Top design trends for Print-on-Demand in 2024
Print-on-demand is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the design trends of 2024 are proof of this exciting shift. Traditional print styles are giving way to innovative visual experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. Picture 3D designs seamlessly blending with sleek typography, the striking appeal of geometric shapes, and the enduring elegance of natural patterns and textures. If launching a clothing line has been on your mind, now is the perfect time to dive in.
For those already in the industry or preparing to start, embracing these trends is essential. These designs go beyond just aesthetics—they tell stories, spark emotions, and create deeper connections with your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just beginning your journey, one thing is certain: the custom apparel industry is thriving, evolving, and ready for your unique vision.
Print-on-Demand design trends for apparel in 2024
Whether you’re drawing inspiration from pop culture or high-fashion runways, the possibilities for apparel design are endless. The key to success is keeping your designs fresh, staying updated on trends, and letting your creativity shine through.
With each custom t-shirt or hoodie you create, you’re offering more than just clothing—you’re delivering a piece of the zeitgeist. Your designs are a unique blend of style, art, and ideas that resonate with your audience and reflect your brand.
Pattern Play in 2024
The print-on-demand market is witnessing an explosion of vibrant colors and bold patterns. From subtle to striking, the trending graphics of 2024 blend pop culture references with fashion-forward aesthetics, offering endless possibilities for your designs. Below are four pattern trends to inspire your next creations.
Groovy
The ’70s are making a big comeback! Groovy designs, inspired by the late 1970s, feature vibrant colors, ombre effects, swirling patterns, psychedelic illustrations, and nature motifs. Peace signs, daisies, suns, and bubbly letters are key icons of this trend.
Groovy patterns shine on all-over-print items like dresses, t-shirts, and tote bags, but you can also apply them to shoes, mugs, and blankets. These retro designs are perfect for taking your t-shirt printing to the next level and may even become your bestsellers.
Ombre and Gradients
Ombre and gradient styles are no longer confined to groovy designs—they’ve evolved into modern staples. Gradients featuring a smooth transition of hues, such as sunset-inspired t-shirts, are becoming a must-have in popular culture.
These designs work beautifully on accessories like backpacks and beanies. For the best effect, apply gradients to all-over-print items and see what stands out in your store.
Moody Florals
Floral prints may always be a classic, but in 2024, they’re undergoing a bold transformation with a gothic twist. Picture deep, moody florals against rich, dark backgrounds of black, charcoal, or muted gray—evoking an air of mystery and elegance. This dark, romantic style is inspired by iconic aesthetics, such as the timeless appeal of Wednesday Addams or high-fashion gothic influences, making it perfect for those looking to break away from traditional soft and pastel floral designs.
This moody floral trend is particularly versatile and can be applied to a wide range of products, from pillows and duvet covers to framed wall art, creating a striking contrast that speaks to consumers seeking something edgy yet stylish. Incorporating this gothic-floral aesthetic into your collection could set you apart from competitors. Dark color palettes rarely go out of style, and this trend blends beautifully with modern home decor while maintaining an air of sophistication.
Additionally, you can draw inspiration from beloved characters and high-fashion brands, offering customers a unique blend of nostalgia and high-end appeal. For a more personalized approach, think of integrating subtle hints of pop culture references or mythological elements to give these designs even more depth and narrative appeal.
Grungy Plaid
Grunge is back in a big way, and plaid patterns are leading the charge. Grungy plaid, often associated with punk style, is being revitalized with a contemporary twist. Custom hoodies and t-shirts featuring bold plaid prints are becoming bestsellers, proving that old styles can be refreshed for modern tastes.
Experiment with plaid on Print-on-Demand t-shirts, skirts, dresses, and even shoes. This trend taps into nostalgia and is sure to resonate with your audience.
Maximalism
Move over minimalism—maximalism is here! Dopamine dressing, known for its colorful and clashing prints, is gaining popularity. Influences from Y2K and grunge aesthetics have opened the door for trends like cluttercore and oversized silhouettes. To bring this trend to life, consider designing oversized hoodies and accessories like hats and totes.
Maximalism is all about having fun with fashion—mix bold colors, playful words, logos, and eye-catching elements in your designs. All-over-print is an ideal technique to showcase this vibrant style and make your products stand out.
Coordinated Prints
Monochrome designs are having a moment, with bold colors, matching sets, and layered looks leading the charge. Double denim outfits and ensembles in primary colors are making monochromatic prints a profitable niche in the print-on-demand world.
To capitalize on this trend, create matching sets that work well together. For example, design oversized shirts, hoodies, and bottoms like shorts or skirts, paired with accessories such as hats and totes. Monochromatic looks with coordinated shapes and graphics across different pieces will add a cohesive feel to your collection.
Quiet Luxury
Quiet luxury is all about embracing simplicity and refinement in fashion, where less is more. This trend highlights elevated basics that exude sophistication without being flashy, focusing on timeless designs that feel luxurious yet remain effortlessly wearable. While the traditional concept of quiet luxury revolved around items like tailored polo shirts, the modern take leans more into cozy yet chic pieces like hoodies, sweatshirts, and athleisure wear.
To tap into this trend in your print-on-demand business, consider creating a collection of athleisure wear that embodies understated elegance. Think about offering high-quality pants, leggings, shirts, and sweatshirts that focus on minimalism. The artwork should be subtle, with clean lines and muted tones. Instead of bold prints, opt for small, discreet elements like embroidered logos or sleek branding that adds a touch of sophistication without overpowering the design.
The key to success with quiet luxury is in the details—refined color palettes such as neutral tones, soft grays, and rich earth hues give the apparel a polished look. Materials should also evoke quality, making the pieces not only stylish but comfortable and durable. This trend appeals to customers who seek timeless, versatile wardrobe staples that feel exclusive and luxurious while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Print-on-Demand design trends for home & living in 2024
The home & living sector is becoming increasingly vibrant, with trends that reflect not only evolving aesthetics but also customer demand and market dynamics. For creators and sellers, now is the time to explore these innovative trends, pushing the boundaries of design to drive sales and offer fresh, appealing products.
Plant Prints
Quiet luxury is about mastering simplicity and subtle refinement in fashion. It celebrates the idea that less is more, placing the spotlight on timeless, elevated basics that exude sophistication without being overtly flashy. This trend is all about designs that feel luxurious and high-quality while staying effortlessly wearable.
In the past, quiet luxury was symbolized by items like tailored polo shirts. However, today’s version embraces comfort and casual elegance, with cozy, yet chic, pieces such as hoodies, sweatshirts, and athleisure wear leading the way.
If you’re in the print-on-demand space, this trend presents an excellent opportunity. Consider curating a collection of high-end athleisure wear—think sleek pants, leggings, and shirts that emphasize minimalism and quality. The key is to keep the designs simple yet refined. Instead of bold or busy prints, focus on subtle details like clean lines, understated branding, and discreetly embroidered logos.
Vintage Patterns
Vintage patterns are making a powerful comeback, and “toile art” is leading the charge. With an impressive 80% year-over-year growth in searches, this intricate, old-world design style is capturing the attention of modern consumers. Known for its detailed scenes and classic charm, toile evokes a sense of nostalgia while still managing to blend seamlessly with contemporary home aesthetics.
You’ll see these timeless patterns appearing on a wide range of items, from mugs and candles to cozy accents like throw pillows and blankets. The true appeal of vintage patterns like toile lies in their ability to bridge the past and present, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with today’s love for both tradition and modernity. Whether in soft pastel hues or more dramatic tones, these designs add a touch of elegance and history to any space, making them a perfect fit for the growing demand in home decor.
Moon Motifs
The allure of the moon and stars continues to captivate imaginations, with searches for “moon phase wall decor” growing by 63%. Lunar themes are increasingly becoming a staple in home decor, with celestial-inspired designs making their presence felt on everything from wall art to blankets and beyond.
This trend reflects our timeless fascination with the cosmos, bringing the magic of the night sky into everyday spaces. Products featuring moon phases and star patterns add a sense of wonder and tranquility, transforming rooms into serene retreats that evoke the peacefulness of the celestial world.
Mermaidcore
Mermaidcore is making waves in home decor, offering a coastal, whimsical aesthetic with a touch of fantasy. Characterized by iridescent hues, scalloped shapes, and seaside motifs, this trend evokes the magic of the ocean.
With a 42% increase in searches for “terrazzo trays,” mermaidcore isn’t just for art and custom swimsuits. Everyday items like mugs, coasters, towels, and notebooks are being transformed with playful, ocean-inspired designs. This trend brings a splash of fun and creativity to home products, making it a hit with consumers looking for something unique and refreshing.
