Choosing the Right Product Colours for Summer Campaigns

When the sun comes out and the days get longer, it’s time to turn up the colour. Summer is the season of energy, fun, and brightness, so it only makes sense that your promotional products reflect that too.

Colour has a strong impact on how we feel and what we remember. For brands, getting the right shade can make all the difference in a seasonal campaign. So how do you pick the perfect palette for summer? Here are a few ways to make your branded merchandise stand out in the sunshine.

Think Bright, But Not Just Neon

Summer doesn’t always mean highlighter yellow and glow-stick green, unless that fits your brand. Bold brights can work brilliantly, but softer pastels and sun-washed tones are just as popular. Think coral, sky blue, mint green, and soft peach. They give a fresh, cheerful feel that suits everything from custom tote bags to branded water bottles.

A good rule of thumb? Choose colours that people will actually want to use or wear. A beach towel in seafoam or a cap in soft terracotta is far more likely to be appreciated than something overly flashy or clashing with your brand identity.

Keep Your Brand in Mind

It’s easy to get carried away with colour trends, but your summer palette still needs to work with your branding. A logo in red and white could sit nicely on pastel blue or zesty lemon. If you want a polished look across all your items, think mugs, notebooks, or T-shirts, it’s worth using Pantone® matching to get everything just right.

Summer’s a great time to show a lighter, more playful side of your brand, but you don’t need to lose your core identity in the process. The right colour balance keeps it fresh and recognisable.

Match Colour with Purpose

Colour is key, but so is context. Think about how the product will be used. A bright blue insulated tumbler feels spot-on for beach trips or picnics. A lime green cooler bag gives off a fresh, outdoorsy vibe. Even something simple like a branded pen can take on a new feel with a seasonal colour refresh.

When colour and function go hand in hand, your product doesn’t just stand out, it becomes genuinely useful, which is where real impact happens.

Capture the Mood of the Season

Colours create mood, and summer is all about easy-going days and outdoor fun. Soft greens and blues give a calm, breezy feel, while warmer tones like orange, coral, and raspberry bring energy and playfulness.

Think about what your campaign is trying to say. Going for something wellness-themed? Soft sage or lavender might work beautifully on custom yoga mats or journals. Aiming for fun and high energy? Try aqua or mango tones on sunglasses or flying discs.

Follow Trends (But Stay Timeless)

You don’t have to follow every seasonal trend, but staying aware of what’s popular can help your campaigns feel current. Colour experts like Pantone release a “Colour of the Year” which can spark ideas, but the real trick is to choose colours that feel right for your audience and your brand.

It’s a bit like picking a summer outfit, you want to look great now, but still feel like yourself. The same goes for your promotional items.

Contrast Matters

If your logo is being printed on a product, make sure it stands out. Dark colours on lighter items work well, and vice versa. A coral logo on a white cap can really pop, while a navy blue logo on a pale yellow cooler looks clean and polished.

Getting the contrast right doesn’t just make things look better, it makes your message easier to read, especially when your products are being used outside in the sun.

Keep It Light, Keep It You

Summer is the perfect excuse to inject some colour and personality into your campaigns. From soft pastels to bold brights, the right choice of colour can make your branded products more appealing, more memorable, and more fun to use.

Whether it’s a fresh twist on your usual colours or a limited-edition summer palette, your product colours can help tell your story in a way that feels timely and on-brand.

So go ahead, bring out the colour, and let your summer promotions shine.