As the back-to-school season kicks off, demand for high-quality, ready-to-brand apparel peaks. For wholesale buyers, clothing brands, screen printers, and promo companies, this is the prime time to stock up on essentials like polos, hoodies, and sweatshirts.
So, what’s trending this year? What fabrics are flying off shelves? And who’s buying in bulk? Let’s break it down!
Let's talk Numbers First -
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In the U.S., sweatshirts and pullovers are expected to rake in $14.36 billion this year.
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The wholesale blank hoodie/sweatshirt market alone? Worth $3.77 billion in 2024, and still growing fast.
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U.S. shoppers spent $8.2 billion on hoodies in 2024, and it’s on track to hit $12.5 billion by 2030. That’s a lot of fleece.
Moral of the story? Hoodies and sweatshirts aren’t going anywhere — and they’re a massive opportunity for wholesalers and custom apparel brands.
Fabric & Fit: What’s Working?
Cotton is Still the Favorite
Parents, students, and schools love cotton. It’s breathable, cozy, and easy to wash. No wonder 36% of all hoodies/sweatshirts in 2024 were made from it
Eco is Everything
Sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled poly are gaining traction big time. Buyers are becoming more eco-aware, and schools/retailers want products they can proudly stand behind.
Style Watch
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Oversized fits are all the rage (thank you, Social Media athleisure)
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Earthy tones like olive, burgundy, and rust are in
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Soft pastels like dusty blue and blush are trending for youth and unisex lines
What Parents & Students Are Looking For
We’ve got real data from Cotton Incorporated (2024):
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77% of parents say cotton hoodies and pullovers are their top pick for back-to-school
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56% of students (13+) prefer cotton fabrics when they shop
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35–36% are prioritizing sweatshirts and hoodies over any other category
So yes — you absolutely want these in your wholesale catalog.
Who’s Buying in Bulk This Season?
Whether you’re manufacturing or distributing, here are the top customer segments that are shopping heavy this season:
| Buyer Type | What They’re Looking For |
|---|---|
| Schools & PTAs | Uniform polos, cotton sweatshirts |
| Big Box Retailers | Seasonal back-to-school stock (Target, Kohl’s, etc.) |
| Online Stores (Etsy/Shopify) | Custom-printed hoodies, oversized fits |
| Workwear Suppliers | Polos & durable cotton hoodies for uniforms |
| Sports Teams & Clubs | Team hoodies and branded polos |
| College Bookstores | Branded campus wear — pullovers & zip-ups |
| Promo Companies | Logo hoodies/polos for events and giveaways |
| Thrift Stores | Budget-friendly basics for parents |
| Corporate Wear Programs | Desk-to-gym casual wear — think polos & fleeces |
So whether you’re selling blank apparel or offering print-on-demand services, there’s plenty of room to cater to each group.
How Apparel Factory USA can fulfil your Back-to-School Season demands?
At Apparel Factory, we’re more than just a clothing manufacturer — we’re your reliable partner in delivering high-quality blank and custom apparel designed specifically for back-to-school demands.
Whether you’re a wholesaler, screen printer, clothing brand, Etsy seller, event merchandiser, distributor, or a print-on-demand business, we offer:
- Premium-quality polos, t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts
- Ethically made and eco-conscious fabrics (organic cotton, recycled poly)
- Sizing and fit options tailored for schools, clubs, universities, and teams
- Fast turnaround times and flexible MOQ (minimum order quantity)
- Customization-ready styles — ideal for logos, mascots, and merch drops
From school uniforms and club merchandise to university team wear and promotional apparel — we’re built to support your business, season after season.
Drop us a message today and let’s talk blanks, bulk pricing, and samples!