What to make of the past 12 months and the state of the decorated-apparel industry? What to expect in the year to come? To find out, we at Impressions Magazine polled a sampling of industry leaders to see what they thought about the way things stand in terms of the commercial apparel decorators of the world. Specifically, we asked:
- How have you seen economic roller coaster ride of the past year affecting the decorated apparel industry, both in the United States and internationally?
- What one or two developments—technological or otherwise—do you see as having been the most impactful this past year in terms of the decorated-apparel industry?
- Looking into your crystal ball, what would you say apparel decorators and materials and equipment suppliers should be on the lookout for in 2026?
Below are five more of the 15 responses we received. Again, because we received so many exceptionally well-thought-out responses, we’ve divided this piece into three separate parts to make them a little bit easier to ponder and digest. What follows are the response we received from Live & Tell by L.A.T., Inktavo, Vastex, Brother International and Allmade.
To see Part 1 and the responses we received from Barudan America, Atkinson Consulting, Sportsman Cap & Bag and STAHLS’, click here. To see Part 3 and the responses we received from Kati Sportcap & Bag, 613 Originals, Epson America, Madeira USA, Hirsch Solutions, ColDesi and Melco, click here.
Thanks to all who participated, and here’s to a happy, healthy—and profitable 2026!
Stephanie Anzalone, director of merchandising and design, Live & Tell by L.A.T. (blank apparel), latapparel.com:
This year’s economic volatility has clearly impacted the decorated apparel industry. Reduction in profit margins, supply chain disruptions, and continued uncertainty around tariffs have created pressure across the market, and many decorators are reporting flat overall business volume. As a result, customers in the U.S. are operating more cautiously, prioritizing core product, value and tighter inventory positions.
The growth of on-demand technologies—especially DTF—has changed how decorators manage inventory, produce quickly, and take on new business. It’s made the industry more flexible and more accessible. Second, the shift toward elevated, retail-inspired basics has reshaped customer expectations. People are looking for better fabrics, stronger color stories and products that feel more premium.
On-demand production will continue to grow. Faster, more automated DTF and digital systems will help decorators reduce turnaround times and labor. Second, customers will expect more elevated product and clearer brand storytelling. Premium basics and thoughtful color palettes will continue to gain momentum.
Mike Clark, marketing manager, Inktavo (online business and production management software), inktavo.com:
My experience is primarily interacting with North American decorated apparel shop owners, [however,] I’ve seen the ripple effect of international matters on these businesspeople. Many shops are taking a cautious approach to the upcoming year, based on factors such as tariffs, increasing overhead costs and a shrinking skilled labor pool. Rather than make major equipment purchases and go on a hiring spree, some printers are figuring out how to do “more with less.” They’re scaling back and focusing on their most profitable customers…some are even downsizing their spaces to concentrate on [the] printing methods have been most successful for them.
[In terms of developments] DTF printing remains quite popular, especially now that shops can easily incorporate it into their services with the numerous outsourced options available. Also, AI, but not the same impact that’s been heavily discussed. I’ve spoken to numerous printers who say they’re experiencing fatigue from customers who want a return to form. While AI technology has been helpful in setting up automations and assisting decorators in maintaining production workflows, printers say that some customers want original, even hand-drawn designs that have a “human” element and a designer’s touch.
For decorators, community is still the name of the game, be it fundraisers, live printing events or team sports. Establishing a strong rapport with other local businesses will remain important as we move into 2026. For suppliers, sales of heavy equipment may cool off for a little as printers determine how they want to refine their services for the new year.
Mark Vasilantone, president, Vastex International (screen printing and DTF decorating equipment), vastex.com:
As with general industry during 2025, the apparel industry has delayed investing in capital equipment due to economic uncertainty attributable to major adjustments in U.S. economic policy and widely anticipated reductions in interest rates. As a result, apparel producers either saw slower or even retracted growth in purchases of DTG (direct-to-garment), DTF and screen-printing equipment during 2025 versus 2024.
For high-volume producers, automated order input and on-demand printing has reduced per-garment labor costs, while offering consumers a higher level of convenience. In terms of DTF printing, the most impactful development has been the introduction of specialized conveyor dryers such as Vastex ERVP models, which improve the safety of personnel by exhausting toxic glycol fumes from the shop environment, and collecting glycol condensate for safe, environmentally responsible disposal.
All Q4 2025 indications are that the general economic turmoil will continue to subside, and that interest rates will lower and remain relatively stable, mitigating the economic uncertainty that put buying intentions on hold. I therefore foresee a strong rebound in 2026 across the decorated apparel industry. As a supplier to DTG, DTF and screen-printing shops alike, we at Vastex also see a resurgence in screen printing due largely to the softer, more natural feel and breathability of screen-printed images, while DTG and DTF continue to offer distinct application-specific advantages.
Timothy Dinneen, senior national sales manager/industrial printing, Brother International, brother-usa.com:
The economic ups and downs of 2025 have definitely made things challenging for the decorated apparel industry. In the U.S., higher costs for blanks and supplies have put pressure on profit margins, and many small businesses have held off on upgrading equipment because of the uncertainty. Even with some price increases, profitability remains a concern for a lot of decorators. On the other hand, companies with strong online sales and Print-On-Demand services seem to be weathering the storm a bit better. Internationally, ongoing tariff issues have disrupted supply chains and made customers more cautious. Many businesses are taking a conservative approach and focusing on stability for the time being.
Automation has been a major focus this year. Companies are finding ways to streamline their workflows, cut labor costs, and reduce manual steps in order processing. The result is faster turnaround times and a smoother path from production to delivery. This shift toward automation is helping businesses stay competitive and meet customer expectations.
Looking ahead, we can expect digital decorating equipment to keep improving, with better speed and reliability. Workflow and production automation will also continue to grow, helping businesses operate more efficiently and stay ahead in a fast-changing market.
Mel Lay, marketing director/co-founder, Allmade (environmentally sustainable blank apparel), allmade.com:
The economic turbulence of the past year has created a mixed landscape for our industry. We’ve seen discretionary spending tighten, prompting our customers to be far more intentional about the garments they choose to stock and promote. Buyers are placing greater value on reliable quality and meaningful differentiators, something that has benefited brands with strong product consistency and clear positioning. Overall, the economic shifts have reinforced what we’ve long believed: decorators want partners, not just products. This year highlighted the need for brands to support them with stable inventory, predictable quality, and resources that help them tell a stronger story to their customers.
From automated art generation to production scheduling and customer-service chat tools, AI is reshaping how we manage our businesses. Shops are using it to speed up mockups, streamline communication and eliminate bottlenecks. [Other developments include] continued improvements in print compatibility and garment consistency. [Specifically,] technical refinements in blank apparel—improved surface smoothness, tighter yarn tolerances, and more predictable fabrics—have significantly improved production efficiency. Decorators cannot afford misprints or reorders in a tight economy. Products that perform consistently on press have become invaluable, and the industry rewards brands that invest in quality over trend chasing.
For 2026, we see a few key shifts on the horizon. 1. A renewed focus on value beyond “eco.” Sustainability remains essential, but decorators are looking for more holistic value: print performance, comfort, durability and a brand story that resonates with customers. In 2026, decorators will gravitate toward products that balance responsible materials with real-world performance and margin protection. 2. Consolidation in garment choices. With uncertainty still present in the global economy, decorators will continue to trim their SKU counts and focus on their most reliable blanks. Brands offering consistent, well-supported core products—not endless categories will win. 3. Increasing demand for digital tools and support. From mockup generators to online ordering and color-accurate swatches, decorators expect digital efficiency. Suppliers who invest in simplification, clearer color representation, easier ordering, and faster responses will become essential partners. 4. Growth of cotton-centered offerings. We expect a continued shift toward cotton in the decorated apparel space. Cotton has become the fabric decorators trust most for predictability and print quality, especially as consumers increasingly favor natural fiber apparel.
To see Part 1 of this three-part article, click here. To see Part 3 of this three-part article, click here.
