No matter the year, branded apparel will always be a trend. It’s one of the most popular categories of promotional products for male and female consumers year after year, and 2024 is no different.
According to the latest ASI report, three of the top five most influential promo products you can invest in are outerwear, performance wear, and polo shirts. Combined, these promotional apparel items generate over 12,000 impressions over their lifetime, with an expected longevity of up to 16 months.
Now that’s the power of apparel - measurable ROI and an excellent way to promote your brand and display your logo with style.
However, the tricky thing about branded clothing is the ever-evolving nature of fashion styles and consumer preferences. What’s in one year is out the next. And if you miss the mark, your fashion-forward recipients will leave your swag at the bottom of the closet, minimizing your brand’s exposure.
To help you get started, here are the top branded apparel trends to embrace in 2024.
1. Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
Eco-friendly clothing is set to be a leading trend in 2024, driven by an increasing awareness of environmental issues and consumer demand for more ethical products. In response, expect to see more brands investing in branded apparel made from eco-friendly materials, such as:
- Cork
- Hemp
- Bamboo
- Organic cotton
- Recycled materials
This year will also bring a renewed focus on longevity. Long-lasting clothing is more sustainable as it reduces the need for frequent replacements, which lowers the overall demand for resources like water, energy, and raw materials. Durable clothing is also less likely to end up in landfills because they don't wear out as quickly. Since the latest ASI report found that 61% of consumers would wear branded outerwear for over two years, consider premium fabrics and durable items that will have longevity.
Organizations are also starting to prioritize branded clothing that supports social and environmental causes. Social giveback items are often linked to specific nonprofit organizations, social causes, or initiatives, and a portion of their sales proceeds is donated to these causes.
At GoDelta, we take pride in sourcing sustainable swag from eco-friendly brands that put the planet first. One of our favorites for 2024 is Tentree. This eco-friendly apparel brand plants ten trees for every item sold and donates one percent of sales to environmental nonprofits.
2. Athleisure Wear
Athleisure wear is a fashion trend in which clothing designed for workouts and other athletic activities is worn in other settings, such as at the workplace, school, or other casual or social occasions. It is a style of clothing that blends sportswear with ready-to-wear designs, making it functional, fashionable, and favorable among people of all ages.
This branded apparel trend rapidly gained traction due to changes in work patterns, increasing interest in health and fitness, and the desire for comfortable clothing that can fit into busy lifestyles. Athleisure has become so popular and socially accepted that even major brands like Nike, Lululemon, and Under Armour are creating entire activewear collections.
As more people continue to work from home and favor casual attire, consider adding comfortable yoga pants and joggers to your 2024 corporate gifting strategy. Athleisure items ensure your clients or employees remain cozy while providing ample opportunities for brand visibility, given their suitability for everyday wear.
And since there’s a greater focus on outdoor fitness, consider athleisure outerwear like jackets and fleeces. These items are typically made from lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics, often featuring UV-repelling characteristics and stretchable properties to accommodate physical activity.
3. Premium Brand Name Clothing
Premium brand name clothing will continue to be a significant trend throughout 2024. Apparel from the world's most sought-after brands carries a certain level of prestige and reliability that recipients appreciate. When you choose high-quality, well-known brands for your branded apparel, you are sending a message about your company's own commitment to quality. People are also more likely to wear something that comes from a brand they recognize and trust, which means more logo and brand message exposure.
In 2024, think strategically and try to leverage multiple trends at once. Look for sustainable options from popular retail brands such as The North Face, Ogio, and Columbia, as these companies are already recognized for their premium apparel and commitment to sustainability. Aligning your brand with these respected names will enhance your reputation and appeal to a wider audience.
Embrace 2024 Trends and Elevate Your Branded Apparel
The branded clothing trends for 2024 are shaping up to focus on sustainability, comfort, and quality. When selecting items, the key is to remember the preferences and lifestyles of your target audience. Consider trends and choose styles/colors that your intended prospect, customer, or employee would proudly wear for any event or occasion.
Remember, when it comes to branded apparel trends, change is the only constant. If you need product selection assistance, get in touch with a GoDelta Brand Consultant. Armed with the latest industry knowledge, we'll find fashionable branded clothing that resonates with your recipients and maximizes your brand’s exposure.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published on February 19, 2021, and has been updated for accuracy and current best practices.
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