Spring Merch Guide: Fresh Picks in Custom Apparel & Promo Products

As the weather warms up, so does merch season. Spring is when brands, events, and teams start thinking about visibility again. With patios opening, festivals and events gearing up, and people back outside, merch trends are matching these changes.

The best spring merch hits a balance between lightweight, functional, and easy to wear or carry. Here's what we see trending this spring season.

Lightweight Apparel

Heavy hoodies take a backseat in spring. Lighter, more versatile garments take over.

T-Shirts (Still #1 for a Reason)

Custom t-shirts are the easiest win for events, brands, and bands.

Why it works:

  • Easy sizing and broad appeal
  • High visibility in public spaces
  • Ideal for screen printing at scale
  • Works for merch, uniforms, and giveaways

 

Best for: Events, festivals, bands, staff uniforms

Tip: Go slightly oversized or boxy, it feels more current and wearable beyond the event.

Long Sleeves

Custom t-shirts are the easiest win for events, brands, and bands.

Why it works:

  • More wearable across different temperatures
  • Feels slightly more premium than a basic tee
  • Great for early mornings, evenings, and indoor/outdoor use

 

Best for: Events, festivals, teams, staff uniforms

Tip: Print down the sleeve.

Headwear That Feels Seasonal

Spring is prime time for hats and especially as people spend more time outside.

Dad Caps & Unstructured Hats

Still one of the strongest sellers right now.

Why it works:

  • Easy fit (adjustable)
  • Casual and widely wearable
  • Perfect for embroidery
  • Works across all demographics

 

Best for: Cafes, brands, retail merch, events

Tip: Keep embroidery simple, small logos, icons, or text hit the mark.

Drinkware That Moves With People

Spring means people are out walking, commuting and sitting in parks.

Tumblers & Travel Mugs

Why it works:​​​​​​

  • High daily usage
  • Great perceived value
  • Strong branding surface
  • Replaces disposable cups for an eco angle

 

Best for: Corporate swag, cafes, events

Water Bottles

Why it works:​​​​​​

  • Seasonal relevance (hydration & outdoors)
  • Popular for events and fitness-related brands
  • Long lifespan = long-term brand exposure

 

Best for: Gyms, wellness brands, outdoor events, teams

Tote Bags

Spring = people carrying more stuff again like layers, groceries, market finds.

Why it works:​​​​​​

  • Large print area for branding
  • Highly reusable
  • Seen in public constantly
  • Low cost per impression

 

Best for: Events, retails, bookshops, markets, giveaways

Tips: Go heavier if possible, it feels better and lasts longer.

Outdoor-Friendly Promo Items

Spring opens the door to more lifestyle-driven products.

Sunglasses

custom stackable mug printed with business logo from Toronto

Why it works:​​​​​​

  • Fun, seasonal, and event-friendly
  • Great for giveaways
  • Easy branding on arms

 

Best for: Festivals, brand activations, street promos

Coolers & Picnic Accessories

custom stackable mug printed with business logo from Toronto

Why it works:​​​​​​

  • Tied directly to outdoor behaviour
  • Higher perceived value
  • Great for team or client gifting

 

Best for: Corporate, events, permium merch

What Makes Spring Merch Work

Spring merch succeeds when it feels:

  • Lightweight and wearable
  • Useful outdoors
  • Easy to carry or use daily
  • Not overdesigned

 

This isn't the season for heavy, complicated pieces.

It's about simple, functional products that fit into people's routines.

Spring is less about making a statement and more about showing up consistently on patios, at events, on the street, in people's day-to-day lives.

The best merch doesn't feel like merch.

It feels like soemthing people would choose to use anyway.

If you want help choosing the right mix for your event, brand, or team, it usualy starts with how the product will actually be used not just how it looks.

Looking to create custom merch this spring?

Explore our custom apparel and promotional products or get in touch to start your next order.

Links to other important pages

Link to Hardboiled Inc's full promotional product catalogue
Link to Hardboiled Inc's custom printing services page
link to email for quote

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