12 Winter Trends

Oct 28

1. Athleisure

For those of us working from home during the pandemic, athleisure is the perfect way to stay comfortable - if we absolutely NEED to change out of our pajamas! Think leggings joggers, and easy to wear tops.

Boxercraft Women’s Love ‘Em Leggings - S08

J. America Triblend Fleece Joggers - 8878

Alternative Women’s Eco-Jersey Hooded Warm-Up Wrap - 2835

Comfort Colors Garment-Dyed Heavyweight Hooded Long Sleeve T-Shirt - 4900

TIPS FOR DECORATING: Keep it comfortable with a lightweight application such as Vintage Wash or Howard Hot Peel.

2. Matching Sets

Matching sweats are back in a big way. Brands like Alternative, American Apparel, and more are currently offering trendy options.

Alternative Eco-Fleece Dodgeball Pants - 9881

Alternative Women’s Adrian Eco-Fleece Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - 9573

American Apparel Flex Fleece Unisex Sweatpants - RSAF400W

American Apparel Flex Fleece Unisex Drop-Shoulder Sweatshirt - F496W

TIPS FOR DECORATING: Go bold! Decorate matching sets with bold, coordinating graphics. Think text down the pant leg and a large full-front design.

3. Cropped Tops

Cropped tops are still popular heading into next season. Don’t want to show too much? Look for some long line options that give the same effect.

Next Level Women’s Long Sleeve Modest Crop - 7481S

Independent Trading Co. Women’s Lightweight Cropped Hooded Sweatshirt - AFX64CRP

Independent Trading Co. Women’s Lightweight Pullover Crop Windbreaker - EXP64CRP

Boxercraft Women’s Cropped Kara Pullover - R01

TIPS FOR DECORATING: With less room to decorate the front of the garment, try an unexpected sleeve print.

4. Metallic

Metallic will be a big trend this winter. Badger is offering a line of shirts, sweatshirts, and pullovers with a pop of metallic along the sleeves. Other brands like Liberty Bags have metallic options in an array of colors.

Augusta Sportswear Satin Baseball Jacket Striped Trim - 3610

Liberty Bags Metallic Neoprene Koozie - FT007M

TIPS FOR DECORATING: To offset the metallic finish of the substrate, choose a transfer with a matte finish like Howard Multi-Purpose or Print & Cut.

5. Dark Tie Dye

Tie dye made a huge comeback this summer and into the fall. Darker colored options for winter will keep this old favorite on trend.

Independent Trading Co. Midweight Tie-Dye Hooded Sweatshirt - PRM4500TD

Dyenomite Crystal Tie Dye T-Shirt - 200CR

Dyenomite LaMer Over-Dyed Crinkle Tie Dye T-Shirt - 640LM

Dyenomite Tie Dye Hooded Pullover T-Shirt - 430VR

TIPS FOR DECORATING: To avoid bleed-through, choose an opaque application such as Howard Multi-Purpose. If you need something stronger, Howard Sub-Lock offers a dye-blocking backer.

6. Cardigans

Functional and easy to wear, the traditional cardigan gets an update for winter with these options made of fleece, sweatshirt, and other easy to decorate fabrics.

JERZEES NuBlend Cardigan Sweatshirt - 773MPR

Weatherproof Women’s Vintage Cotton Cashmere Cardigan - W173780

BELLA + CANVAS Unisex Triblend Cardigan - 3900

Boxercraft Women’s Cuddle Fleece Cardigan - L08

TIPS FOR APPLICATION: To avoid scorching on synthetic materials and polyester blends, choose a low temperature application like Howard Multi-Purpose, which applies as low as 310 degrees F.

7. Flannel/Plaid

Flannel is always a warm, winter staple. There are plenty of buffalo plaid pattern options trending that we’ve seen the last few years. For something new this year, check out the flannel hooded jacket below.

Burnside Quilted Flannel Full-Zip Hooded Jacket - 8620

Burnside Yard-Dyed Long Sleeve Flannel Shirt - 8210

Boxercraft Flannel Pants with Pockets - F24

TIPS FOR APPLICATION: To make your artwork stand out against the pattern of the substrate, choose a design using big, bold lettering or art.

8. Color Blocking

The color blocking trend can be as subtle or obvious as you want with options from Independent Trading Co., BELLA + CANVAS, and more.

Independent Trading Co. Water-Resistant Lightweight Windbreaker - EXP54LWZ

Weatherproof Vintage Colorblocked Hooded Rain Jacket - 20601

TIPS FOR DECORATION: Less is more. With a bold color blocking garment, go easy with the graphics.

9. Natural Tones

Earthy, natural tones are having a moment. Find your favorite options with either cool or warm undertones.

Independent Trading Co. Unisex Lightweight Hooded Sweatshirt - AFX90UN

Independent Trading Co. Water-Resistant Hooded Windbreaker - EXP95NB

JERZEES NuBlend Crewneck Sweatshirt - 562MR

BELLA + CANVAS Unisex Sponge Fleeze Full-Zip Hoodie - 3739

TIPS FOR DECORATION: With cool and warm undertones, depending on which garment you select, choose the right colors for application. To avoid contrasting colors, request color samples before placing your order.

10. Animal Print

Does animal print ever go out of style? Find updated versions of your favorites, below - including a trendy leopard print face mask.

Carmel Towel Company Animal Print Velour Beach Towel - C3060A

Sportsman Youth Maverick Adjustable Comfort Face Mask - MAV25Y

Alternative Women’s Eco-Jersey Ideal Tee - 1940

TIPS FOR APPLICATION: To make your artwork stand out against the pattern of the substrate, choose a design using big, bold lettering or art.

11. Sherpa

Nothing says warm and cozy like the comforting feeling of sherpa. From a traditional pullover, to a sherpa lined zip-up hoodie S&S Activewear has plenty of options to keep your customers warm this winter.

J. America Women’s Epic Sherpa Quarter-Zip Pullover - 8451

Independent Trading Co. Sherpa Lined Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt - EXP40SHZ

J. America Boundary Shag Frosty Sherpa Quarter-Zip Pullover - 8464

TIPS FOR DECORATION: To avoid scorching or distorting the fabrics, choose a transfer with a low temperature application. Howard Multi-Purpose can apply as low as 310 degrees F.

12. Bomber Jacket

A new twist on an old favorite. These bomber jackets offer an interesting take on tradition.

Next Level Unisex PCH Bomber Jacket - 9700

Weatherproof Women’s Heat Last Quilted Packable Bomber - W21752

Independent Trading Co. Lightweight Bomber Jacket - EXP52BMR

TIPS FOR DECORATION: Pair a left chest design on the front with a full graphic on the back. To get more bang for your buck, you can gang your artwork onto one sheet. Choose from four gang sheet sizes.

TrendsWinterWinter TrendsAthleisureWinter Apparel

Jody Mazade

Jody is the Marketing Director for Howard Custom Transfers, a leading custom heat transfer manufacturer. In her current role, she uses a multi-channel approach to content creation and digital marketing. With over a decade of experience in the custom apparel industry, Jody helps educate customers by publishing relevant social media, website, email, and video content.