The start of 2024, just like every new year, has the industry wondering what’s ahead in apparel decoration. Whether it’s the latest styles and cuts of apparel, trending color stories, or new apparel decorating processes or equipment, decorators and shop owners must stay “in the know” on what’s happening.

We do this as a collective, creative community by attending trade shows and staying connected with industry leaders. PRINTING United Expo, at the end of 2023, gave us a look at what to expect this year, and Impressions Expo 2024 solidified that outlook.

What’s Hot in Apparel

From the resurgence of crewnecks and heavyweight T-shirts to expanded color stories, plus the push for sustainable fibers, there was plenty to see in the apparel category.

While muted and earthy tones continue to thrive in the apparel world, many suppliers said “Yes!” to color, showing their offerings in pastel and neon color palettes. Most suppliers report that colors like cream and off-white are flying off the shelves, but that doesn’t mean pops of brighter hues aren’t also having a moment.

Jeremy Morillo, sales manager of strategic accounts at Bayside Apparel, says light violets, grays, and even peaches, like the Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, have entered the market with good response.

While colors are trending toward more “fun colors,” the softer tones and pastels keep it neutral and wearable. “You’re not too bright and loud,” Morillo notes. “[Think] a neutral color where you can still do a really good graphic story where it doesn’t get lost.”

Glen Brumer, sales director at Royal Apparel, echoes the story around pastels, saying the brand is getting a “great reaction” to its pastel and pigment dye collections. And he isn’t the only one. Suppliers across the board agree that pigment dye seems to have that soft, comfortable, welcoming look everyone is going for this year.

Sustainability continues to be a hot topic as consumers, brands, and organizations become more cognizant of their environmental footprint. While this can be a challenge in the apparel industry, suppliers continue to tackle it.

HanesBrands’ partnership with CiCLO technology, a patented solution that allows synthetic textiles like polyester to breakdown like natural fibers once they enter the environment, has brought more sustainable styles to the market, including Champion’s Eco Future crewnecks and joggers. Rachel Newman, vice president/general manager of American casualwear at HanesBrands, says CiCLO especially makes sense for Alternative Apparel, where sustainability is a pillar of the brand. However, the technology hasn’t yet been integrated into the brand’s offerings.

In addition to fun colors, boxier Ts, and sustainable features, one style heavily trending across suppliers is the pullover or crewneck. While boxier styles are in, those styles can still feature women’s specific details. Alternative Apparel offers a crew with a split and drop hem. Bayside Apparel’s new women’s hoodies and crewnecks feature a larger waistband and drop shoulder.

 

In the headwear category, David Lever, global vice president of sales at Otto Cap, says black continues to be the No. 1 color, but he also sees pastels making a move into hats.

The mesh back and classic trucker aren’t going away anytime soon, he adds, while rope hats remain popular. Additionally, he says more people are looking to level up into nicer materials like nylons and moisture-wicking options. He notes that anything with wool is a great choice. “It doesn’t absorb body odor; keeps you cool in the summer; warm in the winter. Always looks good,” he notes.

Technology Buzz

Similar to what we saw at PRINTING United Expo 2023, direct-to-film (DTF) printing continues to take over in the equipment and technology category.

Everyone from Epson, Roland DGA, Mimaki, Brother, M&R, Grimco, and more had some type of DTF or DTF/direct-to-garment (DTG) hybrid printer on display. As the technology continues to grow and expand, so does the number of manufacturers making DTF solutions.

One fun thing we were wowed by was the direct-to-embroidery application on display in the Hirsch Solutions booth. A design is embroidered using white thread, then placed on the platen of a Brother DTG printer, where a camera scans the embroidered design before printing directly on the thread. The results were impressive, crisp, and unique.

We’re looking forward to seeing where these styles and technologies take us in 2024!