Top Graphic Design Trends of 2019 for T-shirts & Apparel
Gone are the days of t-shirts only being worn at home, sporting events, or by children.
Today, t-shirts are everywhere, serving many purposes – from political and fashion statements on the streets to wearable corporate advertising for companies.
T-shirts can foster a sense of belonging and are the perfect way to express yourself – just think of the connection you feel when you spot someone wearing a shirt that speaks to you.
Because of their popularity, the t-shirt economy is a quickly evolving and dynamic market; with designs coming into style and new trends emerging all the time.
While your brand or your message should remain true to its values, it is useful to know what will help you stay current and stand out from the crowd.
Just because other companies are doing something, doesn’t mean you need to follow suit if going against the grain will help your promotional material stand out.
This is especially useful to keep in mind with some of these popular trends – some may not fit your brand, messaging or products and it might be better for you to stay true to your roots. In the long term, this could pay off in brand loyalty and recognition.
So let’s take a look at some of the most popular t-shirt trends for 2019!
Custom Embroidery
For those who remember the days of colourful, 3D embroidered designs on shirts, it’s time to welcome embroidery back – it’s once again popular. The popularity of embroidery fell when screen printing came in, but now it’s back in a big way.
In 2019, designers are incorporating embroidery into all types of apparel: t-shirts, denim, jumpers, and hats.
Still sceptical about embroidery? Don’t worry – this isn’t your grandma’s embroidery – 2019’s take on apparel embroidery has more words, modern graphics, and unique artwork than the old school embroidery of the past.
Embroidery options are as limited as your imagination – if you can create it, it can be embroidered on a t-shirt! Take advantage of this popular trend and make your business’s merchandise stand out.
Cartoon Revival
From comic book inspired art to our favourite cartoon characters from childhood, there is a wide array of choices in cartoons to inspire your t-shirt design.
Whether you use an old favourite cartoon with a familiar saying associated with it, blend it with your brand, or create something totally new with a cartoon feel, this is one trend that has yet to die off.
Back to Nature
Nature inspired designs are easy to incorporate, highly adaptable, and can be changed seasonally while still maintaining brand or message continuity.
The environment is a hot topic these days and this trend follows the growing popularity of eco-consciousness. The nature trend can be seen everywhere from mountain logos, animal-inspired patterns, and natural textures coming front and centre.
An offshoot of the nature trend is a throwback to the 60s and 70s: flower power. Florals in 2019 are both subtle (think: small flower details) and in-your-face (think: Hawaiian shirts).
No matter what the flower, floral from head to toe is making a comeback as both a statement piece and a backdrop for a more minimal message or brand.
Simply Worded
Easy to read and to the point, this trend says it all for you. Taking common phrases, your motto, or any other eye-catching phrase and putting it on a t-shirt is a popular 2019 trend across every industry.
Well Printed
This isn’t so much a t-shirt design but a way of printing the design on the shirt. The popularity of screen printing (some brands do it themselves) is becoming trendy as people look for ways to make their product more unique and relatable.
This trend can be more costly than other trends depending on the quantity you’re producing but it’s a worthwhile investment if you want a timeless way to put your message on a t-shirt.
Old School Styling
You can call it retro, vintage, or old-school; 2019’s next design trend brings the past to the present. A big trend for 2019 is incorporating styles from past decades to create an entirely new, very current mash up.
T-shirt styling of 2019 includes something from every decade: embroidery from the 60s, 70s slogans and earth tones, bold colours and graphics of the 80s, stripes and band tees from the 90s, and quirky slogans of the 2000s.
Animal Kingdom
Animal print and graphics are definitely on trend right now, making appearances on t-shirts in all kinds of designs. With the strong style and retro vibe, animal print is huge for 2019 – tiger stripes, zebra patterns, cheetah, and leopard are all making a comeback.
From understated neutral tones to minimal line drawings, animal print can be incorporated into almost any logo, artwork, or design to be printed.
What's Next
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