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The readers of this magazine generally haven't been known as dealers in three-piece suits, unless perhaps those three pieces comprise a hunting jacket with matching vest and pants. Their long history of clothing that's a bit more down to earth gives them a leg up (or a sleeve up, if such an expression exists) in outerwear for casual, knocking-around use.

As such, casual outerwear is an enormous category both in terms of importance and the array of silhouettes it encompasses. It ranges from traditional military surplus to commercially manufactured military styles (encompassing everything from peacoats to fashion-tweaked parkas) to work apparel and outdoor/athletic wear.

It's true that the ANSOM reader hardly has this street all to himself or herself.

Chain stores at all price points as well as boutiques, not to mention online merchants, stake a claim for the same turf. However, the army/navy and outdoor store has some distinct advantages.

One is competitive price, while another is product knowledge. Still another is authenticity and credibility. Last but certainly not least, there's utility: the outerwear actually serves a purpose beyond fashion. All of these things matter, particularly to the young adults who drive sales in this category.

Functionality in casual outerwear is especially important because it answers two consumer priorities. One is driven by the weather, which becomes variable and unpredictable during the fall and winter months. Another is an increasing fashionability quotient for outerwear that can be worn across the seasons. Call it another way in which style and function intersect.

Form and function

This dual priority is reflected in some of Columbia Sportswear's fall 2007 offerings, for example. "Rich in accentuating trims and three-in-one systems, our fall 2007 line is broader and more accommodating," according to the Beaverton, Oregon-based manufacturer. "Columbia's leather collection for men is using comfortable leathers to show fall 2007's authentic and rugged look. This basic saddle brown jacket is perfect for any weekend getaway or as an everyday jacket. With an acrylic plaid lining it will keep [the customer] warm, along with the button and zip closure."

On the casual side, Columbia's fall '07 line includes lightweight, microsuede, and faux shearlings. "Adding features such as fleece linings, wool plaids, and light sherpa have helped to expand this collection. Columbia's wool collection for men has shifted to include many interchangeable jackets." To facilitate layering, one style includes a wool outer with a hoodie zip-in layer.

On the distaff side, Columbia's leather collection for women now includes specialty stitching, ruching of the leather, "and of course, the removable fur collar.

Columbia's casual outerwear for women also includes the same rugged, casual microsuede that our men's line has but with a feminine touch. This Aviator fleece lined jacket is a zip front style with an adjustable waist belt and fur trim hood."

Columbia has added a wool collection for women this year. According to the manufacturer, "We've taken the same feminine silhouette used in the leather collection and created a double breasted peacoat with button flap pockets and back waist belt."

Not slaves to fashion

For the ANSOM reader, merchandising casual outerwear doesn't entail bringing in a designer's "fall line" or "spring line" and hoping it sells as well as expected, and facing the prospect of heavy markdowns should those expectations fail to pan out.