Arby’s “Meat Sweats” Sweatsuit: A Masterclass in Branded Merchandise Marketing

What Is the “Meat Sweats” Sweatsuit?

Arby’s has created an unforgettable piece of branded merchandise: the “Meat Sweats” sweatsuit. This bold and quirky apparel features a high-res, close-up photo of deli meat printed all over both the sweatshirt and sweatpants. Known as the #meatsweats, this limited-edition item has captured the attention of fans and influencers alike. But here’s the catch—you can’t buy it. The coveted sweatsuit is only gifted to content creators who share the love for Arby’s in fun and creative ways.

Why the “Meat Sweats” Strategy Is Pure Genius

Arby’s #meatsweats isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a brilliant marketing strategy that taps into the power of branded merchandise. Here’s why I’m fangirling over this genius move:

1. It’s Over-the-Top and Leans Into Arby’s Brand Identity

The “Meat Sweats” sweatsuit is ridiculous in the best way possible. It fully embraces what Arby’s fans love most: the meat and the unapologetic celebration of “meat culture.” By leaning into this identity, Arby’s creates an emotional connection with its audience, making them feel like part of an exclusive club.

2. It’s Head-to-Toe Hilarious—With or Without the Branding

Even if you strip away the Arby’s logo, the sweatsuit is pure comedic gold. The visual of wearing a head-to-toe meat print is so absurd that it stands out on its own, grabbing attention online and sparking conversations. This humor helps the brand stay relevant and relatable, even beyond its traditional messaging.

3. Influencers Amplify the Love

When influencers like voice actor SungWon Cho (@prozd) don the #meatsweats and pair it with the classic Arby’s hat, it amplifies the fan love. This grassroots content creation not only promotes the sweatsuit but also reinforces the strong connection between Arby’s and its loyal fan base. It’s a brilliant example of how branded merchandise can strengthen a brand’s community.

The Virtuous Cycle of Brand Love

This campaign showcases what branded merchandise and swag can do when executed correctly. Arby’s is showing its customers love by creating a fun, exclusive product—and in return, customers respond by showing their loyalty and enthusiasm for the brand. This creates a virtuous cycle of brand love: Arby’s fans love the brand, Arby’s gives them something to celebrate, and the love grows even stronger.

What Can This Strategy Do for YOUR Brand?

This is the power of branded merchandise when it’s done right. It’s more than just free stuff—it’s a way to connect with your audience, make them feel special, and turn them into brand advocates. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, creating exclusive, humorous, and memorable merch could do wonders for your marketing strategy.

Could a “Meat Sweats” Strategy Work for You?

Now the question is: could a strategy like this work for your brand? The key is knowing your audience, leaning into what they love about you, and creating something memorable that they’ll want to share. Done well, your brand can enjoy the same kind of love and loyalty Arby’s has built with its fans.

What Do You Think of the #MeatSweats?

Is this a brilliant use of branded merchandise or just a throwaway gimmick? Let me know in the comments if you think a strategy like this could boost your brand!