Layered in Softness: Pre-Autumn’s Hero Outerwear

As we shift into the pre-autumn season, the transitional padded jacket emerges as a must-have piece across baby, toddler, and young girls’ categories-bringing warmth, charm, and commercial versatility in equal measure.

These aren’t your average puffers. Instead, this outerwear trend reflects a softer, slower approach to seasonal dressing.

Why It Works Now

The rise of quilted jackets speaks directly to what parents are currently seeking: clothing that feels safe, soft, and beautifully made, without compromising on function. These pieces are designed for in-between days-easy to throw on for chilly nursery drop-offs, afternoon strolls, or playdates in the park.

From a commercial perspective, the category hits a sweet spot:

• Layerable, trans-seasonal, and easy to style
• Offers elevated price points thanks to detailing like embroidery and trims
• Appeals across gifting, everyday, and special occasion use

Design Details to Note

The silhouettes this season are boxy but soft-rounded shoulders, A-line cuts, and gentle proportions lend a sense of ease. Key detailing includes:

• Lightweight wave or cloud quilting – adds visual depth without bulk
• Embroidered florals and foliage – often placed with care for a handcrafted finish
• Heritage touches – gingham bases, crochet trims, contrast piping, and scalloped collars
• Snap buttons, patch pockets, and tonal linings – keeping things practical but considered

These jackets move away from utilitarian styling and into something more romantic and child-focused-making them especially relevant for pre-autumn collections, photo shoots, and occasion dressing.

Palette Direction

Colours lean light and nature-inspired:

• Powder blue, rose blush, pistachio green, and soft cream
• Accents of contrast thread embroidery in candy pinks, rusts, and spring greens
• Gingham bases in unexpected tones-soft red, washed violet, or chalky mustard

The result? A colour story that feels both playful and grounded, aligning perfectly with early autumn moods while offering long shelf-life.

Trend Outlook

We see this as more than a passing seasonal moment. As the industry continues to embrace craft, comfort, and emotional connection in kidswear, padded jackets will evolve with new surface techniques-smocking, appliqué, hand-drawn print overlays-and category crossover into gilets, vests, and padded sets.

Ideal for:

👶 Babywear

👧 Toddler & girlswear up to 7y

🛍️ Retailers leaning into story-driven, tactile design

Image Credits: @nextofficial, @liewood_design, @louisemisha