If you’re planning to develop a new notebook product line or create a custom notebook for your company, understanding the notebook styles that consumers prefer in 2025 is essential. While tastes in aesthetics and writing experience continue to evolve, market demand for notebooks has remained remarkably stable. In recent years, notebooks have shifted from simple writing tools to items that support personalized journaling, lifestyle rituals, effective planning, and time management.
Every element of a custom notebook matters: the paper type influences the writing experience, the binding method affects how the notebook opens and lays flat, and the cover material shapes both the look and durability. In this article, we will break down the key specifications behind some of the most popular notebooks in 2025. By understanding their structure and design choices, you can gather valuable insights for creating a notebook that perfectly aligns with your brand.
Leuchtturm1917 Weekly Planner & Notebook A5
Leuchtturm1917 philosophy focuses on functionality, organization, and the joy of writing. Numbered pages, archival-quality paper, and practical layouts make their notebooks ideal tools for planning, documenting, and preserving ideas with clarity and structure.
This A5(145 × 210 mm) notebook is designed for portability, making it easy to carry and record ideas anytime. Its 80gsm paper is a classic and reliable choice for writing, and the brand’s use of acid-free paper enhances smoothness and durability. According to user feedback, its performance with fountain pens—especially in terms of bleed-through—is even better than Moleskine. The hardcover version offers a more premium look and feel, making it more popular than the softcover option, and the dotted layout is particularly suitable for users who rely on weekly or monthly planning. With a thread-bound construction and approximately 249–251 pages, the notebook can lay completely flat and even bend back, providing a comfortable writing experience in any setting. It also comes with popular notebook accessories such as a back pocket, bookmarks, and elastic band for easy writing.
Paperblanks Restoration Midi Hardcover Journal
Paperblanks notebook is designed as a piece of art, reflecting creativity, sentiment, and the timeless value of handwriting. Because Paperblanks positions its products as collectible pieces, this notebook carries a sense of weight and craftsmanship. It uses 120gsm acid-free paper, which is said to last up to 200 years. The paper is thick, dense, and highly resistant to ink bleed-through. With a size of 130 × 180 mm, and designed for a different target audience as Leuchtturm1917, Paperblanks typically features ruled pages that are ideal for writing and journaling. Functional details such as an interior pocket, ribbon bookmark, and magnetic closure bring the notebook back to its practical roots.
What makes this notebook one of the most popular choices is its unmistakable aesthetic. The cover design is inspired by an antique volume created by the historical “Queens’ Binder A,” featuring metallic linework and deep indigo floral patterns that cover the entire surface. This design perfectly reflects the brand’s philosophy of treating notebooks as works of art.
Moleskine 18‑Month Weekly Planner (2025/2026)
Moleskine’s philosophy is rooted in minimalism, portability, and creative freedom. Designed to be simple yet iconic, their notebooks serve as companions for thinkers, travelers, and professionals. This Moleskine notebook comes in a smaller size, approximately 90 × 140 mm, making it highly portable. It features 70gsm acid-free paper, which feels smooth to the touch, but its ink-handling performance is often criticized—especially by fountain-pen users—as the ink may show slight bleed-through or feathering. If you primarily write with fountain pens, this is an important factor to consider.
The notebook uses a glued-and-thread spine binding, a common construction method for standard notebooks. It also includes Moleskine’s signature functional elements: an elastic band closure, a ribbon marker, and an inner back pocket. With its iconic minimalist design and premium price point, this classic Moleskine appeals to consumers seeking a sense of identity, style, and emotional satisfaction in their notebook choice.
Field Notes Original Kraft 3‑Pack Notebook
This Field Notes Original Kraft 3‑Pack Notebook is rooted in pure utilitarianism, vintage aesthetics, and dependable functionality. Measuring approximately 89 × 140 mm, it is perfectly sized for everyday carry. The cover is made from eco-friendly kraft paper, paired with 90g grid Finch pages inside. Both its appearance and price point make it an accessible choice for anyone who wants to jot down quick thoughts without hesitation.
The notebook uses a saddle-stitched binding, which naturally limits the page count to 48 pages. This style of notebook serves as a strong reference for brands seeking to create durable, reliable, and highly practical notebook options.
Muji A6 Double Ring Lined Notebook with Strap
Muji believes that a notebook should be simple, functional, and accessible. It’s a quiet tool that supports everyday organization.This Muji notebook also comes in a practical A6 size, making it suitable for students and professionals who need a compact tool for quick notes, meeting minutes, idea capture, or travel journaling. The twin-ring binding allows the notebook to lay completely flat for comfortable writing, and it contains 40 sheets of high-quality recycled paper. Across major social media platforms, users consistently praise its smooth writing experience. With its simple, undecorated cover and absence of prominent branding, the notebook embodies Muji’s philosophy of balance and minimalism. Its reliable quality and affordable price have helped it remain a long-standing favorite among everyday users.
What These Popular Notebooks Reveal for Custom Notebook Development?
For businesses, understanding these structural and material choices offers valuable guidance when creating your own custom notebook. Xinyi Printing is a leading printing manufacturer specializing in custom-binding books and notebooks, publications, and commercial printing, providing premium, tailored services for global businesses.We perfer to provide the professional suggestion for your custom notebooks.
By examining these five iconic and best-selling notebooks, several clear trends emerge for anyone planning to develop a new product line or create a custom notebook for their brand. Consumers in 2025 consistently value smooth writing experiences, practical sizes, durable binding methods, and thoughtful details that enhance daily planning or personal journaling.A key pattern also becomes evident:
the more premium the notebook, the more likely it is to use heavier paper, smoother writing surfaces, and refined accessories that meet users’ emotional and aesthetic expectations. On the other hand, notebooks designed for accessibility and everyday convenience tend to favor simpler binding, fewer pages, and minimalistic covers—solutions that support quick, on-the-go note-taking.
For businesses, understanding these structural and material choices offers valuable guidance when creating your own custom notebook. Xinyi Printing is a leading printing manufacturer specializing in custom-binding books and notebooks, publications, and commercial printing, providing premium, tailored services for global businesses.We perfer to provide the professional suggestion for your custom notebooks.
