Whilst the landscape of marketing is ever-evolving, branded merchandise remains a steadfast tool for connecting with audiences in tangible ways. As we move through 2025, some key trends are emerging in the world of promotional products, and as always it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve and be tuned in to what’s catching people’s attention.

In this blog post, we’re Sharing our insights into what themes will be dominating branded merchandise for the rest of the year. From popular design styles to the ever increasing focus on sustainability (we love to see it), we’ll guide you through what we’re seeing shape the industry in 2025 Whether you’re a London based business, UK business or located further afield, this guide offers some food for thought on how to offer merch that’s relevant and stand-out this year.

Let’s dive into what’s hot in London and beyond in the world of branded merchandise.

Emerging Design Trends in branded merchandise

Design trends are constantly evolving, influenced by pop culture, global events, and innovations. In the world of branded merchandise, we’re seeing some cool new design aesthetics emerging.

Retro and Minimalist Branded Products 

One notable trend gaining popularity are retro-inspired designs, which include nostalgic elements from decades ago making a comeback. From bold colour palettes of the ’80s to playful typography inspired by vintage signs, the retro aesthetics we’re seeing are injecting a sense of fun, nostalgia and personality into the branded merchandise landscape.

Aside from the retro vibes, minimalist design continues to be a popular choice, with simple shapes, clean lines, and negative space creating a timeless aesthetic. Minimalist branding offers an easy way to communicate an elevated feel and sense of refinement, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to achieve a sleek and modern look through their branded products.

Colourful Clothing and T-Shirts 

What we’re also seeing more of is an exploration of vibrant and unconventional colour schemes. With the ever present challenge of standing out, brands are looking to bold primary hues and unexpected colour combinations to attract attention. 

Daring colour choices are making a statement and infusing t-shirts, hoodies and other clothing with energy. Adding a company logo to these branded products ensures they leave a lasting impression.

The Rise of Digital Art

Digital art and illustration is a refreshing creative approach that many businesses are embracing with the launch of new technology and AI programs. With the opportunities to push the boundaries and think outside the box when it comes to designs, we’re seeing new realms of creativity and imagination, resulting in merchandise that’s both visually stunning and also conceptually rich. 

This allows brands to create more storytelling around their merchandise and bring their audiences with them on the journeys from ideation to completion. 

Printed Promotional Products

From bold statement graphics to intricate patterns, digital art allows for complex detailing and nuanced expression that was previously unimaginable. Brands are leveraging this newfound freedom to create merchandise that’s fresh, whether it’s visually striking prints that capture attention or subtle detailed designs that invite closer inspection. 

Custom Clothing and Personalised Clothing 

This new wave of digital art also offers versatility which enables brands to adapt their designs to different apparel categories. From custom clothing and personalised clothing to embroidered clothing, companies can ensure every company logoworks as part of a cohesive design.

Sustainability as a Core Value

Consumers are (quite rightly) prioritising eco-friendly products and ethical brands when it comes to their purchases, driving demand for sustainable alternatives in the marketplace. From organic cotton t-shirts to reusable tote bags made from recycled materials, environmentally conscious choices are becoming the new norm for forward thinking businesses.

Eco Friendly Materials and Minimum Order Flexibility 

Far from a checkbox on a corporate social responsibility report, sustainability is now a fundamental aspect of any business’s focus. Brands that fully integrate sustainability as a core value in their business in authentic ways will be well placed, as the demand for this grows.

In response to this, we’re seeing businesses adjust their approach to branded merchandise, opting for the sustainable materials and production processes we offer that minimise environmental impact and waste. Biodegradable packaging, certified materials, low-waste low-impact printing, and ethical sourcing practices are just a few examples of how our clients are choosing to integrate sustainability into their projects.

Whilst this article is about trends, sustainability is not really that – it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses need to operate and engage with their audience in order to survive. 

Community Engagement and Social Impact

As businesses and brands become more conscious of their impact on society and communities around them, we’re seeing more collaborations and desires to make a positive impact on society. This mirrors the trend of consumers becoming more socially conscious – brands are leveraging their influence to drive positive change and support causes that align with their values.

Promotional Products That Create a Lasting Impression

With this growing emphasis on community engagement and social impact, more brands are using merchandise as a vehicle for social good, partnering with non-profit organisations, and supporting initiatives that address social and environmental issues.

Through thoughtful branded merchandise campaigns, companies are able to create strong emotional connections and a lasting impression.

Branded Merchandise and Social Good

Brands are also increasingly using their branded merchandise as a platform to amplify diverse voices and celebrate inclusivity. Personalised clothing, branded products and other branded items designed in collaboration with communities make equity values tangible and strengthen customer loyalty.

Branded Products That Stand Out

Now that we’ve reviewed the top trends in branded merchandise for the rest of 2025, it’s clear that the landscape of promotional products is moving in a positive direction. From emerging design approaches and sustainability as a core value, to the power of brand storytelling and community engagement – businesses have plenty of opportunities to connect with their audience in more meaningful ways.

Incorporating these trends into branded merchandise strategies will help businesses position themselves as forward-thinking, better resonate with their target customers, and make a lasting impression on society and the environment.

Our team are experts in supporting businesses navigate these trends and create brand-building merchandise experiences. If you’d like to ensure your business stays ahead of the curve this year and makes a meaningful impact with your branded merchandise, talk to our team about your project and we’ll work with you to bring it to life.