Trendy promotional apparel for 2026

By Laurie Frees

Trends don’t just shape styles—they influence decisions. In fact, 75% of consumers opens in new window say trends affect what they buy, making trends a powerful marketing consideration for brands that want to stay relevant and connect with audiences. When your brand’s promotional apparel reflects what’s popular, it signals an understanding of the moment and the people you’re trying to reach. Whether for team members, customers or supporters, offering trendy promotional apparel can build credibility, spark excitement and increase the likelihood your brand gets worn—and noticed—well beyond the initial giveaway.

75%

of consumers
say trends influence what they buy.

Branded shirts that can’t be topped

Prints and patterns opens in new window are among top apparel trends of the new year. And the promotional apparel possibilities are seemingly endless: Eddie Bauer^® plaid shirts or tonal plaid shirts provide an of-the-moment employee uniform refresh. Adidas^® camo polos or printed mesh polos put a modern spin on a wardrobe staple. And star-patterned T-shirts ensure your name shines bright.

Creative layering opens in new window continues to be popular, as people look for versatile apparel that can be adapted to changing schedules and temperatures. Knit cardigans or full-zip sweaters add a cozy yet professional layer for employees—especially during the cooler months. Long-sleeve hooded T-shirts provide a moisture-wicking base layer for active team members. For a polished and sporty look, performance jackets fit in perfectly with the athleisure trend, which shows no signs of slowing down.

Popular promo items from name brands signal value and quality. Celebrate the arrival of spring by giving customers or clients Nike^® tees, or offer Under Armour^® quarter-zips as sales incentives. With heavier fabrics trending in 2026, American Apparel^® T-shirts are another smart choice.

Outerwear your audiences will love to wear

Tapping into trending colors is one way to keep your promotional apparel (and your brand) looking fresh, current and cool. Dark teal, dreamy white, chocolate brown, cool blue and Aperol^® Orange are among the colors predicted to own the new year opens in new window. Embrace those colors for outerwear gifts that draw attention to your brand. After all, outerwear is a promotional powerhouse: each item averages nearly 8,000 impressions opens in new window in its lifetime.

Give employees or volunteers lightweight hooded jackets in sport orange or white, or select microfleece in chocolate, saffron or olympic blue. Add an embroidered logo to make your branding really pop! Storm Creek^® ladies vests combine warmth and water-resistance with colors that nod to Cloud Dancer—the Pantone^® color of the year. Gifting these pieces for seasonal launches or in welcome packs for volunteers not only reinforces team identity but also aligns your brand with what people want to wear.

Promo hats to put your brand ahead

Few promotional products match the power of headwear. In fact, the cost per impression opens in new window for one $8 hat is one-fourth of a cent. Tapping into trends only strengthens the brand-boosting capabilities. Thanks to the relaxed vibe and throwback appeal, bucket hats are a staple in 2026 streetwear. Give employees company-branded outdoor bucket hats or sportstyle bucket hats to celebrate anniversaries or other accomplishments. These trendy promotional apparel items show them some love—and are bound to get eyes on your logo.

For caps, ventilation is an on-the-rise feature, whether through a perforated backing or mesh. Provide Branded Bills^® caps, which have a low-profile design and perforated back panels. They’re perfect gifts for participants at golf fundraisers, community races and other summer sporting events. Or give volunteer teams perforated unstructured caps to help them stay comfortable no matter what task they take on next.

Accessories that stand out

From bags and sunglasses to water bottles and tumblers, the items people carry or use to accessorize their outfits can be as impactful as their apparel. Today, bold and expressive items stand out—and brands are taking notice. Give shield sunglasses or cobra sunglasses as an incentive for loyalty programs or newsletter registrations at a spring event. Or get a head start on fall planning and stock knit scarves in your swag store. These accessories can keep your brand front of mind at a time when 73% of consumers opens in new window say repeated exposure to a promo product makes it more likely they’ll consider that brand for a future purchase.

73%

of consumers
say repeated exposure to a promo item increases the likelihood of a future purchase from that brand.

Small sling bags continue to be popular promo items thanks to their blend of style and practicality. Give logoed belt bags for a travel promotion or to help conference attendees stay organized. Or consider in chocolate brown or waistpacks in neon blue. They’ll be appreciated by the function-minded and fashionistas alike!bags available in the trendiest of colors, like puffer belt bags in chocolate brown or waistpacks in neon blue. They’ll be appreciated by the function-minded and fashionistas alike!

Embrace top apparel trends to elevate your brand

Trends are always evolving—but the impact of smart branding can resonate long into the future. By choosing trendy promotional apparel for your employees, volunteers, customers or collaborators, you align your brand with what people genuinely want to wear, boosting credibility and visibility. From in-demand colors, patterns and fabrics to timely styles and accessories, these promos keep your brand relevant and memorable. Turn today’s trends into tomorrow’s brand success!

Laurie Frees

Laurie Frees is a merchandising category manager at 4imprint who specializes in apparel. With over 25 years of experience in merchandising and product development—plus four years in the promotional products industry—she brings deep expertise in fabric construction and logo application. Laurie manages the product assortment across all apparel categories, including T-shirts, polos, outerwear, dress shirts, sweatshirts and more. Her role includes tracking trends, building supplier partnerships and analyzing data to guide decisions. With a strong focus on products made from sustainable materials, Laurie helps drive innovation in core apparel offerings that customers rely on to showcase their brands.

Trademarks & Sources