Guides
Everything we wish every buyer knew before their first merch run: how decoration methods compare, what drives pricing, and how to pick blanks that match your brand. Written from production experience, not sales copy.
16 guides, or browse by topic below.
Getting started
- Clothing brand launch checklist: blanks to launchChoose blanks, prepare artwork, approve samples and plan a photoshoot for your clothing brand. A practical checklist from collection brief to launch.6 min read
- How to make merch: from idea to deliveryThe full playbook for making custom merch: artwork, picking blanks and a print method, the money math, and getting it produced without surprises.7 min read
- How to prepare print-ready artwork for merchFile formats, resolution, sizing, and color specs that get artwork approved on the first pass, plus the mistakes that stall production.6 min read
Decoration methods
- Screen printing vs DTG: which is right for you?How screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing compare on cost, color, feel, durability, and minimums, and how to pick the right method for your run.7 min read
- Embroidery vs screen printing: how to chooseHow embroidery and screen printing compare on finish, durability, cost structure, and design fit, plus a simple way to pick the right method.6 min read
Pricing & planning
- How much do custom hoodies cost?What drives custom hoodie pricing: blank quality, decoration method, print locations, and order size, plus practical ways to lower cost before you order.6 min read
- How much do custom t-shirts cost?What drives custom t-shirt pricing: blank weight, print method, ink colors, and quantity, plus practical ways to stretch the budget before you request a quote.6 min read
- T-shirt size breakdown for bulk ordersPlan a bulk t-shirt size breakdown with examples for 50, 100 and 250 shirts. Compare XS to 3XL quantities, collect real sizes and adjust for your audience.6 min read
- How long does custom merch take?Realistic custom merch timelines: lead times for blank and decorated orders, rush options, common delays, and how to plan backward from a firm date.5 min read
Blanks & quality
- Quarter-zip vs hoodie vs crewneck for team merchCompare quarter-zips, hoodies and crewnecks for team merch: neckline, layering, logo placement and fit, with catalog options and published project examples.6 min read
- Choosing blank apparel: weights, fits & fabricsWhat GSM fabric weights mean, how tubular and side-seamed construction differ, and how to match blank quality to your brand and budget before you print.8 min read
By audience
- Employee welcome kit checklist for new hiresPlan a new-hire merch order with a practical welcome kit checklist: pieces per person, sizes, artwork, arrival dates and reorder records. Includes a 30-person example.6 min read
- How to order school club & student-org merchPlan club merch around your arrival date: estimate headcount and budget, choose garments, collect actual sizes, prepare artwork, and confirm pricing and production.6 min read
- Startup swag people actually wearWhy most company swag ends up in a drawer, what teams actually keep wearing, and how to build a merch kit that works for onboarding, launches, and demo days.6 min read
- Demo day merch: what YC startups actually orderWhat four Y Combinator startups ordered for their batches, how fast founder-team runs really move, and how to plan merch backward from demo day.6 min read
- Hackathon swag ideas for participants and staffHackathon swag ideas for organizers: participant tees, staff and volunteer pieces, lanyards, prizes and sponsor items, plus how many to order and when.6 min read
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