Oversized styles, unconventional colours and brushed fleece are just some of the current design highlights in the world of sweats and hoodies, reports Andy Brown, product and creative developer for AWDis Brands
Andy Brown
What are the key trends in hoodies and sweats for 2024/25?
Oversized, boxy hoodies and sweats continue to dominate the fashion scene.
Our JH120 Heavyweight Signature Hoodie, for instance, has surpassed all sales expectations, highlighting the strong demand for these styles.
Additionally, there is a growing preference for heavier weight products as consumers are becoming increasingly aware of garment weights, with many brands now including this information in product descriptions and tags.
Are there any hoodie and sweat design features that your customers are requesting at the moment?
Beyond the trend of oversized and heavyweight garments, we frequently receive requests for hoodies without drawcords.
An interesting shift is also observed in colour preferences: younger generations are breaking away from traditional seasonal colours, opting instead for vibrant hues all year round, which is leading to an increase in requests for unconventional colours.
And what about fabric choice, what is proving popular this year?
Over the last couple of years, there has been a drive for heavyweight French terry fabrics, usually made from carded cotton. However, we are now seeing a shift back to brushed fleece and higher quality cottons, such as ringspun and combed cotton.
How in demand are hoodies and sweatshirts as brandable products generally?
Hoodies and sweats will always be an integral part of brandable products but since Covid this has been amplified. Demand has grown substantially and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. These should be every brand/decorator/reseller’s cash cow.
What was the bestselling hoodie or sweat style from Just Hoods in 2023? Do you expect this to continue, or is there another style that is shaping up to take the top spot in 2024?
For us, the JH001 College Hoodie will always be our bestselling hoodie with the massive 90-colour choice, excellent printability, and high quality.
However, since the JH120 Signature Heavyweight Hoodie and the JH123 Signature Heavyweight Sweat dropped at the beginning of this year, we have struggled to keep both of these brand-new styles in stock because they have proved to be extremely popular. They are a great asset to use as part of a retail brand or as an upsell opportunity.
The brand-new-for-2024 Signature Heavyweight Hoodie
How do you see hoodie and sweat product development progressing over the next few years?
I believe with the placement hoodies and sweats now hold in all areas of fashion, we can expect to see more refined shapes, fabrics, and details. Our market’s ‘standard’ shape will move closer to a relaxed shape.
What’s the single best piece of marketing and sales advice you can give to Images readers to help them sell more hoodies and sweats?
Curate a product selection that not only meets but exceeds your customers’ expectations. Avoid overwhelming them with too many options. Instead, listen to their needs, offer what they want, and always have a superior alternative ready to present.
