At INM, we’re passionate about helping you stand out with carefully selected branded merchandise that makes a statement. Custom wearables go beyond the basics, offering high-quality pieces that represent your brand in a unique and impactful way. Amber Kotschi, our Director of Business Development, recently sat down with Garrett Finkelstein, Vice President of Marketing at our longtime client Benchmark Mortgage, to discuss how custom wearables have helped strengthen their brand and enhance the employee experience.
What’s the Big Difference?
Custom wearables aren’t your typical corporate merchandise. These high-quality pieces incorporate unique designs, fabrics, and colors, going far beyond simple screen printing or embroidery. Imagine full-color sublimation, where the artwork becomes part of the fabric itself, not just sitting on top. Think custom products inspired by the latest trends, but made entirely for your brand. We’re talking PMS color matching to your brand’s palette, private labels, and even your unique message on the tag. This kind of custom work ensures that your team, event, or promotional efforts truly stand out.
Benchmark’s Approach to Custom Wearables
Garrett shares some examples of how Benchmark has integrated custom wearables into their events, showcasing just how impactful branded apparel can be. During a sales reward trip to the beach (lucky, right?), they created personalized Hawaiian shirts for their top producers, adding that extra touch to their luau-themed night. The results? Big smiles, unforgettable photos, and a little bit of FOMO. So much so, they had to tell people, “Sorry, not for sale. You had to be there.”
It’s all about creating exclusive experiences, something that’s impossible with standard, off-the-shelf apparel. These shirts weren’t just souvenirs; they were symbols of achievement and celebration.
For their 25th anniversary, Benchmark went all in with custom jerseys to celebrate. Designed for a fun baseball-themed event, these jerseys made employees feel like MVPs. From the event’s “draft day” ceremony to the special recognition for top performers, custom wearables helped turn a memorable event into a legendary one.
More than Apparel
And let’s not forget about custom hats—because who doesn’t love a good hat? Garrett points out that hats are often overlooked in custom merchandise planning, but when done right, they can carry just as much weight as a shirt. It’s about more than just slapping a logo on a cap. Custom headwear can be fully personalized and built to brand perfection, making it the ideal addition to any collection of custom merch.
The Real Benefit
Custom apparel isn’t just about putting your logo on a shirt. It’s about telling a story, building connection, and creating lasting impressions. Whether it’s for an event, an employee recognition program, or simply to amplify your brand’s presence, custom wearables help you make the perfect impact.
Ready to take your brand to the next level? Check out our custom wearable collection and get inspired by the possibilities. Whether you’re looking for headwear, shirts, or something truly unique, the possibilities are endless with custom. Your brand deserves to stand out—and we’re here to make that happen!
