{"id":105454,"date":"2025-07-29T12:10:52","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T11:10:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=105454"},"modified":"2025-07-29T12:11:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T11:11:39","slug":"best-merch-ideas-for-musicians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/best-merch-ideas-for-musicians\/","title":{"rendered":"Best merch ideas for musicians"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Image credits: Igor Starkov<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking to boost your income and connect with fans? Want to start selling merch? Here are the top merch items every artist should consider selling.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Merch is a smart way to make money, grow your brand, and stay connected to your audience. Whether you\u2019re gigging locally or building an international fanbase, the right merch can make a big impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merch doesn\u2019t only bring in more revenue though. Think of it like this: every fan wearing your shirt or using your mug is promoting your music, for free. When fans buy your merch, they\u2019re investing in you. For superfans<\/a> especially, they want to engage with you on a deeper level and merch is a way to keep a piece of your music with them every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you can always sell physical formats like vinyl<\/a> or CDs<\/a>. However, this post dives into non-music merch. It focuses on the wearable, usable, everyday items that fans love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s break down the top-selling merch options<\/a> right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credits: Billie Eilish Store<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The top 5 best-selling merch options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

T-Shirts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

T-shirts are a classic fan favourite. They\u2019re easy to produce, simple to pack for shows, and always in demand. Fans love wearing them to gigs, festivals, or just out-and-about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need inspiration? Think logos, tour dates, album art, or clever designs inspired by your lyrics. Even a minimal design can be effective if it\u2019s on-brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credits: Billie Eilish Store<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hoodies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Almost one-upping t-shirts, hoodies are a more premium option for musicians to sell to fans. Design them in a similar way you would a t-shirt, but maybe lean into more exclusive designs and styles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hoodies cost more to produce and for fans to buy, but they can also bring in a bigger return. Don\u2019t be surprised if they sell less. But, if your hoodies sell well, it could be worth expanding into other clothing like sweatpants or crewnecks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hats<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits: Billie Eilish Store<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Caps, beanies, or bucket hats are cost-effective and appeal to a wide range of fans. One-size-fits-all makes things simple, and their compact size means they\u2019re easy to bring to shows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hats work well with subtle designs. Think small logos or simple phrases. They also make great entry-level merch for fans on a budget that still want to show their support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bags<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Tote bags are stylish, eco-friendly, and super practical. Whether fans are heading to school, the shops, or a show, your tote can go with them on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credits: Billie Eilish Store<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lightweight and easy to carry to gigs, totes are another fairly budget-friendly option. Keep the design simple, clean, and tied to your artist brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinkware<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Mugs, tumblers, and water bottles might not be the first merch idea that comes to mind, but they\u2019re surprisingly popular. Everyone needs a go-to mug, and if it has your logo or artwork on it? Even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinkware is best sold online rather than at shows (no one wants to carry a mug around all night). However, they\u2019re functional and offer a great way to get your brand into fans\u2019 homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips to maximise merch success<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make it look good<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Design is everything. Your merch should feel like an extension of your music and brand. Fans are more likely to buy items that look stylish and feel meaningful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s often best to use design ideas that directly relate to your music. Use album artwork, lyrics, or your artist logo to keep things authentic. Even consider collaborating with a designer to help take your ideas to the next level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The design possibilities are endless, but it\u2019s essential your merch looks good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start small, see what works<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to go all in right away. Try offering a few different items to see what sells best. Maybe your fans love hats more than hoodies. Lean into that. It\u2019s useful information for future drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider doing limited releases to build hype, while also reducing waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider the cost<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Merch can be expensive to produce, especially if you\u2019re going to buy it all upfront when you start out. Print-on-demand options are a good way to avoid bulk orders and high costs early on, just look at SoundCloud\u2019s recent print-on-demand vinyl service<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SoundCloud is helping artists sell vinyl without any upfront costs<\/a><\/blockquote>