Squid Game x Cakeworthy: Inside the Pop-Culture Collab That’s Winning the Merch Game
Pop culture and fashion have always been a perfect match. Just take a look at how Cakeworthy recently teamed up with Netflix’s hit series Squid Game to launch an apparel line that blends the show’s ominous charm with the brand’s playful aesthetic to highlight how these types of collabs can really take streetwear brands to another level.
You know Cakeworthy. The company is all about making playful and cool takes on loved franchises. Now, the brand has taken the ominous appeal of Squid Game and created an apparel line that fans of both brands can’t get enough of.
From screen-printed crewnecks featuring the haunting Young-Hee Doll to sublimated AOP T-shirts that immerse wearers in the Red Light/Green Light tension, this collection is a true masterclass in merging style with storytelling.
So, what’s going on behind the scenes that make this Squid Game x Cakeworthy collaboration such a win? Let’s break it down. And, if you are looking to make the same sorts of moves for your apparel brand, we’ll also explore how Scrappy Apparel can help you capitalize on similar pop-culture moments.
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The Power of Pop-Culture Collabs in Fashion
Why do collaborations like Squid Game x Cakeworthy resonate so deeply with fans?
It all comes down to making a connection. Fans want to celebrate the stories, characters, and worlds they love, and wearing these pieces lets them make a bold statement about their passions.
Get a load of this statistic: 67% of fans are more likely to buy apparel that allows them to express their identity — and that’s exactly what pop-culture collabs provide.
While Cakeworthy jumped on the emotional appeal to fans, the strategy ran much deeper. It was also highly strategic. Here’s why:
Pre-Built Audiences
One of the biggest advantages of pop-culture collaborations is the ability to tap into an existing, highly engaged fan base.
When a brand partners with a franchise like Squid Game, they’re not starting from scratch—they’re aligning with a global audience that’s already passionate and eager to engage. This creates instant demand, turning fans into enthusiastic buyers.
For Cakeworthy, this meant leveraging Squid Game’s massive popularity to not only attract fans of the show but also introduce them to Cakeworthy’s signature playful aesthetic. It’s a win-win: the franchise extends its reach, and the brand gains immediate credibility with a built-in audience.
Social Media Buzz
Pop-culture collabs thrive on social media. With 97% of young consumers following brands online, these partnerships explode with the organic buzz. Fans share their excitement through purchase posts, outfit pics, and unboxing videos, creating a ripple effect of visibility that money funneled into traditional marketing strategies can’t always buy.
Think about it: A fan posts their Squid Game crewneck on TikTok, another comments “where’d you get that?” and suddenly the collection becomes the talk of the feed.
For Cakeworthy, this kind of viral potential was built into its strategy.
Cultural Relevance
Pop-culture collaborations keep brands culturally relevant. Associating with trending franchises like Squid Game places your brand at the forefront of what’s cool, fresh, and top of mind for consumers.
For Cakeworthy, this partnership was a perfect match. The high-stakes drama of Squid Game contrasted beautifully with Cakeworthy’s lighthearted designs, creating pieces that were unique yet instantly recognizable.
So, the Cakeworthy x Squid Game collaboration created apparel that quickly became collectibles.
Each piece—whether a screen-printed crewneck or a sublimated AOP T-shirt—became a wearable moment from one of the most talked-about shows of our time.The takeaway? Successful collaborations aren’t just about slapping logos onto T-shirts. They’re about thoughtfully blending the DNA of two brands to create something fresh, relevant, and irresistible to fans.
Scrappy Apparel’s Screen Printing & Sublimation Solutions
Behind every great pop-culture collab is quality production, and that’s where Scrappy Apparel comes in.
Screen Printing for Bold Designs
Perfect for standout pieces like Cakeworthy’s crewnecks, Scrappy’s screen printing delivers vibrant, durable designs that pop.
With up to 16 colors and simulated process printing, we make intricate, high-quality graphics that are built to last—ideal for fan-favorite merch.
What sets Scrappy’s screen printing apart is our ability to scale without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re producing a limited drop or gearing up for a massive release, our advanced machinery provides the consistency your streetwear brand deserves. Your fans get bold, eye-catching designs that reflect the premium quality they expect from pop-culture merchandise.
Sublimation Printing for All-Over Impact
Want to go big? Our sublimation printing creates all-over designs with vivid colors and incredible detail, just like Cakeworthy’s AOP T-shirts.
This technique makes your apparel POP on the rack—and in customers’ closets. Sublimation is about creating immersive designs that wrap every inch of fabric.
The result? Apparel that feels as bold as the stories it represents. Sublimation’s edge-to-edge printing capability opens up endless creative possibilities, letting you bring even the most ambitious concepts to life.
In the world of pop-culture collaborations, delivering high-quality merchandise is crucial. Scrappy Apparel has a proven track record of helping brands achieve this. For instance, Nathan Bell, Executive Director of Park Slope United Soccer Club, shared his experience:
“We at Park Slope United Soccer Club are very happy customers of Scrappy Apparel. Chris and his team have designed, sourced, and delivered high-quality products at low cost–on a tight turnaround.”
This testimonial highlights Scrappy Apparel’s ability to manage the entire production process.
Whether it’s screen printing for bold designs or sublimation printing for all-over impact, Scrappy Apparel’s comprehensive solutions ensure that your pop-culture merchandise not only meets but exceeds fan expectations.
How to Nail Your Pop-Culture Collab
Thinking about creating your own pop-culture-inspired line? Here are some tips:
Choose the Right Partner
Your brand and the franchise you choose need to both have similar vibes. Look for partners that share your target audience so the partnership feels authentic.
Prioritize Quality
Fans don’t just want merch—they want collectibles that reflect the iconic stories they love. High-quality materials and precise printing techniques are essential to deliver this level of craftsmanship.
Scrappy Apparel’s screen and sublimation printing techniques ensure vivid colors, durable designs, and apparel that lives up to fan expectations, solidifying your brand’s reputation for excellence.
Streamline Production
Pop-culture collabs come with tight deadlines and high demand. Partnering with a fulfillment expert like Scrappy Apparel ensures your collection is produced, packaged, and shipped seamlessly. With end-to-end support, you can handle large-scale orders and deliver on time, keeping the hype alive and fans satisfied. Nobody else has the level of supply chain sophistication that we have here at Scrappy Apparel.
Get Your Merch for Your Next Collab
Pop-culture collaborations like Squid Game x Cakeworthy prove that the right partnership, paired quality production, can create buzz-worthy apparel fans will flock to.
With Scrappy Apparel, you have the tools to bring your vision to life — bold designs, high-capacity production, and seamless fulfillment.
Let’s make your next drop iconic.
