Enter seasonal merch, where fleece reigns supreme, and we’re all about keeping it warm, comfortable, and ridiculously stylish.
When it comes to designing custom apparel for fall and winter, the strategy goes beyond just throwing a logo on a hoodie. You need to understand the season, tap into the right trends, and choose the best brands to make your designs pop. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here’s everything you need to know about designing custom merch that crushes it during the cooler months.
Here’s the deal: Seasonal merch isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a golden opportunity to connect with your audience in a way that’s relevant and, more importantly, timely. Your customers aren’t just looking for any old hoodie. They want pieces that feel tailored to the season – something they’ll want to live in, post on Instagram, and maybe even give as gifts during the holidays.
In the fall and winter, people’s styles and needs change. Layers become essential, and the clothes they wear have to do more than just look good. They’ve got to perform. So, how do you nail it? We’re here to show you how.
Let’s get real. Fall and winter are all about layers – and your designs need to take that into account. It’s not just about dropping a dope graphic on a crewneck and calling it a day. Think about how your customers will be layering your pieces. Can they throw it over a long-sleeve tee when it’s chilly? Does it work with a jacket when temps really drop?
When designing for colder weather, think of functionality first. That hoodie or sweatshirt needs to be more than just a walking billboard for your brand. It should be a go-to piece for your customers, something they want to throw on whether they’re heading out the door or lounging at home.
You can’t just recycle your spring/summer colorways and call it a day. Seasonal color palettes are where it’s at, and the trends for fall and winter 2024 are all about those rich, moody hues.
When it comes to seasonal merch, fleece is king. It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it’s versatile enough to be used for everything from hoodies to jackets to joggers. But not all fleece is created equal. You’ve got to pick the right brands to ensure your custom apparel is quality and feels just as good as it looks. Let’s break down the three fleece brands that are killing it for fall and winter 2024.
Original Favorites is all about high-quality, premium fleece. Their heavyweight hoodies and crewnecks are perfect for fall and winter collections that need to stand up to the elements. The fabric is thick and durable but also incredibly soft – the kind of hoodie people won’t want to take off.
Their commitment to sustainability is no joke either. Eco-conscious consumers will love knowing that their favorite cozy hoodie isn’t just stylish but also made with the environment in mind. Original Favorites proves that you can have both quality and a low environmental impact. It’s a brand for those who care about every aspect of the product, from the design down to the carbon footprint.
At Superior Ink, Allmade holds a special place in our hearts for more reasons than one. Known for always prioritizing the well-being of the planet and the people, Allmade continues to lead the way in creating eco-friendly products that make a positive impact. Their innovative take on fleece stands out, as they've chosen to replace traditional fleece with French Terry. This fabric isn’t just a durable alternative; it’s a leap forward in sustainability. Made without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals, Allmade's French Terry is produced from organic cotton and is fully biodegradable.
Built on the foundation of the slow fashion movement, Allmade empowers consumers to make ethical purchasing choices without sacrificing style or quality. Their minimalist, timeless designs offer a seamless match for any branding or graphic, making them an ideal choice for custom apparel. When you choose Allmade, you’re not only providing customers with high-quality fleece alternatives, but you’re also helping to pave the way for a more sustainable future in fashion.
If variety is what you’re after, Independent Trading Company has it in spades. This brand offers fleece options in every weight, style, and color under the sun. Whether you’re looking for lightweight hoodies for fall or heavyweight fleece jackets for the dead of winter, Independent Trading has got you covered.
One of the things that make Independent Trading stand out is their focus on customization. Want to create an oversized, streetwear-inspired hoodie with a vintage wash? They’ve got the fleece for that. How about a slim-fit, pigment-dyed crewneck with a retro feel? Independent Trading can do that, too. Their attention to detail and customization options allow you to create pieces that are truly unique to your brand.
So, you’ve got your fleece or French terry depending on your preference. Now let’s talk design. The right designs can elevate your custom apparel from simple merch to coveted streetwear. Here are the hottest design trends you should be tapping into for the upcoming season.
Less is more when it comes to graphics this season. Clean lines, simple typography, and small logos are everywhere. This trend gives your apparel a high-end feel while still keeping it casual and wearable. Minimalism works especially well for brands looking to create a more sophisticated aesthetic without going overboard.
While minimalism reigns in some areas, oversized prints are still having their moment, especially on the back of hoodies and crewnecks. Think bold text, large-scale graphics, and even full-back designs that tell a story. This trend is all about making a statement. It’s in-your-face and perfect for those looking to push the boundaries of traditional merch design.
The ‘90s and early 2000s are still major influences in fashion, and this season’s custom apparel is no exception. Retro logos, color blocking, and faded washes are all in. These vintage-inspired designs evoke nostalgia while still feeling fresh and modern.
With more people embracing the outdoors, nature-inspired graphics are making their way into seasonal collections. Mountain silhouettes, forest scenes, and abstract landscapes are showing up on everything from hoodies to beanies. This trend taps into the adventurous, outdoor-loving crowd that wants their merch to reflect their lifestyle.
Fall and winter merch isn’t just about the fleece. People want to complete their look, and this is where your accessories game comes in strong:
There’s a sweet spot for releasing your seasonal merch, and missing it can mean leaving money on the table. Start teasing your fall collection in late summer, with sneak peeks of your designs and early pre-orders. People are already thinking about fall by then, and they’ll be ready to snag their pieces as soon as the weather turns.
By the time November rolls around, your winter gear should be front and center. Customers will be shopping for themselves and for gifts, so it’s your chance to capture both markets in one swoop.
Creating custom apparel for fall and winter isn’t just about keeping people warm – it’s about creating pieces they’ll actually want to live in. At Superior Ink, we know how to take your ideas and turn them into wearable art. Whether you're looking to push the boundaries with bold graphics, layer up with premium fleece, or add accessories that complete the look, we’ve got you covered.
With top-tier brands like Original Favorites, Allmade, and Independent Trading Company at our fingertips, we ensure that your merch not only looks great but feels amazing too. Plus, our in-house design team is ready to work with you every step of the way to create custom pieces that perfectly represent your brand.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s make your fall and winter merch collection the talk of the season. Contact Superior Ink today, and let's start designing something unforgettable.
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