Every year, the Relentless Merch staff attends the decorated apparel industry's leading trade show: the Impressions Expo in Long Beach. It's where we showcase our work, connect with industry experts, and stay ahead of upcoming trends in apparel.
It's also where we gather intel to bring back to you. Whether you're a local business upgrading your event presence or trying to tap into trends without the guesswork, consider this your download from the show floor. Let's get into it.
What's Next In Apparel (And What's Phasing Out)
In the last few years, clients have wanted heavier, oversized, streetwear-inspired pieces. But the pendulum is always swinging. Below is what we're seeing rise to the top (with specific pieces worth checking out).
1. Vintage and Collegiate Inspired Pieces
Vintage and collegiate aesthetics are having a moment because they feel nostalgic without trying too hard. What that looks like in practice: chemically washed or garment-dyed blanks for a lived-in feel, collared fleece polos, oversized silhouettes, and 90s-inspired staples. These pieces are elevated with premium fabrics, cleaner construction, and intentional color palettes that everyone will love.
What We'd Run With:
Inicio – Sun-Dried Luxe Tee
Bella Canvas – 4810GD Unisex Heavyweight Garment Dye Tee
2. Lightweight is Winning
Heavyweight tees (typically 6oz-8oz and 100% cotton) dominated for a few years thanks to retail streetwear influence. They offered softness, sturdiness, and a premium feel.
Now we're seeing a shift as more blank brands are leaning into light and mid-weight options. They're breathable, easier to layer, and have a more relaxed drape. Lightweight knits are also gaining traction – the texture traps warmth without bulk, making them versatile across the seasons.
What We'd Run With:
Next Level – Ideal Thermal Long Sleeve
Stanley Stella – Creator 2.0 Vintage Tee
3. Sets, Sets, and More Sets
Let's be real – people want to look put together without overthinking it. Matching sets solve that problem.
From corded textures to drapey silhouettes and tailored sweats, sets are showing up everywhere. They're incredibly versatile and can be mixed and matched with other pieces, making it an excellent choice for brands that want more repeat visibility.
What We'd Run With:
Inicio – Women’s Corded Set
4. Camo Is Back (Just Not How You Remembered It)
Camouflage print has long surpassed its original purpose of keeping hunters hidden in the wilderness. In 2026, it's less tactical and more tonal: think muted palettes, oversized silhouettes, and retail-quality construction. It adds texture and personality without being too loud, and when it's done right, it feels old school and current at the same time.
What We'd Run With:
Cotton Collective – Special Zip Hoodie
Independent Trading Company – Deadwood Tree Camo Hoodie
To hear more in-depth breakdowns from our vendors, check out our Impressions Expo highlight on Instagram.
It's Time to Upgrade Your Event Booth
When it comes to attending trade shows or expos, attractive product displays aren't enough anymore. The booths that stood out at Impressions had one thing in common: interaction.
We saw spinning wheels tied to merch giveaways, live printing activations, and co-branded drops that created urgency. The common thread? Every last one of them gave attendees something to do, not just something to look at. In a loud environment with competing vendors, the apparel decorators and blank apparel brands were creating participation, which created a positive memory. And that positive memory eventually drives loyalty.
An Industry Shift: Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever
Apparel manufacturing is tightening. Fewer printing presses are being purchased. The industry is becoming more retail-centric, with brands investing heavily in direct-to-consumer models and private labels. That shift affects pricing, timelines, and product availability for businesses and consumers alike.
The upside is that our community is tighter than ever. We had many conversations with fellow decorators who are doubling down on collaboration, long-term partnerships, and excellent service. We're incredibly grateful to have strong relationships at events like Impressions, because it ensures we're not reacting to industry changes. We're anticipating them.
What This All Means For You
The Impressions Expo is a place for research. We filter every conversation, blank sample, and booth activation through one question: how can this help our clients create better merch with ease?
The trends will evolve and the industry will shift several times over, but our job will stay the same. When you're ready to show up to the function looking exactly like you meant to (or if you've got questions about anything we covered), hit us up. We'll make the process straightforward and easy from the jump.
