As always, we’re committed to helping brands create better branded merch. With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to update your inventory. Some might think shelving your hoodies and fleece means less options for custom apparel, but we look at it as an opportunity to stand out in the sea of generic online stores. To help you out, here’s a list of our top custom apparel items for your Summer 2024 catalog.
1. AS Colour Heavy Tee
A staple for any season, this tee is our #1 recommendation for any brand’s custom apparel line. The heavy weight and relaxed fit makes this shirt feel more like a high-end boutique item rather than a basic promotional t-shirt. Commonly used by various streetwear brands, you’ll fit in with popular apparel brands and stand out from other screen printed merch. Not to mention, they age beautifully with wash and wear unlike other low-cost apparel options which are prone to holes and stretching. As with all of the items on this list, we offer custom embroidery or screen printing to fit your aesthetic.
2. LA Apparel Classic Garment Dyed Tank
Tanks are a staple for the Summer, especially if you live in a warmer climate like our home base in Austin, TX. However, there’s a fine line between fashionable and fugly in tank tops. The cut and weight of a tank makes all the difference. With a loose fit around the arms and neckline, this unisex tank top feels more like a thoughtful addition to your wardrobe rather than an unflattering top you grab to mow the lawn.
3. AS Colour Beach Short
Don’t stop at tops for your branded Summer merch. We also knock it out of the park when it comes to screen printing or embroidering your designs on shorts! This beach short comes in at a short (but not too short) 7” inseam perfect for any outdoor activity. The lightweight material will keep things cool and comfortable throughout even the hottest summer days. The 9 colors available are also perfectly on trend to coordinate with any wardrobe.
4. AS Colour Stadium Short
Another option we recommend is the AS Colour Stadium Short. These clock in a little longer than the previous shorts at a 9” inseam. While the Beach Short is more lightweight, these midweight shorts have a thicker feel. With several color options, you’re set to add a few variants to your custom apparel line.
5. AS Colour Class 5 Panel Cap
What’s a Summer collection without a cap? Our most popular classic 5 panel pick comes with sturdy metal clasps and a high quality feel. Perfect for custom embroidery, this cap will easily become a staple addition to your brand’s merch line.
6. AS Colour Class Two-Tone Cap
If you want to step outside of the box a bit, we highly recommend this two-tone cap from AS Colour. With several color options, you can make your merch stand out even more by creating coordinating designs. Bonus points if your brand’s palette matches one of the colors. You could easily have an iconic addition to your collection recognizable from anywhere.
7. LA Apparel Baby Rib Crop Tee
As we all know, the 2000’s style is back in full swing. In addition to low-rise jeans, baby tees dominated the streets being worn by several celebrities and fashion icons. Our top pick from LA Apparel has an incredibly soft feel with a mid-cropped length. Perfect for summer days and festivals, this item is one of our top custom apparel for Summer picks. You’re definitely going to want to add this tee to your next launch.
8. LA Apparel Rib Spaghetti Mini Dress
Like we said previously, we believe in creating better branded merch that goes beyond generic. That’s why we’re recommending this ribbed spaghetti mini dress from LA Apparel for your Summer 2024 collection. With a thick 100% cotton ribbed construction, this dress will be a standout option for any apparel line. Customize it with a unique embroidery or screen printed design that perfectly fits your brand’s style.
9. LA Apparel Essentials Tote
The tote bag has always been a staple for the everyday commuter. Think of brands like The New Yorker and L.L. Bean that defined their branding with a universally recognizable bag. It’s easy to go for the basic promotional totes you get at a trade show or retreat, only for them to end up in the trash at the end of the weekend. This spacious essentials tote gives you the chance to create the next “it bag” with your own iconography. Rather than choosing a low quality promo bag that won’t see the light of day, we encourage you to try out a more sustainable option sure to be seen out in the wild.
10. LA Apparel Bull Denim Tote
Another tote we’re obsessed with is the Bull Denim Tote from LA Apparel. Coming in a surprising variety of 12 dyed colors, this bag is highly customizable to fit almost any design. While this bag carries a higher price tag due to its top quality material, you’ll be sure to stand out from other brands’ generic promo bags. Unlike less sustainable options, the 100% bull denim fabric adds longevity to this tote that can last a decade. Get creative with your embroidery or screen print designs to make a custom bag no one can leave home without!
Bonus Merch to Consider:
If you really want to get creative with your Summer merch, don’t limit yourself to only apparel. While our team delivers out of this world screen printed and embroidered apparel, we always encourage brands to get more custom to stand out. We specialize in creating all sorts of branded goods, including items made from scratch. Here are some of our more “out of the box” ideas we’d be happy to help you bring to life.
1. Custom Beach Towels
What’s a summer list without including this popular beach must-have? Some of our favorite brands like Liquid Death have totally stepped up the custom merch game. Their custom beach towels sold out before we could even blink which goes to show how successful they can be in your Summer launch. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, opt in for a cozy beach blanket as well!
2. Custom Hair Scrunchies
A more niche accessory pick, scrunchies give your brand the option to design iconic patterns and color ways. Whether they’re up in a pony or worn around the wrist, scrunchies are a less thought of merch idea with great potential to be this summer’s hottest accessory.
3. Custom Pool Floats
Pool floats are another staple for any fun in the sun event. Whether you opt in for a standard shape with your logo or a cheeky custom design, the opportunities are endless. With all of the possible customization options, branded pool floats have the potential to fit virtually any brand’s aesthetic. You could become this season’s most sought after float with enough brainstorming and creativity appearing at events throughout the entire season.
4. Custom Drinkware
We’re not talking about the standard plastic cups that somehow multiply overnight in your kitchen cabinets. Go a step above with high quality water bottles, groovy custom cocktail glasses, or even a sneaky flask. There’s so much potential in branded drinkware to help your brand become the talk of the party.
5. Custom Koozies
How can you have a cold one with the boys when your drink isn’t cold? Koozies are an excellent swag option for company giveaways or additions to a brand’s online store. Ours are fully customizable and available in different sizes for seltzers, cans, etc. This low-cost product can make a huge impact in terms of brand visibility and customer engagement. They’re also great for lifestyling your brand, helping you resonate with your audience.
Thank you for visiting our blog! We hope this article inspires you to elevate your custom apparel for Summer to a new level. There are endless possibilities for you to try out, and encourage all of our clients to step outside of the generic.
As a full stack merch company, we’d love to work with you on your next collection. In addition to our merch production, we also offer top notch design services for brands looking for a revamp. From start to finish, we aim to provide top quality goods you won’t find from other custom apparel and merchandise companies. No idea is too outlandish, and we’re here to make it happen. If you have any questions or projects coming up, fill out our quote form, and one of our sales reps will get back to you ASAP.
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Keep it Mello!