Branded Merch Is Still Growing, Unevenly: How to Choose Merch People Use

Branded merchandise remains one of the most popular ways for companies to promote themselves, reward teams and thank customers. New research from PPAI (the Promotional Products Association International) shows that the industry continues to grow, but the results are uneven. Some suppliers and buyers are seeing strong gains, while others are cautious because of costs and economic uncertainty.

At Teesgraphy, we make custom merchandise in our own unit in Hyderabad for startups, IT companies, colleges and event organisers. Here is our take on what this research means and how to make your merch budget work harder.

What the Research Tells Us

The key message is that merch still works, but buyers are becoming more selective. Instead of ordering large quantities of cheap giveaways, more brands are choosing fewer, better products that people actually keep. That makes sense: a T-shirt worn every week or a bottle used every day keeps your logo in front of people for months.

Merch People Actually Use

T-shirts: the most worn and most visible item. Choose good fabric and a design people are proud to wear, like our round neck T-shirts.
Hoodies and sweatshirts: premium, long-lasting and loved by teams. See our hoodies.
Water bottles and mugs: used daily at desks, in gyms and at home.
Tote bags: practical, eco-friendly and great for events.
Welcome and corporate kits: a complete set for new joiners or clients makes a strong first impression.

Why "Uneven" Growth Matters for Your Budget

When markets are uneven, prices and lead times can vary a lot between suppliers. Resellers who depend on multiple vendors may struggle to give consistent quality and timelines. A manufacturer that produces in-house can offer steadier pricing and delivery. That is how Teesgraphy gives you quality you can see and prices that fit your budget.

How to Plan Merch That Works

Start with the purpose: employee welcome, client gifts, event giveaways or brand awareness.
Choose quality over quantity: 200 great T-shirts beat 1,000 that are never worn.
Design for the wearer: a clean logo or a fun line often works better than a large, busy print.
Match colours to your brand: share Pantone or HEX codes so prints stay consistent.
Plan sizes properly: collect sizes early so nothing goes to waste.

Why Brands Choose Teesgraphy

Own manufacturing unit in Hyderabad with no middlemen.
Quality service at a low cost on small and bulk orders.
Screen printing, DTF, DTG, sublimation and embroidery under one roof.
Digital proof before every order and quality checks before dispatch.
Delivery across India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best merch for a corporate event?

T-shirts, bottles and tote bags are the most useful. For premium gifts, hoodies and complete kits work well.

Can you pack merch into individual gift kits?

Yes. We can assemble and pack kits for employees or clients.

Do you offer eco-friendly options?

Yes. Cotton tote bags, steel bottles and organic cotton T-shirts are popular choices.

Source: PPAI Research: Uneven results hamper branded merch's continued growth, PPAI, 12 October 2026. This article summarises the original report and adds Teesgraphy's view for custom T-shirt and merchandise buyers.

Build Merch Your Team Will Love

Ready to start? Message us on WhatsApp or call 8885547134. Tell us your budget, quantity and event, and our Hyderabad team will suggest merch that gets used and remembered.