Apparel suppliers are gearing up to introduce fresh looks and retail-inspired styles in all the best-selling categories, from polos and quarter-zips to hoodies and headwear. Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect in 2026.
Cerulean – A Vibrant Medium Blue
“With The Devil Wears Prada 2 in the works for 2026, it’s no surprise cerulean is making its way back to the spotlight,” says Natalie Hopkins, senior director of merchandising at S&S Activewear, PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier. “Variations of similar blues have always been a staple in the promotional products industry for their versatility in outfitting and broad appeal.”
This spring, the supplier is offering a wide range of styles in the popular blue from multiple brands at a variety of price points.
Feminine Silhouettes
At Fossa Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 60 supplier, President Michelle Chen says the company is very in tune with what women are looking for in apparel right now – “a modern, feminine silhouette that isn’t about being overly fitted, but about celebrating elegance and ease.”
“Women today are gravitating toward styles that showcase femininity through thoughtful drape, flow and proportion rather than tight tailoring,” Chen says.
Michelle Chen
President, Fossa Apparel
Textures, Patterns & Prints
“In the promotional apparel space, there’s a clear shift happening,” says Rob Watson, president of Vantage Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 14 supplier. “Patterns and prints are becoming more popular across polos, quarter zips and layered pieces. What’s driving this trend isn’t bold, loud graphics, but rather what I like to call ‘subtle sophistication.’”
He adds that tone-on-tone patterns, micro-geometrics, textured jacquards and heathered finishes are increasingly being used to add depth and visual interest without overpowering a decorated logo. “These understated designs feel modern and retail-inspired, yet remain versatile enough for corporate branding,” Watson says.
Modern Prep Styling
Polos are one of the largest-selling categories at Edwards Garment, PPAI 100’s No. 19 supplier, and Nicolette Dykstra, the company’s director of merchandising and technical design, says they are a classic choice for the modern prep trend. For spring 2026, she is seeing polos with slimmer fits and crisp collars that layer neatly under lightweight outerwear.
Stripes
While stripes – especially long-sleeved striped tees layered over a tank and under a jacket – are street style for spring, Hopkins says, “they’re not always great to decorate on, so we are very mindful about stripe scale and placement when building our assortments.” Look for fresh striped options from retail and promo-specific brands available from suppliers early next year.
Rob Watson
President, Vantage Apparel
Inside The Inspiration
As iconic fashion designers are showcasing their bold collections on the runway, promo apparel designers are gleaning inspiration from both runway and retail trends.
“Corporate and promotional apparel is increasingly mirroring retail fashion,” says Watson. “Brands like TravisMathew, Peter Millar and lululemon have popularized understated patterns and textured fabrics that look polished yet relaxed – a look that many companies now want for their branded programs.”
“The second inspiration,” he adds, “is what we like to call ‘elevated casual.’ Post-pandemic workwear has shifted toward hybrid dressing – styles that are comfortable enough for everyday wear but refined enough for meetings and events.” For example, he cites subtle prints and patterns that deliver that balance, making employees feel stylish without being overly formal.
Dykstra sees these trends as a fresh take on past favorites inspired by influences ranging from art, music and film to social media and the economy.
“End users are wanting things that are tried and true, familiar, calming and comforting – soft blues like cerulean, elevated basics for modern prep and stripes, which are seasonless and have timeless appeal,” she says.
The Vansport Pro Watermark Polo in 100% polyester textured jersey features a UPF 50+ rating and moisture wicking and anti-microbial properties, plus a self-goods collar and all-over sublimation print. Choose from Carolina blue/white or gray/white in men’s sizes S-5XL.
Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235, Platinum / vantageapparel.com
Keep the early spring chill away with this fashion-forward Summit Sweater-Fleece Blocked Vest in iceberg heather/black or iceberg heather/navy. Made of soft 100% polyester sweater knit fleece with brushed back, it features a stand-up collar, fold-over chin guard, zippered hand pockets and stretch binding at the armholes for comfortable layering. Available in men’s S-5XL and women’s S-3XL.
Vantage Apparel / PPAI 113235, Platinum / vantageapparel.com
This Five-Panel Performance Cap with contrasting rope detail on the visor comes in Carolina Blue, which leans toward cerulean but is softer and more universal. The UPF 50+ fabric shields wearers from the sun, and the back panels have laser-etched holes to give it an updated look and allow ventilation for added comfort.
Fahrenheit Headwear / PPAI 181348, Silver / fahrenheitheadwear.com
Crafted of a rayon-spandex blend incorporating 13 recycled plastic bottles, the full-zip Allure Hoodie is designed for all-day layering with a fresh, feminine silhouette. (Also available in a men’s half-zip style.) Crafted of a buttery-smooth, mid-weight rayon-spandex blend, it delivers a perfect balance of structure and comfort with a soft, premium hand feel.
Fossa Apparel / PPAI 330885, Silver / www.fossaapparel.com
The Ultra Flex Women’s Open V-Neck Polo combines feminine styling in a poly/spandex fabric blend with UPF 50+ protection, set-in sleeves and V-split side seams. Choose from black, navy, graphite, red or royal in sizes XS to 2XL.
EG PRO / PPAI 732050, Silver / egpro.com
Every preppy wardrobe needs an assortment of classic polo shirts. The Men’s Origin Performance Pique Polo offers the extra benefits of anti-microbial technology, moisture-wicking performance and UPF 15-39 protection, plus a matching flat knit collar and heat-set label. Available in sizes XS to 6XL and in 19 colors, including clear teal (shown), a variation on the trending cerulean.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / www.ssactivewear.com
Bold and narrow stripes lend a self-assured look to the Men’s Owen Quarter-Zip Colorblock Pullover from Swannies Golf. Made of a premium soft modal/poly/spandex blend, it features a relaxed fit and stand-up collar with hidden zipper. Available in S-2XL in red with blue/green contrasting stripes or mint green with gray/white stripes.
S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / www.ssactivewear.com
Filipski is a freelance writer and former director of publications at PPAI.
