Trends come and go, but no matter what, they have an impact on your closet! Some trends for summer come back years later or are timeless like tie-dye, crop tops, and more! When designing custom t-shirts and apparel, chances are you want at least some aspects of your designs to match current trends. Keeping up with the latest trends ensures your custom apparel feels fresh, stylish, and relevant. 

Here are some of our favorite custom design templates and trends for summer 2024!

Neon

Bright neon colors will never go out of style. These vibrant hues are perfect for summer, bringing energy and excitement to your designs. Dark backgrounds make neon designs pop, creating a striking contrast that catches the eye. Neon colors sit well together, making it easier to add additional colors and elements without making the designs feel overwhelming. Whether you’re designing for a sports team, a summer event, or just for fun, neon is a surefire way to make your apparel stand out. 

Also Read: Tips & Tricks for the Best Custom Prints

Leaves and Greenery

Leaves and greenery are a summer staple, huge tropical palm leaves! They’re aesthetically pleasing and can add just the right color to neutral designs. Whether you’re going for a minimalistic look or something more elaborate, leaves and greenery is a great way to add an aesthetic pop of color without overshadowing the main design, This trend works particularly well for outdoor events, eco-friendly brands, and anyone looking to bring a touch of nature to their custom apparel. 

Florals

Florals are great for both spring and summer designs, Flowers like the ones in the designs above are also great for playing around with the color scheme! Flowers and other florals are one of the most versatile ways to add complimentary colors to your designs allowing your design to look great. From bold, colorful blossoms to delicate, intricate patterns, floral designs can suit a variety of themes and occasions, making them a timeless choice for custom apparel. 

Retro

Retro designs are a great way to give a vintage look to any design. With fun fonts, complementary colors, and unique design elements, it’s hard to hate a retro design! Plus, you can add a distressed look to your design, enhancing that vintage look! Whether you’re channeling the 70s, 80s, or 90s, retro designs offer a nostalgic charm that applies to a wide audience. This trend is perfect for themed events, retro parties, and anyone looking to add a touch of the past to their wardrobe. 

Fun Fonts

It’s always great to experiment with fonts for your design. Trending right now are bubble fonts like these designs! They’re aesthetic, easy to read, and look great on custom gear. Custom designs with just words can be boring unless you spice them up with a fun font! Playing with typography can dramatically change the look and feel of your design, making it more engaging and memorable. Whether you’re going for a playful, bold, or elegant look, the right font can make all the difference. 

Also Read: Top 30 Best Fonts for Custom Printing and How to Choose the Best Font for Your Custom Design

Nautical

Natural designs have been a summer staple for years, and summer 2024 is no different! Adding nautical elements to your designs like anchors, oars, ropes, and fish is a great way to drive the nautical feel home! Nautical designs are a great way to feel like you’re on the beach or at the lake without leaving your porch. These designs are perfect for beach outings, sailing clubs, and anyone who loves the sea. The timeless appeal of nautical themes ensures they remain a popular choice year after year. 

Small Details

Small details are a great addition to designs! For example, this summer camp design would be great with just the lantern, but adding the camp setup and the date makes the design much more interesting and unique! Paying attention to small details can elevate your design from good to great, adding depth and personality that makes it stand out. Whether it’s a stubble pattern, an intricate border, or a meaningful symbol, these details can make your custom apparel truly special. 

Summer Destinations

Summer destination designs are a great way to commemorate an amazing trip with your family or friends! It can be as easy as adding a lighthouse or city skyline, depending on where your destination is. These designs capture the essence of your travels and make for great souvenirs. Whether you’re designing for a family reunion, a friend’s getaway, or a company retreat. Destination-theme apparel is a fantastic way to celebrate your adventures and create lasting memories. 

Western

Western themes have been trending for a while now, and we can’t get enough of them! Whether you’re going on a girl’s trip to Nashville or with your friends to a country music festival, Western designs are a great way to add a fun theme to your designs. From cowboy hats and boots to cacti and horses, Western elements bring a rugged, adventurous vibe to your custom apparel. This trend is perfect for country music fans, rodeo enthusiasts, and anyone looking to embrace their inner cowboy or cowgirl. 

Animal

Designs including animals and animal print have also been trending for years, and it’s easy to see why! Adding animals to your design is a great way to add a small element to include in your summer designs flamingos, snakes, elephants, cheetahs, and more! Whether you’re going for a cute, fierce, or exotic look, animal-themed designs are always a hit. This trend is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to add a touch of the wild to their wardrobe. 

Design trends are ever-changing, but we can’t wait to see what trends Summer 2024 brings for custom printing! No matter what your style is, the design possibilities are endless. Be sure to check out our Summer Collection for great trending styles to match your trendy custom designs!

If you’re struggling with your design or with choosing the right product for your custom design, let us know! Our skilled team of artists and sales representatives are ready to help in person at one of our locations, over the phone, or via email at help@undergroundshirts.com!  

Also Read: 6 Pro Tips for Designing the Best Custom Shirts