Setting Up The Perfect Blank Apparel Collection For Winter

You might think you've got this seasonal shift down pat, but let's face it - too many of us are still stuck in a summer daze or frantically planning for Fall, even to consider the fact that apparel retail sales spike in Winter as soon as the holidays close in. Cold-weather apparel is not something you should source without planning. 

Don’t fret; we are here to get you moving in the right direction to source the right kind of winter apparel wholesale that will fly off the shelves. 

This is where the rubber meets the road. Once the temperature gets colder, sweatshirts get more popular. That’s how it’s always been. When you're hunting for blank sweatshirts wholesale for winter or any other toasty threads, your choice of fabric could mean good sales and bad. 

Here are a few on-trend winter fabrics you should look into when sourcing apparel for Winter.

Fleece: It’s a fuzzy wonder that once wasn’t very common. Original fleece is lightweight and quick-drying. Apparel made of fleece are generally crafted for layering during winter. Fleece comes in many varieties now like microfleece, sherpa, etc. 

Wool: The soft, itch-free wool has become synonymous with winter. The fabric can regulate temperature and offers unparalleled comfort though it comes with a cost…literally. Original wool is too expensive for the average customer. However, technology has grown to a point where there are affordable fabrics now that come with a wool-like feel and features. Those are what you should be looking into if your retail store’s just started growing. 

Down and Synthetic Fabrics: For those bone-chilling days, down is the way to go. But if you're catering to the eco-conscious crowd, synthetic alternatives are getting better every year. 

Winter hasn’t been all doom and gloom in the colors department for years now. We think the vibrance of Fall fashion got carried over to Winter somewhere down the road. The following should be where your research should begin if you want to have just the right colors for winter.

Neutrals: We are not talking about black and gray. This might come as a surprise to many, but warm camel and soft sage are among the most popular colors of the season.

Jewel Tones: If you plan to offer some premium options (not in cost but in appeal), we suggest going for jewel tones like rubies, purples, etc. Hues like the Seafoam and Paprika of Comfort Colors made some of their blank heavyweight sweatshirts a bestseller during Fall & Winter. The brand offers even more exotic colors that will look spectacular in Winter. Do check out the color options in our Comfort Colors wholesale collection.

Standouts: We recommend stocking a few colors like electric blue or vibrant orange that stand out against a snowy backdrop. People love those. We know because last year, we noticed more customers purchasing unique colors like the Apricot-colored 

Picture this. You and your competitor sell colorful winter sweaters. However, your competitors’ sweatshirts have some extra features that could be useful in winter while you went for the classic style with no additional features. If the pricing is close, prospects will most likely buy from your competitor. The money is in the details. These little extras brand a piece as "meh" or “wow”.

Thumbholes: They're not just for runners anymore. Thumbholes keep sleeves in place and add an extra layer of warmth to hands in Winter. A subtle yet useful feature indeed.

Hidden Pockets: What if the custom or blank jackets you offer come with a secret spot to keep the wearer’s phone or wallet safe?

Adjustable Hoods: A feature that could help wearers when there’s cold and wind. Adjustable hoods can protect the ears as the winds carry the chill.

Moisture-Wicking Technology: This is more of a fabric feature, but still useful in Winter. Nobody wants to smell like sweat when in warm environments during winter.

These are a few trends that's been dominating for the past few years in colder seasons.

Oversized Apparel: From hoodies to cardigans, people are looking into oversized fits now more than ever.

Retro Appeal: A surprising trend particularly during Fall & Winter. The 90s ski lodge appeal is mainstream now, with neon colors, color-blocked styles, and funky designs bringing more life during winter gatherings.

Textures: Ribbed knits and waffle weaves, slouch beanies, and bucket hats add visual and tactile interest.

Inclusive Sizing: Make sure your apparel options come in all sizes.

Tall, regular, and petite sizes mean no more sleeves that are too short or jackets that hit awkward lengths.

Eco-Friendliness: People are more environmentally conscious now. Even your everyday customers wouldn’t want the environment to suffer as they cozy up for winter. Blank jackets and hoodies made of recycled fabrics from ShirtsBargain got a lot of praise last year, for the overall pricing and quality. 

What goes on down below is just as important! Leggings, thermal underwear, and thick socks sell. Period.

Lined Leggings: They look like regular leggings but feel like a bear hug for your legs.

Thermal Underwear: Silk-weight options are magic.

Wool Socks: Cold feet are the fastest way to ruin a winter day. You can’t wish that for your customers.

We mean accessories.

Blank Scarves: Infinity scarves are still going strong, but don't discount the classic rectangular style.

Wholesale Blankets: We may have just the right ones you need. Check out the bestselling BP48 double-sided sherpa from Port Authority or the BB19000 Heritage Blanket from Brooks Brothers. They make fascinating holiday gifts.

 

Bulk Gloves: Tech-friendly fingertips are a must in this smartphone-obsessed world.

Wholesale Blank Hats: Beanies are always a hit, but don't forget about trendy Port Authority hats and Port & Company hats.

Wrapping It Up (Pun Intended)

Hopefully, this little write-up helps you frame a roadmap to winter apparel success. When sourcing blank apparel wholesale, prioritize layers, textures, and unique pops of color this winter. Promote your collection and your designs so people know you mean business. 

If Fall is your top priority now, you may want to check out what we just brought in for Fall. Check out ShirtsBargain's Fall 2024 Catalog.