Rowboat Creative’s Guide to Navigating Apparel & Merchandise Printing Production
In the fashion and merchandise world, we are constantly buried in apparel brands. In 2019, brands are becoming obsolete unless they have merchandise. Even with social media, word-of-mouth marketing and the unlimited amount of options, we always have a go-to clothing piece in our closest because consumers are becoming more dedicated to brands.
Customer loyalty is shifting into wearable merchandise.
Wearable merchandise relies on apparel that gives brands the ability to design innovative and detailed graphics for their merchandise. Printability, flexibility, fabric and more, are all variables to creating wearable merchandise.
We chatted with some of the Rowboat Creative production house staff and asked about a few of their favorite apparel items:
Lucas, Co-owner
Favorite: Bella + Canvas 3001 Tee & Independent Trading Co. SS4500 Hoodie
“The 3001 has a very aggressive price point which is great for all types of clients ranging from touring musicians, private label designers, fundraisers, etc. These also have amazing printability which is why Rowboat prefers them to help uphold our high quality branding standards. High variety of colors which helps make the model relevant for any ask.”
“Aggressive price point when it comes to fleece. The midnight allows for a versatile pull-over that can be used year-round. We work directly with Independent for custom dye options and unique custom options when we get into higher volume asks. I love the weight, the color options, and the hood pulls. These feel more significant and robust than traditional show-string style pulls. Definitely one of my favorite hoodies to personally wear.”
Kevin, Production Manager
Favorite: Anything Bella + Canvas
Robert, Screen Printer
Favorite: AS Colour Staple 5001 Tee
“The AS Colour Tee 5001 has an amazing feel that is soft and easily printable. The dyes and fabrics create the perfect combination to merchandise on. Creating a soft and comfortable print that feels light and wearable. Clients are always happy with the results.”
“Bella + Canvas has a design that gives a longer fit, which I personally like. It always makes you feel more comfortable, with that extra length. The softness and texture of their products makes merchandising easy.”
Maggie, Embroiderer
Favorite: Cut & Sew Garments
“Small batch handmade stuff has a different fit and quality to it. You can tell that more time was put into each individual garment when it was created. It makes the merchandise that you’re purchasing that much more special to you.”
Choosing the apparel for merchandise production can be hard, we are here to help. Reach out to a branding specialists, to discuss your brand, the image, current trends and sales forecasts to start your next merch drop.
Written by Stephanie Cucinella