Our Projected Wholesale Fashion & Craft Trends for 2026

Before we head into 2026, now is the perfect time to think and plan ahead for the new year. What better way to start then by looking at 2026’s projected wholesale fashion and craft trends? Staying ahead on these trends will set you and your projects up for success for 2026. From fashion to crafts, our Clothing Shop Online (CSO) experts break down the trends that are projected to make waves in 2026.

Top Fashion Trends to Watch in 2026 for Wholesale Apparel

Fashion in 2026 is going to be less about what’s flashy and new and more about refining what works. Shoppers are going to continue prioritizing comfort without compromise, quality over quantity, and the sustainable choice. Let's take a deeper dive on these projected fashion trends.

Elevated Basics: Premium Blank T-Shirts & Hoodies for 2026

As we all saw in 2025, the effortless and relaxed look was all the rage. We saw that consumers were looking for apparel that felt lived-in with looking disheveled or sloppy. This minimalist fashion trend is forecasted to be even more prominent in 2026. That being said, modern and blank t-shirts, wholesale sweatshirts and hoodies are becoming the backbone of everyone’s closets and businesses.

As you prepare for the new year, now is the time to stock up on these trendy and elevated basics. Need a place to start? Check out a fan-favorite here at CSO, style #6210. The CVC T-Shirt from Next Level Apparel has a nice, relaxed look and feel to it, baby rib collar, and a tear away label. This t-shirt is available in sizes XS-3XL and 40+ colors!

Another great option when shopping for elevated basics for your storefront or wardrobe is style #IND4000. The Heavyweight Hooded Sweatshirt from Independent Trading Co. has a wonderful cozy fit, fleece lined hood, and 1x1 ribbing at cuffs and waistband. This t-shirt is available in sizes XS-4XL and 40+ colors.

Sustainable Wholesale Apparel Trends for 2026

As we saw in 2025 and will continue to see even more in 2026, sustainability has shifted from a differentiator to an expectation. Recycled fibers, responsible sourcing and transparency are now sought out by many consumers. Below, Team CSO has listed a few of the many eco-friendly apparel options at CSO.

Craft & Custom Apparel Trends Gaining Momentum in 2026

Crafts, DIY, and printing are no longer confined to the hobbyist space - as we’ve seen in the past several years, these art forms are influencing fashion, merchandising, and consumer behavior in such wonderful ways. Now is the time to take a look at what techniques are going to be making waves in 2026.

Embroidery, Patchwork & Texture-Driven Apparel Decoration

One of the most notable craft movements for 2026 is embellishments and texture-driven crafts. Embroidery, patchwork and layering, and other stitching techniques will be at forefront this year. These fun techniques add such a fun layer and depth to your apparel and accessories. Overall, your personalized touches and embellishments instantly elevate your apparel - making them one-of-a-kind for you or your customers. 

If you're looking for the right t-shirts and sweatshirts for embroidery, you're in luck! Team CSO recommends using 100% cotton apparel and accessories for all things embroidery. If you're looking for a place to start, check out style #1717. The Garment-Dyed Heavyweight T-Shirt from Comfort Colors is a 100% cotton t-shirt that is topstitched, classic width, and a rib collar as well as a signature twill label. This t-shirt is available in an endless array of colors, such as Blue Jean, Espresso, and Watermelon. This t-shirt also has great, inclusive sizing and is available in sizes S-4XL. 

DTG & DTF Printing Trends for Custom Apparel in 2026

Another trend we expect to see a lot more in 2026 is printing. Whether you prefer DTF or DTG, printing is here to stay in 2026. Printing fun graphics add such a fun and engaging dimension to your apparel. Printing graphics or your art effortlessly blends fashion with crafting, creating statement pieces that feel expressive and intentional. To learn all things DTG and DTF printing, check out all of our tips and tricks here. Our CSO Experts break down everything you need to know, from product recs to strategy.

Why Blank Apparel Is the Foundation of 2026 Fashion Trends

You might be wondering, why there is such an emphasis and focus on blank apparel for 2026? We have already seen designers, decorators, and apparel for small businesses, stocking up on versatile premium blank apparel. This is due to the fact that people are prioritizing durability, quality, and affordability over everything else, and wholesale apparel provides just that for both the designers and the consumers.

Choosing the right bulk apparel for any customization ensures your finished product—whether it's a single statement piece or an ongoing project —meets the high standards of the new year’s trends. At Clothing Shop Online, we provide the essential, trend-ready blanks you need to bring 2026’s biggest fashion and craft movements to life.

Shop for the Right Blank Canvas

Apparel and accessories are increasingly viewed as blank canvases for expression. From embroidery to printing, selecting the right apparel is becoming a vital part of the creative process. That’s why you should stock up on your blank apparel and accessory needs at Clothing Shop Online. Clothing Shop Online offers blank apparel and accessories at unbeatable, wholesale prices. Notably, CSO’s wholesale t-shirts start as low as $1.18. 

Here at CSO, the more you buy, the more you save. Notably, CSO offers bulk discounts starting at orders $80+. You can save up 15% off just by simply shopping! Additionally, CSO offers FREE shipping on all orders $50+. Check out all of our deals here. It’s truly easy to shop and save at CSO.

Happy (almost) 2026!

2026 is shaping to be a year full of fashion and crafting. Whether you’re a printer, business owner, or fashionista, we hope this next year brings you lots of joy and success. We hope to be a part of your 2026 wholesale apparel & accessory journey!