The runways of Paris and Milan have always been the go-to barometer for changing fashion trends. However, as we head into 2022, what people wear on the street seems poised to be a changemaker for the fashion industry. The pandemic prompted many people to look inside themselves, reevaluate priorities, and get in touch with living more authentic, intentional lives. This self-actualization has trickled into fashion in a big way.
Customized fashion is a part of this surge of streetwear influence. It is not a new concept, but one that is growing in popularity as people look to better express their individuality and authentic selves.
Highly Personal Expression
Fashion has always been about personal expression. The practice of monogramming items has been around since 350 B.C., and customizing clothing and accessories has historically been a symbol of status and luxury.
What we wear on the outside says something about who we are, what we do, and what we believe. In the past few years, expressing ourselves through what we wear has become a way of throwing out signals amongst the noise of political unrest and a seemingly never-ending pandemic.
Speaking to Fan Bases
It doesn’t get more personal than customized apparel. Dani Diarbakerly, founder of KingPro, a custom apparel and design shop, hopped on this emerging trend in 2018. Since then, KingPro has been on the cutting edge of the trend, specializing in screenprinting and embroidery. The company has also branched out into brand development, working with artists and influencers to help them get their names out there.
“We focus on what makes a brand, influencer, or business special,” says Diarbakerly, “Then we develop fully custom products that resonate with their fan base to drive sales and increase brand impressions.”
When people support an artist and a brand, they are compelled to show devotion in their clothing choices. Band t-shirts, bold logos, or retro-inspired swag all saw major popularity in 2021, and the trends seem poised to continue into 2022.
“The pandemic has really caused a shift in fashion and led to the success of customized fashion and brands” says Diarbakerly. “People want to wear something personal that they have a connection with, they want to support small brands, and they want to wear something comfortable. Hoodies, sweats and overall athleisure items will definitely continue to trend in 2022.”
Customized Options
Perusing the KingPro website, a shopper can see the myriad of options available for customized clothing. There’s apparel and items to fit any innovative idea.
Some of the most popular options available for customization include:
– Beanies
– Boxy tank-tops
– Baseball caps
– “Distressed” items like caps and sweatshirts
– Workwear
KingPro remains fashion-forward by combining emerging trends, like color-blocking, retro styles, and activewear, with customization options.
Gifts, Promotion, and Teambuilding
Outside of the fashion-forward nature of customized products, they serve numerous purposes with marketing and building brands.
Customizing everything from shirts to hats to coffee mugs allows businesses to get their name and logo out there in front of countless people, contributing to name recognition and brand familiarity. Team and business logos emblazoned on everything from hoodies to hats build team unity and workplace pride.
Diarbakerly and KingPro combined their customized apparel offerings with branding services because the two go hand in hand. KingPro is perfectly positioned to assist influencers and businesses with promotion in the most stylish way possible.
Given the long history of customization of clothing, it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. As we move into 2022, trendsetters will continue to find new, stylish ways to integrate customization into street style and couture alike.
