Top 5 trends to refresh your 2024 lineup

We're getting closer to the end of 2023, and as we head into the new year, it's the perfect time to refresh your product lineup. What better way to do it than with some of the latest trends? We've rounded up the top 5 trends for 2024 and we’ll be sharing some tips on how you can include these in your product lineup for the new year. So without further ado, let's get into it.

• The new year is a good time to breathe new life into your product lineup and entice your customers with new offerings.

• Explore the latest trends of 2024, expanding your product range with top choices.

• Choose from embroidered apparel, cropped sweaters, hats, and a vast selection of over 77 apparel colors.

• Embrace the enduring trend of personalization with Gelato's extensive customization options, tailored to your brand and customer preferences.

• Quality is overtaking quantity in consumer preferences, with a shift towards sustainable, durable fashion.

Your customers are always looking for something new and exciting, and we've got just the products to deliver that. We've been working hard to introduce new products that are on-trend and in demand. Here are our top 5 picks for refreshing your lineup:

1. Embroidery: A classic trend reimagined

Embroidery is a classic trend that's getting a modern makeover. Customers in 2024 are looking for unique, customized pieces, and embroidered items fit the bill perfectly. They're a great way to mix old-school craftsmanship with modern style. The numbers back this up too, with the US importing over $109 million worth of embroidered goods in 2021. The global embroidery market is now worth over $1.38 billion and it's been predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% from 2023 until 2030

If you’re thinking about adding embroidered items to your lineup, we've got great news for you! Gelato offers customized embroidering-on-demand for a select range of products and your customers are going to love it. We've made it super easy for you to offer this trendy option in your store. You can find apparel items available to embroider in the catalog - look for “Embroidery Available” underneath the product name!

Just imagine a line of embroidered baseball caps with a cheeky phrase or slogan i.e. “You’re the one pho me,”  “Cou cou,” or “Cliche.” These are the kinds of products that fly off the shelves because they feel personal. All you need to think about is what's going to resonate with your audience. Do you have a popular brand logo or a catchy slogan? Get it embroidered on your products and watch the sales roll in.

2. Fresh apparel colors for a fresh start

As we enter a new year, it's a great time to introduce fresh, vibrant colors to your product lineup. Each season brings with it new trends and color palettes to inspire your designs. According to Pantone's Fashion Colour Trend Report Spring For London Fashion Week, 2024 will bring with it a mix of bright hues and nature-inspired tones, such as "Horizon blue", "Bistro green", "Spicy mustard" and "Sun orange". Meanwhile, WGSN – the world's leading authority on consumer and design trends – has named "Apricot Crush" as their color of the year for 2024. They describe it as a color "full of hope and positivity" that "draws from the beauty found in nature".

As a Gelato partner, it's easy to stay ahead of the game and offer your customers on-trend color options. We have over 77 apparel colors to choose from, and our wide range of options allows you to easily match Pantone's color recommendations for the season. And as always, thanks to our print-on-demand model, you can offer these trendy colors without worrying about overstocking or inventory management.

3. Let them customize with personalization

In case you haven't noticed already, personalization is a huge trend in the e-commerce world. People want products that are unique, one-of-a-kind, and most of all, personalized to their individual preferences.  Even when they buy for others, they don't want to settle for generic options. This means that the market for personalized gifts is now booming, and as a business, you definitely don't want to miss out on this opportunity. In 2022, this space was already valued at around $30.3 billion and it's expected to climb to $47.6 billion by 2030.

Perhaps a by-product of the fast fashion industry, today's customer is turning away from mass-produced items. They want special, they want meaningful, and they want unique. And with Gelato's print-on-demand services, you're in a perfect position to differentiate yourself from the sea of same-old, same-old products.

You can give your customers the opportunity to add their own touch to your products with Gelato’s all-in-one Personalization Studio. Add personal initials, star signs, or a special date: options for customization are endless. And with the added bonus of being able to offer this level of customization without having to hold inventory, you and your customers both win.

4. Cropped sweatshirts: The must-have item

The 90s are back! That means cropped sweatshirts are now a fashion staple. The Gelato team has been paying attention to the latest trends and we're excited to offer our newest apparel item: the cropped sweatshirt. Check out our favorites here - available in a variety of colors, including classic neutrals and bolder hues, these stylish sweaters are sure to be a hit with your customers.

Not only are cropped sweaters perfect for layering or creating an effortless chic look, but they're also perfect for sellers who want to appeal to a younger, fashion-forward customer base. The cropped style adds a touch of playfulness to any outfit, making it an attractive addition to your product line. If your store is more ‘streetwear’ than ‘classic chic’, the cropped sweater is a must-have item for your collection. From bold graphics to subtle embroidery, you can create cropped sweaters that perfectly reflect your brand and customers’ styles.

5. Hats: The finishing touch for any look

Hats have always been a popular accessory, but they've never been more on-trend than today. That's why Gelato is proud to announce that we now offer custom hats for your store. From snapbacks to dad caps, our hats come in a range of styles and colors to suit any aesthetic. But what sets these hats apart is the ability to add your own embroidered designs or logos. It gives you endless possibilities for creating unique pieces that will keep your customers coming back for more. 

Not only are hats a stylish addition to any outfit, but they also provide practical benefits like sun protection or warmth in colder months. So now is your chance to start offering custom embroidered hats in your store for all the hat lovers out there!

Hats are coming soon to Gelato, so keep your eyes peeled for the launch announcement in the new year!

Bonus Trend: Choosing Quality Over Quantity

2024 is shaping up to be the year where quality trumps quantity in fashion. Consumers are leaning towards well-made, sustainable clothes that promise longevity over fast fashion’s fleeting trends. This move towards better quality aligns with growing environmental awareness and the desire for minimalist, durable fashion — what WGSN calls "stealth wealth" and "recession-core" dressing. It's all about subtle luxury, timeless style, and clothing made from materials that won’t wear out after a few washes.

With Gelato's premium range of apparel like hoodies, sweaters, t-shirts, and tank tops, you can now offer your customers high-quality, customizable pieces that are built to last. Made from super soft premium cotton blends, your products won't just feel comfortable — they'll also look great wash after wash, without losing their shape or color. Your customers will appreciate the value and longevity of these pieces, creating a loyal customer base that trusts your brand for quality.

We're on a mission to keep offering our partners even more options for their businesses. And as our product lineup grows, one thing always stays the same – our commitment to quality. We stick to the highest standards for materials and production, so you can trust that your customers will receive a perfect product every time.

If you feel like your product line needs a refresh, or you're just looking to add some exciting new items, try adding to your current range. With Gelato's streamlined printing and fulfillment process, adding new products to your store is as easy as can be.

P.S. Keep an eye out for even more fantastic product releases from Gelato in the future!

Happy creating!