2026 Swag Trends: The Gear Your Team Will Actually Keep

At Custom Ink, we believe the best gear builds connection. And that’s also the big takeaway from our new 2026 Swag Trends Survey. 

We asked over a thousand organizers and buyers what they need for the year ahead, and the answer was clear: there is a decisive move away from “disposable” promos toward retail-quality investments.

In 2026, the definition of “successful swag” is shifting. Getting your logo into as many hands as possible is great – but it doesn’t do you any good if your logo ends up in the trash.

We know you feel the pressure to get this right. Nearly half of all respondents (47.6%) said seeing swag end up in the donation pile or trash motivates them to find better quality items next time. And nearly a quarter of you (24%) felt genuine frustration at the waste.

We dug into the survey responses to build this guide for 2026. 

Here is what’s in, what’s “overdone,” and the simple upgrades that will help you be the engine for your team’s success.

3 Major Custom Apparel Shifts for 2026

If you want your team to wear the company swag on the weekend, the silhouette matters. Buyers identified “Streetwear” influences as the top way they plan to modernize their gear.

1. Heavyweight Tees & Fleece: 

Thick, durable fabrics are the #1 trend organizers plan to try (as per 62% of respondents). Think structured t-shirts that hold their shape and substantial hoodies that feel like a premium retail purchase.

2. Garment Dyed Colors: 

The vintage, “lived-in” look is huge. 50% of all respondents want to swap standard brights for the softer, washed-out aesthetic of garment-dyed apparel.

3. The “Boxy” Cut: 

Relaxed, drop-shoulder fits are replacing the slim or standard cuts of the past. This “Street” look is now the preferred style for outerwear and t-shirts alike (46% of respondents)

Top “Lifestyle” Swag Wants

When it comes to non-apparel gifts, the focus is moving from the desk to the home. We asked which type of “Wellness & Lifestyle” item would be most appreciated by your recipients this year – and learned the following.

• Cozy Gear: The most requested category for 2026 isn’t tech or bags—it’s comfort (33% of respondents). Plush robes, fleece blankets, and items that improve downtime are the top “Wellness” want.
• Hydration Upgrades: Water bottles remain a staple (31% of the vote), but the demand is for upgrades—think premium insulation, handle tumblers, and retail brands that people are proud to carry to the gym.

How Much Companies Are Actually Investing in Custom Gear

Swag budgets for 2026 are robust, creating a real opportunity to choose higher-quality items.

• The largest single group of respondents (21.6%) spends between $1,000 and $2,500 annually.
• A significant combined segment (~28%) manages budgets between $2.5k and $10k.

The driving force? Team Unity. 74% of organizers cite “Team Unity and Belonging” as the primary outcome they want their swag to achieve. 

Your swag dollars are an investment in culture, not just marketing.

Follow These Swag Dos and Don’ts for 2026

You want to ensure your 2026 orders are a hit. Here is a list of Dos and Don’ts from our survey data to help you make the most of your budget.

Do: Prioritize Longevity 

When choosing non-apparel items, 44.4% of buyers say “Longevity/Quality” is the feature that matters most. If it won’t last a year, skip it.

Don’t: Rely on “Basic” Unisex Tees 

It’s official: 24.6% of respondents listed “Standard unisex cotton t-shirts” as the item becoming most “overdone” or saturated for 2026. 

People still love t-shirts – when respondents were asked what they’d buy if they could only buy one piece of swag, a small majority (30%) went with t-shirts – but quality and style matter here. If you buy t-shirts, upgrade the fabric or the fit to keep your team happy.

Do: Go With Retail Brands 

Does the logo on the tag matter? Yes. A massive 91% of respondents believe their team feels more valued when receiving a recognized retail brand (like Nike, The North Face, or YETI) compared to a generic private label item.

Do: Add Texture and Detail 

Screen printing is classic, but texture is trending. Over 53% of buyers are “Very” or “Extremely” interested in premium decoration methods like embroidery, leather patches, or laser engraving. It’s a simple way to make a standard item feel high-end.

Regardless of what gear you choose for 2026, the data is clear: Meaning matters more than volume. 

By focusing on retail-quality trends and products that improve your team’s lifestyle, you turn what could just be a simple gift into the fuel that powers your team’s success.

And if you want to see what our experts at Custom Ink are seeing as the major trends of 2026, check out our expert guide here – and browse the 2026 Featured Collection here.

Appendix – 2026 Swag Trends Survey Data Tables