Sustainability
In a 2020 survey on consumer preferences, 60% of respondents cited sustainability as a critical factor in
their clothing purchasing decisions. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they have
been searching for more sustainable and eco-friendly clothing options. Clothing companies will likely
seek to increase the use of organic and recycled materials, as well as invest in more sustainable
production processes.
Comfort
While the clothing industry, overall, took a hit at the beginning of the pandemic, athleisure and
activewear brands saw much less of a decline in sales. As consumers move to work-from-home
arrangements and continue to seek out remote opportunities, more comfortable and practical clothing
will likely become more popular. This includes loungewear, athleisure, and other casual styles that can
be worn comfortably from home while still appearing professional for video calls.
Customization
Over the past several years, the options for apparel customization have become increasingly popular. As
technology advances, consumers will have even more options for customization, including 3D printing
and AI-assisted fittings. A customization is a prevalent option for companies, teams, and even
personalized gifts, which could make customization one of the more popular trends of 2023.
Vintage & Retro Styles
As the saying goes, what goes around comes around, and fashion is no exception. The fashion industry
constantly looks back on previous decades for inspiration, making vintage and retro styles a popular
option for many young people. The end of 2022 has already seen a resurgence of bell-bottom and low-
rise jeans. As 2023 unfolds, look for vintage-inspired clothing and re-releases of popular styles from the
past to become popular clothing choices.
Branding
According to data from 2019, 77% of people purchase from brands that share their values. Many
companies are now labeling themselves with brands such as “woman-owned,” “Made in the USA,” or
“sustainably sourced.” These brands signal to consumers the company’s values, allowing them to choose
merchandise from companies that align well with their personal values.
While we are likely to see many of these trends emerge in 2023, the direction of these trends will
depend on various factors, including consumer demand, technological advancements, and global events.
Still, if you or your company is looking to get ahead of these trends, now is a great time to start thinking
about potential apparel orders for the new year. We are happy to help you get started with all your
2023 apparel needs!