How to Create the Perfect Festival Merch: A Guide for Event Organisers

🎤 Event Merch, Simplified – We Print. You Shine.

Custom festival merch isn't just about slapping a logo on a t-shirt—it's about creating an experience that fans, attendees, and staff will remember long after the last set ends. Whether you're running a local folk festival, a multi-day music extravaganza, or a niche cultural event, the right merch can boost brand visibility, create additional revenue streams, and leave a lasting impression. 🎶

At SOLLY AND CO, we specialise in high-quality custom event apparel, and we’re here to guide you through the process of creating a festival merch line that sells.

Step 1: Know Your Audience

Before you start designing merch, consider who your attendees are.

👥 Demographics: Are they teens and young adults who love oversized tees and hoodies, or a more mature crowd that prefers minimalistic designs?
🎸 Event Type: A heavy metal festival will have a completely different aesthetic compared to a wellness or folk festival.
💰 Price Sensitivity: Are they likely to splurge on premium merch, or do they prefer affordable, practical options?

Pro Tip: Look at past festival trends, survey attendees, or analyse social media insights to see what styles and products resonate best with your audience.

Step 2: Choose the Right Merch Items

Not all merch is created equal. Some products fly off the shelves, while others collect dust. Here’s a breakdown of top-selling festival merch:

👕 Best-Selling Apparel:

T-Shirts – Classic, cost-effective, and a festival staple. Go for premium cotton for comfort.
Hoodies & Crewnecks – Perfect for cooler festivals and great for higher price points.
Tank Tops & Cropped Tees – Ideal for summer events and festival fashion.
Caps & Bucket Hats – Sun-smart and stylish.

🎒 Accessories That Sell:

Tote Bags – Sustainable, practical, and easy to print on.
Lanyards – Great for VIP access and event branding.
Stickers & Patches – Affordable add-ons that fans love.
Drinkware (Reusable Cups, Water Bottles) – Functional, eco-friendly, and brand-friendly.

Pro Tip: A mix of high-ticket items (hoodies, jackets) and lower-cost impulse buys (stickers, patches) creates the perfect merch lineup.

Step 3: Design Merch That Stands Out

Festival merch should be more than just a logo. It needs to be wearable, shareable, and memorable.

🎨 Keep It Bold & Unique – Minimalist designs with vibrant colors or statement graphics work well.
🌟 Capture the Festival Vibe – Use imagery, typography, and themes that reflect the event’s spirit.
📏 Consider Print Placement – Chest logos, oversized back prints, and sleeve details add appeal.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about design, SOLLY AND CO can guide you in upscaling artwork for the best print results.

Step 4: Get the Right Print Quality & Materials

Cheap materials and low-quality prints will hurt your brand. Attendees will remember the quality just as much as the design.

🏆 Fabric Matters – We source premium tees, hoodies, and accessories from top Australian suppliers like AS Colour.
🖨️ Print Quality – We use DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, ensuring long-lasting, vibrant designs that won’t fade after a few washes.
📦 Bulk Discounts Available – Whether you're ordering 10 or 1,000 pieces, we offer cost-effective pricing.

Step 5: Nail the Logistics – Ordering & Selling

Timing and distribution can make or break your merch sales.

⏳ Order Early – Allow at least 3-4 weeks before your event to avoid last-minute rush fees.
🏪 Sell Smart – Offer pre-orders online, set up physical merch booths, or run pop-up customisation stations where fans can personalise their apparel.
📲 Consider Drop Shipping – We can manage event merch stores so attendees can purchase even after the festival ends.

Pro Tip: Running a festival? Let us handle your merch so you can focus on the event!

Step 6: Partner with SOLLY AND CO for Your Festival Merch

At SOLLY AND CO, we specialise in event merch that sells, lasts, and represents your brand.

🎤 Designed for Events & Festivals – We know what works in the industry.
📦 Bulk Orders, No Bulk Hassle – 10+ piece orders with fast turnaround times (7-14 days).
🇦🇺 Australian-Based Quality – No Temu. No cheap knock-offs. Just premium event merch.

📩 Want custom merch for your next event? Contact us today!
📍 Visit sollyandco.com.au to get started!