2026 Swag Forecast: New Predictions (and Data) to Power Your Team’s Success

Let’s be honest: organizing gear for your team is a big job. You want everyone to feel included, look professional, and actually use the stuff you order.

To help you ensure your gear doesn’t end up in the “donate” pile, we’ve asked the experts on our Merch team how to make your team look good and feel even better in 2026 – this is what they said.

1. The “New Professional” Uniform

The days of stiff, uncomfortable workwear are over. The trend for 2026 is all about smart fabrics—think spandex and flexibility that move with you. For daily wear/uniforms, 65% of buyers rate “Smart Fabric” (wrinkle-free, moisture-wicking) as “Very” or “Extremely” important.

• What to look for: Wrinkle-free dress shirts from brands like Storm Creek or lightweight soft shells from Carhartt.
• The Preppy Comeback: Quarter zips are the fastest-growing apparel sub-category right now. Brands like Brooks Brothers and TravisMathew are leading the charge with styles that work perfectly for the office or the golf course.

“Styles that move with you have become the baseline. Customers expect apparel to work as hard as they do.”

– Arlie Chupeco, Senior Manager, Category Management

2. Texture & “Quiet Luxury”

Swag is not just about how it looks; it’s about how it feels. Our new survey found that 34% of respondents specifically want “Cozy Gear”, driving a move toward high-texture items that feel substantial.

• Fleece & Sherpa: Look for fuzzy favorites like The North Face Osito fleece or mixed-media quarter zips with faux leather patches.
• Quilted Warmth: Quilting is having a major moment. Eddie Bauer and Adidas offer recycled quilted jackets and vests that provide warmth without the bulk.

“Texture delivers the ‘it’ factor — instantly elevating the look and feel of our customers’ events and groups.”

– Arlie Chupeco

3. Retro Vibes: Boxy Cuts & Garment Dyes

Fashion cycles are spinning back to the 90s, and the data proves it. 

A massive 62% of buyers are planning to try Heavyweight Tees & Fleece, while 50% are leaning into Garment Dyed Colors for that vintage wash look.

• The Silhouette Shift: The standard fit is evolving into the boxy cut. It’s a modern silhouette that feels relaxed and trendy—a distinct move away from “Standard Unisex” styles, which 25% of our survey respondents identified as “Overdone Swag”.
• Garment Dyed Everything: We love Comfort Colors and Bella + Canvas for that soft, washed-out aesthetic.
• Hat Trends: For custom hats, the trend points toward Richardson snapback truckers and pigment-dyed caps from Adams.

“Heavyweight tees elevate the everyday T-shirt by offering structure and a flattering drape across all body types. The boxy cut for women adds versatility — equally polished with a French tuck or worn relaxed and untucked”

– Arlie Chupeco

4. Tech That Does Double Duty

If you want swag that stays on the desk, you have to be selective. 

“Cheap Tech” was flagged as “Overdone” by over 18% of people. The solution? Multi-functional technology, a feature valued by 18.3% of buyers.

• Power Up: Look for 3-in-1 wireless charging pads and portable chargers that handle multiple devices at once.
• Sound & Function: Bluetooth speakers are getting smarter, with options that double as wireless chargers or feature GPS for the golf course, like the Bushnell Golf Wingman.

5. Wellness & Self-Care

Showing your team you care about their well-being is a powerful message. The desire for wellness swag is clear: 31% of people want hydration upgrades (moving away from basic plastic bottles, which was the number 1 selected option for ‘Overdone Swag’), and 15.3% are asking for ambiance setters.

• Relaxation: Think plush microfleece robes from Port Authority or scented candles for the home office.
• Environment: Ambient light humidifiers are a unique gift that upgrades any workspace.

“Wellness isn’t a trend — it’s an expectation. Thoughtful, self-care–focused swag sends a clear message: your people matter.”

– Arlie Chupeco

6. Sustainability & Values

Making choices that reflect your values is easier than ever.

• Made in the USA: With the 250th anniversary of the USA coming up this year, 61% of groups say “Made in the USA” products are “Very” or “Extremely” important. Check out Bayside performance shirts or locally-made tote bags.
• Eco-Friendly: Sustainability was the second-highest rated promo product trait in our survey. That’s why we’ve expanded our sustainably-made collection with items like eco spiral notebooks, recycled cotton tote bags, and recycled stainless steel water bottles.

“Sustainable used to mean expensive. Now it just means smart. Today’s eco-friendly options are priced nearly the same as traditional ones, with more styles, more variety, and more reasons to choose better without paying more.”

– Cori Wetherald, Senior Manager, Category Management

Ready to Create Your 2026 Swag?

Whether you need 50 heavy-duty hoodies for a landscaping crew or 500 tech gifts for a conference or trade show, we have the options to match your budget and your vibe.

Browse the 2026 Featured Collection here.