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Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the S&S Industries Leaders Summit, an exclusive gathering of 15 forward-thinking leaders from across the custom apparel industry. It was a closed-door, no-fluff environment—just real talk from peers navigating the same challenges and opportunities that face all of us in this ever-evolving business.
Being in a room with some of the sharpest minds in decorated apparel gave me a chance to not only reflect on where we’ve been, but to also refocus on where we’re going. I walked away with a deeper understanding of the trends shaping our future, and I want to share five key takeaways that I believe every shop—big or small—should be thinking about right now.
1. The Most Popular Garments for the Year Ahead
Let’s start with what customers are buying. If you’re like us at Broken Arrow, you’ve probably noticed some clear winners emerging in the garment space—and this was echoed by everyone at the summit.
The core staples are still king: soft, well-fitting, ringspun cotton tees, midweight fleece hoodies, and premium basics in neutral tones. Comfort continues to drive purchase decisions, and customers are increasingly favoring versatile, elevated casualwear over flashy or novelty items.
Sustainability was also a recurring theme. While it’s not quite mainstream yet, there’s a growing segment of customers asking for eco-friendly options—recycled blends, organic cotton, and brands that can prove ethical sourcing.
Bottom line: stick with high-quality basics that offer both comfort and durability, and make sure your catalog reflects growing interest in sustainability, even if it’s still a niche.
2. Expect Industry-Wide Sales to Dip by 6–9%—and Why It’s Happening
One of the most sobering but important discussions at the summit was the economic forecast for our industry. Most experts agree we’re looking at a 6–9% decline in overall sales over the next 12 months.
Yes, international tariffs are playing a role—but the reality is more nuanced.
One big factor? Fear of borrowing. With interest rates hovering at 7% or more, a lot of customers—especially small businesses—are holding off on placing large apparel orders or expanding their promotional budgets. And it’s not just customers. Shops like ours are facing higher costs on everything from equipment financing to inventory management.
There’s also a broader economic hesitation. Marketing budgets are tightening. Event planning is slowing. And as consumer spending shifts, custom apparel isn’t always top of mind.
So, what do we do? We don’t panic—we adapt. And that brings me to the next takeaway.
3. Simplifying Product Offerings: The AlphaBroder and S&S Merger
The recent merger of AlphaBroder and S&S Activewear is a big shift that will affect everyone in our space. One of the most immediate and positive takeaways? Product consolidation.
As one attendee put it: “We don’t need 10 loose-fit polyester tees in the same shade of heather gray.” And they’re right.
The redundancy in product SKUs has created analysis paralysis for both wholesale buyers like us and the end customer. By streamlining options and focusing on the best-in-class versions of each garment type, the combined company can reduce complexity—and make our ordering process faster, simpler, and more efficient.
For those of us managing hundreds (or thousands) of SKUs, this kind of simplification is a win. It means less inventory to manage, fewer misorders, and ultimately, a smoother sales process.
4. AI and Technology Will Make Us Leaner and More Profitable
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: artificial intelligence. There’s a lot of buzz around how AI will “replace jobs,” but that wasn’t the vibe at the summit.
Instead, the conversation was centered on efficiency—how technology (especially API integration for ordering) can make our businesses more agile and profitable.
At Broken Arrow, we’re already seeing the benefits of investing in smarter systems. Whether its automated mockup generation, real-time inventory syncing with vendors, or smarter workflow software, these tools allow us to do more with fewer people—without sacrificing quality or customer service.
AI won’t replace the human touch that makes our businesses unique, but it will reduce bottlenecks, cut costs, and improve profit margins if used wisely. If you’re not investing in tech now, you risk falling behind.
5. How to Grow Profits in Uncertain Times
When the economy slows down, the instinct •is to cut back across the board—but that can be short-sighted. One of the most valuable conversations at the summit focused on profit growth strategies during a downturn.
The consensus? Be strategic, not reactive.
- Cut operational costs where possible. Automate repetitive tasks. Eliminate wasteful processes.
- Double down on online sales. A strong e-commerce presence with well-optimized SEO can bring in more business than any number of cold calls.
- Expand into new market segments. We heard multiple examples of shops having success with medical scrubs, uniform programs, and branded workwear—areas with high repeat orders and steady demand.
- Use digital marketing more intelligently. Don’t rely solely on trade shows or boots on the ground. Build a strong web presence, grow your email list, and invest in content that attracts and educates your ideal customer.
The key takeaway here: You don’t have to shrink to survive. You can grow smarter instead.
Final Thoughts
The S&S Industries Leaders Summit was a rare chance to step back from the daily grind and take a 30,000-foot view of where our industry is headed. While there are challenges ahead—economic pressure, increased competition, and shifting customer behavior—there’s also tremendous opportunity for those of us willing to evolve.
At Broken Arrow, we’re walking away from this summit more focused than ever on simplicity, efficiency, and strategic growth. I hope these insights are helpful to your team as you navigate the months ahead.
