Strategy

Readers Predict 2018 Apparel Trends

We recently asked Wearables readers to share their thoughts on 2018, specifically which apparel trends they expect to pick up steam in the new year. We received a range of thoughtful responses, though trucker caps and ringspun cotton tees topped several readers' hot lists.

 

Nadav Raviv, City Paper Company: I’m excited to see a few things. First, the incorporation of North Face into our industry. It’s very popular in the Southeast and will surely be a hit. I’m also looking forward to seeing new decoration methods, like HDX technology and similar appliqués. Our customers are always pushing us to find new, innovative ways of decorating.

Gary Mosley, Kati Sportcap & Bag: Caps should continue to dominate the market as they have in recent years. Caps have always been one of the most cost-efficient apparel items to get an advertising message across, and with the recent popularity explosion of trucker caps, they should continue to be very popular through 2018.

Denise Scalf, Punch Promotional Products: We’ve seen a shift the last two years (especially in the warmer months), from cotton to performance material. Clients find it much more comfortable. It’s great for anyone working outdoors or in hotter conditions.

Danielle Neuendorf, The Thread Line: I think trucker hats have made a comeback and are very popular at this time. They are a great way to create a design at a good price.

 

 

David Rakowitz, Lone Star Tees: We’ve seen an upward trend in several areas: performance T-shirts, trucker caps (especially the charcoal front/neon mesh styles) and more retail-type T-shirts, such as Next Level and Bella Canvas. We feel this trend will continue well into the new year.

Andrew Janosick, Proforma Executive Business Services: I see clients trending away from basic cotton tees and really moving toward the ringspun cotton over the last year. You see the evolution even in your local 5K races. I run a fair share of races, and when I receive the old 100% cotton tees, I just donate them to the local Salvation Army, but when I get handed the ringspun cotton tees from the likes of Next Level and Canvas, I’m glad to keep them.

Marshall Atkinson, InkSoft: Colored heathers are still the king right now. Explosive growth. I see this trend continuing, and when partnered with the right graphic, a huge moneymaker for shops. An interesting note is that companies like August are using water-based printing for the patterns to help solve the dye-migration challenge.

Guy Moore, Garnet & Gold: Looks like denim is making a comeback.

Look for even more reader predictions in the February issue of Wearables.