple—the lightweight puffer—has become

a fashion-forward choice among younger consumers, and how climate patterns and fastfashion agility

are reshaping Korea’s apparel market and export potential.

♦  Climate Change Drives a Functional Shift

      • Korea’s shortened autumn and sub-zero morning temperatures starting October make lightweight

          puffers ideal for Korea’s widening daily temperature gaps

      • Jackets are easy to remove when temperatures rise and highly portable, aligning with global

          “comfort-first” functional fashion trend

♦  Premium Brands Lead Resale Market Frenzy

      • Salomon’s ₩320,000 “Cross Insulation” light grey resells for over ₩600,000, with XL sizes reaching

          ₩780,000 on resale platforms like Cream

      • Arc’teryx ₩690,000 puffers fetch ₩900,000 in popular colors, while North Face “Ventus Jacket” sold out

          in 40 minutes with silver variant doubling in resale price

♦  Mass-Market Brands Capitalize on Boom

      • SPAO’s ₩59,900 “Thinlight” collection saw 304% sales surge after securing massive inventory through

          year-round off-season overseas production

      • Musinsa Standard expanded colors from 4 to 13 options, Reebok launched new lightweight puffer line,

          Titanbros increased volume 20x year-over-year

♦  Supply Chain Innovation Drives Profitability

      • E-Land built system completing entire process from order to store shelves in just 5 days, boosting

          initial stock 50% then adding 125% more

      • Lightweight puffers offer high profitability through low costs and quick turnover, with SPAO’s success

          driving 40% increase in total winter outerwear sales

Source

The Korea Economic Daily. (2025. 11. 4)

https://www.hankyung.com/article/202511043657g  (Korean version only)