Trend-driven prints are appearing across all types of programs and retail-inspired collections, with more room to play with graphics. “The most activity is in college, resort and private label programs, where bold prints create standout pieces and bring more energy to the garment,” says Michael Gaudioso, director of marketing at apparel supplier MV Sport. Muted colors and subtle designs still have their place as accents or layering items. “Textured fabrics and printed patterns add interest that solids don’t offer,” says Breanna WoicekowskiWiener, senior merchandiser at Vantage Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 14 supplier. “Mixing in printing technology advancements that allow for unique prints in bold colors gives customers the option for more personality.” Polka dots are experiencing renewed popularity, too, says McCullough, with oversized dots becoming standout focal points. “Stripes are prevalent in bold, high-contrast versions that feel graphic and crisp,” she adds. “Maximalist florals are more prominent, moving away from the lessis-more sentiment of 2010s minimalism.” Animal prints have reappeared in retail and runway collections as well. “More brands are exploring playful and abstract interpretations, such as Bambi and fawn motifs, as well as cow or longhorn prints,” McCullough says. Color-blocking is trending on the spring/summer runways, with designers like Prada, Fendi, Loewe and Versace. “They’re embracing high-impact hues and bold contrasts, transforming collections into vibrant displays of expressive color,” McCullough says. MV Sport has seen strong interest in oversized graphics, all-over prints, retro-inspired patterns and nature-driven artwork. “Retro-striped, ’70s graphics remain timeless staples in graphics and garments,” Gaudioso says. “The ’90s have also been a major influence in art, fashion and graphic design, bringing back oversized prints.” All-over step-and-repeat patterns leaning toward abstraction are popular, too. “The new Vansport Pro Watermark Polo features a sublimated print that nods to a fleur-de-lis-inspired pattern, and the Vansport Pro Crossroads polo is on the abstract side,” WoicekowskiWiener says. “Both prints are on white bases, which makes the color, pattern and logo stand out.” Distributors can elevate their product offerings because of lower minimums on tech-inspired decorations and vintage methods like felt or twill. “[Direct-to-film] has taken a significant share of the industry by removing setup costs, such as screens, making smaller runs cost-effective,” Gaudioso says. Woicekowski-Wiener notes that short-sleeve and fullbutton polo silhouettes using lighter-weight fabrics are best for all-over prints. “The construction drapes easily on the body, balancing the pattern’s boldness,” she says. The key to selling boldprinted wearables is positioning and relevance. “Bold prints shouldn’t be framed as risky but presented as retail-inspired, trendforward and brand-elevating,” McCullough says. “Start by anchoring the conversation in trend validation. Help clients understand that bold graphics aren’t a one-off creative gamble but part of a broader movement happening across runways, retail and social media.” Next, she recommends tying bold prints to memorability in a saturated landscape. “Highimpact graphics applied to trending prints or patterns increase perceived value and visual differentiation,” she says. Finally, position bold prints as a storytelling tool. “When a print aligns with a brand’s identity, campaign message or target demographic, it becomes a strategic choice rather than a design risk,” McCullough says. Here’s how the trend translates into products you can pitch. “After years of neutral palettes and quiet luxury, consumers, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, crave personality and self-expression,” – Cassidy McCullough, product development and marketing coordinator at headwear supplier Infinity Her PPAI • MAY 2026 • 15 In Style | Essentials
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