Selling band merch is a powerful way to connect with fans and make your music a more profitable venture.
From preparing for your next gig to launching your own online store, Printify streamlines the entire process.
Ready to rock your merch game? Explore these creative band merch ideas and design examples to get started.
Key takeaways
- Popular items like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and posters remain fan favorites, making them staple merch offerings.
- Designing creative and unique items helps differentiate your band from others in the genre.
- Digital merch offers fans an easy, affordable way to support your band and engage with exclusive content.
- Printify simplifies the process of designing and selling band merch with no upfront costs, empowering musicians to focus on creating amazing band artwork.
What makes good band merch?
It’s not just about slapping a logo on a t-shirt – it’s about creating items fans genuinely want to wear, use, and show off.
To create band merch that connects with your supporters and embodies your band’s identity, consider these essential tips:
Define your brand and audience
Establish a strong brand identity and understand your fan base. The merch should reflect your band’s unique style.
Ensure quality
Fans are more likely to invest in merch that not only looks great but is also made to last.
Focus on design
Create eye-catching graphics and slogans, and draw inspiration from your own favorite bands for creative ideas and marketing strategies.
Understand fan preferences
Ask fans which products they’d love to see and use their feedback to guide your merch designs.
Think outside the box
Offer original items that reflect your own music and create a distinctive band slogan or theme that ties your merch together.
Maximize your exposure
Generate buzz for your creative band merch with engaging social media posts and behind-the-scenes content.
Promote your merch store across all platforms and place a bulk order before shows so fans can purchase directly at the venue.
24 Custom band merch ideas for musicians and artists
Our Product Catalog offers a vast range of unique print-on-demand (POD) items to help you create one-of-a-kind, scalable merch for your band.
Use our free Merch Maker to design custom graphics or enhance existing ones, transforming your ideas into custom physical merch in minutes.
Popular band merch ideas
We’re starting the list with some timeless fan favorites that’ll help you make a lasting impact.
From iconic t-shirts to versatile accessories, let’s go over the classics.
1. T-shirts
Selling t-shirts in your merch lineup is a great way to promote your music and build a scalable physical merch collection.
Choose the best t-shirts to sell and create custom designs that fans will proudly wear to concerts and beyond.
Whether it’s classic crew necks, trendy cropped band tees, or comfy oversized t-shirts, these staples offer a versatile canvas for bringing your band shirt ideas to life.
Merch example:
2. Hoodies
From classic pullovers to zip-up hoodies, these cozy garments are perfect for fans who want something with a bit more warmth and versatility.
Popularized by rock legends like the Rolling Stones and Queen, band hoodies have become timeless staples lining the stands at music festivals and typically sell at a significantly higher price point than other merch.
Customize these high-value merch items with bold designs, tour dates, album artwork, or your band logo to create a long-lasting piece of merch that fans will wear everywhere.
Merch example:
3. Hats
Whether for rocking out in the pit or sunlit boardwalk strolls, hats are must-have merch items for any band store.
Our Catalog has various styles, from baseball caps and beanies to dad hats with leather patches, meaning there’s something for every fan.
Customize hats with your band’s logo in bold embroidery or vibrant prints to create a standout accessory that fans will love. Get inspired by legendary bands from previous eras or introduce new designs that match your music.
Merch example:
4. Tote bags
Some of the best ideas for band merch are simple and convenient, acting as walking billboards for your upcoming music and live shows.
Our tote bags offer ample space for daily essentials and are available in various design options, from sturdy canvas to trendy all-over prints.
Experiment with colors and materials, like polyester or organic cotton, to create tote bags that are both stylish and functional.
Merch example:
5. Posters
Posters will never go out of style, whether you feature a list of tour dates, album covers, your band’s logo, or seasonal designs for your next gig. Plus, signed posters are perfect for giveaways and act as limited-edition art pieces.
No matter your band style, our Catalog offers basic art prints for a DIY look, premium matte posters for fine art prints, or top-of-the-line framed posters in beautiful minimalist styles.
We print all artwork with state-of-the-art inks to achieve vibrant colors and long-lasting quality that will make a bold statement on any wall.
Merch example:
Cool band merch ideas
Cover your physical and digital merch table in the coolest band merch fans have ever seen, making it impossible to walk away empty-handed.
From decorations to everyday essentials, here are some impressive band merch options to offer.
6. Pins
Enamel pins are a classic, collectible merch item that fans can display on their bags, jackets, or hats.
Small yet impactful, these tiny accessories sell at a decent price point and are great for placing your band’s logo or other designs.
Pins are also an easy addition to any merch stand or online store and will perfectly complement your core product line.
Merch example:
7. Stickers
Custom stickers are a great idea for every musician. They’re a timeless fan favorite for covering any surface with awesome designs from their favorite bands.
There are multiple sticker types to consider, including high-durability vinyl stickers, die-cut stickers shaped around a particular image, holographic stickers, and multi-packs.
Best of all, stickers are easy to design and keep costs low even with bulk orders, letting you experiment and test out different band logo designs.
Merch example:
8. Socks
Step up your merch game with cozy custom socks covered in vibrant album art, handwritten lyrics, quirky band references, or immersive patterns.
Play with eye-catching prints in bold colors, abstract graphics, or even your band’s logo.
They’re the perfect blend of fun and functional, turning a wardrobe essential into a cherished accessory.
Merch example:
9. Bottles and tumblers
Fans will love them for their practicality, whether to stay hydrated at a concert or sip coffee on the go.
With options like stainless steel water bottles, insulated tumblers, or travel mugs, easily showcase your band’s logo, tour art, or other unique designs.
Reusable water bottles are eco-friendly, durable, and customizable, making them both an excellent merch idea and a practical keepsake that will stand the test of time.
Merch example:
10. Journals and notebooks
Create merch for note-taking and story-telling while featuring bold cover designs inspired by your latest album, song lyrics, or iconic moments.
We have custom notebooks and journals in various formats, including softcover, hardcover, and spiral-bound. It’s the perfect item for fans to express themselves, all while drawing inspiration from your music.
Merch example:
Creative band merch ideas
To add originality to your product offering, consider selling creative merch items that are both practical and memorable.
From blankets to scarves, these merch ideas will provide fans with new ways to connect with your music while standing out from other fanbases.
Let’s look at some innovative band merchandise ideas.
11. Pet bowls
Perfect for fans with furry companions, pet bowls are a unique way to feature your band’s logo, album art, or creative pet-friendly designs.
Available in different sizes and materials like ceramic or stainless steel, pet bowls are a playful way to let your fans’ four-legged friends join the fandom in style.
Merch example:
12. Ping pong balls
Take your band merch to the next level with custom ping pong balls, perfect for fans who love a casual game or a friendly round of beer pong.
Whether as a standalone item or part of a set, feature your band’s logo, album artwork, or song lyrics. They’re a truly unique addition to any merch lineup that’ll liven up fans’ game nights or listening parties.
Merch example:
13. Puzzles
Turn your album art and band imagery into a fun challenge for fans with custom puzzles.
They are an engaging and interactive way to connect with your audience while also providing a keepsake for fans to display once completed.
With varying difficulty levels and piece counts, puzzles are a creative merch idea that lets fans immerse themselves in your band’s visuals while enjoying a rewarding challenge.
Merch example:
14. Can coolers
Perfect for summer festivals or backyard barbecues, custom can coolers offer fans a fun and useful way to support your band.
Insulated sleeves keep drinks at the perfect temperature while displaying your band’s logo and tour-inspired graphics, making them a must-have at your concert merch table.
Our can coolers are also lightweight, affordable, and designed to fit most drink cans and bottles, making them great for any occasion.
Merch example:
15. Scarves
Add some flair to your merch lineup with custom scarves featuring your band’s name, album artwork, or more unique designs.
Scarves give your fans a cozy, stylish way to show off their love for your band while staying warm at outdoor shows and festivals.
Merch example:
Unique band merch ideas
Step outside music industry norms with unusual band merch that catches the eye.
Offering distinct, memorable items gives fans something special to take home and helps your band stand out.
16. Baby onesies
Add a playful touch to your merch lineup with custom baby onesies that empower your tiniest fans and their parents to share their love for your band.
Baby onesies make fun and memorable merch that appeals to families and long-time fans who have grown with your band over the years.
Customize them with adorable designs, witty band-inspired phrases, or kid-friendly versions of your album artwork.
Merch example:
17. Scented candles
Bring a sensory element to your merch with custom scented candles that evoke the right mood while fans hear songs from your newest album.
Whether inspired by the atmosphere of your latest work or specific song titles, candles offer a calming, immersive way for your audience to connect with your band beyond just the music.
Design personalized labels and choose from a variety of delicious scents like vanilla bean and cinnamon stick.
Merch example:
18. Mouse pads
Bring your musical imagery into fans’ everyday lives with custom mouse pads covered in album art or iconic symbols.
They’re simple yet effective merch items that give dedicated fans a way to rep their favorite band, even while working or gaming.
Merch example:
19. Flags
Custom flags are a bold and versatile merch option, giving fans the perfect way to wave their band loyalty, whether at home, concerts, or festivals.
Feature your band’s striking visuals on Printify’s eye-catching customizable flags, made from durable materials, to take your fandom to the next level.
Merch example:
20. License plates
Add a unique touch to your merch lineup with custom license plates that let fans flaunt their fandom – perfect for decorating cars, walls, or even their office cubicle.
Durable and eye-catching, custom license plates serve as a distinctive way to promote your band and offer a fun memento for your most dedicated fans.
Merch example:
Other musician merch ideas
21. Digital merch
Sell guitar tabs, new album artwork, sheet music, behind-the-scenes music videos, and even Spotify merch to give fans exclusive access to content.
Scalable digital merch offers an accessible and cost-effective way to engage with fans, empowering them to support your band virtually.
As your fan base grows, expand or update your offerings to maintain interest and drive ongoing revenue, whether through subscriptions or a new digital download.
Merch example:
22. Vinyl records
For fans who appreciate a classic music format and excellent sound, custom vinyl records are a must-have.
Feature your latest album or a collection of fan favorites with eye-catching album art and high-quality pressings.
With their rich sound quality and timeless appeal, vinyl records are perfect for collectors and fans who value a vintage experience.
Merch example:
23. Drumsticks or guitar picks
For the musically inclined, branded drumsticks or custom guitar picks make excellent, practical merch items.
Personalize them with your band’s logo or signature to offer fans a piece of performance gear to take home.
Merch example:
24. Handwritten lyrics or letters
These limited-edition items capture the essence of your creative process, giving fans a rare and intimate connection to your music.
Perfect for die-hard followers, these one-of-a-kind items offer sentimental value that goes beyond traditional merch.
How to start selling band merch with Printify
Design and sell custom merch with zero upfront costs and no inventory. Our network will print, package, and ship your custom band merch directly to your fans’ doorstep.
Follow this simple guide to create unique band products, add them to your music website or online store, and start promoting your merch to fans everywhere.
1. Sign up
Create a free account on Printify and unlock access to all the features you need to design and sell custom merch.
2. Select a product
Select a merch item from our Product Catalog. With over 900 items to choose from, narrow down your search using filters to find the perfect canvas.
3. Apply your designs
From the product page, click Start Designing to upload or create designs with our easy-to-use Product Creator.
Experiment with AI features, patterns, colors, and text to customize the product, ensuring it reflects your band’s personality. Adjust the placement and size of your graphics to achieve the perfect look.
4. Connect your store to Printify
Open a Printify Pop-Up Store or integrate your account with some of the most popular eCommerce platforms and marketplaces.
Develop your own band store with a website builder like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Squarespace, or start listing on a marketplace like eBay or Etsy.
5. Publish, promote, and profit
Select the products you’ve created and hit Publish to add the custom merch to your store.
Announce the merch launch through social media, sit back with your bandmates, and watch the sales start coming in.
FAQ
Band merch items like custom t-shirts, hoodies, hats, tote bags, and posters generally sell the most.
But don’t overlook creative and cool merch ideas like bottle openers, cozy throw blankets, and custom digital merch to discover options that will resonate with your audience.
Start making band merch in three simple steps:
- Sign up for a free Printify account.
- Choose products that align with your band’s style.
- Customize products and upload or create designs with our free Product Creator.
Once your products are ready, add them to your online store and promote them through social media and at shows to generate sales. Once a fan places an order, our Print Providers will print, package, and deliver the merch for you.
The cheapest merch is often products with low production costs and high perceived value.
Merch items like digital downloads, stickers, magnets, and pins are typically cost-effective and viable to produce in bulk without significant upfront investment, offering a good profit margin.
Absolutely! Creating your own merch lets you maintain creative control and makes sure that the products you sell reflect your band’s unique style.
Use high-quality original designs and a reliable print-on-demand service like Printify to make professional-looking merch that appeals to your audience.
Conclusion
Selling merch as a band or solo artist is a great way to add authenticity and enhance your image. It’s also easy to start since there’s no need to worry about inventory or shipping if you’re using a POD service.
Browse Printify for unique artist merchandise ideas and test out your designs with our Product Creator.
Create your own merch line and sell products with no initial investment today!
