Custom Ink’s Top Products and Trends for 2024

Step into the new year with Custom Ink’s handpicked selection of custom products. We’re constantly updating our inventory with the latest and most sought-after products to stay on trend, adapt to the weather, refresh uniforms, bolster morale, bring your school together, and promote your business.

We have all the new and trending products you need to keep your custom gear fresh and your team feeling great all year.

Top Trend of the Year: Sustainable Essentials

Go green with custom products that are good for the planet and great for business. Sustainability is one of the biggest trends of 2024 and is top of mind for many consumers. 

This year, we surveyed 1,000 full-time U.S. employees and found that nearly 70% prefer sustainable company gifts and that it would increase their impression of their company if their gifts were sustainably made. Read more about our findings and check out our sustainable shopping guide Sustainable Corporate Gifts: 11 Ways to Go Green at Work.

Sustainable T-shirt of the Year: Gildan Softstyle

The Gildan Softstyle T-shirt stands out not only for its comfort and style but also for its commitment to sustainability. Made with OEKO-TEX certified low-impact dyes, it’s an environmentally conscious choice that doesn’t compromise on quality. This shirt is crafted from 4.5oz 100% Ringspun Cotton, offering exceptional softness that’s reflected in its impressive 6.5 out of 7 product satisfaction rating. Emphasizing inclusivity, it comes in a wide range of sizes—adult sizes from XS to 5XL, women’s sizes from S to 3XL, and youth sizes from YS to YL, all ensuring a true-to-size, comfortable fit. With a total of 59 color choices, including 38 solids and 21 heathers, the Gildan Softstyle T-shirt caters to a variety of styles and preferences, making it a perfect blend of eco-friendliness, comfort, and style.

Our Picks:
Gildan Softstyle Jersey T-shirt
Gildan Women’s Midweight Softstyle Jersey T-shirt
Gildan Youth Softstyle Jersey T-shirt

Sustainable Product of the Year: The Recycled Cotton Tote Bag

This bag not only makes it a sustainable choice but also ensures durability and quality. The bag’s sturdy design is perfect for everyday use, whether you’re running errands or carrying work essentials. Its spacious interior and classic, minimalistic style make it a versatile accessory suitable for various occasions. By choosing this tote, you’re not just opting for a practical carryall but also making a statement about your commitment to environmental responsibility. It’s a win-win for both style and sustainability.

Our pick:
Recycled Cotton Twill Tote Bag

Decoration Trend of the Year: Sleeve Embroidery

Embroidery has established itself as a key element in uniform apparel, primarily due to its ability to provide logos with a lasting and sophisticated appearance. What makes embroidery an excellent choice for logos? It involves using an embroidery machine to intricately stitch threads into the garment. This method produces a refined and resilient look, ensuring the logo maintains its quality over time. Placing embroidery on a sleeve can create an even more elevated look.

Our picks:
Nike Dri-FIT Micro Pique Performance Polo 2.0
Adidas Sport Recycled Performance Polo
Adidas Women’s Sport Recycled Performance Polo

Fabric of the Year: Cutting Edge Technology Fabric

Performance apparel like what’s used in Nike Dri-FIT and Sport-Tek Sport-Wick products can make a huge difference in how you feel, especially during physical activities or long workdays. These fabrics are engineered to wick moisture away from your body, keeping you comfortable when you’re on the move. This kind of apparel is not just about staying cool and dry; it’s also about enhancing your overall performance and endurance. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running a marathon, or just needing something comfortable for a busy day, the right performance gear can help you feel more energized and focused. Plus, with the added benefit of breathability and lightweight design, these garments ensure that you stay comfortable without being weighed down, making them a perfect choice for both athletes and casual wearers.

Our picks:
Nike Dri-FIT Micro Pique Performance Polo 2.0
Sport-Tek Sport-Wick Micro Pique Performance Polo

Brand of the Year: Stanley

These days, Stanley cups are all the rage, and it’s easy to see why. With cool designs and colors for days backed by a long history of reliability, it’s no wonder everyone’s loving them. The real game-changer? These bad boys keep your drink just the way you like it (hot or cold) for hours on end, and they are dishwasher safe. We’ve got a whole lineup of these trendy mugs ready to customize, making them an ideal, thoughtful gift that encourages well-being and hydration in a convenient and appealing package.

Our picks:
Stanley 40 oz. Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler (screen printed)
Stanley Laser Engraved 30 oz. Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Breakout Product of the Year: The Quarter Zip 

The pullover the Washington Post dubbed “the 2020s’ office guy uniform” quarter zips are made for business casual comfort. Over the past few years, they have become the new office uniform, much like polo shirts in earlier times. Initially marketed as activewear, these long-sleeved, tall-collared pullovers are now a staple in workplaces, from cubicles to the corner office. They’re appreciated for their versatility, blending comfort and style, and often feature lightweight, synthetic materials. This shift reflects the casualization of American office wear, accelerated by the pandemic and the rise of remote and hybrid work. Once common on golf courses, the quarter zip is a comfy alternative to traditional restrictive business suits. Often chosen for their practical features like moisture-wicking and their adaptability for both in-office and remote work settings, this trend in office fashion mirrors the historical influence of golf wear on workplace attire, underscoring a continuous evolution towards more relaxed and functional clothing in professional environments.

Our picks:
Marine Layer Corbet Quilted Snap Pullover
Marine Layer Women’s Corbet Quilted Snap Pullover

Best Sweatshirt of the Year: The Crewneck Sweatshirt

Crewneck sweatshirts have become a staple in casual wear and for good reason. Their timeless design combines comfort and simplicity, making them a versatile choice for any wardrobe. These sweatshirts provide cozy warmth without being too bulky, ideal for layering or wearing on their own. The classic crewneck cut offers a relaxed yet put-together look that works well in a variety of settings, from casual outings to more laid-back office environments. Additionally, crewnecks are a perfect canvas for personalization–whether it’s a bold graphic, a company logo, or a custom design. Their broad appeal and practicality make crewneck sweatshirts a go-to garment for all ages, offering a perfect blend of style, comfort, and utility.

Our picks:
Gildan Midweight 50/50 Crewneck Sweatshirt
Bella + Canvas Ultra Soft Crewneck Sweatshirt
Comfort Colors Crewneck Sweatshirt

Best Accessory of the Year: The Trucker Hat

With its timeless appeal, the trucker hat offers the perfect canvas to add vintage vibes to your crew’s look. It’s not just a classic accessory; it’s a statement piece that can bring your group’s unique personality to life. Whether you’re sporting a logo or a custom design, this hat turns heads and starts conversations. The mesh back keeps things cool and casual, while the front panel is ideal for showcasing your design. Perfect for team events, company outings, or just as a trendy gift, trucker hats from Custom Ink add a touch of retro charm while making your logo or design pop.

Our picks:
Mega Cap Five‑Panel Foam Snapback Trucker Hat
Otto Cap Five-Panel Trucker Hat – Screen Printed

Event Trend of the Year: Tablecloths & Tents

This year, a standout event trend will be custom tablecloths and tents. No longer just functional items, these elements are being transformed into design and marketing focal points. Tablecloths are being elevated with vibrant colors and logos. Meanwhile, tents are no longer just shelters from sun and rain but are becoming immersive environments that can be adorned with lighting, fabrics, and themes that transport guests to another world. This trend reflects a move toward creating more engaging, memorable experiences where every detail contributes to the overall ambiance. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or a casual gathering, the creative use of tablecloths and tents sets new standards in event styling, proving that even the most basic elements can be reinvented to add flair and sophistication to any occasion.

Color of the Year: PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz

Pantone recently announced their color for 2024: Peach Fuzz, and we think it was a pit-y great choice. As they put it, this color is a “cozy and comforting hue nurturing compassion and heartfelt kindness,” which are all things we stand for, too. We have loads of fresh peach-colored products for you to choose from and customize.

Our picks:
Bella + Canvas Ultra Soft Zip Hoodie in Peach
Comfort Colors 100% Cotton T-shirt in Peachy

From sustainable corporate gifts to innovative fabric technologies in performance apparel, each product has been carefully curated to meet our customers’ evolving needs and preferences. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s the sleek and versatile quarter zips, the classic comfort of crewneck sweatshirts, or the fun and retro trucker hats. Moreover, the introduction of custom tablecloths and tents as key event trends showcases our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. And with the Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, we’re bringing a fresh and comforting vibe to our lineup. As you step into 2024, rest assured that with Custom Ink, you’re not only keeping up with the trends—you’re setting them.