Creating merch that employees will enjoy wearing is a real challenge. Employees often associate corporate t-shirts and hoodies with formal attire, rather than something they would want to wear on the weekend or on vacation. However, well-designed merch can boost team spirit, increase loyalty, and even become part of a company’s marketing strategy. Let’s take a look on how to make the one your folks will adore.
Why Quality Merch Matters
A study by BambooHR found that employees are 54% more proud of their work if they feel like they’re part of a team. And merch is a simple and affordable way to reinforce that feeling. Moreover, 85% of consumers say branded items strengthen their loyalty to a company, according to ASAP Promotions. So merch can be a great tool for both internal and external marketing.
Cool merch isn’t just something with a logo. It should be stylish, high-quality, and comfortable. Here are a few important criteria:
- Design and relevance. Minimalistic and versatile merch that doesn’t look like a “billboard” is trending right now. Companies are increasingly moving away from bulky logos and bright corporate colors. Subtle shades, stylish and simple prints that are suitable for everyday wear are in fashion. For example, a subtle logo or a small emblem on the sleeve or at the bottom of the product makes the item more versatile and desirable. Companies like Google and Slack are opting for minimalism and thoughtful design, turning corporate items into stylish wardrobe items that employees can wear even in everyday life.
- Quality of materials. Eco-friendly materials are currently popular when choosing fabrics: organic cotton, recycled polyester, and materials produced with minimal impact on the environment. Large companies such as Patagonia have long switched to organic cotton, which breathes and does not cause allergies, as well as recycled polyester, which makes the item durable and wear-resistant. Merino wool, which does not wrinkle and does not require frequent washing, is also becoming a fashionable trend. Such fabrics not only provide comfort, but also emphasize the company’s conscious approach to production and ecology, which is highly appreciated by employees, especially young professionals.
- Comfort. For example, Microsoft and HubSpot choose soft knitwear that not only looks attractive, but also withstands frequent washing, retaining its shape and color. Comfortable cut and correct sizing also affect how willing employees are to wear items with corporate symbols.
Let’s Create Merch That People Want To Wear
#1. Conduct a survey among employees
Understanding what employees like is half the battle. Ask them to choose from several designs, colors, and types of clothing. If you have a large company, you can do this through an anonymous survey to collect honest answers.
Case: At Dropbox, before ordering new merch, employees hold a vote where they choose the design and style. This not only allows them to take opinions into account, but also makes employees feel involved in the process.
#2. Invest in quality design
Quality merch should look stylish. Don’t skimp on designers and use free mockups from https://www.ls.graphics/free-mockups to see how the merch will look in real life. Some companies, such as Shopify, even hire designers from large agencies to create unique merchandise that stands out.
#3. Incorporate elements of corporate culture
Make the merch personalized by adding elements that employees will associate with their work. This can be not only a logo, but also recognizable company symbols. For example, Slack adds graphics from the application interface to merch, which looks unusual and attractive.
#4. Create things that are useful in everyday life
In addition to T-shirts and sweatshirts, think about other options: water bottles, stylish backpacks, reusable mugs. For example, Patagonia offers employees thermal mugs with a logo, which they are happy to take with them on hikes and to work.
Case: Salesforce produces not only clothes for employees, but also high-quality backpacks and laptop bags. Such items are used much more often in everyday life, which means the company’s brand is always visible.
Avoid Typical Mistakes
- Do not skimp on materials. Cheap T-shirts and caps with low-quality printing will only reduce loyalty. It is better to order fewer items, but with high quality.
- Do not make merch too corporate. A phrase like “Our mission is to conquer the world!” can make employees feel ashamed. Make sure that the merch looks stylish and neutral.
- Don’t force merch as a mandatory uniform element. Give employees the freedom to choose whether to wear it.
Final Word
Creating merch that employees want to use requires not only design and materials costs, but also a creative approach. Consider the interests and preferences of the team, focus on quality and usefulness, and the merch will become part of the company culture, not just a souvenir. This will not only strengthen the sense of involvement of employees, but will also allow the company to declare itself in the labor market as a brand that cares about its team.
