What are the three types of glassware?

Glassware may look like a small detail, but it has a big job to do. It sets the tone on your table, makes drinks feel more “served” (not just poured), and helps your team look put-together—whether you’re running an office pantry, hosting an event, or stocking up for everyday use.

If you’re building out your Team Drinkware lineup, it helps to start with the three classic categories of glassware. Once you know them, choosing what your crew actually needs becomes way easier.


1) Tumblers (Everyday, all-around glasses)

Tumblers are the workhorses of glassware. They don’t have stems, they’re easy to stack, and they’re the ones people reach for without thinking.

Common tumbler types you’ll recognize:

  • Highball glasses (taller) for water, iced tea, juice, and mixed drinks

  • Rocks/old fashioned glasses (shorter) for soda, spirits, and anything “on the rocks”

Why tumblers work for Team Drinkware:

  • Great for daily hydration

  • Easy to store

  • Perfect for busy offices, staff pantries, and events where you want quick grab-and-go service


2) Stemware (Wine and “occasion” glasses)

Stemware is made for sipping slower and serving with style. The stem keeps hands from warming the drink too fast, and the bowl shape helps bring out aroma—especially for wine.

Popular stemware pieces:

  • Wine glasses (red or white styles)

  • Champagne flutes (tall and narrow for bubbles)

Why stemware belongs in Team Drinkware planning:

  • Adds a polished, premium feel for dinners, awarding nights, and celebrations

  • Makes hosting feel intentional (even if it’s just a simple toast)


3) Specialty glassware (Purpose-built for specific drinks)

This category covers everything designed for a specific kind of beverage—usually to enhance flavor, aroma, foam, or presentation.

Examples of specialty glassware:

  • Beer glasses (like pint glasses or mugs)

  • Cocktail glasses (like martini/coupe styles)

  • Coffee-and-dessert pairings (depending on your setup)

Why specialty glassware is useful for Team Drinkware:

  • Great for bars, cafés, and brand events

  • Helps you serve “the right drink in the right glass,” which instantly feels more professional


Building a Team Drinkware set that actually gets used

If you’re choosing glassware for a team, don’t overcomplicate it. A reliable setup usually looks like this:

  • Tumblers first (daily use, always needed)

  • Stemware next (for events and special moments)

  • Specialty pieces last (only if your workplace or event style calls for it)

And once you’ve got the basics? That’s where customization comes in. Coordinated Team Drinkware—especially with your logo or design—turns simple drink time into subtle branding people see every day.


Customize Team Drinkware with Craft Clothing

Whether you’re planning for office use, giveaways, or events, custom drinkware helps your team look cohesive and feel like they’re part of something bigger.

Explore Team Drinkware and start creating pieces your people will actually love using—day after day.