Fall Color Forecast: Trending Palettes for Custom Apparel in 2025

As the chill of fall settles in, color becomes one of the most powerful ways for small businesses to connect with customers. In 2025, the fall color forecast is filled with cozy, earthy tones, muted vibrancy, and sustainable sensibilities. For brands working with Pacific Printing in Ketchikan and across Alaska, understanding these seasonal palettes is key to creating custom apparel that customers will love—and wear.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s hot (and cool) in fall colors this year, and how your business can use these hues to build stronger brand recognition through custom merch.

1. Earthy Neutrals Return Strong

Fall 2025 is leaning hard into the comforting tones of nature. Think worn leather, river stone, forest moss, and driftwood.

Top Colors:

• Burnt Sienna
• Clay
• Olive Green
• Charcoal Gray
• Wheat or Sand

These neutrals aren’t boring—they’re grounding. They allow your logo to stand out while staying seasonally appropriate. They’re also versatile: unisex, layerable, and timeless.

Great For:

• Crewnecks and hoodies
• Beanies with subtle logo tags
• Earth-toned t-shirts with high-contrast printing

2. Moody Jewel Tones Make a Statement

Fall is no longer just browns and grays. Deeper jewel tones are trending for their richness and modern edge. This palette offers elegance while still being bold.

Top Colors:

• Deep Teal
• Garnet Red
• Midnight Navy
• Golden Amber
• Plum or Aubergine

These are perfect for businesses wanting to elevate their brand appearance without going over the top.

Great For:

• Embroidered logos (especially in metallic thread)
• Premium fleece wear
• Branded outerwear like quarter-zips and vests

3. Muted Pastels for Fall? Yes.

Don’t rule out pastels just because it’s autumn. Muted versions of traditionally spring colors are trending now for a cozy, nostalgic vibe.

Top Colors:

• Dusty Rose
• Muted Lavender
• Powder Blue
• Creamy Mint
• Warm Beige

When used correctly, these can feel both soft and stylish. They’re especially popular with wellness brands, cafés, creative studios, and lifestyle-focused businesses.

Great For:

• Long-sleeve tees
• Canvas totes and bags
• Subtle all-gender lounge sets

4. Color Blocking & Contrast

It’s not just about the color—it’s how you use it. This season, strategic use of contrast is trending.

• Pair neutral garments with bold logo placements
• Use embroidery or printing in complementary tones (e.g., olive green tee with burnt orange print)
• Add contrast sleeves or ribbing to sweaters and hoodies

This elevates your apparel without blowing your print budget. Pacific Printing can guide you on which combinations look best on various fabric types.

5. Sustainability-Inspired Hues

Sustainable fashion continues to influence the color world. Apparel that looks eco-conscious helps reinforce a brand’s values.

Think:

• Recycled Cotton Off-White
• Faded Indigo
• Terracotta
• Sage Green
• Storm Blue

These colors pair beautifully with natural fibers, recycled materials, and raw-edge finishing.

6. What’s Out in 2025?

A few color trends are being phased out this fall:

• Neon accents or overly saturated primaries
• Black-on-black-on-black (unless offset with texture or shine)
• Bright, synthetic fluorescents

Fall merch in 2025 should feel thoughtful, warm, and rooted in authenticity. Customers want gear that feels comfortable, useful, and representative of a brand—not just flashy.

7. Tips for Applying the Fall Color Forecast to Your Merch

You don’t need to overhaul your entire apparel line. Here’s how to implement seasonal color trends smartly:

• Pick 2–3 trending tones to integrate into fall merch bundles
• Update classics (like hoodies or beanies) in new hues
• Use seasonal color runs for limited editions, giveaways, or pop-up events
• Pair with smart logo treatment (tonal stitching, raised embroidery, screen printing, woven patches)

8. Fall Palettes & Your Alaska Brand Identity

For businesses in Southeast Alaska, fall colors aren’t just about fashion—they reflect the local landscape.

• Incorporate tones from nature: Sitka spruce greens, Misty Fjords slate grays, salmon-berry pinks, or Sitkan sunset oranges
• Pair function with fashion: Choose outerwear, hoodies, and hats that people actually want to wear during an Alaskan fall
• Highlight local love: Taglines like “Printed in Ketchikan” or “Made for Fall in Alaska” can be added to labels and packaging

Pacific Printing can help ensure your fall merch looks good and tells your brand story.

Make This Fall Your Most Stylish Yet

Custom merch isn’t just a promotional tool—it’s a walking brand ambassador. Fall is the perfect time to refresh your lineup with cozy styles and seasonal colors that speak to your audience.

At Pacific Printing, we help Alaskan small businesses build apparel lines that balance aesthetics, quality, and brand identity. Whether you’re gearing up for the holiday season, outfitting staff for cooler weather, or creating retail-ready collections, we’ll help you choose the right color palette for your brand.

Contact us today and let’s make your brand wearable this fall.