When it comes to merch, you may think of it as something auxiliary—unimportant and a non-driver of the bottom line. But not only is merch an amazing marketing tool, it’s a way to position your brand outside of your products to drive loyalty and engagement, and reach new customers in new ways. Merch helps build hype and buzz around your brand and products, but there’s a way to do it poorly that will actually damage your brand; whereas, well-done merch has the power to elevate it exponentially.

Need ideas for brand merch? These are the top trends we’re seeing this year.

Transparent, Concert-Ready BagsSomething no one wants to buy, but everyone needs—a perfect sweet spot for your brand to solve a problem while playing into your customer’s lifestyle. Compact, transparent bags are required at most festival and concert venues, but finding one that works (and fits in with personal style) is no easy feat. Brands can capitalize on this by creating their own in bold colors with fun details. No boring clear bags, here.

Insanely Clean’s limited edition festival bag ties in the brand’s transparent packaging identity effortlessly.

Wearables with a MessageHats, sweatshirts, totes, socks—these are all obvious solutions when you’re considering creating merch. But there’s an easy way to make your pieces more than just walking billboards with a logo slapped on. In fact, you can further advertise your specific products by creating a powerful message that resonates both with users and passerby, while still representing what you actually sell.

Tower28’s Save Our Seas Sweatshirt creates an ethically backed message representing their best-selling SOS Spray.

Brand-Backed EssentialsIn a similar category of festival bags, these pieces can represent things consumers want and need but don’t necessarily want to buy. Think: phone cases and jibbitz for their Crocs (looking at you, Gen Z!). These pieces effortlessly integrate into your customers lifestyle, serving as a daily—if not more frequent—reminder of their favorite brands. Plus, they’re a way to solve a problem for your customer, as well as offering an element of surprise and delight.

Hailey Bieber’s Rhode brand created a phone case with a custom element to hold their signature Lip Treatment.

Product-Adjacent PowerhousesOne final way to make your brand even better in your customers’ eyes is to create products that elevate the way they use your products. Whether it’s through a makeup bag (but be extra thoughtful with this one as it’s a supersaturated option), a specially crafted skincare tool to make application easier, or even custom brushes that make your product lay just right, these not only offer solutions to common problems, but show that you are a true expert in your field, and want your product experience to be more sophisticated than the competition.

UBeauty created a custom applicator to evenly apply their best-selling SPF.

To learn more about creating unique soft goods for your brand, schedule a complimentary consultation today. Our product experts and brand strategists are here to help you come up with ideas that stand out, connect with your customer, and come to life effortlessly.