When you shop around for fashionable items to wear, you pay attention to them, right? You want the details, you see the details, and you judge based on what you want, right? Well, branded merch should be something people actually want to wear, not just another sad giveaway item destined for the bottom of a drawer.
But what’s the problem? Well, too many small businesses slap a logo on a plain T-shirt and call it a day. That’s not how it works. No one is excited to buy a walking advertisement. People want merch that’s fun, stylish, and actually worth wearing outside the house.
Seriously just think about some of the most iconic fashion trends, personality was everything, right? Actually, even when it comes to Y2K fashion, for example, wasn’t just clothing. It was a statement. Those embroidered shirts had something to say, whether it was a ridiculous slogan (sometimes funny, sometimes relatable), an over-the-top graphic (that people went crazy for), or even a rhinestone-covered masterpiece.
They were bold, fun, and impossible to ignore. Like, what happened to that? That’s the kind of energy merch should have. It should make people excited to wear it, not feel like they’re just doing a business a favor.
You’re Competing with Everyone
And here’s the kicker, maybe you already knew this, but everyone is selling merch now. No, really, a lot of people are using this as some “side hustle” to maximize profits. For example, local businesses, YouTubers, influencers, and even podcasters with a niche following are pushing their own branded apparel.
That means the competition is fierce. So a basic logo tee isn’t going to cut it when people can buy something cooler from their favorite content creator or the trendy local café down the street. If your merch doesn’t bring the vibes, the personality, or the style, it’s getting left behind. Plain and simple. So, something boring isn’t going to work out so what can you do to make your merch, well, better?
Give People a Reason to Wear It
Nobody wakes up thinking, I need more bland T-shirts with a logo slapped on the chest. People want clothing that reflects their personality, their humor, or their interests. That’s why merch that taps into culture, trends, or nostalgia sells way better than something that just screams, “Please advertise my business for free.”
Again, just go ahead and take inspiration from Y2K shirts, the kind that people wore because they were fun, cheeky, or straight-up iconic. They weren’t afraid to be loud. They were conversation starters. They made people laugh, think, or feel something. That’s exactly what merch should do. If it doesn’t spark a reaction, why would anyone choose to wear it?
Make It Stylish, Not Promotional
There’s a fine line between merch and work uniforms. But the difference? Well, work uniforms exist because employees have to wear them. Merch exists because people want to. Seriously, there is such a big difference here! If a design looks like it belongs at a corporate staff meeting, it’s probably not going to fly off the shelves.
Now, you need to understand that merch should be stylish enough to stand on its own. Meaning cool graphics, clever designs, or even an inside joke make a piece of clothing instantly more appealing. Small businesses can take inspiration from streetwear, vintage styles, or niche aesthetics to create something that actually looks good.
Besides, a well-designed shirt with a nostalgic reference or a hilarious phrase will always have more appeal than one that just shouts the company name in block letters.
Create Limited Editions That Feel Exclusive
Merch loses its appeal when it feels mass-produced. People don’t want something that everyone else has, they want something that feels special. That’s why limited-edition merch always gets more attention.
Just think about it: a shirt that’s always available? Well, there’s no urgency. But a cool, one-time drop with a unique design? For the most part, people will jump on that. Whether it’s a seasonal release, a collaboration with a local artist, or a design celebrating a special event, limited-edition merch makes customers actually care about getting their hands on it.
Make It Feel Personal
People love things that feel made for them, not just for a business. You really need to remember that! So, custom designs, clever phrases, or nods to niche communities make merch way more appealing. Again, circle back to the Y2K trend, people adored those shirts.
A coffee shop, for example, could make merch with funny caffeine-related slogans instead of just their logo (the ones who target a younger crowd tend to do this anyway). A skate shop could drop shirts that reference inside jokes from the skating community. When people see something that speaks directly to their interests, they’re way more likely to grab it.
Quality Over Quantity
A huge mistake small businesses make? Well, it’s choosing the cheapest merch possible. You’ve got stiff fabric, cheap prints, and awkward fits that don’t just make people regret buying, they make them never wear it again. But on the flip side, high-quality merch turns first-time buyers into repeat customers. A soft yet stylish piece? Well, that becomes a favorite. And when people love a piece of clothing, they wear it everywhere, unintentionally marketing the brand with zero effort.
Besides, people will always pay more for quality, especially if the design is something they genuinely like. Instead of printing 500 cheap tees that no one wants, investing in a smaller batch of well-made, well-designed merch will always be a better move.
Think Beyond T-Shirts
Sure T-shirts are great, but merch doesn’t have to stop there. You’ve got hoodies, tote bags, hats, and even accessories that can all be part of a well-rounded merch collection. Besides, variety gives people more options and increases the chances they’ll find something they love.
Actually, tote bags, for example, are one of the most practical pieces of merch a small business can offer. People actually use them. Such as for grocery shopping, carrying books, or commuting, a well-designed tote gets seen by tons of people, making it an incredibly effective branding tool. Hoodies have a similar effect and they don’t really go out of style either.
