Following trends is critical for the success of any brand. Companies that don’t keep up with growing trends will inevitably get left behind, while an already successful company can use them to continue capitalizing on opportunities and make more money than ever. When it comes to promotional apparel, knowing what’s in and what’s out can provide a huge benefit for your brand. From fabrics to colors, imprints, and styles, noting what’s trending right now lets your audience know you are in touch with their changing preferences. As we move into a new season, this is a great time to refresh your marketing material and incorporate some new apparel trends into your campaigns.
Styles
Genderless or unisex clothing is a growing trend that companies can incorporate into their branding. We offer many garments that can be used by anyone, allowing your message to reach a larger demographic. This trend is important for staying relevant with younger audiences, especially if you are trying to attract new generations to your brand. Unisex clothing allows you to outfit your customers and team members based on style preferences such as the fitted crew-neck t-shirt or the side-seamed cotton t-shirt instead of clothing that is specific for men or women.
Imprints
Based on trends from previous years we can estimate that embroidery and screen printing will continue to be popular imprint methods in the spring. With an increased focus on individualization and unique designs, companies will be looking to invest in durable apparel that resonates with their audience. Screen printing offers a lightweight feel that matches well with casual and formal attire. Single-blend fabrics, like 100% cotton, are trending and are ideal for these decoration techniques. The “worn-in” soft T-shirt feel offered by single-blend fabrics is not only comfortable for spring weather but also better for the environment. As fabrics are recycled based on material, multi-material clothing becomes difficult to recycle - leading to the move away from non-single-blend materials.
Colors
The end of winter means your brand can look forward to greener pastures, making green the “in” color for spring. Great for alluding to fresh starts and a clean look, this color will also be trending as sustainability increasingly permeates public consciousness. With eco-friendly initiatives on the rise, many brands are opting for personalizing products that can be used and kept for a long time, thus reducing the number of items that often end up in the trash. Promotional apparel is among the top products found in the average household as ASI reports that “70% of consumers keep their promo outerwear for a year or longer”. If your branding permits, try personalizing eco-friendly t-shirts, hats, or polos in a shade of green that can help you get behind the hot trend that is sustainability.
These are all great suggestions to keep in mind when planning spring apparel campaigns. Make the most of your promotions by utilizing styles, imprints, and colors that keep your brand in the spotlight. Trends come and go and while they are not always a hit, your brand can benefit from incorporating them into your marketing plans. Apparel is a great promotional item to try as fashion is ever-changing, giving you an opportunity to constantly outfit your audience with new options.