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Creator success Design tips Insights Trend

Trending Merch for Summer 2023

Summer is sizzling and new trends have arrived. We know you want to keep sales flowing throughout the season, so check out the top trending products we’re seeing this summer below.

You can also jump straight to our summer collection here!

1. Tank Tops.

Women's Racerback Tank

Whether a classic, premium, women’s flowy tank, or women’s racerback tank, these tanks are always a seasonal go-to bestseller. Tanks are great for a walk in the park, hitting the gym, and other summer activities. With a feel-good design and the right color, this could easily become your hottest trending product. 

2. Beach Towel.

Sometimes it’s best not to reinvent the wheel and just go simple with essential summer products – give your fans exactly what they want! Beach towels lend themselves to beautiful, vivid designs. Leveraging the latest colors and trends along with your branding makes beach towels a sales-boosting addition to your Spring store.

3. Unisex Slides.

Black Slides

Slides are the centerpiece for beach days, pool parties, and summer outfits. 

We offer both black and white slides, and of course you can design with whatever colors you want within your designs. 

4. Swimsuits. 

All-Over Print Men's Swim Trunks

Vital for your summer catalog, this outdoor must-have can turn heads at the beach or pool party while repping your brand.

5. Water Bottle.

20oz Stainless Water Bottle

Hydration is at the top of our to-do list, helping fans stay cool in the summer heat. Spring’s stainless steel bottle is good for the planet, and with a great design, like this one from cncdesignshop, it can be one of your bestsellers.

6. Tote Bag.

Weekender Tote

Different bags for different getaways. With the right designs, this could be the trendiest thing in your arsenal (to carry all your other trendy things!) All three totes are just waiting for your amazing designs. Check out this tote created by Inner Princess Journey for inspo!    

7. Fanny Packs.

Fanny Pack

Fanny packs are seriously back on trend and getting the respect they always deserved due to their safety and comfort––especially with the right design. So customize with your brand to match your tanks and tees and watch them sell like hotcakes. 

8. Hats.

Bucket Hat

Sometimes on vacay we want to remain conspicuous. Maybe you’re grocery shopping in Hawaii and don’t feel like making yourself presentable. Good problem to have. Offer your fans a variety of hats to choose from on your Spring Store. Low-key and fashionable––a great combination. And with a great logo, an even bigger seller. 

9. Spiral Notebook.

Notebook

If you’re looking for an underdog, look no further than a spiral notebook. It fits perfectly into that tote you just designed. And who doesn’t need a notebook lying around?

Of course your selling point can also be “Back to School” so hit your fans with it early to get ahead of the game. 

10. Pillows.

Indoor Pillow

A summer-themed pillow is a great seasonal addition to the home, and one that can be used year after year. Why not offer a variety of on-brand options? Fans might buy more than one! 

11. Tees.

Classic Crew Neck Comfortsoft T-Shirt

Tees are never out of trend and are the bread and butter of summer apparel. Tie-dye and spiral designs are popular right now, but so are the classic graphic tees, like this one by French Bulldog. Sell them to fans and design a matching one for their pet! 

12. Athletic Joggers.

All-Over Print Joggers

Summer is about dressing down. We secretly love being able to casually dial it back and joggers are the perfect start. Active people (especially in the summer) aim for comfort, even while working (from home). It’s the perfect merch to give your fans for their daily activities throughout the summer and into the fall.

13. Wine Tumbler.

Wine Tumbler

Come on. Admit it. Many of us want to just kick our feet up after a long day with a glass of wine. But in this case, it’s a wine tumbler! Watch your fans toast their friends with your custom-designed wine tumblers after a long summer day. 

14. Leggings.

Leggings

Leggings have become a year-round staple. Sporty, relaxing, and form-fitting fabric for almost any outing. They’re sure to be a summer hit with your fans, especially with an all-over print that stands out.

15. Shorts.

All-Over Print Men's Jersey Shorts

You will undoubtedly need to pick up your design game to compete with this retail favorite. Shorts are the hottest sellers, but also the most competitive market. That’s definitely where the all-over print comes in. You can go a number of routes with the design––a logo that’s toned down accompanied by iconic graphics, like these shorts from Be L3gendary, or sleek patterns. 

With these summer staples you will be combining style and comfort so your fans can enjoy workouts, daily activities, or just lazy summer days. 

16. Unisex Fabric Backpack.

Backpack

Custom-designed backpacks are popular in summer, especially as many of us are out and about again: hiking, road trips, and other activities will be more fun with your epic designs.

And there you have it: 16 trending products to launch your merch store into the stratosphere. Create & design early and often. But don’t forget to have some fun in the sun, as well by ordering samples and showing them off on your socials! 

Categories
Design tips News Trend

Tips for Creating Best Selling Pride Merch

We’re holding our first annual Pride Design Challenge—with prizes awarded to the best-designed Pride merch. 

Here’s the lowdown:

  • Contest is open to all creators—anyone can participate!
  • Challenge runs from 5/10 – 5/31 (winner announced 5/31)
  • Winner is chosen from a panel of our professional designers
  • Must use the word “Pride” in your product titles 
  • Prizes include:

Launch products that celebrate Pride Month to be eligible to compete and boost sales. [Stat amount] of Pride merch was bought last year!

Now let’s talk merch design! Pride Month is right around the corner. Here’s a refresher on tips for creating designs your fans will love:

  • Cater your message to your fans’ interests. “Pride Month” is a broad category. Which messaging will resonate with your fans, specifically? What is in line with your brand voice? You’ll want to have visuals and slogans that will speak to your fans’ interests. To determine what that is, interact with them directly on your socials, either through polls or by asking feedback in the comments––it helps build a relationship and makes fans feel like they helped create the merch that they are going to eventually buy.
  •  Get Inspired! This is the fun part! After determining your message, it’s time to execute. Check out our pride shop for inspiration and ideas. If you’re having “designer’s block,” you can find a designer to create for you. For top-quality designs that are affordable, check out the professional design services being offered exclusively to Spring creators.[link] Be sure to explain what you want in a clear way and provide as many details as possible (such as your aesthetic, preferred font style, color scheme, etc). 
  • Choose the products that will best showcase your design. Once your designs are finalized, you’ll need to place them on products! What will look good? Is your design big and bold, best for a t-shirt or hoodie? Or is it small and simple and best for a hat or tumbler? Lastly, which products will actually be useful to your fans during Pride Month? Tees and pendants are great for events and marches. Spring has an expanded catalog of products for you to choose from! Be sure to order a sample, so you can see the product the way your customers will and then you can use that sample to promote your merch to your fans in social content. 
  • Start selling! Creating and selling merch is the key to creator success and with Spring, these steps are easy. If you want tips on how to generate more sales, check out our blog on creating and selling merch

Give your fans merch that showcases their Pride. When your brand is in line with their values, customers become loyal fans that generate revenue for you while spreading the word about your brand. 

Let’s get this Pride Design Challenge started!