Custom T shirts have long been a reliable staple in the promotional products industry – they were the top-selling product once again in 2021 – but with evolving fashion trends and an increased customer demand for stylish, high-quality wearables, the apparel market has blossomed into so much more.

As a distributor, it’s paramount to target this market, especially considering 85% of promo product recipients remember the advertiser who gave them a piece of custom apparel, according to the 2020 Global Ad Impressions Study. Here’s a look at what’s trending as we head toward 2022:

Building a Better Basic
Consumers have caught on to the downfalls of fast fashion, which tends to be poorly made and unsustainable. They’ve turned their sights to premium brands, even at a higher cost, due to their high quality and long shelf life. It never hurts to present a range of pricing options for your customers and see which ones sell the best. Then you can cater future campaigns based on the results.

Bright Colors, Bold Patterns, Dynamic Textures
Power-clashing is in, with consumers having no issues mixing patterns and unique color options into their ensembles. With designs like tie-dye and animal print on the rise, it’s important to broaden your stylistic range to incorporate these bolder palettes. Even a small splash of flair, like a brightly colored imprint, will go a long way.

Where Style Meets Comfort
With work-from-home models a now-permanent reality for many professionals, consumers are on the lookout for dual-threat apparel – products that look sharp on video conferences but are made with soft, comfortable fabrics. Sprucing up these WFH outfits is sometimes as simple as incorporating a single piece, such as a blazer or pullover.

Dressing for Protection

Masks continue to be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, especially as we careen toward the winter months and spend more time indoors. They’ve evolved over the past couple years to become fashion statements, as end-buyers seek out reusable cloth styles to enhance comfort and express personality. You can even kit masks together with other PPE essentials like hand sanitizer and touch-free keys.

It’s What’s on the Outside That Counts
Like it or not, winter is nearly here, and consumers’ focus is shifting toward outdoor activities and cold commutes. Packable and convertible jackets remain a popular option for adventure-seekers, and unisex, functional outerwear continues to trend up due to its utility. Another tip? Curb the sticker shock of quality outerwear by guiding clients into paying for a single high-quality item instead of multiple budget options that collectively have less impact.

We (Still) Love the 90s
Fashion is cyclical, and 90s nostalgia is raging for those who lived through the era (Gen X, millennials) as well as for zoomers who acknowledge the decade’s cheeky, retro charms. Plaid flannel with baby-doll dress, color-blocked crop tops with bike shorts, matching sweatsuits – there are countless ways to tap into the 90s fashion craze.

Success With Sustainability
Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious every year, and it’s reflected in their apparel choices as they opt for sustainable clothing and sourced goods that last longer than products made with cheaper materials. Keep in mind that 46% of buyers have a more favorable opinion of an advertiser if the promo product they received is environmentally friendly.

What trends are you excited for in 2022? Anything we missed? Let us know on our Facebook page!