25 Swag Design ideas for Custom Apparel

November 15, 2023
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Ready to make custom apparel that stands out in a crowded marketplace? Check out these top swag design ideas and unleash your branding power!

Custom apparel continues to take center stage when it comes to corporate gifts and giveaways. And, with well-designed, professional customization, you can turn your promotional products and swag into sustainable merch that’s loved and worn on repeat. 

Why quality apparel is still a sought-after swag item 

While trends and technology continue to change and can make some promotional items no longer in-demand or useful, like lava lamps or custom CD cases, apparel is something that can be appreciated now and in the future. 

After all, can you ever have too many soft tees that look and feel great? How about cool hoodies and sweatshirts that offer supreme comfort and designs you love? And, when it comes to timeless staples like outerwear, we’re sure you’ll agree, having styles you want to wear that offer convenient features and protection from the elements is a must!

Of course, not all custom clothing is created equally, so when it comes to the swag your recipient will love wearing on repeat, you’ll want to consider certain details, like soft fabrications, extra features like pockets that offer convenience, designs that can stand the test of time (and the wash) and of course, professional customization. Since you want your custom branding to offer the same longevity as the item it’s printed on!

While it’s true, you get what you pay for, higher quality, better swag doesn’t have to  break your budget. Talk to your Gemnote rep for ideas on how you can get the best apparel with professional customization.  

Shown: Mad Happy Roscoes Fleece Crewneck

How to make apparel stand out in a crowded marketplace

In general people love supporting brands they believe in, which is why affiliate marketing has taken over the internet and social media. So whether you’re looking to attract new customers, increase your brand exposure, or strengthen client relationships, customized gear has the power to do that and more! 

25 design ideas for creating unique swag designs

Ready to create custom logo clothes that get noticed, show off your brand beautifully and can be worn again and again? Check out these top designs, then talk to your Gemnote rep about how you can get custom logo apparel that gets noticed!

1. Quarter Zip Fleece Pullover 

Looking for timeless swag design ideas that look great and won’t go out of style? Try  neutrals and let your branding shine through accents like zippers and trim, then add an embroidered logo. Perfect for holiday gifts for employees, VIP customers, incentives, or as part of your swag store collection. 

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore; Shown: ALD Fleece Pullover


2. Corduroy Work Shirt

This timeless staple is perfect for cooler days. Your recipient will love having a stylish option for work and play while you’ll love upping your branding game with an embroidered logo or patch. Talk to your Gemnote rep for even more options.  

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters; Shown: Corduroy Work Shirt  

3. Long Sleeve Customized Tee 

In real estate it’s all about location, location, location. Well, we think the same rules apply when it comes to customizable gear. With a small logo on the front and down the sleeve, this basic long sleeve tee offers understated cool with major marketing power. 

Photo courtesy of Only NY; Shown: Only NY Long Sleeve Tee 

4. Logo Hoodie 

When it comes to details this design doesn’t miss a beat! From the cheerful curved logo placement across the front to the detailing on the hood, it’s a branded masterpiece. 

Shown: Mad Happy Fleece Hoodie

5. Branded Graphic Tee 

While the logo isn’t large, it definitely pops off this otherwise basic black tee. The overall look is understated, yet offers cool, go-with-anything vibes.  

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore; Shown: Apple Energy Tee

6. Branded Joggers 

A clean and modern design with a small but mighty logo graphic is the perfect formula for must-have basics that will keep your company top of mind every time they wear them. 

Shown: Sunday Performance Joggers


7. Color Block Banded Polo 

If you’re looking for an elevated basic, a branded polo like this one offers a minimalistic style that’s perfect from morning meetings to 5pm happy meetings. 

Photo courtesy of Lacoste; Shown: Piqué Color Block Polo

8. Classic Denim Shirt  

They say nothing beats a classic, and they’re not wrong. For ultimate corporate props, embroider your logo on the front pocket and call it success. 

Shown: ASColour Denim Shirt


9. Logo Pocket Tee

So you're springing for a pocket tee? Why not put your logo on it and make it the one they reach for time and time again?

Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters; Shown: Parks Projects Tee

10. 1/2-Zip Athletic Pullover

With features like Dri-FIT that wick away sweat and a design that’s made for movement, nothing can stop your branding power.

Shown: Nike Ladies Dri-FIT Element 1/2-Zip Top

11. Front Logo Tee 

Why hide your logo when you can make it the focal point of your design? Case in point, this scoop neck pastel tee with white logo that’s not overpowering, but still demands attention. 

Shown: Topo Designs Sunrise Logo Tee

12. Custom Branded Vest

Did you know that you have tons of possibilities at your disposal when it comes to customizing a vest (or jacket) that suits your brand? Whether you’re looking for minimal pops of color like this sleek design or are wanting to bring your entire palette of hue-happy branding to the forefront, talk to your gemnote rep for color options and let your logo speak for itself.

Photo courtesy of Aimé Leon Dore; Shown: Unisphere Down Puffer Vest 


13. Quarter Zip Pullover with Logo

If you’re looking to add your logo to a name brand clothing item, talk to your Gemnote rep for ideas—or browse their look book! From Adidas and Nike to Carhartt, Eddie Bauer, The North Face, and more, they can help you create the perfect design collaboration. 

Shown: Adidas Spacer Quarter-Zip Pullover 

14. Tie Dye Socks

What’s the great thing about logo socks? You can take liberties with your design and let your brand colors flow!

  

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown Tie Dye Socks


15. Branded Zip Jacket  

Take notes from big brands or add your logo to their coveted styles. When it comes to brand power some of the best designs are a collaboration of greatness! And, it’s the ideal custom company apparel you’ll want for your employees too. 


Shown: The North Face Sweater Fleece Jacket 


16. Personalized Leggings

Leggings remain a style go-to since they are perfect for lounge days, weekend errands, and working out, so if you’re looking to brand them you can’t go wrong with tone-on-tone logo. 

Photo courtesy of Lacoste; Shown: Lacoste Leggings

17. Pocket Logo Jacket

For customized gear that’s got quality and style to boot, you can’t go wrong with modern styles like this one from Eddie Bauer. Talk to your Gemnote rep for more ideas on customizing this brand favorite.

Shown: Eddie Bauer® - Soft Shell Jacket

18. Custom Monogram Pants

Want custom business apparel that really stands out? These are the ultimate branding statement makers. Just put your logo on repeat and let the pattern play, logo-loving marketing do its thing! 

Photo courtesy of Lacoste; Shown: Lacoste Monogram Sweats

19. Branded Outerwear

When it comes to hardworking features with professional branding, take notes from Carhartt that are known for quality and durability and create your ultimate swag. Perfect for creating custom clothing with logo designs that can weather the elements!

Shown: Carhartt® Women’s Washed Duck Active Jacket


20. Custom Sports Apparel

Who can resist quality, no-nonsense workout basics that offer no sweat appeal? Whether you choose a patch, screenprint or label, you can easily create custom logo apparel that gets noticed without being over the top. 

Shown: Vuori Tank and Shorts

21. Custom Logo Sweats 

Have multiple colors in your brand palette? Give them the spotlight by adding stripes down a pant leg or apparel item of your choice. Just don’t forget to add your logo for the best custom apparel for business.  

Shown: Marine Layer Anytime Sweatpant

22. Patch Logo Sweatshirt

Looking for a unique custom apparel design? You can’t go wrong with a large logo patch that stretches across the center of the chest. While this design could feel a bit domineering, the tone on tone keeps it cool and edgy.  

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown: A24 Patch Crew


23. Custom Logo Pants

Want to keep your design minimal for a timeless look, yet get your brand across? Take notes from the experts, and stack on your message, add your website, tag on your tagline—whatever you do, think of your marketing potential!

   

Photo courtesy of A24 Films; Shown: A24 House Pants

24. Logo Stripe Socks

Pattern it up with stripes, color embroidery, and more! With socks, the sky's the limit when it comes to color and branding options. However, for ultimate kudos, let your branding inside and out. Talk to your Gemnote rep for options on custom design packaging.

Shown: Escuyer Logo Stripe Socks

25. Dip Dye Crewneck Sweatshirt 

You can’t help but take a second look at this fun yet modern sweatshirt featuring a dip dyed design and the embroidered logo only adds to its appeal! 

Photo courtesy of Only NY; Shown: Block Logo Dip Dye Crewneck

When it comes to custom apparel printing, Gemnote can help you make your branding come to life. With their attention to details you get quality custom logo clothes that your recipients will want to wear again and again. From client swag kits, holiday snack bags and giveaways, onboarding gear and more, they’re your one stop shop for elevated swag designs, custom apparel and more!

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