Custom Apparel Trends for Social Media Events 2025

Custom apparel is reshaping social media events in India, driven by booming fast fashion and the rise of platforms like Instagram with 360 million users. The India Custom Apparel Market is projected to grow from ₹48.83 crore in 2024 to ₹107.46 crore by 2032 at a CAGR of 10.36%. Millennials and Gen Z are using personalised apparel to showcase individuality, turning event attendees into brand advocates.

Key trends include:

  • Digital tools: Virtual fitting rooms and AI-powered design platforms like Custprint simplify personalisation.
  • Tier-2 city growth: Cities like Pune and Jaipur are catching up with metros in custom apparel adoption.
  • Sustainability focus: Made-to-order production reduces waste, aligning with eco-conscious values.

Platforms such as Custprint offer no minimum order requirements, live pricing, and eco-friendly options, making them ideal for events of all sizes. Custom apparel not only enhances event visibility on social media but also builds emotional connections with audiences through user-generated content. For brands, this is a powerful way to stand out in India's dynamic digital landscape.

5 Proven Social Media Tips to Grow Your Custom Apparel Business

1. Custprint

Custprint

Custprint, with its 40+ years of experience in the print industry, has carved a niche as a go-to platform for custom apparel in India's dynamic social media event space. By managing the entire manufacturing process in-house, Custprint ensures top-notch quality and quick delivery - perfect for events where timing is everything.

Customisation Features

Custprint's "Create it!" tool is a game-changer for designing apparel that stands out at social media events. Users can upload their own logos, artworks, or designs, pick from a wide range of fonts with customisable colours and effects, and explore thousands of clip art options. What sets it apart is the ability to customise every side of the apparel, creating a fully branded look for events.

The platform also includes a live pricing feature, which ensures clarity during the design process. Bulk discounts are automatically applied for larger orders, making it easier to manage budgets. Event organisers can order multiple sizes and colours at once, which simplifies planning for diverse attendee groups. Plus, designs can be saved and shared for team collaboration, ensuring consistent branding across the board.

Custprint’s design approval process is another highlight. Within 24–48 hours, their design team reviews and confirms key details - like colour schemes, garment sizes, print dimensions, and placements - via email. This step guarantees the final product aligns with the event's branding before production begins.

Social Media Impact

Visuals dominate social media, with posts featuring images receiving 94% more views [4]. Custprint’s apparel range - from ₹249 round-neck t-shirts to ₹1,099 varsity jackets - offers brands the tools to engage audiences effectively. These products cater to different audience tiers, supporting diverse merchandise strategies.

"Having branded merchandise allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level and have a level of permanence that is rare in the age of social media and viral sensations."

Custprint also supports campaigns of all sizes with flexible ordering policies and bulk discounts. This flexibility makes it easy for brands to create user-generated content opportunities through giveaways or influencer partnerships, driving engagement and visibility.

Cost and Accessibility

Custprint’s pricing is designed to suit a variety of budgets. Affordable options like the Comfort Round Cotton Tee at ₹249 are perfect for large-scale distribution, while premium items like Luxe Varsity Jackets at ₹1,099 add a touch of exclusivity for VIP events.

Delivery options are tailored to event needs, with standard delivery (5–10 days) and rush delivery (2–5 days) available. By eliminating middlemen, Custprint offers factory-direct pricing, making custom apparel affordable for startups, colleges, and small teams.

The platform’s stellar 4.6-star Google rating, backed by thousands of positive reviews, underscores its reliability. When custom apparel plays a critical role in social media marketing, this level of trust and satisfaction becomes essential. Add to this their eco-friendly practices, and Custprint becomes an even more appealing choice.

Sustainability Options

Custprint recognises the growing demand for environmentally friendly practices. With over 70% of Indian consumers favouring brands that prioritise sustainability [3], the platform offers organic fabric options and uses water-based inks for printing. These choices align with eco-conscious values and production methods.

Their made-to-order approach also reduces waste and overstock, resonating particularly with younger audiences who see their clothing choices as an extension of their values. By adopting these practices, Custprint enables brands to weave sustainability into their social media campaigns, appealing to an audience that values both style and responsibility.

2. Other Custom Apparel Platforms

As Custprint highlights the rise of digital and eco-friendly trends, other custom apparel platforms are also stepping up to meet the fast-paced demands of social media events. These platforms are blending cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, reshaping how brands create event merchandise for today’s digital-savvy audiences. The result? Fresh approaches to design and engagement that are transforming event apparel.

Customisation Features

The world of custom apparel is diving deeper into personalisation, reflecting the fact that 71% of consumers now expect tailored experiences [12]. Gen Z, in particular, is driving this shift, favouring bold colours, striking designs, and unique accessories [6].

Platforms have expanded their offerings to include everything from personalised footwear to clothing made with smart fabrics that feature moisture-wicking properties, UV protection, and even antibacterial elements [6] [7]. AI is also making waves here, as platforms use artificial intelligence to analyse trends and suggest designs that align with popular social media aesthetics [6].

These tools aren’t just about creating; they’re about empowering. With easy-to-use interfaces, customers can tweak designs, add text, or upload their own images, turning them into active participants in the creative process [12]. This level of involvement not only boosts engagement but also generates shareable content for social media.

Social Media Impact

Social media is changing the game for event marketing, and custom apparel platforms are keeping up. Many now offer in-app shopping experiences, letting users browse, customise, and purchase event merchandise directly from their favourite social media platforms [8] [10].

Augmented reality (AR) features are another game-changer. Virtual try-ons let customers see how a product looks before buying, while dedicated mobile apps provide personalised shopping experiences and exclusive content [9] [12] [8]. These tools don’t just enhance the shopping experience - they’re helping brands fine-tune pricing and accessibility for event organisers.

User-generated content (UGC) is becoming a powerful tool as well. Platforms encourage customers to share photos and reviews of their custom products, which boosts brand credibility and expands their reach on social media [8] [11].

Cost and Accessibility

The print-on-demand industry is booming, with projections estimating it will hit $87.1 billion by 2033. Custom t-shirt printing alone is expected to reach $5.68 billion by 2025 [15]. This growth is largely due to the low entry barriers of these platforms, making them appealing for brands and event organisers.

For businesses testing the waters with custom apparel, print-on-demand services are ideal. They require minimal upfront investment - starting a business may cost as little as ₹8,300 [15]. However, this convenience comes with a trade-off: higher per-item costs compared to bulk manufacturing. Brands need to balance this by carefully managing profit margins and pricing strategies [15].

Social media advertising also plays a key role in marketing budgets. Costs vary widely, with Facebook ads averaging ₹80.50 per click, Instagram around ₹295, and LinkedIn approximately ₹437 per click [16]. By 2029, it’s expected that 19% of marketing budgets will be allocated to social media advertising [16].

Sustainability Options

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword - it’s a growing priority for the custom apparel industry. With 65% of fashion consumers showing concern for the environment and over a third willing to pay up to 15% more for eco-friendly products, this trend is reshaping how brands operate [14]. In India, younger consumers are increasingly using their clothing choices to express their values.

Some brands are blending sustainability with social media engagement, using eco-friendly campaigns to build loyalty and spark conversations [14].

"Let's be honest - if it ends up in the trash, it wasn't sustainable to begin with. The most impactful branded merch is the kind people actually want, use, and keep."
– Jay Busselle, co-founder of Branded Merch Network [13]

The made-to-order model embraced by many platforms naturally aligns with sustainability goals. By producing items only when ordered, they reduce waste and avoid overstock issues. This approach also meets consumer demands for greater transparency in supply chains, helping brands build trust with environmentally conscious buyers.

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Platform Comparison: Benefits and Drawbacks

Selecting the right custom apparel platform involves weighing the trade-offs that can influence both your event's success and its budget. Each platform brings its own strengths and limitations, which can significantly impact the final outcome. Let’s explore how Custprint measures up against broader industry practices.

Custprint's Competitive Position

With over 40 years of experience in the print industry, Custprint stands out from newer platforms that may lack the same depth of manufacturing expertise. Its in-house production model ensures consistent quality and quicker turnaround times by eliminating reliance on third-party vendors - especially valuable for time-sensitive social media events. Additionally, Custprint’s no minimum order quantity policy is ideal for smaller events or influencer collaborations.

Cost Analysis Across Platforms

Pricing in the custom apparel market varies widely, with custom t-shirts priced anywhere between ₹830 and ₹4,150, averaging around ₹1,660 per shirt [19]. Custprint, however, offers competitive pricing, starting at just ₹249 for Comfort Round Cotton Tees, without compromising on quality.

For smaller orders, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is often the most economical option as it avoids setup fees. On the other hand, screen printing becomes more cost-effective for bulk orders due to lower per-unit costs [18]. Hidden charges, such as screen setup fees, special inks, or delivery costs, can add up with some platforms. Custprint counters this with a transparent pricing model, helping customers avoid unexpected expenses [20].

Sustainability Comparison

The fashion industry contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions annually, surpassing the combined emissions from international flights and maritime shipping [17]. For brands looking to appeal to eco-conscious audiences, sustainability has become a key consideration.

Custprint’s made-to-order model reduces waste by avoiding overproduction. Additionally, its use of eco-friendly inks, sustainable materials, energy-efficient production methods, and sustainable packaging reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact. The platform also monitors its carbon footprint to further strengthen its green credentials [17].

Performance Metrics

Customer feedback is a reliable indicator of platform performance. Custprint boasts a 4.6-star rating on Google, reflecting consistently high levels of customer satisfaction. This is particularly significant for social media events, where poor customer experiences can quickly damage a brand's reputation.

Technology and Customisation Features

Custprint’s 'Create it' tool sets it apart by offering complete personalisation. Users can add text, images, logos, and clip art to their designs, making it suitable for diverse creative needs. The platform’s live pricing feature is another standout, providing real-time cost updates during the design process. This allows event organisers to stay on budget while customising their designs.

Order Flexibility and Scalability

Order flexibility is just as important as design tools. Custprint excels here by offering no minimum order requirements, making it accessible for both single-piece orders and large-scale bulk production. Importantly, it maintains quality and timely delivery regardless of order size.

Ultimately, the choice of platform depends on your event’s unique needs, budget, and audience priorities. While some platforms may specialise in areas like advanced technology or sustainability, Custprint’s well-rounded approach - combining manufacturing expertise, competitive pricing, and high-quality standards - positions it as a strong option for a variety of social media events.

Conclusion

The custom apparel market for social media events in 2025 offers immense potential for Indian event organisers. Back in 2020, the personalised products industry was valued at around US$1.7 billion (approximately ₹12,750 crore) and is expected to grow substantially, with the custom t-shirt printing market projected to nearly triple by 2033 [21]. This rapid expansion highlights the importance of platforms that can deliver both quality and flexibility.

As demand for personalised apparel continues to rise, organisers should focus on platforms that combine design versatility with high-quality output. Custprint's adaptable design process aligns perfectly with these needs, especially in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, which collectively account for 45% of the custom apparel market share [1].

Sustainability is another key factor shaping consumer preferences. Eco-conscious practices not only enhance brand credibility but also appeal to ethically aware audiences. Custprint’s made-to-order model, eco-friendly printing options, and sustainable approach cater well to this shift, especially when 65% of consumers are more likely to trust user-generated content over traditional advertising [2][22].

For social media-driven events, platforms that simplify content creation and sharing are essential. Giveaway posts, for instance, generate 3.5 times more engagement than regular posts [23]. Reliable, high-quality custom apparel plays a pivotal role in these campaigns, enabling successful influencer collaborations and amplifying user-generated content.

Custprint’s competitive pricing and consistent quality make it an ideal choice for budget-conscious organisers navigating this fast-growing market.

In a landscape shaped by India’s expanding internet penetration, rising disposable incomes, and a growing passion for personalised products, choosing the right platform is critical. Event organisers need a partner that delivers on customisation, sustainability, and social media compatibility to unlock the full potential of custom apparel success.

FAQs

What impact does the growing demand for custom apparel in tier-2 cities like Pune and Jaipur have on India’s fashion market?

The demand for custom apparel is surging in tier-2 cities like Pune and Jaipur, playing a major role in driving growth within India’s fashion market. These cities now account for nearly 30% of the custom apparel segment, thanks to rising disposable incomes and a younger, style-conscious population keen on showcasing their individuality through unique clothing.

With the fashion sector growing at an annual rate of 12–14%, tier-2 cities are emerging as hotspots for retail expansion and infrastructure investment. This shift opens up fresh opportunities for brands and platforms like Custprint, which specialise in delivering personalised, premium-quality apparel. The outcome? A more vibrant and varied fashion landscape across the country.

How is sustainability shaping the custom apparel industry for social media events in 2025, and why does it matter to consumers?

Sustainability in the Custom Apparel Industry

Sustainability is taking centre stage in the custom apparel industry, especially when it comes to social media events in 2025. With Gen Z leading the charge, consumers are leaning towards eco-friendly products, preferring apparel made from sustainable materials and supporting brands that follow ethical practices. This trend highlights a growing awareness of environmental concerns and a collective push towards making more responsible lifestyle choices.

Brands are not just responding to this demand - they're using it as an opportunity to stand out on social media. Initiatives like using recyclable fabrics, shifting to on-demand production, and maintaining transparent supply chains are striking a chord with audiences. These efforts go a long way in building trust and nurturing loyalty, positioning sustainability as a major factor for success in the custom apparel market.

How can brands use custom apparel to boost engagement and visibility on social media during events?

Brands can use custom apparel as a powerful tool to boost their social media presence during events. By creating distinctive, event-specific merchandise, they can encourage attendees to wear these outfits and share photos online. This not only spreads the word about the event but also drives the use of branded hashtags, increasing online visibility and interaction.

Giving away custom apparel as prizes or offering them as exclusive event keepsakes can foster a sense of connection and loyalty. When attendees feel part of the event, they’re more inclined to share their experiences on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), amplifying your brand's reach and influence.