Trend Guide ’23
From prep style to athleisure, a trend report made for branded merch
We tracked trends from fashion and retail, to the latest decorations and industry drops we saw in the recent PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, and distilled it all into a useful guide for your branded merch efforts.
Trend Guide ’23
From prep style to athleisure, a trend report made for branded merch
We tracked trends from fashion and retail, to the latest decorations and industry drops we saw in the recent PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, and distilled it all into a useful guide for your branded merch efforts.
Comfort is king when it comes to product choice these days. Which is why you’ll see a slew of soft fabrics, stretch, and uber comfy styles in everything from work-leisure to prep style and streetwear in our latest trend report!
With the continued rise of hybridized lifestyles, merch now needs to translate well between work, relax, play and workout. We rounded up the top trends and curated collections within each category to help you plan for your next great piece of swag or kit.
From ideation and design to kitting, warehousing and sending, we’re here to help make unique merch that thrills your people.
Sustainable
More than a buzzword, sustainability is now a top 5 value driver for 61% of Americans and 50% of consumers, according to Business Wire.
Leave a positive impact on your people and the planet with reusable, recycled, or sustainable items you can feel good about.
Sustainable
More than a buzzword, sustainability is now a top 5 value driver for 61% of Americans and 50% of consumers, according to Business Wire.
Leave a positive impact on your people and the planet with reusable, recycled, or sustainable items you can feel good about.
KNOWN SUPPLY is reimagining apparel production in a way that honors and celebrates the people behind the clothing we buy. This unisex crew neck tee is fair trade certified made using sustainable materials and is traceable back to the individual maker who crafted it.
$20 – $25
KNOWN SUPPLY is reimagining apparel production in a way that honors and celebrates the people behind the clothing we buy. This unisex crew neck tee is fair trade certified made using sustainable materials and is traceable back to the individual maker who crafted it.
$20 – $25
$9 – $10
$7 – $10
Athleisure
64% of Americans wear athleisure clothing weekly (according to GlobalData), and the trend is only projected to increase.
Enhance your people’s comfort, encourage fitness, and appeal to your trend-conscious folks by incorporating custom athleisure into your swag lineup.
Built with lightweight polyester to wick sweat and water to keep you comfy, cool, and dry during indoor and outdoor activities. The side and back panels are perforated to enhance breathability and ventilation. The low-profile construction can be designed for extra flair. Add a custom patch or label to further highlight your brand. The possibilities are endless.
$16 – $25
$16 – $25
Retro
Retro is a trend that never truly goes out of style, but cycles through in different iterations. Incorporate elements of retro design into your merch for something unique and nostalgic. From tie dye to fan-fave fanny packs, there are endless possibilities to integrate this trend into your company swag. As usual, our designers can help.
Retro
Retro is a trend that never truly goes out of style, but cycles through in different iterations. Incorporate elements of retro design into your merch for something unique and nostalgic. From tie dye to fan-fave fanny packs, there are endless possibilities to integrate this trend into your company swag. As usual, our designers can help.
Unisex Port & Company® Crystal Tie-Dye Pullover Hoodie
Crafted for comfort, color and pattern explode on this tie-dye hoodie.
$86 – $96
Timbuk2 Custom Division Laptop Backpack
$150 – $165
Sunski Yuba Polarized Sunglasses
$58 – $68
Unisex Port & Company® Crystal Tie-Dye Pullover Hoodie
Retro is a trend that never truly goes out of style, but cycles through in different iterations. Incorporate elements of retro design into your merch for something unique and nostalgic. From tie dye to fan-fave fanny packs, there are endless possibilities to integrate this trend into your company swag. As usual, our designers can help.
$16 – $25
$86 – $96
Timbuk2 Custom Division Laptop Backpack
$150 – $165
Sunski Yuba Polarized Sunglasses
$58 – $68
14 oz. Klean Kanteen Eco Rise Mug
$35 – $45
$21 – $31
$5 – $10
Texture
As we continue to seek comfort in what we wear, it makes sense that soft and comfy textures would also come alongside those desires. Give those touchy-feel folks something to hold on to with swag that showcases sherpa, puff, patterns or wild combos of where to use these textures.
1. Sherpa – The fuzzy feeling of sherpa is a staple for outerwear, but can now be found in new applications from cross body bags to bucket hats.
2. Tackle Twill – Upgrade all your designs to varsity with tackle twill. Add even more texture with a chenille letters.
3. Emboss – Stamp your graphic right into the fabric of the shirt. It’s a unique way to add dimension to your decoration while keeping a tonal look.
The perfect way to stay comfortable throughout every season, corduroy is loved for its wonderful warmth and long-lasting durability. This wide wale corduroy has the channels running vertically. Casual and contemporary, these throws are reversed with cozy faux lambswool.
$47 – $60
Unisex Spacecraft Explorer Cap
$20 – $25
Women’s Cloud Nine Sheepskin Moccasin
$75 – $85
Unisex Waffle Knit Beanie with Cuff
$16 – $25
$6 – $10
Women’s The North Face ThermoBall Trekker Jacket
$225 – $245
$50 – 60
$14 – $18
$15 – $35
For the feature product, here’s the text:The perfect way to stay comfortable throughout every season, corduroy is loved for its wonderful warmth and long-lasting durability. This wide wale corduroy has the channels running vertically. Casual and contemporary, these throws are reversed with cozy faux lambswool.
$5 – $7
Unisex Spacecraft Explorer Cap
$20 – $25
Women’s Cloud Nine Sheepskin Moccasin
$75 – $85
Unisex Waffle Knit Beanie with Cuff
$16 – $25
$6 – $10
Women’s The North Face ThermoBall Trekker Jacket
$225 – $245
$50 – $60
$14 – $18
$15 – $35
Neons
Incorporating neon colors into your custom merch can give your brand a fresh look while also evoking some 80s nostalgia (see the retro trend above). In print or in product, consider adding a bold pop of brightness to stand out.
Neons
Incorporating neon colors into your custom merch can give your brand a fresh look while also evoking some 80s nostalgia (see the retro trend above). In print or in product, consider adding a bold pop of brightness to stand out.
Be prepared for a total surprise, each pack is one-of-a-kind! Made from (Re)Purpose, all bags are made using leftover fabric from other companies’ larger production runs. The Batac Backpack offers a front zippered pocket, 2 mesh side pockets, ultralight mesh shoulder straps, a large main compartment, and an internal hydration sleeve for all your adventures.
$65 – $75
$28 – $38
Be prepared for a total surprise, each pack is one-of-a-kind! Made from (Re)Purpose, all bags are made using leftover fabric from other companies’ larger production runs. The Batac Backpack offers a front zippered pocket, 2 mesh side pockets, ultralight mesh shoulder straps, a large main compartment, and an internal hydration sleeve for all your adventures.
$65 – $75
$17 – $19
Women Ogio Endurance Pulse Dolman Tee
$20 – $28
Gran Klutch Neoprene Lunch Bag
$16 – $25
$28 – $38
Streetwear
Streetwear has become an increasingly popular merch category as it offers a contemporary look that resonates with urban audiences, particularly younger generations. The use of bold colors, oversized designs, and trendy patterns give brands a unique and edgy look in their gear.
On the trails or around camp, this cap fits right in with its hip, wear-anywhere vibe. This semi-structured cap is made of a cotton/nylon blend.
$22 – $28
On the trails or around camp, this cap fits right in with its hip, wear-anywhere vibe. This semi-structured cap is made of a cotton/nylon blend.
American Made
70% of consumers prefer American-Made products and are willing to pay up to 20% more, according to a recent survey by the Reshoring Institute. Domestic production has become even more crucial amidst supply chain disruptions. Show your appreciation and support domestic production by gifting USA-made products to your clients and employees.
American Made
70% of consumers prefer American-Made products and are willing to pay up to 20% more, according to a recent survey by the Reshoring Institute. Domestic production has become even more crucial amidst supply chain disruptions. Show your appreciation and support domestic production by gifting USA-made products to your clients and employees.
7″ x 9″ Leather Spiral Journal
The 7″ x 9″ Leather Spiral Journal offers 100 college ruled white sheets in a classic leather bound journal for all of your fabulous ideas.
$21 – $25
7″ x 9″ Leather Spiral Journal
The 7″ x 9″ Leather Spiral Journal offers 100 college ruled white sheets in a classic leather bound journal for all of your fabulous ideas.
$21 – $25
Get Outside
Seeking adventure and enjoying nature is another trend that sees no sign of slowing down. Supply your crew with branded gear for the great outdoors. As they get out there and connect with loved ones, your gear will be there in those spaces.
Your music knows no limits with the Hydrobump in hand! This handheld wireless speaker is IPX7 waterproof, meaning you can take it to the beach, the pool, or even out in the rain. With wireless capability up to 33 ft, a built-in microphone, and a silicone carry strap, this full color speaker will be a hit at all your events and adventures!
$62 – $78
Wave Recycled Insulated Outdoor Blanket
$26 – $34
Grill Master 5pc Bamboo BBQ Set
$40 – $45
$169 – $189
Your music knows no limits with the Hydrobump in hand! This handheld wireless speaker is IPX7 waterproof, meaning you can take it to the beach, the pool, or even out in the rain. With wireless capability up to 33 ft, a built-in microphone, and a silicone carry strap, this full color speaker will be a hit at all your events and adventures!
$62 – $78
Wave Recycled Insulated Outdoor Blanket
$26 – $34
Grill Master 5pc Bamboo BBQ Set
$40 – $45
$169 – $189
Unisex Teca Fleece Hooded Full-Zip Jacket
$190 – $200
$42 – $48
Hybrid Workspace
Working hybrid or remotely is here to stay. Half of U.S. employees are now working hybrid, with 30% fully remote, and only 20% on-site, according to a recent Gallup study. Provide your people with the gear they need to be productive in any work environment.
Hybrid Workspace
Working hybrid or remotely is here to stay. Half of U.S. employees are now working hybrid, with 30% fully remote, and only 20% on-site, according to a recent Gallup study. Provide your people with the gear they need to be productive in any work environment.
This daylight lamp will provide you with your daily boost of sunshine. The multiple settings of white, natural, and warm light provide options and maximum comfort for users to a adjust brightness via the touch of a finger. Its compact size makes the lamp easy to store and carry.
$50 – $70
$300 – $350
The North Face Tech 1/4-Zip Fleece
$65 – $70
$19 – $22
Modern Sprout Indoor Herb Garden Kit
$14 – $16
This daylight lamp will provide you with your daily boost of sunshine. The multiple settings of white, natural, and warm light provide options and maximum comfort for users to a adjust brightness via the touch of a finger. Its compact size makes the lamp easy to store and carry.
$50 – $70
$300 – $350
The North Face Tech 1/4-Zip Fleece
$65 – $70
$19 – $22
Modern Sprout Indoor Herb Garden Kit
$14 – $16
Prep Style
Prep style is a classic look that originated from prestigious Ivy League universities. While it began as a style choice for elitist clubs, today’s prep belongs to everyone. From oxfords and polos, to chinos and blazers, preppy fashion has seen a surge in popularity due to its versatility and longevity.
Lightweight and roomy, the Main Line is a hold-all duffle perfect for road trips, weekend getaways, or longer vacations. The Main Line boasts a sharp, streamlined silhouette, while two interior zip pockets and a removable shoulder strap add the perfect amount of on-the-go functionality.
$415 – $435
Unisex Port Authority Sweater Vest
$32 – $40
Unisex Hargrave Roots73 Varsity Jacket
$75 – $85
Americana Leather-Wrapped Journal
$25 – $32
Unisex Tommy Bahama™ Tobago Bay 1/2-Zip
$125 – $135
Lightweight and roomy, the Main Line is a hold-all duffle perfect for road trips, weekend getaways, or longer vacations. The Main Line boasts a sharp, streamlined silhouette, while two interior zip pockets and a removable shoulder strap add the perfect amount of on-the-go functionality.
$415 – $435