Arguably the hottest trend from this past fall was the shacket. What is a shacket, you might ask? It’s a garment that combines a shirt and jacket into one. With a variety of available colors, prints, textures and silhouettes, the styling possibilities are never-ending.

One of the biggest macro trends right now is versatility; this has been a huge factor in the popularity of the shacket, according to Kate Boyce, vice president and general manager of Trimark (asi/92121), the apparel division of Top 40 supplier Polyconcept North America (PCNA, asi/78897).

“Before the pandemic hit, people had two wardrobes: one for work and then one for the weekend and evening. What has truly changed is that the world has become more accustomed to comfort. And so, versatility has become key, and people prefer to function in both,” Boyce says.

The shacket, melding comfort and professionalism, is “the perfect silhouette to look sharp and be completely comfortable,” Boyce adds.

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Many celebrities have embraced the shacket trend. Actress Gabrielle Union showed off a crystal-embellished plaid shacket from designer Miu Miu in an Instagram post last fall.

The shacket’s versatility allows it to pair easily with T-shirts, tank tops, turtlenecks, blouses, soft sweaters, jumpsuits, dresses and more. “They’re built for layering,” explains Lauren Cocco-Mirota, director of merchandising at Top 40 supplier Vantage Apparel (asi/93390). “It can go over a T-shirt in spring-type weather, or a sweater or long-sleeve knit in the fall, or even over a vest to add another layer. The options at one’s disposal are truly endless from fall until spring.”

While the traditional buffalo plaid pattern never goes out of style, other plaid designs, solids and creative patterns are also popular. Suppliers are making shackets in a variety of materials as well, including flannels, corduroy, fleece and nylon. The Boulder shirt jacket (7340/7341) is one of Vantage’s best-sellers, according to Cocco-Mirota. “The outer layer is a cotton canvas, so that it’s a bit more durable, and inside it has a flannel liner so that it’s a bit softer and cozier,” she says.

For Top 40 supplier alphabroder (asi/34063), shackets from Burnside and Spyder brands have been performing well, says Natalie Hopkins, senior merchandising manager. “This elevated style can translate into various corporate settings or become a staple in your wardrobe,” she adds.

Supplier alphabroder offers shackets from Burnside (B8610) and Spyder (S17030).

As far as decoration on a shacket, the sky’s the limit. The traditional left chest gives a cleaner look, but sleeves and the back of the neck are prime logo spots as well. Depending on the shacket’s composition, embroidery tends to be the best option, but heat transfers are a great choice for outerwear pieces, according to Boyce.

Though winter weather may force some to put their shackets into hibernation in favor of heavier outerwear, rest assured that this versatile style will be back again in the spring and beyond.

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