Why Trade Show Swag Still Matters
Trade shows remain one of the most powerful ways for companies to build brand awareness, generate leads, and connect face-to-face with customers. But success doesn’t come from simply showing up—it comes from showing up prepared, with the right apparel for your team and the right promotional items for attendees.
The best trade show programs combine:
Branded apparel for employees
High-value promotional swag for giveaways
Simple, reliable ordering timelines
That’s exactly where Underground Printing excels.
Two Types of Trade Show Swag You Need
Successful trade show strategies always include both of the following:
1️⃣ Employee Apparel for the Booth
What your team wears is often the first impression attendees have of your brand.
2️⃣ Promotional Giveaways for Attendees
Giveaways extend your brand reach long after the show ends.
Let’s break down how to do both the right way.
Best Apparel for Employees Working Trade Shows
Employee apparel should be comfortable, professional, and instantly recognizable.
⭐ Custom Polos
Polos are a trade show staple because they’re:
Professional
Lightweight
Easy to layer
Ideal for embroidery
Perfect for:
Sales teams • Corporate staff • Brand ambassadors
⭐ Custom Quarter Zips (Q-Zips)
Quarter zips offer a polished, modern look and are extremely popular for:
Cooler convention halls
Multi-day shows
Travel-heavy schedules
They’re especially effective with embroidered logos and are widely used by corporate teams.
⭐ Custom Hoodies & Sweatshirts
For casual brands or colder environments, hoodies are a great option.
Best for:
Tech companies • Startups • Outdoor brands • Casual trade shows
⭐ Custom Hats
Hats are ideal when:
You want consistent branding
Sizing is a concern
You need a lightweight, wearable option
They also double as giveaway items if you order extras.
Why Promotional Products Are Perfect for Trade Show Giveaways
When it comes to trade show giveaways, non-sized items are king.
✔ No sizing required
You don’t need to ask questions, collect data, or manage exchanges.
✔ Easy to hand out
Perfect for fast booth traffic and high lead volume.
✔ Budget-friendly at scale
Promo items allow you to order in bulk without breaking your budget.
✔ High retention
The best giveaways are items people actually keep and use.
Top Promotional Items for Trade Shows
These items consistently perform best across industries:
🎁 Custom Drinkware
Highly visible, daily-use items with strong perceived value.
🎁 Custom Pens
Simple, affordable, and always useful—perfect for mass giveaways.
🎁 Custom Koozies
Great for:
Outdoor shows
Summer events
Casual brand environments
Low cost, high brand visibility.
🎁 Custom Tote Bags & Backpacks
Attendees love bags—especially at trade shows.
Why?
They immediately use them to carry other swag
Your logo gets seen all day on the show floor
🎁 Custom Hats
A premium giveaway that feels more valuable than many promo items—and still requires no sizing data.
Why Non-Sized Swag Wins at Trade Shows
One of the biggest advantages of promotional products like cups, pens, koozies, hats, and bags is that:
👉 You never need to know someone’s size.
This means:
Faster ordering
Easier distribution
No leftover inventory
No unhappy recipients
That’s why so many companies prioritize non-sized promotional items for trade shows—and supplement with apparel for staff only.
How to Build the Perfect Trade Show Swag Kit
Many successful exhibitors create a two-tier strategy:
Tier 1: Employee Apparel
Polos or Q-zips
Hats for uniform branding
Optional hoodies for travel
Tier 2: Attendee Giveaways
Pens or koozies
This approach ensures:
Your booth looks cohesive
Attendees leave with something useful
Your brand visibility extends well beyond the event
Why Underground Printing Is the Best Partner for Trade Show Swag
Trade show timelines are tight. Mistakes are expensive. That’s why companies trust Underground Printing.
✔ 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
If your order isn’t right, we make it right—no stress.
✔ No Minimums on Select Items
Perfect for small teams or test runs.
✔ Free Professional Design Review
We ensure your branding looks sharp across all items.
✔ Fast Turnaround
Critical for trade show deadlines.
✔ Huge Selection of Apparel & Promo Items
Everything from polos and Q-zips to bags, drinkware, and giveaways.
✔ 30+ Campus & Community Locations
Local support, in-store pickup, and real human help.
✔ Easy Online Ordering
Built for busy marketing teams and event planners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best swag for trade show giveaways?
Non-sized items like bags, drinkware, pens, koozies, and hats perform best.
What should employees wear at a trade show?
Polos, quarter zips, or branded hoodies—depending on your brand and environment.
How far in advance should I order trade show swag?
As early as possible, but Underground Printing specializes in fast turnarounds when timelines are tight.
Can I order apparel and promo items together?
Yes—UGP makes it easy to bundle everything into one order.
Ready to Order Trade Show Swag That Delivers Results?
Whether you’re outfitting your team or planning giveaways for thousands of attendees, Underground Printing makes trade show swag easy, reliable, and 100% guaranteed.
From employee apparel to promotional products that require no sizing, we help you show up prepared—and stand out on the show floor.