Band merch printing 101 - A guide for independent musicians

Introduction

Band merch is more than just a few extra pounds on the side, it’s an extension of your brand and a way for fans to show their loyalty. For independent musicians, printing custom band merch can be a game-changer. Not only does merch give your fans a tangible connection to your music, it can also become a significant revenue stream (especially when streaming income isn’t paying the bills). For perspective, selling a single £30 band tee can earn roughly the same as about 17,000 Spotify streams. In other words, band merch printing can both elevate your band’s visibility and help keep petrol in the van on tour!

In this post, we’ll explore how to get the most out of your custom band merch journey – from choosing popular merch items (t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags and more) to deciding on printing methods, and why partnering with a quality merch printer matters. Whether it’s your first batch of merch or you’re gearing up for tour merch printing before hitting the road, these tips will set you up for success.

Popular band merch items fans love

When planning your merch, it’s smart to start with the classics that almost every fan wants. Here are some of the most popular band merch items and why they’re great for independent artists:

• T-shirts – The classic must-have: T-shirts are the backbone of any band’s merch collection. Fans love to wear their favorite band’s logo or artwork, essentially becoming walking advertisements for your music. Band shirts are relatively affordable to produce and band shirts printing is straightforward with methods like screen printing. A bold design on a comfy tee can go a long way in promoting your band (plus, who doesn’t need another cool band tee in their wardrobe?).

• Hoodies & sweatshirts – Premium comfort: Hoodies and jumpers are extremely popular, especially during autumn and winter tours. They not only keep your fans warm but also tend to have higher perceived value – meaning you can price them higher than tees. Fans are often willing to pay a premium for a cozy hoodie with a slick design from a band they love. (Pro tip: Although blank hoodies cost more than tees, screen printing them can help keep production costs down, making it easier to maintain a good profit margin.)

• Tote bags & accessories – Fun and functional: Tote bags have become a fan-favourite merch item in recent years. They’re eco-friendly, practical for everyday use, and essentially turn your fans into walking billboards at the grocery store or record shop. Totes are versatile and fashionable, which makes them popular with music fans of all genres. You can print your band logo or album art on a sturdy cotton tote for a relatively low cost – it’s a great way to offer something a little different beyond apparel. Other small accessories like hats, beanies, patches, or stickers can also be big hits, giving fans more ways to show off their support without breaking the bank.

(Remember, quality matters for all these items – we’ll touch more on that later. A well-made shirt or hoodie with a great design can become your fan’s new favourite piece of clothing!)

Key considerations for printing your merch

Once you’ve decided what to print, the next step is figuring out how to print it. Band merch printing involves a few important decisions that can affect how your final products look, how much they cost, and how well they sell. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Design & artwork prep: Before sending anything to print, make sure your artwork is high-quality and print-ready. This means using high-resolution images and the proper format/colours for printing. If your design has a lot of colours or fine detail (like a vibrant album cover or intricate graphic), note that it may affect which printing method to choose. Complex, colourful designs often print best with direct-to-garment printing, whereas simple bold logos are perfect for screen printing. Check out our guide to preparing artwork.

• Choosing a printing method: Not all printing methods are the same, and the right choice can depend on your design and budget. The two most common methods for band shirts printing and other apparel are screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing (with embroidery as a popular option for hats and specialty items). Check out or guide to the best printing methods

• Screen printing is the classic method where ink is pushed through stencils (screens) for each colour in your design. It’s ideal for larger batches (e.g. 25+ shirts) and designs with a few solid colours – the more you print, the cheaper each item gets. Screen prints also produce vibrant, durable results that hold up well on tour.

• DTG printing, on the other hand, works more like an inkjet printer for garments. The design is printed directly onto the fabric without the need for screens. This means you can print detailed, full-colour artwork (even gradients and photos) with ease. DTG has no minimum order – you can literally print one shirt at a time – which is fantastic for small runs or if you want to offer many design options.

• Embroidery is another merch method, mainly used for caps, beanies, and patches (or adding a classy embroidered logo on hoodies). It gives a premium, textured look. Embroidery is extremely durable and looks high-end, but it’s best suited for simpler logos or text due to the limitations of stitching.

• Quality of materials & printing: The quality of your merch can seriously impact your band’s reputation. Fans will notice if a shirt’s print fades or cracks after one laundry cycle. It’s worth investing in good quality garments and professional printing so that your merch lasts. High-quality screen printing, for example, creates designs that won’t fade or peel after many washes – crucial when fans might wear that favourite band tee for years. Likewise, choose decent blank apparel (shirts, hoodies, etc.) that feels good to wear.

• Budget & quantity planning: Figure out how many pieces you want to print and how much you can spend upfront. If you’re on a tight budget or unsure how much merch will sell, you can start with a small batch. Printing methods like DTG have no minimums, which is great for testing the waters. However, if you’re confident in demand, printing in bulk via screen printing will lower your cost per item and maximise your profit. We would always recommend screen printing when possible, as we feel items printed by this method have the best results.

• Timing & logistics: Give yourself enough lead time for designing, printing, and delivery. Printing merch can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the method and quantity. If you need tour merch printing, plan ahead to have stock ready before you hit the road. Bring more merch than you think you’ll need – running out halfway through a tour means missed income and disappointed fans. Some merch companies even offer direct-to-venue shipping and can handle mid-tour orders.

Why work with a quality merch partner

You might be wondering, “Can’t I just order some cheap shirts online or DIY it?” Sure – but working with an experienced band merch printing partner can make a world of difference, especially for independent musicians without a big support team. Here’s why a good merch partner matters:

• Expert guidance: A quality merch printer has expertise you can tap into. They can advise on the best printing method for your design, help you choose the right shirt or hoodie brand that fans will love, and even assist with tweaking your artwork for optimal print results.

• Reliable quality: When you collaborate with a reputable merch company, you’re more likely to get high-quality results every time. High quality prints mean durability – no one wants their band logo peeling off after one wash.

• Efficiency & convenience: Juggling music, gigs, and merch can get overwhelming. A solid merch partner will handle the heavy lifting of production (and even fulfilment in some cases), so you can focus on what you do best: making music.

• Peace of mind: Perhaps one of the biggest advantages is the peace of mind you get. Knowing that you have a reliable partner means fewer last-minute surprises. Your merch will show up when you expect it, looking the way you want.

Conclusion & next steps: Let’s talk merch!

Printing your own band merch is an exciting step in your musical journey. It’s a chance to get creative, connect with your audience, and strengthen your band’s identity. From selecting the right merch items and printing method to ensuring top-notch quality, a little planning goes a long way to make your merch run a success.

Whether you’re printing a small batch of band shirts for your first EP release or gearing up for a full run of tour merch printing for an upcoming tour, we’re here to help make it happen. Feel free to reach out and get in touch to discuss your merch ideas – no pressure, just friendly support to help you create something awesome for your fans. Good luck, and happy merch-making!