What’s Hot in 2025: Screen Printing Trends to Watch This Year

If you’re ordering custom shirts, hoodies, or merch in 2025, one thing’s for sure: the design expectations have changed. No longer just about logos on tees, today’s apparel says something about your brand, your values, and your style.

At Pacific Printing, we’re seeing the latest screen-printing trends come alive right here in Ketchikan. From eco-conscious designs to bold graphics and nostalgic fonts, this year’s hottest looks prove that custom apparel is part fashion, part message, and all impact.

Let’s dive into the top printing trends to watch this year—and how your brand or event can take full advantage.

1. Big, Bold Graphics Are In

2025 is the year of impact, and designs are scaling up—literally. Oversized prints, full-front artwork, and statement graphics dominate the market.

What’s trending: Back prints covering the entire shirt, front designs placed off-center or across the chest, and artwork that looks more like streetwear than promo merch.

Why it works: These designs grab attention in photos, on social media, and in crowds.

How to use it: Great for events, fundraisers, and team shirts where visibility matters.

2. Tone-on-Tone Designs for a Clean, Elevated Look

Minimalism is still going strong, but with a twist. Instead of bold color contrast, many designs now use tone-on-tone printing, where the ink is just a shade different from the garment color.

What’s trending: Black on charcoal, navy on navy, or muted grays on heather tees.

Why it works: It creates a subtle, upscale vibe while still being brandable.

How to use it: Great for employee uniforms, boutique brands, or anyone going for a sleek, understated look.

Tone-on-tone looks especially sharp on fleece, long-sleeved, and hoodies.

3. Eco-Friendly Printing Is No Longer Optional

One of the most important printing trends this year is sustainability. More customers are asking about eco-friendly screen printing, and companies that lead with green practices are standing out.

What’s trending: Organic cotton blanks, small-batch runs, and local fulfillment.

Why it works: It reduces waste, supports responsible supply chains, and resonates with values-driven buyers.

How to use it: Make your merch as intentional as your mission. Choose recycled shirts and print only what you need.

At Pacific Printing, we specialize in small-batch, local production, cutting emissions, and keeping business right here in Southeast Alaska.

4. Streetwear Style for Every Brand

Streetwear continues to influence everything from small businesses to nonprofits. In 2025, screen printed apparel is looking more like fashion and less like give-away gear.

What’s trending: Heavyweight tees, baggy fits, neutral palettes, and fashion-forward fonts.

Why it works: People actually want to wear it, so your brand lives longer, gets shared more, and builds loyalty.

How to use it: Even if you’re a corporate or nonprofit, don’t be afraid to lean into style-forward merch. It makes a difference.

Choose blanks with a structured fit and thick fabric for a premium feel.

5. Y2K Fonts & Retro Graphics Make a Comeback

Nostalgia sells—and 2025 is seeing a return of bold, bubbly, and pixel-inspired fonts. Think late-90s to early-2000s throwbacks.

What’s trending: Curved text, gradient overlays, blocky serif fonts, and smiley faces.

Why it works: People love things that remind them of simpler times.

How to use it: Perfect for events, youth brands, or anyone wanting a lighthearted, trend-forward look.

6. Softer, Premium Blanks Are in Demand

Design isn’t the only trend changing—the feel of the fabric matters more than ever. Today’s wearers want soft, breathable, high-quality shirts, hoodies, and tanks.

What’s trending: Tri-blends, combed cotton, eco-wash finishes.

Why it works: Comfort boosts retention. Nobody throws away a shirt that fits and feels great.

How to use it: Ask about premium shirt options, even for small orders. The price difference is often worth it in value and longevity.

7. Small-Batch Runs with Big Impact

Forget the 1,000-shirt minimums of the past. In 2025, printing in smaller, more strategic batches is not only possible—it’s preferred.

What’s trending: Runs of 25–100 units for events, merch drops, and seasonal collections.

Why it works: Less waste, more agility, and easier inventory control.

How to use it: Rotate fresh designs throughout the year. Sell out, then reprint what works.

Pacific Printing makes this easy. We’re built to serve small businesses, local groups, and creators who need flexibility without sacrificing quality.

8. Custom Merch for Everyday Use

More clients are requesting designs that go beyond the typical “event shirt.” They want apparel people wear to the gym, grocery store, or on vacation.

What’s trending: Simple icon logos, pocket prints, clean front/back combos.

Why it works: The more wearable the shirt, the more exposure for your brand.

How to use it: Think about lifestyle first, branding second. Sometimes, less is more.

9. Hyper-Local Design is a Growing Niche

From town slogans to native wildlife to inside jokes only locals would get—hyper-local graphics are rising fast. They feel authentic, connect with the community, and create pride.

What’s trending: Custom shirts for regional festivals, town events, and tourism hotspots.

Why it works: Local pride sells. And for tourists? It’s the best souvenir they’ll take home.

How to use it: Partner with a local artist, or bring your own idea and let us help refine it.

Pacific Printing has helped dozens of Ketchikan organizations create designs that feel rooted in Alaska.

2025 Is the Year to Level Up Your Merch

Screen printing in 2025 is smarter, bolder, and more sustainable than ever. Whether you’re ordering 25 tees for a summer festival or launching a 5-piece seasonal drop, the trends are clear:

• Print with purpose.
• Design for impact.
• Make your merch matter.

At Pacific Printing, we’re here to bring your ideas to life with top-tier materials, trend-savvy guidance, and a commitment to community-focused production.