2025 Apparel Preview: 7 Trends to Watch
If you’ve been keeping up with TikTok trendsetters – an impossible task, to be sure – it might seem as though fashion trends over the last few years have been spiraling out of control, moving from one inexplicably specific aesthetic to the next. One minute, everyone is gushing about “goblincore” and “tomato girls,” before the zeitgeist moves on to “tenniscore” and “coastal cowgirls.”
Here are seven trends to keep top of mind.
Sustainable Storytelling
Conscious consumerism is on the rise. “People are increasingly looking for brands that aren’t just eco-friendly in name but in action,” says Lisa Hu, founder and CEO of Lux and Nyx, a supplier of luxury bags. “This means using sustainable materials, reducing waste and ensuring ethical production practices. It’s not just about making a statement anymore; it’s about making a real impact.”
Form with Function
It’s not enough just to be stylish. Consumers are looking for functional pieces offering something extra, such as garments that include UPF sun protection or other performance properties, or even integrated technology. “The goal is to merge smart design with everyday usability, which resonates deeply with modern consumers who value both aesthetics and practicality,” Hu adds.
“Transitional pieces” that you can wear whether you’re in the office, on the road or out on the town are a part of this trend, says AJ Dickson, senior category director at supplier PCNA.
Material Mixing & Dimensional Decoration
Fashion is taking a turn toward texture. Whether it’s a windbreaker with a polyurethane shoulder patch or studs on a hoodie, or other combinations of decoration and textile, Terrence Henderson, technical director at Kotis Design says that designers’ impulse to mix materials is only getting stronger. “Quilting and decorative top stitching are also becoming more prominent,” he says.
Retro With a Twist
Vintage and throwback silhouettes updated with modern fabrications are huge, particularly when it comes to outerwear like bomber and letterman jackets. Distressed decoration, mineral washes and pigment dye are also having a moment as consumers seek out garments with a lived-in look.
True Blue
For 2025, expect blues – from deep navy to brighter royals and electric blue – to reign supreme, especially in the corporate space. “Navy has always been a big color, but it’s becoming increasingly popular,” says Sara Thompson, brand director at supplier SanMar. “It’s not as harsh as black and has a lighter, softer feel to it.”
Elevated Comfort
Dickson believes 2025 will be a sort of transition year for apparel. “During the pandemic and the recovery, we kind of retreated back into our cozy places,” he says. “But with more people figuring out what the workplace is going to look like long term, many don’t want to completely give up that comfort and coziness.”
Subtle Patterns
Micro-stripes, muted florals and tropical prints add visual interest to polo shirts and other garments. The move away from solid colors is a nod to fashion’s influence on the golf market. The key to this trend, however, is the subtlety. Big bold and vibrant multi-color prints present a challenge when decorating. “You have to make sure that the pattern’s going to complement a logo and not fight it,” Dickson says.
[This post is an excerpt from “2025 Apparel Preview: 7 Trends to Watch”, authored by industry expert, Theresa Hegel. Read the full article]
Check out all your branded apparel options.
