There’s a lot going on in the apparel field, including changes in color, fabrics, fashions, textures and decorating techniques. One factor that can’t be ignored is the cost of cotton. Cotton prices have skyrocketed to their highest level since the Civil War, mostly due to high demand in Asia and disappointing crops in several countries.

Here are some of the key trends to note as we head into the first quarter of the new year.

1. Jewel Tones

If you’re looking to add value and class to your promotional campaign, invest in deep jewel tones. Rich tones, such as amethyst purple, ruby red and sapphire blue, have a bold, lush quality. It is ideal to pair jewel tones with neutrals, particularly black and white.

Purple is leading the pack now. “Purple has been huge over the last year. Bright lavenders are an extremely hot color at retail right now.

Lauren Cocco, merchandiser and decoration specialist with Vantage Apparel  sees that purple is a more popular jewel tone among women. She suggests that blue jewel tones, like sapphire, work well for men and women alike.

2. Distressed/Military

There’s no denying it: Burnout is still hot.  “The distressed look that comes from pigment-dyed and burnout tees is all the rage, especially with younger audiences. Plaids, military-inspired garments and sheer tanks and tops – which are perfect for layering – are also really fashionable right now.” Aside from being trendy, distressed wear also looks and feels comfortable.

Distressed fabrics are mostly used in T-shirts, tanks and hoodies. Military caps and camo T-shirts, hoodies, hats and outerwear are the most common military-inspired garments. Military jackets for women offer a great alternative to the basic blazer. “We’re continuing to see a military influence in wearables – bold lines, strong shoulders and epaulettes,” says Amber Lee, marketing coordinator for CSE. “Jackets and shirts that have the military detailing will continue into spring.” A key element in pulling off the look is to counteract the masculine feel with a feminine touch, ideally with leggings or skirts.

3. Performance Fabrics

At a time when people have enough on their plates, it comes as no surprise that performance and worry-free fabrics are becoming more and more in demand.

Most notably, fabrics that resist wrinkling, staining and fading are popular –especially for sport shirts and wovens. On the texture side, smooth cotton and stretch fabric blends are more durable and resist stains and wrinkles. “With such hectic work schedules, people prefer clothing that is easy to take care of, as well as fashionable,” says Toner. “These fabrics help customers with the daily maintenance of their clothing, as most people don’t have time to iron their clothes on a daily basis or worry about how their clothing will hold up after a couple of washes. There is also a significant cost savings with cutting down on trips to the dry cleaner, which can really add up.”

4. Simple, Clean Lines

Maybe we can blame (or thank) Jon Gosselin, but it’s time to bid farewell to the era of Ed Hardy. Apparel is moving away from overly embellished and into more subtle, sensible looks.  Full-neon colored shirts seem to be on their way out. We’re seeing more neutral shirts. There may also be a trend of cleaner-looking tipped polos.

No one can deny that simple is in. “I see basic styling as being important right now. You’re seeing the male button-down with one pocket,” says David Bebon, CEO of DBEBZ Apparel.

“We’re seeing a focus on fresh, clean looks. In the past, there’s been so much embellishment, detailing, grommeting and foiling. Moving into 2011, we’re seeing less of that at retail. There are more muted colors and more clean, classic lines,” she says.


Logo apparel is still on top of promotional items for branding your business. Give us a call on your next order!