What Are the Latest Trends in Custom Apparel?

Custom apparel is not what it once was.

Gone are the times when all you did was design a custom shirt to raise funds in a school or to have a family get-together. Nowadays, custom apparel is all about style, self-expression, and being in trend. What people need is not a logo on a T-shirt, but clothes that sound, feel new, and fit properly.

So what's hot today in the realm of custom apparel? Whether you're ordering team tees, a brand collection, or wanting to make a fashion statement in the crowd, we've got you covered.

Now let's hit the trends in custom clothing, and how you can leverage them to look good, remain pertinent, and attract attention.

1. Retro and Vintage Feels are In

You’ve probably noticed it already: 90s fonts, washed-out colors, old-school graphics, vintage is back and hotter than ever.

Retro-inspired custom shirts and sweatshirts are showing up everywhere. Custom shirts and sweatshirts with retro influences are everywhere. Think worn prints, baggy silhouettes, and vintage styles that appear to be directly out of the thrift shop (in the best sense). It is the nostalgia thing.

And what is best? You can use your modern brand/message with this old school look and create something completely different.

2. Sustainability is More than a Buzzword

Shoppers are concerned about the origins of their clothes and where they will end up.

This is why the trend is sustainable: customized clothing. Customers are demanding more and more green choices: organic cotton, recycled materials, and water-based ink.

It is not only an appearance-enhancing trend but rather a good-doing one. Or, when you are producing personal items for your company or brand, it is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your principles as well. Bonus: eco-friendly materials are so nice to the touch. Better for the planet, plus softer and comfier.

3. Oversized Everything

Fit matters, and right now, bigger is better.

Oversized tees, hoodies, and sweatshirts are the latest trend, particularly among youth. It's not only because they're comfortable (though they're really warm), but they're also a fashion statement.

In creating your own custom designs, keep in mind loose, spacious silhouettes. They're ideal for graphic prints, front-and-back designs, and that easy-going street style.

4. Simple Designs with a Twist

Whereas some opt for bold, loud prints, there's an enormous following going for the clean and minimal vibe.

Minimal does not equal boring; it equals intelligent. Tiny logos, sharp fonts, and one-color designs can have a strong effect when executed correctly. Less is more, sometimes.

And recently, a nice twist on this: subtle humor or sneaky messages camouflaged in basic designs. One-line jokes or double entendres come to mind. It's an excellent way to make people double-take.

5. Puff Prints and Texture Play

Flat prints are timeless, okay, but individuals desire to feel their apparel these days.

Enter puff prints, embroidery, chenille patches, and textured ink. These add depth and dimension to even the most basic designs. Puff ink, particularly, has taken off in popularity due to its 3D appearance that simply screams super fresh and fun.

Adding texture to your personalized gear makes it pop. And trust us? It simply feels cooler when you're wearing it.

6. Tone-on-Tone Prints

Need something subtle but chic? Tone-on-tone is the place to be.

This trend is about printing the graphics in the exact color of the material, or a shade off, such as a black graphic on a black hoodie, for example. It is delicate, elegant, and frighteningly beautiful.

It possesses that I-know-I-know feel and would be perfect for those who prefer to stay chill and subtle.

7. Non-sports Personalized Names and Numbers

The names and numbers on the team jerseys are nothing new, but it is now being applied in casual and fashion wear as well.

Every person likes to place his/her name, nickname, or even an inside joke on the back of hoodies or sleeves of long-sleeve tees. It provides an intimate feel that is exclusive.

It is also best suited to friend groups, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or small brands that want to achieve a sense of close-knit communal vibe.

8. Bold Back Prints

Let’s be real, the back of a shirt is prime real estate.

Back prints are making a huge comeback. Bold quote, stacked logo, striking graphic; it does not matter; this trend is not going anywhere. People are crazy about how it can make you look when you are walking away, sitting in a cafe, or simply chilling.

Front and back designs are an excellent idea to give a complete story on your bespoke clothes.

9. Local Pride and Community Graphics

The coolest trend of all? Rep your hood.

City, neighborhood, school, or local slang-themed shirts are cropping up everywhere, particularly in smaller, close-knit towns. These types of shirts bring people together. It's pride, identity, and fashion combined.

This style is particularly popular in areas such as Redlands, where individuals enjoy showing their origin and contributing to clothing stores in Redlands that get the local scene.

Where Style Meets Custom, Big Time Design

If you want to get in on these trends or create one of your own, you require a custom shop that understands what it's about.

That's where Big Time Design is at.

We've been around since 2005, serving teams, schools, small businesses, and creative thinkers in bringing their vision to life. From embroidery and screen print to puff prints and premium materials, we don't just produce shirts, we make statements.

We are on top of the trends, we work quickly, and we do genuinely care about how your equipment comes out. Whether you want to go seriously old school, sleek minimal, or just plain crazy, we can make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the most popular trend in custom apparel right now?

Currently, retro trends, baggy silhouettes, and textured prints such as puff ink are really trending. Tone-on-tone prints and simple designs with little smart details are also being adored by people.

2. Do I need to use one of your designs, or can I use my own design?

You can definitely bring your own design if you do have one! But if you're in need of assistance, stores such as Big Time Design provide design assistance to assist in making your vision a reality, even if you're beginning from scratch.

3. Is custom apparel only for companies or teams?

Not at all! Customized gear is for anyone, whether you are making something for your friend group, a local event, your personal brand, or just for the fun of it. It's a good way to express personality and get noticed.

4. Where can I find fashionable and local custom clothing creators?

If you want style and local advice, have a look at clothing stores in Redlands such as Big Time Design. They know what's happening right now and can assist you in making something that will feel contemporary and special to you.

Conclusion: Stay Fresh, Stay Local

Trends change, but this is for certain: custom wear is not going anywhere.

Whether you are attempting to start a brand, unite your team, or simply wish to look great doing what you do, embracing these trends has the potential to greatly impact your endeavors.

And the good news? It doesn't have to be far at all. If you're based in the Inland Empire, there are some great clothing stores in Redlands, such as Big Time Design, ready to assist you in turning your concepts into reality.

So go ahead. Dream big. Dress boldly. And get custom gear that actually feels like you.