Plan Now, Chill Later: Your Fall and Winter Merch Guide
We get it. It’s hot. But while the rest of the world is sweating through July, we’re already thinking about cold hands, wet gear, and that first crew hoodie of the season. If you’ve got a fall tour, a campus activation, or a holiday event in the works, now’s the time to start planning your cold-weather merch. Trust us, waiting until it actually gets cold is how you end up with the wrong sizes or none at all.
Why Summer Is the Sweet Spot for Winter Gear
Most new fall and winter apparel hits the market in mid-summer. That means early birds get their pick of the good stuff – the jackets, beanies, and sherpa-lined everything – while everyone else scrambles for leftovers. If you’re even thinking about hoodies, now is the moment.
We’re seeing early movement on the season’s best outerwear, fleece layers, thermals, and cozy extras. If you want gear that your people will actually wear (and thank you for), jumping in early makes a huge difference.
The Hoodie Still Reigns Supreme
You really can’t go wrong with a great hoodie. It’s functional, wearable, and hits that sweet spot between warmth and branding. At Star Gift, we’re longtime fans of Independent Trading Co. Their gear has the quality-to-budget ratio dialed in, and we’ve seen it hold up on buses, in clubs, and across stadium lots.
Here are a few SGA favorites:
The SS4500Z Midweight Zip-Up is soft, dependable, and perfect for those mild to cool nights when you need just a bit of extra warmth. For colder days, the IND4000Z Heavyweight Zip-Up steps up with a thicker build designed to last through the season. When your team is out in real winter conditions, think loading docks or outdoor events, the EXP90SHZ Sherpa-Lined Zip Hoodie is the go-to. And if you’re looking for a brand that truly GETS cold weather, Stormtech is a personal favorite of the SGA team; reliable, high-quality, and built for whatever winter throws your way.
You’ll also never catch us sleeping on a solid long sleeve. Great for layering and branding. We love the Next Level Thermal and the Boxercraft Long Sleeve for soft, comfortable layering that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Pullover vs. Zip-Up: What’s the Move?
There’s no wrong answer here. It’s all about knowing your crowd.
Pullover Hoodies are the classic favorite. People love the warmth and the simple, iconic look. No zipper means no drafts. Sizing is easier and they’re a go-to for gifting.
Zip-Up Hoodies win for versatility. You can layer, adjust, dress them up or down. They’re great for crews that are in and out of trucks or venues and need to change layers fast. Just keep in mind, zippers can break which might be a factor depending on your team or audience.
Want your merch drop to feel complete? Round it out with thoughtful add-ons that bring both function and fun. Think branded touchscreen gloves for chilly scrolls, weather-resistant totes or backpacks for life on the go, cozy socks or beanies for that comfort factor, or even gaiters, layering tees, and insulated drinkware to keep the vibe going. These small touches go a long way in making the whole kit feel personal, like it was packed just for them.
Thinking Custom? Let’s Talk Lead Time.
Custom sneakers? Private-label beanies? Unique jackets with inside labeling?
Absolutely. But here’s the deal. Those things take time. Completely custom merch means longer lead times for design, production, and shipping. If you want the special stuff, you need to get moving now. We’re happy to walk you through timelines and help you balance creativity with reality.
One Last Thought
Fall and winter events come with a whole new set of merch challenges.
Weather. Travel. Holiday timelines. The best way to beat the chaos is to plan now. Your crew doesn’t want to freeze in a leftover tee and your audience deserves more than rushed merch.
We’ll help you figure out what works, find what fits, and get it all where it needs to be with time to spare.
Let’s get your fall and winter merch locked in now. Your future self [and your future tour manager] will thank you.
Need some fast ideas for fall? Check out the latest Merchbook HERE.
