A trend guide made
for branded merch

From trends in fashion and retail, to the latest decorations methods and industry drops, we've distilled it all into something that's actually useful for your swag endeavors.

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SWAG  /  GUIDES

A trend guide made for branded merch

We’ve been researching trends from fashion, retail and decoration methods to distill them into something that’s actually useful to your swag endeavors.

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Here’s a collection of trends that will shape the future of branded merch. Some of the trends out there can be interesting and, well, kinda out there. We wanted to bring you stuff that’s inspiring and useful. We’re here to help you with everything from ideation and design to kitting, warehousing, and sending. Let’s make merch that’s right for your brand and excites your people.

Some of the newest fashion trends you see out there can be interesting and, well, kinda out there. We wanted to bring you stuff that’s inspiring and useful. Below are a collection of ideas and trends that will shape the future of branded merch.

We’re here to help you with everything from ideation and design to kitting, warehousing, and sending. Let’s make merch that’s right for your brand and excites your people.

Hybrid Workspaces

Remote and hybrid workspaces are the future. Global Workplace Analytics has predicted that 30% of the American workforce will work remotely at least once per week after the pandemic. Provide your people with the gear they need to be productive in any workplace.

IDEAS

  1. With crewnecks, simple is the name of the game. Accent these with a woven label or small embroidery for the ultimate cozy sweatshirt
  2. Don’t call these “cargos”. 3D pockets are coming in hot, and add a bit of utility to standard athleisure
  3. Quilted apparel offers that extra bit of comfort, at home or in person

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IDEAS

  1. With crewnecks, simple is the name of the game. Accent these with a woven label or small embroidery for the ultimate cozy sweatshirt
  2. Don’t call these “cargos”. 3D pockets are coming in hot, and add a bit of utility to standard athleisure
  3. Quilted apparel offers that extra bit of comfort, at home or in person

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Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack 2.0

An update to one of our best-selling laptop backpacks, the Parkside is loaded with useful organization and well-suited for anyone, from campus to the boardroom.
$79 – $89

Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack 2.0

An update to one of our best-selling laptop backpacks, the Parkside is loaded with useful organization and well-suited for anyone, from campus to the boardroom.
$79 – $89

Elevated Essentials

Basics are the center of a good wardrobe due to their quality and versatility. Use these staples as a canvas for subtle branding that your people will want to wear for years to come.

Sportiqe Apparel Olsen Hoodie

There’s comfort, and then there’s the OLSEN. This pullover hoodie is soft, versatile, and perfect for layering, with a classic athletic look you’ll always feel your best wearing. This is a great unisex piece that you can live in 24/7.

$60 – $70

Sportiqe Apparel Olsen Hoodie

There’s comfort, and then there’s the OLSEN. This pullover hoodie is soft, versatile, and perfect for layering, with a classic athletic look you’ll always feel your best wearing. This is a great unisex piece that you can live in 24/7.

$60 – $70

Explore More

There’s been a shift to how, when, and where we interact with each other. Meeting at parks, beaches, and backyards is on the rise. Offering items that can easily be taken off-site to enjoy the outdoors with friends or connect with nature is sure to be something anyone will enjoy.

IDEAS

  1. Crossbody bags can carry your adventure essentials while also being on trend.
  2. Performance hats offer all the versatility you need from oceanside to mountain top.
  3. Shirt jackets might be the perfect layer.Offering all the style of shirt with the durability of a jacket.
  4. Patches are a fun and colorful way to show off your brand out in the wild.

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IDEAS

  1. Crossbody bags can carry your adventure essentials while also being on trend.
  2. Performance hats offer all the versatility you need from oceanside to mountain top.
  3. Shirt jackets might be the perfect layer.Offering all the style of shirt with the durability of a jacket.
  4. Patches are a fun and colorful way to show off your brand out in the wild.

GET STARTED

Corkcicle Canteen
The original, modern Corkcicle Canteen. This durable, designer approved bottle goes where glass can’t. Plus, it keeps
drinks ice cold for 25 hours or warm for 12. This will be your new favorite on-the-go bottle.

$36 – $55

Corkcicle Canteen
The original, modern Corkcicle Canteen. This durable, designer approved bottle goes where glass can’t. Plus, it keeps
drinks ice cold for 25 hours or warm for 12. This will be your new favorite on-the-go bottle.

$36 – $55

Naturally Neutral

Celebrate with a calmer laid back approach. A paired back color palette brings a cool, calm vibe to your brand.

New Era Original Fit Diamond Era Flat Bill Snapback Cap

Don’t sweat the small stuff with New Era’s exclusive moisture-wicking fabric and renowned fit in a trend-right flat bill. Add an embroidered logo unique and distinct look.

$15 – $20

New Era Original Fit Diamond Era Flat Bill Snapback Cap

Don’t sweat the small stuff with New Era’s exclusive moisture-wicking fabric and renowned fit in a trend-right flat bill. Add an embroidered logo unique and distinct look.

$15 – $20

Awaken the Senses

Create experiences with products that allow your people to connect with their senses. Doing so not only calms the mind but also awakens creativity. Build a kit with products from each of the 5 senses to stimulate a safe and peaceful space.

IDEAS

  1. Chenille is the ultimate tactile decoration. Promote all your designs to varsity with this deco method.
  2. Deboss/Emboss designs give the apparel dimension while keeping a tonal styling (global sourcing only).
  3. Puff additive gives your graphic a little extra presence and is magical with retro designs.

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IDEAS

  1. Chenille is the ultimate tactile decoration. Promote all your designs to varsity with this deco method.
  2. Deboss/Emboss designs give the apparel dimension while keeping a tonal styling
  3. Puff additive gives your graphic a little extra presence and is magical with retro designs

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Batch & Bodega Scoops & Sprinkles Kit

The ultimate dessert upgrade. Give your clients or employees the most delicious excuse to buy ice-cream. Designer sprinkles, cones, and sauces, assembled to create the most spectacular scoops around town.

$80 – $120

Batch & Bodega Scoops & Sprinkles Kit

The ultimate dessert upgrade. Give your clients or employees the most delicious excuse to buy ice-cream. Designer sprinkles, cones, and sauces, assembled to create the most spectacular scoops around town.

$80 – $120

Americana Mode

According to a recent study, 70% of people prefer American-made products, and 83% say they’d pay up to 20% more for them. There’s a renewed focus on domestic production, which has taken on new significance this year amid overseas supply chain disruption. Consider gifting thoughtful American-made products this year.

Marine Layer Unisex Re-Spun Crew

Marine Layer gives old tees a second life with their RE-SPUN recycling program. This unisex crew-style tee is the softest tee made from 100% recycled materials-making it your new favorite. Made in Los Angeles, California.

$52+

Marine Layer Unisex Re-Spun Crew

Marine Layer gives old tees a second life with their RE-SPUN recycling program. This unisex crew-style tee is the softest tee made from 100% recycled materials-making it your new favorite. Made in Los Angeles, California.

$52+

Very Peri

Earlier this year, Pantone announced its Color of the Year 2022 as Very Peri, a blue with violet-red undertones. The shade, PANTONE 17-3938, was purposely selected as an embodiment of creativity, inspiration and intrigue, and to encourage the pursuit of dreams and stretching limits in both physical and digital spaces. Coming off a fast-paced and rapidly changing few years, Very Peri marks the first time that Pantone has created a new color for its Color of the Year program.

Comfort Colors Heavyweight Ring Spun Tee
Comfort Colors® has a unique tried and true process that makes their tees feel and look the way they do. Inspired by the lush hues of nature, their distinctive, timeless style is delivered in authentic garments of incomparable softness, with an easy, lived-in attitude.

$12 – $17

Comfort Colors Heavyweight Ring Spun Tee
Comfort Colors® has a unique tried and true process that makes their tees feel and look the way they do. Inspired by the lush hues of nature, their distinctive, timeless style is delivered in authentic garments of incomparable softness, with an easy, lived-in attitude.

$12 – $17

Be Active, Be Mindful

Self-enrichment has never been more important. 80% of adults said they intend to be more mindful about practicing self-care regularly after the pandemic. Everyone’s idea of self-care differs, some examples include fitness, reading, and journaling.

Moleskine Passion Journal – Wellness

The Wellness Journal is designed to grow into a permanent and uniquely customized record of your fitness, nutrition and wellness journey, tracking all your healthy lifestyle goals along the way.

$31 – $47

Moleskine Passion Journal – Wellness

The Wellness Journal is designed to grow into a permanent and uniquely customized record of your fitness, nutrition and wellness journey, tracking all your healthy lifestyle goals along the way.

$31 – $47

Plant Inspired

Plant care has blossomed as a popular hobby during the pandemic due to its ability to ease stress, give people a sense of purpose, and decrease feelings of loneliness, fear, and sadness. Encourage your team to connect with nature by tending to their own garden or adopting a house plant to improve their overall well-being.

Modern Sprout Indoor Herb Garden Kit

You don’t need a green thumb to be able to enjoy growing and cultivating herbs thanks to this hassle-free kit that can be enjoyed over and over again. It’s easy to see why it is one of Oprah’s Favorite Things!
$24 – $37

Modern Sprout Indoor Herb Garden Kit

You don’t need a green thumb to be able to enjoy growing and cultivating herbs thanks to this hassle-free kit that can be enjoyed over and over again. It’s easy to see why it is one of Oprah’s Favorite Things!
$24 – $37

Positive Impact (on Planet & People)

More than a trend, sustainability is an important consideration for all merch orders. 61% of Americans and 50% of consumers consider sustainability a top-5 value driver, 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 Crew T-Shirt
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 Crew T-Shirt
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

Kitchen Collection

People are more passionate than ever about saving money, eating healthier, and feeling good, which is why Americans are indulging in more home-cooked meals. 71% of Americans say they will continue to cook after the pandemic ends, so give them a hand in the kitchen!

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

All Fellow products are designed with one thing in mind: creating the best coffee drinking experience. Now you can print your branding and artwork on their award-winning gear and share ridiculously good coffee with your team and customers.

$165 – $175

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle

All Fellow products are designed with one thing in mind: creating the best coffee drinking experience. Now you can print your branding and artwork on their award-winning gear and share ridiculously good coffee with your team and customers.

$165 – $175

OVERSEAS SOURCING

Elevate your swag to retail status

Imagine swag that’s super retail: completely custom items, colors, packaging…endless ways to make memorable merch for your crew. A world of custom possibilities awaits. We can help you get there.

Explore Fully Custom Gear >

IDEAS

  1. Button ups have so many retail vibes to offer – patterns, patches, pockets, all customized for your brand and style.
  2. With the continued rise of tactile items, the soft goodness of knit sweaters fits right in.
  3. The fanny pack is back, but now as a sling bag. Whatever you call it, your people will enjoy the new take on a handy throwback. Or keep it cool with the fastest growing bag category, namely cooler bags.
  4. The trending bucket hat or it’s larger cousin the classic straw hat, keeps you in the shade anywhere you go
  5. Bring your brand into the ever popular outerwear game with something stylish for those brisk and breezy days.

OVERSEAS SOURCING

Elevate your swag to retail status

Imagine swag that’s super retail: completely custom items, colors, packaging…endless ways to make memorable merch for your crew. A world of custom possibilities awaits. We can help you get there.

Explore Fully Custom Gear >

EXPLORE FULLY CUSTOM GEAR

IDEAS

  1. Button ups have so many retail vibes to offer – patterns, patches, pockets, all customized for your brand and style.
  2. With the continued rise of tactile items, the soft goodness of knit sweaters fits right in.
  3. The fanny pack is back, but now as a sling bag, or is it a crossbody bag? Whatever you call it, your people will enjoy the new take on a handy throwback. Or keep it cool with the fastest growing bag category, namely cooler bags.
  4. The trending bucket hat or it’s larger cousin the classic straw hat, keeps you in the shade anywhere you go
  5. Bring your brand into the ever popular outerwear game with something stylish for those brisk and breezy days.

Ready for some fresh merch?

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