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Strategy

A Colorful Comeback: Tie-Dye Apparel and Rave Scenes

Tie-dye often reminds people of the psychedelic ’60s and ’70s, but these days, it’s the resurgence of ’90s-era rave culture and music festivals leading youngsters to the colorful pattern.

“Individuality is trending right now, and the one-off look in every [tie-dye] piece is really unique,” says Monica Ehrhardt, marketing manager for Dyenomite Apparel (asi/51185).

Although tie-dye has been around for decades, don’t be fooled into thinking the patterns are stale or static: Suppliers are continually creating new spins on the concept to keep it fresh and new. Dyenomite’s color drip style, for instance, displays imperfect lines of color, dripping down the shoulders of a soft cotton garment. Cyclone tie-dyes typically feature one color radiating out from a central location, creating the perfect canvas for a logo or mascot. And, of course, there’s always the classic multi-spiral with its riot of colors swirling over a garment.

Relax at the beach with a Long Sleeve Hooded Tee (430VR) from Dyenomite Apparel.

 

Tie-dye patterns typically attract teenagers and young millennials. Tie-dyes with a pastel palette work well for preppy looks, whereas deeper hues and edgier patterns are more popular with concert-goers and skaters.

“When you look at stores like PacSun, Zumiez or Hot Topic, you’ll see tons of our tie-dye T-shirts there,” says Andrew Weitz, director of business development at Colortone (asi/45581).

Tie-dye is particularly popular at electronic dance music (EDM) festivals and raves, which have been making a comeback since their heyday in the ’90s. At popular venues like the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas or Tomorrowland in Belgium, tie-dye is often an integral part of attendees’ go-to outfit. “It’s a huge market,” Weitz says.

 

In fact, it was the growing EDM trend that inspired Dyenomite to produce a vintage festival tee, which is burn-out fabric with a super-soft, distressed style.

If you're looking for a long-lasting festival favorite, check out the super-soft tie-dyed Vintage Festival Tee (650VRX) from Dyenomite Apparel.

Distributors and decorators can also capitalize on the tie-dye trend for school activities, company picnics and other outdoor events.

Stick with simple fonts when screen printing on tie-dye. Using designs with bold lines and an empty fill will allow the unique tie-dye pattern to show through the imprint. Some suppliers, like Dyenomite, have color scientists on hand to assure color quality and maintain a guide of color combinations.

“Whenever customers ask for something different, you can never go wrong with tie-dye because it creates excitement and people love wearing it,” Weitz says. “People like bright and explosive colors, because they make them happy.”