Every January, the apparel industry jumps headfirst into exploring and engaging with what’s new. From understanding the upcoming year’s popular apparel trends to evaluating new equipment, decorators kick their year off through in-person networking events.

As the industry anticipates upcoming events such as PRINTING United Expo (set to take place October 22-24 in Orlando), the Apparel Decoration Summit (scheduled for June 2-4 in Nashville), and more in 2025, things got off to a fast start this month. Events such as ASI Orlando and the Impressions Expo (ISS) have given decorators insight into what the year has to offer the industry. On the heels of ISS 2025, there are a few key highlights we feel apparel decorators should have on their radar this year.

Forward-Looking Fashion Trends

It was clear from the show floor that heavyweights are still a favorite when it comes to fabric style. And this isn’t just for traditional Ts, either. Multiple manufacturers put the spotlight on heavyweight long sleeves, hoodies, and T-shirts, with unique and different approaches to each.

According to Chris Guard, director of product management at Hanesbrands, this trend isn’t going anywhere any time soon. “I think the [heavyweight] trend will be around for at least five years,” he says. He calls attention to the Hanes Beefy-T, which is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. Not only does the shirt carry some weight to it, but the nostalgia it brings highlights another big trend: the love of vintage.

“Compared to other T-shirts in the industry, [the Beefy-T] is not way heavier,” Guard explains. But the team is also heralding its retro roots with what he calls the “retro T,” which is a new, 7-oz. soft T. “We took inspiration from Carhartt and created something that the guy living in the Midwest wants all the way to the skater brand.”

Kevin Freeman, VP of product design, merchandising, and development for Gildan, also notes the popularity of heavyweight. Gildan showcased its Hammer Maxweight collection as well as new style additions to the Softstyle Midweight Fleece collection.

Freeman emphasized that heavyweight is no longer the boxy, stiff fabric that used to define it. Rather, he points out that newer styles that run anywhere from a 7-oz. to 9-oz. structure now feel significantly softer and are comfortable to wear while still feeling like a “heavy hug” when you put them on.

Among apparel trends that also dominated the show floor was the continued emphasis on garment dye and eco-friendly styles. Playing into the theme of earth-inspired colors, Freeman pointed out the new styles from Comfort Colors, which is also celebrating 50 years in 2025. “Comfort Colors continues to celebrate the beauty and essence of Colors Inspired by Nature with its Pigment Pure dyeing and reactive hues in each cozy garment,” according to a press release.

Guard noted that Hanes is continuing its work on the EcoSmart line, which is designed to biodegrade and reduce the number of microplastics being released into the environment. He points out that it can take a while to implement big changes like manufacturing these types of hoodies, but manufacturers are continuing to push for it.

Tami Miller, director of creative marketing at LAT Apparel, explains that a big part of the company’s brand evolution remains dedicated to ethical and responsible manufacturing practices. Its socially compliant, WRAP-certified factories underscore the company’s commitment to creating products with integrity. For example, Miller points out that Rabbit Skins, its youth line, is CPSIA compliant and goes through rigorous testing.

Miller also notes that despite the attraction to everything nostalgic, there’s also a growing need for something new and fresh. “For us, it’s about telling new narratives [about our brand],” she says, noting that specifically for LAT, it’s all about using apparel to tell a story.

Key apparel trends summary:

• Heavyweight T-shirts, hoodies, and long sleeves
• Wider, thicker collars and sleeve cuffs
• Eco-friendly styles and fabric colors (garment dye)
• Super soft nostalgia

Equipment, Accessories, and More

You can’t talk about new equipment trends without highlighting direct-to-film (DTF). One attendee on the ISS 2025 trade show floor referred to it as the “DTF printer show,” but despite the tongue-in-cheek nature, DTF truly was a focus when it comes to technology.

Among new DTF printers being showcased was the new Epson SureColor G6070, a 35.4” DTF printer. According to Lily Hunter, product manager at Epson, the new printer is already getting a lot of positive feedback. “Personalization, short production runs, and print-on-demand continue to be popular within the industry,” Hunter noted in a press statement.

The new printer features a PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology, as well as a large-capacity sealed-ink-pack system featuring new UltraChrome DF inks. Hunter emphasized that a huge benefit to purchasing the printer is the available support and maintenance that Epson provides.

Also onsite was the new Roland DG TY-300 DTF printer. “The TY-300 takes DTF transfer printing to a whole new level,” said Daniel Valade, Roland DGA’s product manager of digital print, in a press statement. The staggered layout of the two large printheads enables printing white with high productivity of 133 square feet per hour in Production mode.

We also had a chance to see the new ROQ NOW Gen 4 industrial DTG system while at the show. According to Phil Alexandre, digital solutions engineer, improved features focus on safety as well as faster production.

Seeing both the explosion of DTF as well as new advancements in DTG brings attention to one key discussion happening right now: DTG is not dead. “I think DTF levels the playing field because we can focus on making garments that are comfortable and look good,” Guard explains. “You don’t have to worry so much about, what’s the blend, and is it going to cause problems for like a polyester shirt — you can put DTF on it. But DTG? Not dead.”

Big News in the Apparel Decorating Industry

Several big announcements also came out of the ISS 2025 show. Headlines include:

Gildan Announces Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Printwear Channel Champion

Press statement from Gildan: Having partnered with Authentic Brands Group, the owner of the Champion brand through a licensing agreement for the printwear channel, Gildan presents Champion’s collection, featuring authentic athletic apparel. Gildan had several Champion styles on display on the ISS show floor.

STAHLS’ Hotronix Signs Partnership with Stampinator

Press statement from STAHLS’: STAHLS’ Hotronix announces an exclusive worldwide manufacturing, distribution, and service agreement with Stampinator. This agreement integrates Hotronix IQ heat press technology into the Stampinator concept. In addition, it allows screen printers to reportedly improve screen print results with under base stamping to smooth fibers for better opacity and quick cure capabilities.

Hotronix SVP and Chief Manufacturing Officer Ben Robinson explained in the press statement that with the Stampinator, “high-speed screen printing is now at your fingertips, ready to plug, press, and play.” By incorporating this in-line heat press technology, decorators can achieve full automation, increasing output from 20 shirts per hour to 480 shirts per hour — all within their existing automatic screen print press setup.