By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

Here’s the secret to truly great branded merchandise: If your logo disappeared from your merch would anyone still know it was yours? If the answer is no… your swag isn’t working as hard as it could be.

Most Merch Leans Too Heavily on the Logo

Too many brands rely on the logo alone to carry the weight of their merch. The result?
Generic giveaways that could belong to any business at any booth.

But the most memorable, buzzworthy custom swag goes beyond just a name or symbol.
It feels unmistakably like you—even without the name tag.

That’s the branded merch gut check:
Would this still feel on-brand without my logo?

How to Design Swag That Screams “You” Without Saying Your Name

Here’s how to elevate your branded merchandise and create merch that connects:

⚡ Use Your Brand’s Voice

Go beyond your font. Use phrasing, taglines, or tone that sound like you. That playful line your team always says? Put it on a hoodie.

⚡ Lean Into Insider Language

The best swag sparks recognition within your audience. Inside jokes, team catchphrases, or mission-driven mantras make it personal—and powerful.

⚡ Design for the Vibe, Not Just Visibility

You don’t need huge logos to build brand presence. Instead, design for aesthetic, comfort, and emotional connection. Make pieces people want to wear again and again.

Swag That’s Subtle and Still On-Brand

When done right, branded merch becomes an extension of your culture.
It’s not just a shirt. It’s how you show up in the world.

Whether it’s:

• A custom sweatshirt that makes people feel like insiders
• A tote bag with a phrase only your community gets
• A hoodie that people grab every single morning

Swag should build identity, not just visibility.

Let’s Play: Pick Your Swag Poison

Time for a little merch humor. Tell us in the comments:

Which branded merch fail would you rather deal with?
→ A crewneck that makes you feel amazing but smells faintly like plastic
or
→ A buttery-soft hoodie that sheds fuzz on everything you own?

Because hey—if you’re going to invest in merch, let’s make sure it’s unforgettable… in a good way.