Custom Ink News & Events

When we surveyed 1,690 Americans about their America 250 plans this spring, we expected to find correlations between planning and the obvious things — awareness levels, excitement, how long someone had lived in their community. Those correlations exist. But the strongest single predictor of whether someone is actively planning a specific [...]

You’ve seen it happen: An order of custom sweatshirts arrives, people put them on, and six months later half of them are in a donation bin. Not because the design was wrong, but because the fabric was: the sweatshirt felt thin in hand, pilled after a few washes, or just didn’t hold the print. Nearly half of all swag buyers — [...]

Most people assume designing a custom sweatshirt requires graphic design experience. The data says otherwise. Our 2026 Unsung Heroes Survey found that only 41% of swag organizers enjoy design work and find it easy — meaning the majority are starting from scratch with some combination of vision, uncertainty, and a deadline. If that sounds [...]

In 2026, heavyweight fleece and custom sweatshirts are the single most-requested apparel upgrade among group buyers. According to our 2026 Swag Trends Survey, 62% of organizers plan to add heavyweight fabrics and substantial hoodies to their programs this year. Whether you’re outfitting a 5K crew, a corporate onboarding kit, or a [...]

Choosing the right printing method for your custom hoodie can mean the difference between a premium piece of gear and a costly production mistake. While heavy fleece is incredibly comfortable, its texture handles ink and thread differently than a standard t-shirt. Whether you are looking at screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment [...]

Blankets currently rank in the top five most-wanted promotional products, says ASI’s 2026 Ad Impressions Study. That tracks with what we’re hearing from swag organizers: 34% of corporate buyers name cozy gear as the most-requested, non-apparel gift, according to our 2026 Swag Trends Survey. So whether they’re headed to a [...]

Longevity is now the top priority for 45% of corporate swag organizers, according to our 2026 Swag Trends Survey. While 37% of consumers are more likely to support a brand after receiving a quality logoed t-shirt, that impact only lasts as long as the design itself. Whether your custom t-shirts survive 100 washes or crack after 10 [...]