What Gen Z Wants in Custom Branded Apparel

Let’s decode the world of custom-branded apparel for your Gen Z employees. If you want your brand to stand out, you’ve got to speak their language! Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z grew up in a world where Amazon Prime, Facebook, and iPhones are as common as PB&J. This is the generation that grew up on fusion cuisine, which is part of what makes their fashion sense more unique. They’re intelligent, tech-savvy, and have a heart for sustainability.
Make sure your custom-branded merch fits into your employees’ lifestyles, regardless of their location (office or remote) or whether they’re on or off the clock.

Bridging the Gap: Rethinking Polos for Gen Z custom branded apparel

First, we have to address a classic corporate staple: the polo shirt. Polos can sometimes be too formal or traditional, which may not align with the more relaxed and trendy aesthetic that Gen Z favors. They might not resonate with Gen Z’s fashion-forward and casual style preferences unless you pick one that is comfortable and sustainable and can blend into your employees’ lifestyles. For polos, that pop, try Puma, Travis Matthews, Nike and Callaway. They all give fresh, fun takes on this classic staple.

Gen Z Loves Brand Names: Why High-Quality Custom-Branded Merch Matters

Gen Z shopping trends show a wardrobe is often their first big purchase, and they’re looking to fill it with new clothes from their favorite retailers. According to PPAI’s 2023 Consumer Survey, 68% of Gen Zers believe branded merchandise positively impacts brand perception. They’re also 64% more likely than other generations to want others to notice what they’re wearing. Nike apparel, Carhartt, Adidas, and Champion apparel are cornerstones of the new corporate wardrobe, and Gen Z expects nothing less than the best big-name brands.

Stylish Outerwear: Order The Northface Fleece, Under Armour windbreakers or bomber jackets with your logo.
Techwear: Nike Apparel, Ogio, Champion, ensure your employees have the right apparel to go from work to play.
Beanies and Caps: Accessories that add a cool factor to any outfit, like a custom Carhartt Beanie.

Brand Authenticity is Key: Gen Z can spot a fake from a mile away.

Brand authenticity refers to whether consumers believe a brand is genuine about its products/services, promises to employees and customers, and its brand values. In the age of social media, brands can’t hide anything. Your audiences can find out everything they need to know about your business from other consumers, media and the internet. Stick to your brand’s true identity in marketing campaigns and custom-branded apparel to win Gen-Z’s loyalty. Don’t get a T-shirt in a natural color from a brand that isn’t sustainable, and think you can make it appear eco-friendly. They’ll immediately know if it’s authentic or not.

How to stay authentic to your brand for Gen Z custom Merch

Be Eco-conscious: When picking tees, consider Next Level Apparel. Their manufacturing waste initiatives reduce scrap fabric by 2+ million pounds per year, and millions of plastic bottles have been recycled since the launch of their Sustainable Collection.
Be Socially Responsible: When picking branded items, show your company values and what you stand for. If fair trade is part of your company values, take a few moments to source socially responsible items, such as Cotopaxi bags, which are made in a Fair Trade Certified™ facility, 100% recycled and made from dead stock materials.
Be Gender Inclusive: Gender-inclusive solutions for branded apparel can encourage self-expression, celebrate diversity, and provide a better fit and more comfort for all employees. Consider choosing branded apparel in gender-neutral styles from brands such as Bella and Canvas, All Made, and New Era. Adidas apparel is a star in this category with its all-fit system—clothes made for all bodies, period.

Gen Z loves Techforward Custom Branded Apparel & Accessories

Gen Z has adopted techwear to showcase its relationship with technology, sustainability, and functionality. Whether it’s the process of making it or the garment itself, this personal style perfectly adapts to their dynamic lifestyle and makes a bold statement. Techwear items often feature integrated technology, smart fabrics, and wearable tech, catering to the generation’s love for tech integration. Gen Z’s preference for a futuristic and sleek look shows up in their choice of monochromatic colors like black, gray, and white.

Techforward apparel & Accessory Ideas

Claremont Handled Bag: Durable yet pliable, each is made to meet the many needs of the hybrid lifestyle head-on. It features sleek, modern details for an overall clean and elevated aesthetic. The Convertible handles make this multiple bags in one.
OGIO® Connected Pack: will be your new favorite packing companion, with front fleece-lined front pocket for valuables and phone, Interior organization panel with zippered front and key ring, Fleece-lined front pocket for valuables and phone, Exterior USB charging port, Interior cord for charging (battery pack not included)Integrated padded luggage trolley pass through on back, and zippered side pockets with fabric gussets for valuables and water bottles this bag is ready for anything your day throws you.
Ogio Ladies Stealth Full-Zip Jacket: Sleek, modern, and built for movement, this jacket has stay-cool wicking technology, ventilation and a curved back hem making it not only flattering to wear but comfortable too.

Custom Branded Apparel in Gender-neutral Styles are where it's at for Gen Z Employees

Your custom-branded apparel should be inclusive and appealing to everyone. Think modern, comfortable, oversized, unisex apparel. Comfortable fabrics can help create a positive and modern workplace culture that resonates with Gen Z employees, ultimately leading to higher engagement and retention.

Oversized: This is a casual yet branded look that accommodates all body types, which is critical for Gen Z.
Comfortable: Branded apparel that is comfy reduces stress and promotes a relaxed atmosphere, boosting productivity and job satisfaction.
Trendy Apparel: Project a modern image and show your company is in touch with trends and open to fresh ideas, attracting and retaining Gen Z talent.
Gender-neutral fabrics: Cotton and denim are classic fabrics that can be easily integrated into a jacket, shirt, or apron.

If you’re ready to score a big win with your Gen Z prospective and current employees, choose branded corporate apparel that focuses on authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Keep it stylish, branded, and accessible for all, and you’ll have a team of happy, fashion-forward employees ready to take on the world—one branded hoodie at a time. So, slap your logo on some stylish threads and watch your brand recognition soar!

Welcome to the Gen Z Era of Corporate Apparel