Every garment decorator knows that trends matter. Pink may be hot one year, only to be replaced by blue the next. Everyone wants direct-to-garment (DTG) printed shirts, until they move on to direct-to-film (DTF). A company comes up with a new screen-print ink or a unique embroidery effect and suddenly that’s what all your customers want.

Keeping up with both industry-specific and retail trends and knowing what’s on the horizon is important. It may be the difference between having a good year and a great year. Following, we examine trends that influence the apparel decorating industry from a couple different viewpoints.

Global Trends

Generative AI will continue to be used to create artwork in the apparel industry. | Credit: IiGroup Technologies by Dean Biscan

In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is one big trend that seems to be on everyone’s mind. From arguments about whether it should be used, to how it should be used, to whether or not AI-generated designs are art, everyone’s talking about it and harnessing its power.

Generative AI, which is AI that can comprehend patterns within data and create examples of text or images that are entirely unique, is having an impact on the industry. For shops with overworked art departments, or non-existent art departments, generative AI can be a huge help. It should be noted that images generated in this manner may still require editing or manipulation, but that will most likely take less time than creating an image from scratch. AI can also be useful for inventory control and creating simple collateral materials.

Another trend that has been around for a few years now, but has taken on increasing importance recently, is the trend of ethical production and sustainability. Certain segments of the customer base are becoming increasingly concerned about the fair treatment of workers as well as the impact that clothing production has on the environment. As climate change becomes more of an issue, the drive for responsible fashion has increased.

While it’s true that some customers are still most concerned about price, other market segments are looking for environmentally conscious brands and products that are made by workers who are treated and compensated fairly, and are willing to pay a higher price for products that meet those standards.

Fashion and Retail Trends

Speaking of earth-centered fashion, one 2025 trend lending a back to nature is the trend toward earth-inspired color palettes. Tones like clay, olive, sand, and rust are already showing up on a lot of clothing racks this year. These are colors that pair nicely with neutrals like white or beige, but are strong enough to lend some pop and style to an outfit. Apparently, Pantone was on to something with Mocha Mousse, their 2025 Color of the Year, which fits neatly into this trend.

Another hot color for 2025 seems to be yellow. From creamy vanilla yellow to pastel baby yellow to a bold saffron yellow, this color is forecast to make an impact on the 2025 spring/summer fashion season. Butter yellow seems to be the current favorite yellow hue. This is a creamy, shortbread-like shade, a bit more subdued than some shades of yellow, that pairs well with neutrals and pastels and can even hold its own against more vibrant shades. This shade has been showing up on a lot of high-fashion runways in jackets, dresses, and even shorts.

A good animal print never goes out of style, and these prints seem to still be very on trend in 2025.  Animal prints are showing up on fashion runways as the centerpiece of an outfit or simply as an accessory. Zebra print seems to be taking over as the animal print of choice, nudging leopard — which is considered by some to be a timeless classic — out of the spotlight.

And don’t forget the trend of animal prints and shoes. They’re equally popular, and have even extended to sneakers, with leopard print being the current favorite.

As always, retro and vintage fashion trends are showing up in 2025. From the ‘70s boho vibe, to chunky heels and platform shoes, to high-waisted pants that create a silhouette from the 1940s or 1950s, fashion trends from the past are reappearing.

They’re also getting updates. Psychedelic prints from the ‘70s are reappearing, but they are now more visually interesting due to digital printing. The 2025 prints are subtle, less in your face, and more wearable with abstract distortions and softer color combinations.

It appears that Bridgerton and its aesthetic is everywhere, even on fashion runways in 2025. From gowns inspired by Regency fashions, to cottagecore, dreamy floral prints, and floaty silhouettes, those who want to can dress like a character from their favorite romantasy. Colors are going romantic, too, with Barbie pink giving way to ballet pink. This trend is about soft power and using fashion to influence, disarm, and beguile.

Accessory Trends

And, finally, if you thought bags and accessories were escaping the trends, it seems they’re not. This year, it’s all about adding bows, charms, and patches to bags and garments. Another trend is the “mini-me” bag, which is a smaller version of a larger purse that is attached to the larger bag.

Jewelry is being worn on the runways in copious amounts. Layered necklaces and bracelets are turning up everywhere. It’s about showing off personal style in a major way and the idea of less is more has been replaced by more is never enough (of course, all repurposed and reused in keeping with the idea of sustainability).