When it comes to casual apparel, comfort reigns supreme in 2023. Although the pandemic has been over for a while, people continue to don casual styles at home and in the workplace. People also haven’t dropped their outdoor hobbies that developed during the pandemic, so activewear and athleisure remain popular styles.
“The rayon adds that nice, soft feel for cotton,” she says. “It makes it very drapey and feels comfortable, like you can sleep in it.”
“We sell sweatshirts even in July at 105 degrees here,” says Smith.
While pink’s popularity may start to fade in the future, Fordham thinks it will likely stay a prominent pick among consumers for at least another year. She says, “Pink is not going away anytime soon; it’s gained the mass appeal.”
She also ensures name-dropped T-shirts come in at least five to six color options for customers who are looking for a variety.
“Quality, price and selection rule in 2023. When in doubt, stick to the basics.” — Gene Oberhauser, Imagine Gift Store
Coastal retailers and wholesalers alike don’t suspect the appeal of casual apparel will wane in the near-term future. With more people wanting casual apparel, coastal retailers should be sure to offer a variety of comfortable T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants and shorts.
Styles that sell
With casual apparel, soft fabrics work really well to offer a cozy feel. Fordham suggests retailers should stock performance shirts that are 100% polyester or shirts in a cotton-poly-rayon blend to offer softer feels.“The rayon adds that nice, soft feel for cotton,” she says. “It makes it very drapey and feels comfortable, like you can sleep in it.”
“We sell sweatshirts even in July at 105 degrees here,” says Smith.
Think pink and patriotic
Colors go in and out of style, often driven by fashion featured in pop culture. Fordham says pink has been trending all summer long thanks to the popularity of the Barbie movie. People across the U.S. decked out in all things pink after the movie debuted in July.While pink’s popularity may start to fade in the future, Fordham thinks it will likely stay a prominent pick among consumers for at least another year. She says, “Pink is not going away anytime soon; it’s gained the mass appeal.”
Similar to Barbie pink, “Viva Magenta” was named Pantone Color of the Year in 2023. Fordham says she suspects pinks and reds could be a hit in the next year as a result of that announcement.
Sidders says applique and embroidery decoration techniques have also been trending this year.
She also ensures name-dropped T-shirts come in at least five to six color options for customers who are looking for a variety.