Whether you enjoy modern video games or prefer a match of good old-fashioned checkers, you can’t deny how powerful the gaming industry is in 2023. The global esports market was valued at $1.22 billion in 2021, and it’s projected to grow to $5.48 billion by 2029.

Professional video game tournaments have become some of the world’s biggest events, with teams competing for million-dollar prize pools. Brands are taking notice and sponsorships are skyrocketing as a result.

With billions of dollars at stake, it’s not just fun and games. Grab your controller and get ready for an epic journey into the lucrative world of gaming merchandise.

The History and Evolution of Video Game Merchandise

The origins of video game merchandise can be traced back to the early ’80s. Classic games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong were some of the first games to offer merchandise.

In the beginning, these items were limited to simple novelties like stickers, keychains, and action figures. You couldn’t really find them in mainstream stores, either. They were primarily sold in specialty stores and gaming retailers.

In the ’90s, the gaming merchandise industry started to pick up speed. That’s when we started to see t-shirts, hats, and other accessories play a bigger role in the industry. Gaming-themed clothing became a staple accessory in the urban fashion scene.

Today, video game merchandise includes a much wider range of items. We’ve even seen prominent fashion brands collaborate with some of the most popular games in the world! For example:

• Ralph Lauren x Fortnite
• Balmain x Pokémon
• Gucci x Roblox Metaverse

What do these fashion powerhouses and video game companies have in common? Well, they’re both highly influential and interested in making money, so the collaborations make perfect sense in our opinion.

How Streamers Make Money Selling Apparel

Have you ever heard someone talk about being a “streamer” and wondered what on Earth they’re going on about? Well, live streaming is an increasingly popular form of content creation on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

The people who create these streams are called “streamers.” They have become some of the most influential people in the gaming industry. These streamers have amassed a substantial following, and their fans are always eager to show their support.

Streamers often partner with brands and retailers to create custom clothing lines, which have proven to be extremely popular with their fanbases. But how much money can you make from selling streamer apparel?

Some streamers make anywhere from $50 to $1500 per month, while others make tens of thousands. It’s important to remember that high sales don’t always result in high profits. Last year, gaming star Sykkuno opened up about his merch launch by saying that his profit margins were “absolutely garbage” after selling out his items.

Even if you have a large fanbase and make big sales, you need to factor in the cost of manufacturing, inventory management, and shipping when calculating your profits. It’s just as important to ensure you have the right partner to help you navigate the complexities of running a merchandise business.

Types of Video Game Apparel Available

The gaming world has come a long way since the days of Pac-Man. Here are some of the most popular gaming apparel items you could consider selling to this hot market:

Examples from Syndicate’s online store

T-Shirts

T-shirts are a staple in the gaming community, with designs ranging from funny to geeky. They’re also great for promoting your brand or the streamer you’re collaborating with.

Examples from MrBeast’s online store

Hoodies

Hoodies and sweaters are a great option for gaming marathons. Designs come in a variety of colors and styles, ranging from classic pullovers to stylish zip-up hoodies.

Example from Ali-A’s online store

Hats

Hats will never go out of style. Baseball caps, trucker hats, snapbacks, and beanies with iconic gaming logos are popular items in the gaming merchandise market.

How Scrappy Can Help You Manufacture and Sell Gaming-Themed Apparel

There’s never been a better time to tap into the market of video game lovers. They’re ready to buy—that’s for sure.

However, amping up production and shipping for gaming apparel can be tricky. You need to make sure you have the right manufacturing partner who can meet your needs.

Here’s how Scrappy Apparel can help:

Scalable Apparel Manufacturing

We offer both turnkey and high-volume apparel solutions to serve businesses of all sizes.

• Our turnkey approach is best for brands that need low MOQs, retail-ready garments, streamlined production, and error-free deliveries.
• Our high-volume solution is for established brands that are ready to scale to infinity in beyond. We provide the infrastructure and resources to help you fulfill large ongoing orders with ease and speed.

Our Fulfillment Program

Our expert team is excited to offer an apparel-first 3PL program.

Are you tired of dealing with the hassle of managing your own inventory and shipping logistics? If so, we can take those tasks off your plate!

We’ll keep your garments in a dedicated warehouse space, complete with all the bells and whistles for seamless inventory management and shipping. And the best part? There are no implementation fees or monthly management fees to worry about.

Our 5-star account management team will answer any questions you have along the way. You’ll get real-time tracking and online inventory management, so you always know exactly what’s going on with your products. And of course, you get custom packing slips and shipping labels to make your brand stand out.

Reach out to us today if you’re ready to take your video game apparel business to the next level. Our experts are ready to help you every step of the way—from manufacturing to delivery.

Ready to Begin Your Project?

If you scroll through social media every day, you might already know we’re in the midst of Coachella season. Have you ever wondered how music festivals generate millions of dollars in revenue beyond ticket sales?

You’ve probably guessed it: T-shirts!

Music festival t-shirts have come a long way throughout the decades. They’ve evolved from simple commemorative souvenirs to highly sought-after fashion items, and they play a key role in each festival’s branding and marketing strategies.

If you’re interested in learning how these events create hype for their merch and turn it into cash, keep reading!

Uncovering the Origin of Festival T-Shirts

We did our research and tried to find out the origin of the very first music festival t-shirt. However, there isn’t really a consensus about where the trend started.

It’s most likely that music festival t-shirts originated from Woodstock in the ‘60s.

Woodstock organizers didn’t anticipate the turnout at the event in 1969. (This was at the beginning of modern music festival culture—think of Woodstock as the grandfather of the Coachella and Ultra we know today.)

Woodstock was held at the height of the Vietnam War. The event allowed people to escape from the horrors of war and join together in the spirit of peace, love, and understanding.

Woodstock was more than just a music festival. It was a celebration of community, of coming together as one.

Long story short, the Woodstock organizers planned for 50,000 people to show up. In reality, there were about 400,000 attendees. You get the picture.

Woodstock decided to produce t-shirts featuring the festival’s logo and sell them to attendees as a way to commemorate the historic event.

The shirts generated significant revenue for the festival organizers. This success prompted other music festivals to follow suit and begin selling their own t-shirts.

Evolving Into Modern-Day Fashion Statements

In the early days of music festivals, t-shirts were primarily sold at the event itself and were often simple designs with the festival logo and lineup on them. However, as music festivals became more popular, t-shirts began to evolve as well.

In the ‘80s and ‘90s, music festival t-shirts took on a new life as fashion items. Grunge fashion and alternative rock music both gained popularity—and t-shirts became a staple for both.

Fast forward to today. With the rise of streetwear and the popularity of vintage clothing, music festival t-shirts have become collectors’ items.

Some people search far and wide for historic shirts from iconic festivals such as Woodstock. There’s a whole market for vintage t-shirts, just like vinyl records.

One of the key drivers of the festival t-shirt industry is the increasing popularity of music festivals themselves. In the early 2000s, music festivals were still a relatively niche market, with a few major events like Coachella and Bonnaroo drawing large crowds but many others struggling to attract attendees.

Today, events like Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) attract 100,000+ attendees every year. That’s a massive target market for merch sales!

Down to Business: How Modern Festivals Monetize T-Shirts

If you’ve been in our world for long enough, you already know there’s a lot that goes into making a t-shirt.

You can’t just slap a design on it and call it a day. Here are a few of the strategies festivals use to increase t-shirt sales:

Branding and Marketing

Every shirt turns the wearer into a walking billboard. It’s a phenomenal branding opportunity for both the event and the performers.

By strategically placing the festival’s name and logo in a prominent area of the t-shirt, such as the front or back, festival organizers can create a strong association between the festival and the garment.

This creates a sense of excitement and anticipation for the festival, encouraging attendees to purchase new t-shirts and continue to promote the event even after it has ended.

Exclusive Design and Limited Availability

Festivals often create unique designs for their t-shirts that are only available during the event. By limiting their availability, organizers can increase demand and create a higher perceived value.

Online Sales

Exclusivity is one strategy, but evergreen availability is another. Festivals can increase revenue by selling t-shirts online both before and after the event. This creates a longer selling season and increases exposure to a broader audience who may not have attended the festival but still want to support the brand.

Package Deals

Festivals frequently offer package deals where the price of a t-shirt is bundled with the price of the ticket or other festival merchandise. This encourages attendees to purchase all of their festival-related items at once, increasing revenue and creating a sense of loyalty to the event.

Celebrity Endorsement

Some festivals collaborate with high-profile celebrities or influencers to promote their t-shirts. This can create a buzz and generate hype around the festival, drawing in more attendees and increasing t-shirt sales.

Freebies and Giveaways

Festivals can give away free t-shirts as part of a larger promotion, such as offering a shirt with the purchase of a VIP ticket or running a social media contest.

Examples of Successful Festival Merchandising Campaigns

In recent years, festivals have shown that creative and unique merchandising campaigns can have a significant impact on revenue and brand recognition.

By offering a variety of products and designs, festivals can attract a wide range of customers who want to support the event and take home a memorable souvenir from the experience.

Let’s look at some examples!

Coachella

Coachella is known for its highly sought-after festival t-shirts, which feature new designs each year. The brand also sells hats and bandanas.

Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo has a wide range of merchandise in its online store, including t-shirt designs from previous events.

Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC)

EDC’s parent company Insomniac has an extensive online store that features t-shirts and other merch from its events.

Interested in Selling T-Shirts to Promote Your Event?

At Scrappy Apparel, we know just how impactful custom-made t-shirts can be for events or festivals. We’ll work with you to bring your one-of-a-kind vision to life and produce shirts that are sure to turn heads in a sea of people.

We help brands of all sizes—from small businesses to enterprises. Scrappy offers turnkey apparel solutions for growing brands and high-volume apparel solutions for established brands that are ready to scale like crazy.

Our experts will help you make all the right decisions for your project based on your order quantity, budget, and goals. All you need to do is prepare your designs and request an estimate from our team. We’ll guide you through the rest!

Ready to Begin Your Project?

We all know that movie stars have a huge impact on fashion and style. From Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Marilyn Monroe’s white dress in The Seven Year Itch, the silver screen has inspired some of the most iconic fashion trends in history.

As an apparel company that’s always on the lookout for the latest trends and styles, we appreciate the impact that movie stars have had on fashion trends over the years. In this email, we’ll explore 10 movie stars who not only left their mark on the big screen but have also had a lasting impact on the world of fashion.

Without further ado, let’s take a journey through some of the most stylish moments in cinema history!

 

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A post shared by Audrey Hepburn (@soaudreyhepburn)

1. Audrey Hepburn – Little Black Dress

Did you know that Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress in the legendary movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable fashion moments in the history of cinema?

Givenchy designed the outfit, which was a simplistic yet exquisite black sheath dress that was meticulously tailored to embody the elegance and grace of Hepburn’s charming persona.

 

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2. Marlon Brando – T-Shirt and Jeans Combo

Marlon Brando’s t-shirt and jeans combo in A Streetcar Named Desire revolutionized the fashion industry and became a symbol of rebellion and coolness.

Brando’s style in the movie contrasted with the popular clean and pressed look at the time. He decided to go with a white t-shirt, raw denim jeans, leather jacket, and combat boots, which was a look that was laidback, rugged, and undeniably masculine. It was a complete departure from the traditional and polished style of Hollywood actors.

Young men across the country were mesmerized by the outfit and immediately wanted to copy it. It’s no surprise that even today, people still point to this outfit as one of the most brilliant and timeless fashion moments in history.

 

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A post shared by Christie B (@velvetladyvintage)

3. John Travolta – White Suit

Have you seen the movie Saturday Night Fever starring John Travolta? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on one of the most iconic style moments of the ’70s!

Travolta’s character, Tony Manero, wore a stunning white suit that caused quite a stir. It was designed by the one and only Giorgio Armani, who is renowned in the fashion industry.

The white suit had a unique mix of simplicity and sophistication, exuding confidence with every step. It became a hallmark of the disco era’s style. To this day, it remains a fashion favorite for many.

 

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A post shared by Marilyn Monroe (@marilynmonroe)

4. Marilyn Monroe – Iconic White Dress

Marilyn Monroe proves that a little white dress can be just as much of a moment as a little black dress.

Monroe’s white halter-neck dress in The Seven Year Itch is a fashion moment that has stood the test of time.

The dress itself symbolizes everything about the glamour and femininity of the 1950s. The delicate fabric, fitted bodice, and full skirt all come together to create a one-of-a-kind dress.

 

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A post shared by James Dean (@jamesdean)

5. James Dean – Leather Jacket

James Dean’s signature leather jacket in Rebel Without a Cause is perhaps the most memorable leather jacket of all time.

As soon as Dean put on that jacket in the movie, it immediately became a symbol of rebelliousness and non-conformity. It represented a new breed of masculinity that was edgy, rugged, and carefree. The jacket became a popular fashion statement, symbolizing youth and the counterculture movement of the time.

 

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A post shared by Tom Cruise (@tomcruise)

6. Tom Cruise – Aviator Sunglasses

Tom Cruise played the role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the 1986 film Top Gun, which was a blockbuster hit. In the movie, he sported a pair of aviator sunglasses as part of his naval uniform, which became a legendary look. The shades not only looked suave and trendy, but they also added to the character’s tough and confident personality.

The craze caught on like wildfire after the film’s release, and the aviator sunglasses became a global fashion trend in no time.

7. Brigitte Bardot – Gingham Dress

Brigitte Bardot’s off-the-shoulder gingham dress in And God Created Woman, designed by Jacques Esterel, became a phenomenon and an epitome of French Riviera chic.

The dress defined an era of fashion that merged classic designs with modern elements like bold colors, geometric patterns, and mini skirts.

8. Rita Hayworth – Silk Dress

Rita Hayworth’s iconic black dress in Gilda stood out because of the soft silk material used, which had a subtle sheen that made it sparkle on camera.

The dress was a perfect match for Hayworth’s sophisticated and glamorous style—delicate neckline, graceful lines, and understated details were all on point!

It was a prime example of the classic Hollywood elegance of the time, with fitted silhouettes, bold colors, luxurious fabrics, and intricate beading. Definitely worth admiring!

9. Katharine Hepburn – Wide-Leg Pants

Katharine Hepburn had an incredible ability to switch between masculine and feminine looks.

When she was filming The Philadelphia Story, she rocked a pair of pants designed by Edith Head. They had a wide-leg silhouette with neat pleat details, and they were made of black wool fabric. Perfect for Hepburn’s signature tomboy style—tailored yet modern!

These pants captured Hepburn’s rebellious spirit and pioneering fashion sense. They represented a time when women were starting to embrace pants as an essential item in their everyday wardrobe—which was almost unheard of back then!

These trousers helped define an era of fashion that combined classic tailoring with bold colors and unique silhouettes, like culottes, capri pants, and shorts. It’s pretty amazing how she influenced fashion back then!

 

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10. Uma Thurman – Yellow Jumpsuit

Uma Thurman’s badass yellow jumpsuit in Kill Bill is definitely one of the most unforgettable action movie outfits ever! The jumpsuit was designed by Kumiko Ogawa as a tribute to Bruce Lee’s iconic jumpsuit in Game of Death.

TBH, we think the jumpsuit speaks for itself.

Create the Next Iconic Fashion Trend with Scrappy Apparel

With Scrappy Apparel, you too can harness the power of fashion and create a trend that’s all your own. We offer:

• Turnkey apparel solutions for growing brands that need low MOQs and garments that are ready to hit the shelves as soon as they arrive on your doorstep
• High volume apparel solutions for brands that are already established and ready to scale to infinity and beyond

You can count on us to deliver the same level of quality in every garment, whether you’re ordering 200 or 10,000.

We’ll either ship your order to your doorstep for free or you can join our fulfillment program to have our team manage inventory and shipping for you.

In 2023, there are many ways to work with Scrappy—and no matter which one you choose, we’ll WOW you every single time.

Ready to Begin Your Project?

Luxury fashion brands have always been associated with bold prints and patterns that can immediately catch the eye of fashion enthusiasts.

From the iconic Louis Vuitton Damier motif to Burberry’s check print, these unique designs stir up feelings of status and luxury with just one glance.

But behind these prints lies a carefully crafted strategy that has been developed and perfected over the years, making them an integral part of the brand’s image and success.

By integrating distinctive prints into their products, luxury brands can successfully differentiate themselves from their competitors and establish a unique aesthetic association.

Let’s delve into the art of luxury, decoding the strategy behind the prints of high-end brands to understand the processes that make them so iconic.

What Goes Into a Luxury Print?

Luxury fashion brands have their own signature prints that are instantly recognizable to their loyal customer base. These prints are often bold, intricate, and eye-catching, created using top-of-the-line materials and meticulous techniques. They also often include a signature element, such as a logo, motif, or pattern.

Over time, these signature prints become an integral part of the brand’s identity and play a significant role in its branding and marketing strategies. Luxury prints are often inspired by nature, history, culture, and art. They have intricate details that require a high level of craftsmanship and creativity.

Understanding luxury print design is crucial for fashion enthusiasts and aspiring apparel designers alike. It provides insight into the creative process, inspiration, and techniques required to create unique and timeless prints that are synonymous with luxury fashion brands.

A comprehensive understanding of luxury print design also helps you appreciate the skill and effort that go into each print.

Luxury fashion brands have built their identities on distinctive prints, and it is important to understand the strategies behind these prints to build new and creative prints that stand out in the market.

 

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Inspiration Behind Luxury Prints

The inspiration behind luxury prints is diverse and varied, drawing from different cultures, art, history, and natural elements. The source of inspiration determines the color, composition, and motifs used in the prints. Each collection is tied to a core theme that helps keep the luxury prints cohesive with the brand’s image and identity.

Some high-end fashion brands take inspiration from natural elements like flora and fauna, and this is reflected in their signature prints. For example, Gucci’s iconic floral prints are inspired by the vibrant blooms of the botanical gardens in Florence.

Historical events, cultures, and movements also often influence luxury prints. Italian brand Dolce & Gabbana incorporates Baroque-inspired designs into its collections, reflecting its Italian heritage.

Similarly, African prints have been popular in high fashion in recent years, showcasing the rich cultural history of the African continent. Luxury prints can also draw inspiration from art movements and styles such as Art Deco, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art. Prints inspired by art reflect the cultural references and creative sensibilities of the times in which they were created.

Creative Process and Techniques

The creative process of making luxury prints for high-end brands is a well-thought-out process that requires precision, creativity, and attention to detail. Some of the steps include:

Fabric Selection

Choosing the right fabric determines if the print will stand the test of time and provide a luxurious experience for the wearer. High-end fabrics like silk, cotton, and wool are commonly used because of their quality and durability.

Color Selection

The right color palette is vital when creating high-end luxury prints. Fashion designers must choose colors that align with the brand identity and complement the selected fabrics.

Design Development

This is where the magic happens! A designer may sketch the motif or pattern or create it in graphic design software before physically printing it on the fabric. Often, designers run through a series of mockups and test prints before finalizing their masterpiece prints.

Printing Techniques

Luxury prints can be created using a variety of printing techniques, including screen printing. The optimal technique depends on the number of colors in the design, the fabric and ink used, and other factors.

Quality Control

Once the luxury prints are complete, quality control is vital to guarantee they are of the finest quality. Every garment goes through a series of checks for quality, durability, and consistency with its intended design.

 

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Branding and Marketing

After creating a print, marketing can build awareness and establish brand recognition for luxury brands, enabling them to stand out from their competitors. The use of luxury prints in a brand campaign is a powerful tool for creating a brand identity, promoting new products, and attracting new customers.

When you build a brand from scratch, consistency is crucial to build brand recognition. Luxury brands must use their signature prints consistently across many of their products. This creates familiarity around the brand’s aesthetic and strengthens the association between the brand and the print.

Luxury brands also incorporate their signature prints into their marketing materials, including advertising campaigns, website design, and packaging. This increases brand recognition and recall, ensuring the brand’s print designs stay top-of-mind for consumers. Collaborating with other brands, artists, or designers to create custom prints is a great way to build brand recognition and engage consumers in a more creative and personal way.

Learn more about the Scrappy Apparel Brand Building Process.

Create Luxury Prints With Scrappy Apparel

Understanding the strategy behind the prints of high-end brands goes beyond just admiring the beauty of the prints.

You must appreciate the history, creative process, and inspiration behind each print to truly understand its value and importance. This knowledge helps us understand the level of craftsmanship and creativity that goes into luxury prints.

At Scrappy Apparel, we have the expertise and tools to bring your dream prints and patterns to life. From our cut & sew manufacturing to our custom embroidery services, our team of experts will manufacture each garment to your luxury-level standards.

Ready to Begin Your Project?