13 Top Style Awards for 2018

2018 is here! With the resolutions and new-year-new-you feels, Custom Ink had to highlight the trends we can’t wait to see this year. From tried and true to trendy, our product experts selected winners for categories from softest tees to color choices that you’ll find completely irresistible. We can’t wait to show you what we’re loving for the new year!

Softest T-shirt

1st Place— District Made Relaxed Triblend T-shirt
Runner Up— Alternative Apparel Eco Triblend T-shirt

There’s nothing better than a t-shirt that fits just right. Skip the time it takes to make a t-shirt a worn in favorite by picking styles that are soft and cozy from day one. We can’t help but gush over triblend t-shirts this year. What’s so great about a triblend t-shirt? Triblend shirts are known for softness because they’re a blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon. Say hello to your new favorite shirt!

The Best Group T-shirts

Men— Hanes Nano
Women— Hanes Ladies V-neck Nano T-shirt
Plus Size— Just My Size Plus T-shirt
Youth— Hanes Nano

We’re going Hanes Nano all the way! Pick this shirt when you want an option that’s destined to fit everyone in the group. From family 5Ks to the annual company BBQ, this is your go-to t-shirt. With options for men, women, plus size, and youth, we know this shirt is just right for everything you’ve got planned.

Color of the Year

1st Place— Ultra Violet
Runner Up Tie— Cherry Tomato
Runner Up Tie— Pink Lavender
Runner Up Tie— Chili Oil

The Pantone Color Institute’s color choices are, as always, to die for. And this year’s color of the year is no let down. Hello, Ultra Violet! We cannot wait to get our hands on the Core 365 Full Zip Jacket featured above. With vibrant colors like Cherry Tomato, Pink Lavender, and Chili Oil in the running, we couldn’t pick just one second place winner. Who’s ready for a wardrobe refresh?

Hats Off

1st Place— Comfort Colors Pigment Dyed Hat
Runner Up— Sport Tek Stripe Pom Pom Beanie

The baseball hat is never going out of style. We found the perfect blend of on trend and classic with this pigment dyed cutie from Comfort Colors. What’s pigment dyed mean? Pigment dyed treatment gives that trendy broken in look from day one. Just bought it? That’ll stay our little secret! We can’t talk hot hat trends without giving a shout out to the super popular pom pom beanie. Ow, ow—we’re ready to hit the slopes!

No Minimum, No Problem

1st Place— Gap Essential Crewneck
Runner Up— Next Level Ladies Triblend Racerback Tank

Whether you need one or one hundred, these are our top picks for any size order. Personalize your new favorite crewneck, the Gap Essential Tee, with one of our fun gift templates. We can think of a hundred or more reasons why a racerback tank is a must have for your ’18 wardrobe—from spin class to Saturday errands, you need this tank! Check out more products you can customize at any quantity!

Trendy T-shirts

1st Place Tie— Next Level Triblend Hooded Long Sleeve T-shirt
1st Place Tie— Canvas Heather Ringer T-shirt
Runner Up— Bella Ladies Flowy Muscle Tank

2018 is all about hooded long sleeve t-shirts and retro ringer tees. We’re definitely feeling the new flowy muscle tank trend for ladies this year, too! Staying completely comfortable while looking great? That’s one way to make 2018 your year!

Tech Promo Products of the Year

1st Place— Bustle Bluetooth Headphones
Runner Up— Lando Bluetooth Speaker

Looking for the perfect promotional item for your company or trade show giveaway? Bluetooth speakers and headphones are all the rage for 2018. How could you not love the freedom that comes with bluetooth speakers and headphones?

Warmest Winners

1st Place— Charles River Anorak
2nd Place— North Face Ridgeline

Let’s face it, winter’s sticking around for a few more months. Gear up with cold weather wear that’ll make you feel good, keep warm, and look even better. Our favorites for 2018 include a super trendy Charles River Anorak and a tried and cold-weather approved North Face Zip-Up.

Pattern of the Year — Melange

We are totally crushing on all things melange for 2018. What’s so great about melange fabric? Melange fabric is always unique because it weaves together two fibers, dyed and undyed, to create truly unique patterns. We’re seeing melange everywhere—from structured jackets to flowy tees! Round out your closet for the new year with the Bella Ladies Flowy Melange T-shirt, or go for fun outerwear like the Spork-Tek Electric Heather Pullover Hoodie and the Next Level Melange Hoodie.

The Popular Vote of the Year — Comfort Colors

Comfort Colors sweeps the popular vote this year! With muted cozy colors like Butter and Chalky Mint (featured above), we can’t resist what Comfort Colors has going on. Did we mention you’ll be totally on trend and beyond comfortable with any of the items this brand has to offer? While we’re really digging the 100% Cotton Pocket T-shirt and the Quarter Zip, you can’t go wrong with anything Comfort Colors has to offer.

Breakout Product of the Year — Copper Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle

The Copper Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle is THE product of 2018. Thanks to the copper lining and vacuum seal, this water bottle keeps liquids cold for 48 hours! With stamina like that, it’s just what you need for the busy year ahead. And with super trendy colors like rose gold and matte black, who could resist?

Steal & Splurge of the Year

Splurge— Nautical Stripe 100% Cotton Tote
Steal— Midweight 100% Cotton Canvas Tote

Totes are always in style. Check out two faves we couldn’t pick between, our splurge—the Nautical Stripe Tote, and our steal—the Midweight Cotton Canvas Tote. Having too many totes is basically impossible, especially when a super cute nautical stripe adds such a great accent. If you’re looking for the same quality but with a lower price point, we’re finding the Midweight style tote-ally irresistible.

T-shirt of the Year — Gap Essential Short Sleeve Tee

Could there be a more perfect t-shirt than the Gap Essential Tees? When it comes to t-shirts, Gap knows what they’re talking about and sure doesn’t disappoint with this incredibly soft, high quality, retail t-shirt that’s classic, cozy, and Custom Ink’s t-shirt of the year!

We’re so excited about the new trends for 2018 and can’t wait to see how you make these products your own. For the rest of our carefully curated products, check out our full catalog!