1

Outerwear

The latest outerwear emphasizes adaptability, safety and comfort – all while the sector reflects on the end-of-life impact. This category runs the gamut from athleticwear to lifestyle pieces to on-the-job workwear. For any use, though, the goal must be the same: versatility and comfort. “You’re not in Grandpa’s uniform in the 1970s,” says Caleb Churchill, regional sales director at Workwear Outfitters (asi/98258). “In today’s world, the wearers want to be comfortable, and if they’re in a uniform program, more comfortable uniforms are almost an extra benefit.” Layerable pieces like shackets make a strong showing, and there are plenty of decoration options for these heavier fabrics, allowing for detailed logos without damaging fabric.

Circular Design

The industry continues to push for textiles to last longer, create less waste and be more easily recycled, says Kyle Annable, vice president of sales at Counselor Top 40 supplier Stormtech (asi/89869). Mono-material products lend themselves to seamless disassembly and ensure zippers, buttons and other components can easily be removed. “This is why you’re seeing mechanical stretch built into more fabrics,” he says, “along with design elements like articulated-action shoulders and elbows.”

Polyester knit jacket (FPR-2M) with contrasting side panels from Stormtech (asi/89869)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Looks That Layer

Transitional layering, such as workwear-inspired jackets and shackets, can seamlessly transition from casual to more professional settings, says Sara Thompson, merchandising executive at Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar (asi/84863). End-users will be just as happy to wear such garments on the job as on the weekend.

Enzyme-washed denim jacket (7025) from Vantage Apparel (asi/93390)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Safety First

Outerwear for workers increasingly boasts innovative safety features, such as concealed drawstrings that can be adjusted from inside hoodie pockets. Further, updated ANSI standards have allowed more flexibility in garment design, enabling color blocking that improves aesthetics and is less prone to staining, says Churchill.

Dickies hooded jacket with concealed drawstrings (PH10) from Workwear Outfitters (asi/98258)

Find on Website

2

Headwear

The headwear sector is evolving with innovations that blend style, practicality and high-end appeal. “Nobody gets rid of hats,” says David Lever, global vice president of sales for Counselor Top 40 supplier Otto International (asi/75350). “They’re eye-level; people wear them every day.” With retail-looking designs, flexible materials and creative decoration techniques, headwear continues to rise to end-users’ demand for fashion plus function.

Keep on Truckin’

Foam-front truckers with a mesh back are still crushing it, says Lever, thanks in part to being packable, and the fact that they don’t crease when pressed for decoration. “Going on 42 years in our collection, it holds its shape very well, the sweatband is comfortable and the price point is good,” he says. “No matter how many we bring in, it’s never enough.”

Mesh back trucker hat (39-165) from Otto International (asi/75350)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Retro Resurgence

Cory Cissell, vice president of customer experience at Counselor Top 40 supplier Cap America (asi/43792), says caps from the ‘80s and ‘90s are back and booming, highlighted by their retro charm and eye-catching rope accents, which brands like Titleist and Nike have embraced. “They’re wildly popular in retail right now,” Cissel says. “We’ve sold tens of thousands in 2024.”

Athletic rope cap (i7256) from Cap America (asi/43792)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Sought-After Straw

Straw hats have evolved from a classic beachwear staple to a popular promo item. Michael Nakajima, senior sales executive for Mega Cap (asi/70434), says “straws” offer a refreshing alternative to twill and polyester caps, bringing a unique textured look. “It sells itself, and they decorate exceptionally well,” Nakajima says.

Lifeguard straw hat (8030A) from Mega Cap (asi/70434)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Decoration Tip

Direct-to-film (DTF) transfers have been on “hyperspeed,” Lever says, allowing for custom one-off hat designs that can be sold at a premium price. This method works well on foam-front truckers, providing flexibility for unique high-value creations. In addition, laser-etched leather patches, seen on popular brands like Love Your Melon, offer a sophisticated and retail-relevant look. They can be applied to headwear from baseball hats to knit beanies, adding a distinctive and stylish touch, Cissell says.

3

T-Shirts

Heavyweight tees are making a comeback, seen in both streetwear and high-end brands like Lululemon, says SanMar’s Thompson. Look for fits to focus on unisex, drop-shoulder and genderless styling for younger markets. Colors are gravitating toward neutral and cooling, but the bright colors of the past decade haven’t disappeared completely; Thompson adds that pops of bright neon pink are “having a moment” and to look for more of that in 2025.

Dyed-In Demand

Catherine Tremblay, senior director of merchandising at Counselor Top 40 supplier alphabroder (asi/34063), agrees on the growing popularity of heavyweight tees and adds that the supplier continues to see garment-dye styles doing well, “which have been a long-standing trend since early 2020,” she says.

Comfort Colors garment-dyed heavyweight tee (C1717) from alphabroder (asi/34063)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Worn Well

Washed, soft materials are meeting the moment with a vintage, worn-in look that has ongoing appeal. Pigment dyes in muted dusty tones, plus distressed finishes, evoke the cozy, laid-back aesthetic.

5.3 oz. garment-dyed District tee (DT2101) from SanMar (asi/84863)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Fit Shift

The lightweight, fitted tees of the 2010s have given way to heavy-duty fabrics and looser silhouettes that work for both genders. Michelle Yu, creative director of design for BELLA+CANVAS (asi/39590), says the supplier creates its own prototypes in its Los Angeles headquarters. Because of that, she notes, “we’re confident we’ve created a best-in-class unisex heavyweight collection,” new for 2025.

Heavyweight 7.5 oz. unisex tee (4610) from BELLA+CANVAS (asi/39590)

Find on Website

Decoration Tip

“Tee designs are inspired by the trend of wearable art,” says Watson, “where the single-piece DTF deco option is the perfect fit.” Design elements will be reminiscent of various regions around the world, with patterns, motifs and color palettes drawing inspiration from traditional textiles and landscapes.

4

Sweatshirts & Fleece

Sweatshirts are blending fashion with functionality and eco awareness. Nostalgia, by way of vintage and distressed looks, remains a top choice, as do boxier cropped silhouettes, says Thompson. “We’re seeing a little crop still,” she says, “but maybe a high-hip crop.” Genderless silhouettes and neutral tones have likewise had staying power as suppliers grapple with environmental standards for these pieces’ fabrications.

Chemical Change

The sweatshirt space is increasingly using PFAS-free fabrics to meet environmental and regulatory standards, says Churchill of Workwear Outfitters. Brands are often prioritizing eco-conscious materials to stay ahead of evolving state regulations to ensure their apparel is free from harmful chemicals.

Red Kap performance full-zip hoodie (HJ10) from Workwear Outfitters (asi/98258)

Find on Website

Fit & Function

Mirroring what’s happening in T-shirts, sweatshirts are shifting toward a more structured, workwear-inspired look with a stiffer hand and oversized, genderless fits, Thompson says. Dusty tones dominate, and the focus is on both comfort and durability.

Garment-dyed fleece hoodie (DT2200) from SanMar (asi/84863)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Mix and Match

Fabric-blocking and mixed media remain popular in the sweatshirt and fleece category, says Tremblay, which capitalizes on the demand for visual interest. Garment-dye silhouettes are holding their own here as well, she says, “but we’re seeing tech fleece in poly fabrications build in momentum recently,” which she attributes to health/wellness and fitness macro trends.

Under Armour half-zip fleece (1387570) from alphabroder (asi/34063)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Decoration Tip

“Following the vintage trend, any decoration that feels nostalgic, worn and distressed has a strong presence, especially when on washed products,” Thompson says. Raised and textured heat transfers and patches are also prevalent.

5

Polos & Knits

Like apparel in the other categories, polos are also expected to work harder these days. In fabrications like spandex or high-quality poly blends, polos must offer stretch and comfort but look professional and retail, says Amy Mazur, national sales manager, corporate division, for Perry Ellis International/Callaway (asi/77715). “They’re going to work from a lifestyle standpoint from day to night,” she says. “Still professional – but with other properties for other activities.”

Pattern Play

Micro-stripes, muted florals and tropical prints spice up polo shirts and other garments. The move away from solid colors is a nod to fashion’s influence on the golf market. “A lot of professional golfers are wearing patterns,” says Taylor Borst, vice president of vendor relations, marketing and events at Counselor Top 40 distributor American Solutions for Business (asi/120075), “so we’re starting to see it more in retail, which means we’re starting to see it on the promo side, too.”

Micro floral print men’s polo (MCK01055) from Cutter & Buck (asi/47965)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

High Visual Interest

Tremblay as well says there will be increased demand for unique polos and knits with visual interest – not just prints and patterns, but fabric textures and jacquards too. “These can be anything from a heathered look, a space dye, an allover print or a more subtle treatment like a tonal fabric texture,” she says, which bring a breath of fresh air into a category “that sees a lot of standard silhouettes.”

North End stretch performance polo (NE100W) from alphabroder (asi/34063)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Tailored Taste

Mazur says Perry Ellis has broadened its polo silhouettes that directly appeal to women. Their women’s polos now feature a V-neck or a zippered placket, she says, and “offer more style beyond the traditional three-button design” while still boasting the sought-after stretch, moisture-wicking and antimicrobial qualities.

Ladies’ double-knit polo with zipper placket (PEW-122) from Perry Ellis International (asi/77715)

Find on ESP Find on ESP+

Decoration Tip

Direct embroidery is still very popular, Mazur says, because polos are a higher-end item deserving of that look. Tone-on-tone with a smaller logo fits better with a conversational print, while for solids you’ll see the traditional logo colors.