Choosing the right corporate swag can feel overwhelming. What’s trending? What’s actually cool? And most importantly, what kind of swag won’t end up in the junk drawer?
The Top Merch & Swag Trends 2025 are redefining how brands approach merch—moving beyond basic giveaways to intentional, experience-driven branding. The best branded merch isn’t just a t-shirt or water bottle; it’s something people actually want to use. Whether you're planning employee engagement initiatives, marketing campaigns, or client appreciation gifts, these trends will ensure your investment makes an impact.
Here’s what’s hot in 2025 and how your brand can use it:
After years of minimalist branding dominating merch, a new era has finally arrived—and it's bigger, bolder, and louder than ever. The return of high-energy, attention-grabbing designs is pushing brands to make statements. You're going to see a lot of oversized logos, neon colors, and high-contrast prints—the stuff that stands out and pops!
This trend thrives on high visibility and high impact. Inspired by streetwear, music festivals, and pop culture, this trend is being used by brands in ways that features bold typography, large-scale designs, and a fearless approach to color. It’s about being seen, being remembered, and making an impression.
Businesses in the fashion, music, fitness, sports, and entertainment industries. These industries will benefit from this trend the most, but any company looking to create a strong visual identity can embrace it.
'Maxed Out' is perfect for brand ambassador programs, influencer gifting, and internal employee swag. You'll see that this trend shines on oversized hoodies, trucker hats, tote bags, and bold outerwear. Here are some other ideas on how to embrace this trend in 2025:
While maximalism is making waves, there’s still a strong demand for refined, subtle, and effortlessly cool merch. The key difference this year compared to 2024? Minimalist branding in 2025 is less about being plain and more about premium products, detail-oriented designs.
'Minimalist Edge' is about elevating swag and executive gifting with high-quality items, subtle branding, sleek packaging, and neutral color palettes. Think tonal embroidery, laser-etched drinkware, and premium materials that make a statement without shouting, "Hey! This is my brand."
Luxury brands, corporate organizations, tech companies, and law firms. Their audience will more than likely prefer this trend because it is more sophisticated compared to flashy. However, any company can use this trend if being bold and vibrant isn't really your vibe.
'Minimalist Edge' is ideal for executive gifts, VIP client merch, and team apparel. This trend thrives in bags, hats, premium notebooks, insulated drinkware, and tech accessories. If those don't speak to you, here are some other ideas on how to use 'Minimalist Edge' in 2025:
Eco-conscious branding has moved from a nice-to-have to a business necessity. Consumers and employees are actively seeking brands that prioritize sustainability, and that includes the merch they receive. Gone are the days of ignoring eco-friendly options in your merch purchasing.
Sustainable swag in 2025 is about long-term impact, not just recycled materials. Promotional product and apparel items are using biodegradable, carbon-neutral, and upcycled materials more than ever to show their commitment to responsible sourcing and production Tthere are more options now than ever in 2025. Just ask when buying because there is usually an eco-conscious option available.
Well... all companies should pay attention to this trend. But, those companies who have ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) intiatives, or those that are wellness companies, outdoor companies or lifestyle brands should embrace this to stay ahead.
'Sustainable Swag' works well for employee onboarding kits, eco-conscious marketing campaigns, and corporate gifting. Look for closed-loop apparel, plant-based packaging, and ethically sourced accessories; the possibilities are endless. If you need help with other ideas here are some other ideas:
In an age of burnout and stress, swag that promotes mental well-being, self-care, and happiness is on the rise. Employees and customers alike are drawn to soft, cozy, and mood-boosting products that feel like a treat, not just another branded item. Think of the items you have at home that make you happy and relaxed.
'Dopamine Merch' focuses on feel-good branding. It's merch that sparks joy—whether it’s through soft textures, calming colors, or stress-relieving accessories. Expect pastel hues, wellness-focused gifts, and cozy loungewear. These item that your audience or employees will use in their everyday lives, not just in the office.
Organizations whose focus this year is on prioritizing employee engagement, workplace wellness programs, and HR-led culture-building initiatives. Showing your employees that you care about their mental health is incredibly important.
'Dopamine Merch' fits into employee appreciation gifts, stress-relief swag boxes, and hybrid work kits. Consider aromatherapy merch, candles, journals, and oversized hoodies. If you need more ideas to embrace the 'Dopamine Merch' in 2025 here you go:
Nostalgia is one of the most tools in powerful marketing right now. As one the merch trends in 2025, consumers are craving vintage aesthetics and throwback designs that are loved by all. You've probably already noticed brands bringing back 80s, 90s, and early 2000s aesthetics in fresh, modern ways, but expect more of it in 2025.
This trend embraces bold graphics, vintage color palettes, and throwback fonts on classic merch items like fanny packs, crewnecks, and old-school snapbacks. This trend is for sure the best trend to show that your brand is real, fun, and cool, just like us here at SOLV!
Consumer brands, hospitality, breweries, and lifestyle brands can use this trend to tap into their audience’s nostalgic connection to retro aesthetics. However, any brand can always lean into retro if you want that groovy and cool brand perception to your audience.
Retro merch is perfect for influencer marketing, limited-edition launches, and community-building swag. Use faded prints, washed fabrics, and vintage logos to create instant nostalgia. Here are some quick-hit ideas for this trend in 2025:
Swag in 2025 isn’t just about the item—it’s about the moment it creates. Brands are focusing on immersive, interactive merch that makes an impression beyond the product itself. Creating a brand experience should top-of-mind this year with every swag or apparel opportunity that you have.
Instead of a generic giveaway, companies across the United States are building experiences around their merch—whether it’s a carefully curated kit, gamified giveaway, live customization, or an exclusive, VIP-tier gift. The experience is at the forefront of everything this year.
Companies that host corporate retreats, team-building events, and high-value networking experiences can use this trend to make your merch more memorable. Don't settle for the easy, go for the 360 Degree experience.
Integrate swag into activations, pop-ups, or corporate conferences. If you want a great example, attend Connections and we'll show you how it's done! Here are some ideas for you to take back to your business:
Mass-produced merch is losing its appeal. As one of the top merch trends for 2025, personalization is taking center stage. Customization and hyper-personalization are key to keeping your organization top-of-mind. Forget going for quick-and-easy mass purchasing, think about intentional purchasing focused around who the specific end-user is.
Brands are moving toward made-for-you swag with personalizing items for their audiences. From embroidered initials to custom messaging and design elements- 'Tailored Touch' is all about creating items that feel exclusive.
Brands focused on luxury, brand loyalty programs, and employee recognition will benefit from investing in tailored, high-touch branded merch. It's for those that believe that the details matter and want to see their efforts pay dividends on investment.
'Tailored Touch' swag works well for premium employee gifts, VIP client appreciation, and brand loyalty programs. Create AI-powered custom artwork, personalized embroidery, and on-demand printing to make swag feel exclusive and meaningful. Here are some other ways you can add a 'Tailored Touch' to your merch in 2025:
Tech-powered merch is more functional, more innovative, and more connected than ever. Tech is one of the fastest growing categories in promotional products going into 2025. With the evolving landscape and new developments in tech happening daily, expect a larger request for those items from employees and clients.
Merch is evolving with integrated technology—from NFC-powered business cards and solar-charging backpacks to smart drinkware that tracks hydration. Daily life is getting more and more integrated with tech. Don't be the company who doesn't jump on the tech train - give away items that help your team and stakeholders improve their daily lives with modern and convenient items.
Tech startups, corporate event planners, and companies looking to create engaging brand touchpoints should consider high-tech merch. It’s also great for remote workforces and distributed teams. If you want to make an impact with items that have real utility, get 'Plugged-In'.
Gadget-Ready Gear makes sense for onboarding kits, employee swag, and conference VIP gifts. Upgrade traditional swag with wireless charging notebooks, smart keychains, and AI-integrated promo gear—functional, futuristic, and perfect for trade shows and corporate swag kits.
The work-from-anywhere lifestyle has reshaped what people want in corporate apparel and gifts. No longer is it the typical notepad and pen swag, but something that people can take into their daily lives. Just think that your swag needs to be as flexible as the workforce in 2025.
'Work-life Swag' balances performance and relaxation. People want comfortable, versatile pieces that work in both casual and professional settings. Think elevated athleisure, ergonomic accessories, and stylish-but-functional office gear that can work on Zoom calls or at in-person meetings.
Companies with remote or hybrid workforces, HR leaders looking to enhance employee retention, and brands wanting to encourage work-life balance should focus on this trend.
Swap stiff polos for stretchy-but-polished hoodies, athleisure-style branded joggers, and stylish-but-functional office gear.As one of the top merch trends 2025, Work-Life Swag is perfect for welcome kits, remote work swag, or company retreats. Here are some other ways to incorporate it into your strategy:
Grounded in industry trends and consumer behavior, this is what I'm seeing in merch and swag trends for 2025.
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