ew year, new looks for your clients. As we gear up for 2025, I’m excited to share the standout apparel trends set to make waves in the wholesale market. From sustainability to tech-integrated fabrics and oversized silhouettes, these styles blend practicality with fashion-forward appeal. Whether you’re dressing up a corporate brand or outfitting a campus crew, these trends are all about helping your clients stay ahead of the curve while keeping things stylish and functional. Let’s dive in!
Heavyweight Styles Take the Lead
Heavyweight fabrics and styles will continue to take the lead in 2025. These styles offer durability, comfort, and a premium feel, making them a go-to for quality-conscious consumers. Beyond durability, these pieces are gaining popularity due to their seasonal versatility. The thicker fabrications make them ideal for layering during fall and winter, providing just the right balance of warmth and comfort.
Expect to see thicker fabrications like heavyweight cotton and structured knits in oversized t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts. With roots in street style and skate culture, these pieces are pushing further into the mainstream across multiple markets. As more brands focus on longevity and comfort, heavier fabrics deliver a structured, luxurious look that stands up to everyday wear. This appeals to both fashion-forward and eco-conscious shoppers who invest in pieces that last.
The American Apparel Super Heavyweight Tee
This is a premium choice for those looking to add durable, stylish pieces to their branded lineup. Made from a heavyweight 9 oz. blend of 80/20 ring-spun cotton and polyester, this oversized fit tee delivers comfort and a luxurious feel. This tee’s rolled-forward drop shoulder adds a trendy, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for a variety of markets, from company stores to retail boutiques.
This tee’s heavyweight fabric ensures it stands the test of time while offering a retail-inspired aesthetic that appeals to fashion-forward shoppers.
Target These Vertical Markets:
Heavyweight styles, like the Super Heavyweight Tee, will be big hits across many markets. Of course, it’s no surprise that streetwear brands want customizable heavyweight hoodies, sweatshirts, and oversized t-shirts for urban-focused fashion collections. Similarly, heavyweight styles are perfect for band merch and event promotion, offering durable, on-trend pieces for fans and attendees.
If you have outdoor and lifestyle brand clients, heavyweight apparel is ideal for camping, hiking, and adventure-focused brands that require practical and stylish wear. Heavyweight styles also resonate for corporate merch, with tech startups, breweries, and coffee shops looking for premium, branded employee uniforms and giveaways. Finally, heavyweight hoodies and crewnecks for schools, colleges, and universities are great for spirit wear and alumni merchandise.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Apparel and Accessories
Eco-conscious choices are gaining momentum as companies prioritize sustainable branded items that align with their environmental values. More people are looking for products that match their commitment to protecting the planet, making sustainability more important than ever. Companies are investing in eco-conscious merch to reinforce their commitment to environmental and social causes, with an increased emphasis on green certifications.
Materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester are becoming staples for t-shirts, hoodies, and outerwear. At the same time, water-based inks, low-impact dyes, and sustainable packaging enhance the appeal of these eco-friendly products. These items reduce your client’s environmental impact and resonate with brands looking to integrate corporate responsibility into their merch.
For 2025, we’re adding a new brand, Nomadix, to our lineup, which features accessories that stand out for being premium, sustainable options for companies seeking functional and stylish accessories. Nomadix combines climate-neutral goals with sustainable practices to create eco-friendly products that people love.
This brand delivers functionality and durability while reducing waste by transforming millions of recycled plastic bottles into durable, versatile items, including its innovative MicroTerry™ fabric. Through partnerships with groups like the Surfrider Foundation, Nomadix shows that adventure and environmental care can go hand in hand, making its products a top choice for greener branded accessories.
The Nomadix Fitness Towel (Coming Soon)
This towel is made from post-consumer waste and features thoughtful innovations like sand resistance, so sand easily shakes off without getting stuck, and pet hair resistance, ensuring the towel stays clean on the go.
Its stretch-proof construction prevents shrinkage, and quick-drying material keeps bacteria at bay, eliminating unpleasant odors. Perfect for outdoor activities, gym sessions, or beach trips, it’s a practical, eco-friendly choice.
The Nomadix Fanny Pack (Coming Soon)
Here's another new versatile, sustainable option designed with a focus on durability and functionality. Also made with materials resistant to sand and hair, this accessory stays clean and ready for daily use. The pack’s thoughtful design includes a body pocket, mesh pockets, and a main compartment for efficient organization, making it ideal for travel, fitness, or everyday errands. Both products highlight the brand’s commitment to sustainability, crafted with post-consumer waste and organic inks.
Target These Vertical Markets:
The Nomadix Fitness Towel and Fanny Pack cater to many industries, from corporate gifting programs to wellness and fitness brands. Nonprofit and environmental organizations can use these items for fundraising efforts, awareness campaigns, and volunteer rewards, while educational institutions can offer them as branded merchandise or giveaways. Event and conference organizers will also find these accessories appealing for sustainable swag bags, lining up with the growing demand for eco-friendly event merchandise.
Oversized Statement Pieces
Oversized styles are set to dominate in 2025, combining comfort with bold branding opportunities in the imprintable apparel market. This trend is resonating with customers for a couple of reasons.
One reason is that comfort is still taking the lead, with relaxed fits providing ease of movement and aligning with a cultural shift towards prioritizing comfort over rigid fashion norms — a trend amplified by the rise of work-at-home lifestyles. Also, their gender-neutral design promotes inclusivity and body positivity, making oversized styles appealing to a wider audience than the traditional t-shirts.
Another reason is nostalgic influences like ’90s streetwear also add to their appeal, particularly for Gen-Zers and Millennials, who favor oversized silhouettes for their effortlessly cool vibe. Paired with streamlined accessories, oversized clothing makes a bold fashion statement, blending comfort with confidence and individuality.
The Hanes Beefy-T® Retro Street
This is one of my favorite examples of the oversized trend. Made from 7 oz. 100% ring-spun cotton jersey, this t-shirt delivers softness and durability in equal measure. The Retro Street tee’s oversized, relaxed fit features a drop-shoulder design emphasizing its modern, laid-back aesthetic. The tear-away label makes customization easy, creating a premium, brand-ready piece in colors like Athletic Purple, Fatigue Green, and Picante Pink.
Target These Vertical Markets:
For streetwear and skate brands, oversized hooded styles, tees, and sweatshirts are staples of urban fashion collections, while corporate casual merch embraces relaxed fits to provide tech startups, coworking spaces, and creative agencies with stylish, laid-back uniforms.
In music and entertainment, oversized pieces are a go-to for band and festival merchandise, delivering bold, trendy looks that fans love. Educational institutions turn to oversized hoodies and crewneck styles for spirit wear and alumni apparel, and fitness and athleisure brands leverage these fits for activewear that blends functionality with fashion.
Athleisure Still Reigns Supreme
Athleisure remains dominant in promo apparel, blending style, comfort, and functionality for active lifestyles. With the rising emphasis on health, wellness, and versatility in 2025, athleisure pieces focus on innovative materials like moisture-wicking, quick-dry, and odor-resistant fabrics. These performance-driven features make items like joggers, zip-up jackets, and moisture-wicking polos popular for outdoor events, team-building activities, and corporate wellness programs.
The Perform Zip Hood from Independent Trading Co.
This hoodie offers a seamless combination of comfort and performance. Crafted with four-way stretch French terry fabric, this hoodie provides unrestricted movement, making it ideal for activewear and casual occasions. The style’s double-layer, three-panel hood adds a sleek, functional element, while hidden welt pockets offer convenient storage without compromising style. The tear-away label and 100% ring-spun cotton face yarns enhance the hoodie’s printability, ensuring it’s a standout option for custom branding.
The adidas® Women’s Quarter-Zip Pullover
I love how this pullover combines sustainable materials with a sleek, modern design. Made from 100% recycled polyester fleece, it aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly activewear. Features like drop shoulders, a stand-up collar, and self-fabric cuffs and hem elevate its stylish yet functional appeal. The contrast adidas logo on the right collar adds a touch of brand recognition. Lightweight and versatile, this pullover is perfect for layering during workouts, travel, or casual outings, offering comfort and sustainable style in one package.
Target These Vertical Markets:
Athleisure’s adaptability makes it a key player across multiple industries. Fitness studios and gyms can brand hoodies, tank tops, and leggings for yoga, CrossFit, and boutique fitness classes. Corporate wellness programs are ideal for promotional athleisure pieces used as incentives or giveaways to encourage healthy living. Lifestyle retailers benefit from these versatile, fashion-forward items, while sports teams and clubs appreciate performance wear for training and competitions. Travel and leisure brands also find athleisure sets invaluable for on-the-go customers looking for comfort and style in their adventures.
Unisex Styles Without Boundaries
Unisex apparel continues to gain momentum, with relaxed fits and inclusive sizing making promotional items more versatile than ever. By prioritizing designs that accommodate a wide range of body types, many companies, schools, teams, and beyond can embrace gender-neutral styles that enhance accessibility and appeal.
The influence of streetwear also plays a role, with oversized and relaxed silhouettes driving demand for these styles. Additionally, unisex items reduce inventory, providing a practical yet impactful solution to cater to a wide range of customers.
The LAT Relaxed Crew Tee
Pieces like this relaxed tee offer flexibility and comfort, making them an excellent choice for diverse audiences. The LAT Relaxed Crew Tee combines elevated style with everyday wearability. Crafted from 4.5 oz., 100% combed ring-spun cotton fine jersey, this tee is soft, breathable, and designed for all-day comfort.
This style’s slightly oversized fit and shorter length create a relaxed silhouette, while features like the drop shoulder design and longer sleeve length add a contemporary edge. An EasyTear™ label makes it easier to customize, and its deep availability in lots of colors means there’s an option for everyone.
Target These Vertical Markets:
Unisex and gender-neutral apparel seamlessly fit into numerous industries and markets, offering versatility and inclusivity across multiple applications. Event merchandising benefits from these styles, making them perfect for festivals, charity walks, and corporate events where inclusivity is a must. In education, unisex apparel is great for spirit wear, uniforms, and alumni merch that appeals to students and staff.
Corporate branding can also leverage these designs, providing versatile workwear solutions for startups, retail teams, and businesses that emphasize inclusivity in the workplace. Nonprofits and advocacy groups find unisex apparel ideal for creating a unified look in campaigns, fundraisers, and awareness initiatives. Meanwhile, hospitality and service clients will embrace these styles for sleek, modern uniforms that suit cafes, restaurants, and boutique hotels.
Vintage Vibes with Modern Flair
Vintage Vibes with Modern Flair Nostalgia will continue to shape fashion trends in 2025, with retro-inspired headwear taking center stage. Vintage hats offer timeless silhouettes, bold colors, and versatile designs. Retro caps, including snapbacks and trucker hats, are staples in streetwear collections for their ability to merge classic charm with modern appeal. The affordability of vintage-style caps makes them an accessible entry point for customers seeking on-trend accessories. These caps align with the vintage aesthetic, providing ample decorating space thanks to their smooth front panels without a center seam.
The LEGACY Roadie Five-Panel Trucker Hat (Coming Soon)
Launching in February, this hat delivers a smooth and bold front panel design that highlights logos and graphics with striking clarity.
Valucap 8869 Five-Panel Twill Cap (Coming Soon)
For a casual option, the Valucap 8869 Five-Panel Twill Cap, also available in spring, offers a mid-profile fit with sewn eyelets, a pre-curved visor, and an adjustable plastic tab back. These hats are practical yet stylish, making them ideal for brands looking to stand out with vintage-inspired accessories. Retro headwear’s seamless integration with logo revival trends and heritage branding further drives this piece’s popularity.
Target These Vertical Markets: Vintage-style caps are versatile across numerous markets. In streetwear, snapbacks and trucker hats are key pieces for urban-focused collections. Sports and recreation sectors can use these caps for local teams, outdoor clubs, and functional yet nostalgic headwear. The music and entertainment industries find retro caps ideal for band merch, festival gear, and fan collections. For corporate branding, vintage-inspired hats work well for breweries, creative agencies, and tech startups that want to highlight heritage elements or innovative branding. Lastly, the hospitality and retail sectors benefit from classic caps as part of staff uniforms, providing a cohesive yet stylish look for cafes, boutiques, and breweries.
Tech-Integrated Fabrics and Smart Fashion
The rise of tech-integrated fabrics is reshaping the future of apparel, with functionality and innovation taking center stage. Smart textiles combine advanced technology with practical design, making them highly sought-after by consumers who prioritize performance and convenience.
These textiles offer comfort and practicality with enhanced temperature-regulating materials – moisture-wicking and UV-protective features. Health-conscious consumers are also drawn to outerwear with protective benefits, such as UV shielding and insect-repellent technology, which brings us to this next style.
Beyond functionality, smart fashion addresses the needs of busy, tech-savvy people, offering innovations like wireless charging capabilities and integrated wearable tech. They also open new avenues for corporate and promotional apparel, especially for forward-thinking brands.
The Columbia Women's Skien Valley™ Hooded Lightweight Jacket (Coming Soon)
Available this spring, this style incorporates Omni-SHADE™ UPF 50 protection, Omni-WICK™ moisture-wicking technology, and an integrated mesh face mask for added functionality. These features provide incredible versatility, adapting to diverse environments and customer needs for outdoor adventures or everyday use. With its focus on performance and comfort, this Columbia outerwear style satisfies the growing demand for apparel that seamlessly blends fashion and technology.
Target Vertical Markets:
Tech-integrated apparel is highly versatile and appealing to several markets. Sports and activewear brands can use smart fabrics to create high-performance gear for athletes seeking greater comfort and durability. Corporate workwear benefits from features like temperature regulation and multifunctional designs, making these pieces ideal for the hospitality, healthcare, and customer service industries.
Outdoor and adventure brands find smart jackets and performance gear indispensable for hiking, camping, and exploring, offering practical solutions for rugged environments. Tech companies and startups can get a head start on smart apparel for branded merchandise, delivering unique promotional items emphasizing innovation. Healthcare and wellness sectors can also incorporate tech-enhanced clothing for staff uniforms or activewear that supports health-focused lifestyles.
Stay On Trend in 2025
My curated 2025 trends highlight how wholesale apparel is evolving to meet the demands of diverse markets. From heavyweight fabrics offering durability and a premium feel to oversized styles celebrating comfort and individuality, these trends combine fashion-forward designs with functionality. Whether it’s eco-friendly innovations or performance-focused athleisure, these styles show that the future of merch is both versatile and impactful. By embracing these trends, you can help your clients create standout collections that align with their brand identity and values.
