Choosing the Perfect Garment for Your Merch
When it comes to merch, the garment you choose can make a world of difference. It's not just about the design; the material, construction, and special treatments all play a role in creating a piece of clothing that your fans will love to wear. Let's dive into the details.
Material Matters
100% Cotton
Cotton is a classic choice for a reason. It's opaque, making it great for light-colored garments, and tends to be heavier and thicker than blends. While some cotton can be rough due to plant matter left in the knit, companies like Bella + Canvas comb out the fibers before constructing the garments, resulting in a smoother, softer cotton.
CVC (Chief Value Cotton)
CVC, or cotton/polyester blends, are lighter than 100% cotton but still durable. They're perfect for colors like grey or royal blue, and usually come in heather colors.
Tri-Blend
Tri-blend fabrics add rayon to the cotton/polyester mix, making the garment more stretchy and soft. They're a luxury option that's worth the higher price tag if you're looking for a super soft, comfortable shirt above all else.
Construction Counts
Side Seams vs. No Side Seams
Garments with side seams are made from two individually cut pieces of fabric and stitched together, resulting in a better, more tailored fit. On the other hand, tubular or no side seam garments are made from a single cut cylinder of fabric, making them cheaper to produce, but typically less flattering.
Fashionable Features
Micro Rib
Micro rib is a great choice for garments like cropped tees and tank tops. It's incredibly stretchy and soft, making for a form-fitting garment that's still super comfortable.
Raglan and Ringer Tees
Raglan tees, with their 3/4 or long sleeves that extend fully to the collar, offer a vintage athletic vibe with a pop of color. Ringer tees, with their contrasting neck and sleeve bands, offer a cool, retro alternative to a standard unisex tee. Both ringer and raglan tees work excellently with single-color prints. When the print color matches the accent color of the garment, it results in a timeless and highly fashionable aesthetic.
Garment Dyed
Garment dyed shirts are dyed after they're constructed, giving them a vintage look and feel. The color has more dimension, taking on a different saturation or lightness in seams than on flat fabric.
Wrapping your head around material choices, construction nuances, and trendy features might seem daunting. But don't worry! Switch Wicked is here to help you decipher these details so you can pick the perfect garment for your merch. Our goal is to ensure your merch doesn’t just look good, but also resonates with your brand’s vibe and meets your specific needs. So, whether you're after high-quality, comfortable, or fashion-forward clothing, we've got you covered!
