Retail fashion and wholesale apparel are more closely connected than ever, with cutting-edge fashion trends shaping how blank garments are designed, constructed, and sold. In today’s market, creating customisable clothing with appeal requires a close analysis of what consumers expect from their high-street fashion, and at AWDis, we understand this better than anyone.
Staying competitive in the wholesale garment market requires two things: high-quality products (which we’ve got covered) and an understanding of the latest trends in the clothing retail industry. If you’re looking to learn more about how contemporary trends mould and steer the wholesale market, stick with AWDis!
The High-Street Mirror: How Major UK Clothing Retail Trends Impact the Wholesale Market
The best way to illustrate how the retail industry directly impacts the wholesale market is to look closely at real-life trends, and there’s no better example than the rise of sustainability and responsible fashion.
In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for clothing that looks after both the wearer and the planet. From recycled materials to sustainable manufacturing processes, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their fashion choices, leading to more conscientious purchasing decisions.
The effect this has had on the wholesale market perfectly demonstrates how fast-moving retail fashion trends impact wholesale blank clothing supply. With customer bases placing greater emphasis on the materials, sourcing methods, and construction processes of the clothing they buy, wholesale suppliers must respond quickly to offer designers and distributors garments that can compete in the market.
At AWDis, we’ve adapted just like everyone else. From our Lusaka Sustainable Hoodie – made from 70% regenerated cotton and 30% recycled polyester – to our Long Sleeve Active T – made from 100% recycled polyester – our range includes garments that satisfy this growing demand for responsible garments.
And sustainability is just one example. Whether you look at the revival of heavyweight 90s streetwear – captured by our Signature Heavyweight T – or the growing demand for versatile, transitional wardrobes – think garments like our 100 Polo that are suitable for remote working, playing sports, and socialising – the retail industry is always positioning new ideas and concepts into the limelight, and it’s up to the wholesale market to adapt.
Not Just Box Ticking: Why Wholesale Apparel Has to Adapt Intelligently
From the above examples alone, it could be easy to assume that the wholesale apparel market must simply create products that tick the boxes set out by the evolving retail industry. Sustainable hoodies are popular? Tick. Customers want heavy T-shirts? Tick. In reality, the wholesale market needs to respond intelligently to how the high street changes over time, watching not only what products are being pushed but also what wider trends are shaping decisions.
Inclusivity is a perfect example of how subtle yet all-important changes in the retail industry can arise without a new product as the end result. With greater awareness of customer diversity, achieving comfort is now much more than just comfortable materials and high-quality design. Today, size variety and gender-neutral fits are taking centre stage, and this has huge implications for the wholesale industry.
Whether it’s being used for event merchandise or retail uniforms, blank clothing must now adhere to this shift. Even simple T-shirts and hoodies must be tailored to meet the needs of a diverse group of potential wearers, resulting in an explosion of unisex-fit blank clothing for inclusive fashion sizing.
At AWDis, the relaxed, boxy, and oversized fits of our Signature Heavyweight Hoodie or Signature Heavyweight Bomber Sweat are just two examples of how we’ve adapted to this trend. It isn’t about ticking a box and ensuring we’re offering a particular type of product to compete with those similar on the market; it’s about making fundamental changes to our approach to creating blank apparel which, in this case, flatters all body types and makes our inventory more palatable for custom brands and decorators.
The Quality Shift: Why Wholesale Apparel is Moving Toward Retail-Quality Finishes
Finally, it’s worth touching on how wholesale apparel can adapt to retail by matching its quality. The wholesale market is seeing a positive trajectory towards matching the finishes and construction standards of high-street retailers, and at AWDis, we’re really proud to be part of this. The question is, why is this happening?
The answer is simple: as customers gain more ways to purchase clothes – including high street retailers, wholesale distributors, independent online stores, and second-hand sellers – they come to treat them equally. Customers increasingly expect the same soft feel and durability from wholesale apparel as from premium retail brands. To avoid standing out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons, we have to match retail every step of the way in terms of how wholesale clothing is designed and constructed.
While not necessarily a trend, the gradual improvement in quality of our modern clothing is something that every retailer, high street and wholesale alike, must keep an eye on. As an industry, we’re becoming better at designing sustainable, durable apparel that lasts longer and retains its shape, and at AWDis, we’re always striving to contribute to this improvement in apparel quality.
Find the Highest Quality Blank Apparel at AWDis
At AWDis, we make sure to keep up with the latest trends and developments in retail fashion to ensure our apparel looks and feels incredible. From our lightweight Just Cool range to our eco-friendly Ecologie garments, our ranges have the perfect customisable clothes for you. Got questions? Reach out – our team is always here to help!
