Thinking about getting into custom merch but not sure where to start?
You're not alone. We hear it all the time from small business owners:
“Should I do hats first? Tees? Stickers? Koozies?”
And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a couple of options that consistently work — especially if you’re launching merch for the first time.
Let’s break it down.
🧢 Option 3: Start with Hats — The MVP of Merch
Hats are a first-time merch goldmine. Why?
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One-size-fits-most (no inventory headache)
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Year-round wearability
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Looks good on everyone
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High perceived value (aka people will actually wear it)
Whether you’re in landscaping, coffee, welding, or running a weekend brand, a solid custom hat — especially with a clean leather patch — looks official. It's the kind of merch people keep in rotation, wear often, and show off without even trying.
Bonus: You only need to nail one size and one strong design. That’s it.
🎯 Why Hats Make Sense:
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Low entry barrier: Start with 10, 25, or 50 hats — no need to overcommit
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Brand visibility: Your logo, front and center, out in the world
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Universal fit: Great for teams, clients, giveaways, or resell
And let’s be real — a good hat feels cooler than a standard tee. It adds something to the outfit. That’s power you want your brand to have.
🔄 Option 4: Go Combo – Test & Win
Got a little more room in the budget? Consider a small-batch combo pack.
Something like:
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10 patch hats
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10 branded tees
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50–100 logo stickers
This lets you:
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Test what moves (what people wear, post, or ask for)
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Outfit your team or staff
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Have options for giveaways, trade shows, or online drops
Combo packs also give you more content opportunities — take photos of people repping your merch in different ways, build your social media presence, and test price points if you're selling retail.
And don’t worry — you don’t need to have every answer up front. We’ll help you build a smart starting kit that matches your goals, audience, and budget.
✅ Final Word: Don’t Wait for Perfect
Your first merch doesn’t need to be epic. It needs to be real, wearable, and on-brand.
Start with a hat. Add a tee if you can. Hand out a few stickers. Then watch how your customers, crew, and followers respond.
We’ll walk you through the whole thing — design help, mockups, sizing, patch placement, and more. That’s what we do.
Let’s Build Your First Drop — Without the Guesswork
You’ve got the brand. We’ve got the gear. Let’s launch something you’re proud to see out in the world.
No minimums. No pressure. Just great merch made easy.
