Our Most Popular Collections: Find Out Why We're Loved by the Best

Why Top Brands Trust Mercha for Their Most Popular Merch

When brands like Klaviyo, Woolworths, Amazon, TikTok and Uber trust us with their logo, they know they’re getting more than cheap giveaways. They’re investing in most popular merch that customers, staff and fans actually want to use.

2025’s best-selling merch at a glance

1. Custom T-shirts – premium cotton, worn on repeat
2. Drinkware – desk-to-gym bottles and cups
3. Bags & Totes – everyday carry-alls
4. Outdoor Gear – weather-proof visibility
5. Eco-friendly Products – merch that mirrors your values
6. Rush-ready Items – quality on tight deadlines

Quick stats that matter:

• Custom tee market: US $4 billion, growing 11.1 % YoY
• 65 % of consumers prefer sustainable products
• 60 % feel emotionally attached to their favourite mug

I’m Ben Read, Co-founder of Mercha.com.au. After scaling multiple e-commerce ventures, I’ve seen first-hand how thoughtful promotional products turn casual buyers into lifelong advocates.

Why Does Merch Matter in 2025?

Promotional products have evolved well beyond flimsy pens and stress balls. Today’s most popular merch builds emotional connections that last far longer than a social-media scroll.

• Every branded bottle, tee or tote becomes a roaming billboard, delivering 2.5× more impressions per dollar than digital ads.
• Smart brands now treat merch as a revenue stream through limited drops, collabs and online stores.
• Athleisure and eco trends mean quality, comfort and sustainability are no longer optional – they’re expected.

What Problems Does Quality Merch Solve?

• Low visibility – Premium products get used daily, not buried in drawers.
• Throw-away swag – Cheap items break, harming brand perception; durable merch preserves it.
• Inventory risk – Flexible minimums and on-demand production keep stock lean.
• Sustainability gaps – Eco materials and plastic-free packaging meet rising consumer expectations.

Our Most Popular Merch Collections

When you're choosing branded merchandise, you want products that actually get used — not items that end up forgotten in desk drawers. At Mercha, we've built our most popular merch collections around one simple idea: create products people genuinely want to keep.

Our six core collections aren't just random product picks. They're carefully curated based on real usage data, client feedback, and what's actually working in the market right now. Each collection tackles specific business needs while staying true to our commitment to quality, sustainability, and designs that make sense in the real world.

From premium custom t-shirts that become wardrobe staples to eco-friendly lunch boxes that show your brand values, these collections have helped hundreds of Australian businesses create memorable brand experiences. Whether you're planning employee onboarding packs, client gifts, or event giveaways, you'll find options that work hard and look good doing it.

The beauty of focusing on proven winners? You get most popular merch that's already been tested by real people in real situations. No guesswork, no crossed fingers — just products that deliver results because they've been delivering results for businesses just like yours.

Get started with our most popular collections and see why brands across Australia trust Mercha for merchandise that actually matters.

1. Tees That Get Worn & Worn Again

A tee that ends up as pyjamas is wasted budget. A tee that’s worn to brunch, the gym and Zoom calls is gold. That’s why our most popular merch starts with quality you can feel.

The custom tee market is growing 11.1 % each year, proving businesses are willing to pay for shirts people choose to wear.

AS Colour Men's Staple Tee – 180 GSM combed cotton, preshrunk, side-seamed and ready for retail-grade prints.

Biz Collection Ladies Ice Tee – 185 GSM, ribbed elastane neck and tear-away label for easy rebrand.

The result? Branded tees that survive countless washes and still get worn on Saturday morning – the moment you know your merchandise has done its job.

2. Bottles, Cups & Drinkware That Travel Far

There's something magical about branded drinkware — it goes everywhere your customers go. From morning coffee runs to afternoon gym sessions, from office meetings to weekend hikes, most popular merch like bottles and cups create countless brand impressions throughout the day.

The beauty of quality drinkware lies in its versatility. While other promotional products might get used occasionally, people reach for their favourite water bottle or coffee cup multiple times daily. That's repeated brand exposure that traditional advertising simply can't match.

ICON Fily 500ml Bottle

Meet the bottle that does it all. The ICON Fily 500ml Bottle combines double-wall stainless steel construction with a smooth matte finish that feels as good as it looks. Your drinks stay icy cold all day long, while your brand travels wherever this little legend goes.

Features:

• Capacity: 500ML – the perfect size for daily hydration needs
• Material: Double-walled stainless steel with rubber coating for durability
• Dimensions: 7.8cm x 22cm – compact enough for any backpack or desk
• Finish: Sleek matte coating available in vibrant colour options

Neo 300ml Vacuum Insulated Cup

Sometimes you need something that works as hard as you do. The Neo 300ml Vacuum Insulated Cup delivers premium performance in a compact package. Whether it's morning coffee that needs to stay hot during long meetings or wine that should remain perfectly chilled, this cup handles it all with style.

Features:

• Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot for 5 hours and cold for 15 hours
• Glossy exterior finish creates a premium look that reflects well on your brand
• Press-on lid for spill-reduced sipping during busy days
• Versatile size at 117mm(h) x 86mm(w) with 300ml capacity
• Multi-purpose design ideal for wine, coffee, or cold refreshments

The shift towards reusable drinkware reflects broader consumer values. Research from Forbes highlights how reusable items have become luxury status symbols, showing that functional sustainability now carries social currency. When your branded drinkware combines environmental responsibility with genuine quality, you're not just promoting your brand — you're aligning with values that matter to modern consumers.

The desk-to-gym lifestyle that defines many professionals today means your branded bottle or cup becomes part of their daily routine. That's the kind of brand integration money can't buy, but quality drinkware can deliver.

3. Totes, Backpacks & Bags That Mean Business

A well-made bag is a mobile billboard that people pay to carry around – only in this case, you get the brand exposure. Our company-branded bags deliver everyday practicality and premium print space in one hit.

ICON Owen's Travel Tote Bag

• 16 oz canvas, built for years of commuting and coffee runs
• Internal pockets + shoulder strap = hands-free convenience
• 33 cm × 28 cm × 13 cm – roomy without being bulky

Reusable totes and backpacks also tick the sustainability box, replacing hundreds of single-use bags while keeping your logo in sight.

4. Outdoor Gear That Stands Out

Great merch shows up when life gets unpredictable – like sudden rain at an event or a sunny beach day. That practicality cements positive brand recall.

Promo Brands Stormy Umbrella

• 8-rib fibreglass frame, 190 T pongee canopy
• Vented wind panels + auto open button
• Full 1.2 m span for real protection

Cotton Beach Towel

• 100 % Jacquard cotton, soft terry finish
• 900 mm × 1700 mm – generous coverage
• Yarn-dyed colours that won’t fade

When people stay dry or claim the best spot on the sand thanks to your gear, your brand becomes the hero of the moment.

5. Eco-Friendly Favourites

Sustainability isn't a bonus anymore — it's a must. Our eco range includes thoughtfully sourced materials, plastic-free packaging and items designed to reduce waste. If you want to show your brand walks the talk, this is where to start.

With 65% of consumers actively seeking sustainable products, eco-friendly merchandise has moved from niche to mainstream. These aren't just promotional products — they're statements about your brand's values and commitment to environmental responsibility. When someone uses your bamboo lunch box or writes in your recycled paper journal, they're experiencing your brand's dedication to doing better for the planet.

The beauty of our eco-friendly collection lies in how these products seamlessly blend sustainability with everyday functionality. Your team members and clients get genuinely useful items that happen to be better for the environment, creating positive associations with your brand every time they're used.

Promo Brands Eco Friendly Two Layer Lunch Box

Stylish and convenient, this eco-friendly lunch box is constructed with bamboo elements and wheat straw composite materials. The dual compartments stack neatly with an included cutlery set, making it a practical everyday companion that reduces single-use packaging waste.

Features:

• Eco-friendly bamboo and wheat straw construction
• Dual lunch compartments with elastic strap security
• Included plastic knife, fork and spoon
• 30% wheat straw & 70% polypropylene compartments
• Microwave and dishwasher safe (excluding bamboo lid)
• Size: 187mm W x 96mm H x 100mm D

Eco Colour Bound A5 JournalBook

Designed with sustainability and style in mind, this eco-conscious journal features a hardbound recycled paper cover with bold colour-accented page edges. It's ideal for business gifting, event giveaways, or branded stationery that reflects your environmental commitment.

Features:

• Hard cover made from recycled, ethically sourced paper
• Colour-accented page edges for modern finish
• 80 cream-lined pages for notes and journaling
• Colour-matched ribbon page marker, elastic closure, and pen loop
• Expandable accordion pocket for storage
• A5 Size: 145mm (W) × 215mm (H) × 14mm (D)

What makes our eco-friendly most popular merch special is that people genuinely want to use these products. They're not compromise choices — they're well-designed, functional items that happen to be better for the planet. When your branded merchandise aligns with your audience's values, you create deeper connections that go beyond traditional promotional products.

6. Rush Products

We've all been there — that moment when someone asks for branded merchandise and you need it yesterday. Maybe it's a surprise client meeting, an unexpected event opportunity, or simply poor planning (we won't judge). The good news? Most popular merch doesn't have to suffer just because the timeline is tight.

At Mercha, our rush order collection proves that fast turnaround and quality aren't mutually exclusive. We've carefully curated items that can move quickly through production without cutting corners on the details that matter.

The secret to successful rush orders isn't magic — it's preparation. We maintain strong relationships with reliable suppliers and keep our most popular merch items ready for quick customisation. This means when you're under pressure, we're already ahead of the game.

What makes our rush products special is that they don't look or feel rushed. Your recipients won't know these items were produced on a tight deadline because we refuse to compromise on quality standards. Whether it's a last-minute corporate gift or emergency event merchandise, these products still represent your brand with the professionalism you expect.

The key is knowing what works well under time pressure. Not every promotional product is suited to rush production, which is why we've pre-selected items that can handle accelerated timelines while maintaining the quality and finish that makes people want to keep and use them.

From urgent staff appreciation gifts to surprise client presentations, our rush collection covers the situations where great merchandise can't wait. Because sometimes the best opportunities come with the shortest deadlines.

Trends Shaping Merch Design & Sales

The line between fashion and “promo” has blurred. Here’s what’s driving most popular merch orders right now:

• Athleisure everywhere – Comfort is office-appropriate, so branded hoodies and tees get daily wear.
• Streetwear graphics – Bold, front-and-centre logos outshine tiny chest prints.
• Sustainability as standard – Recycled fabrics and plastic-free packaging are the new baseline.
• Print-on-demand – Test designs in micro-batches, scale only the winners.
• Limited drops & collabs – Scarcity builds hype (and resale value) when the quality is there.

Want to dig deeper? Our guide on company swag ideas for maximum impact breaks down real-world examples and ROI numbers.

How to Choose the Right Merch for Your Audience

Understanding your audience starts with buyer personas. A tech startup's employees will have different preferences than a construction company's workforce. Age, lifestyle, values, and professional environment all influence which promotional products will be used versus discarded.

Budget tiers allow you to offer options for different occasions. Premium items work well for major client gifts or executive appreciation, while cost-effective options suit large-scale event giveaways or new employee welcome packs.

Seasonality affects both product selection and timing. Branded umbrellas make sense before rainy seasons, while water bottles and outdoor gear align with summer activities. Planning promotional campaigns around natural usage patterns improves adoption rates.

Bundling creates perceived value while showcasing product range. A welcome pack might include a tee, water bottle, and notebook, providing multiple touchpoints while feeling more substantial than individual items.

Niche-specific merchandise ideas:

• Tech companies: Power banks, laptop sleeves, ergonomic accessories
• Healthcare: Hand sanitiser, wellness journals, stress relief items
• Hospitality: Luggage tags, travel accessories, local experience guides
• Education: Notebooks, pens, campus-specific apparel
• Fitness: Gym towels, protein shakers, resistance bands
• Finance: Premium leather goods, desk accessories, executive gifts

Best-Practice Design Tips

Bold logos work better than subtle branding on promotional products. People need to recognise your brand quickly, and clear visibility ensures maximum marketing impact. However, the design should still feel integrated rather than slapped on as an afterthought.

Minimal repeats of the same design across different products keep your merchandise collection feeling fresh. Instead of putting identical logos on every item, consider variations that suit each product type while maintaining brand consistency.

Eco messaging resonates with modern consumers, but it needs to be authentic. If you're using sustainable materials or processes, highlight these benefits. Greenwashing through misleading claims will damage rather than improve brand perception.

Professional mock-ups help visualise how designs will look on actual products. This prevents disappointment with final results and allows for adjustments before production begins. Quality presentation also improves internal buy-in when seeking approval for merchandise investments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trending Merch

Why do t-shirts remain the top-selling merch item?

There's something beautifully simple about a good t-shirt — everyone owns them, everyone wears them, and they work for almost any occasion. T-shirts offer the perfect trifecta of universal appeal, practical utility, and excellent branding visibility. When the custom t-shirt printing market hits $4 billion and keeps growing at 11.1% annually, you know there's solid demand behind the trend.

The real magic happens when you choose quality over quantity. Our AS Colour Staple Tees and Biz Collection Ice Tees get worn repeatedly because they're comfortable and well-made. Meanwhile, cheap alternatives quickly become cleaning rags or pyjamas — not exactly the brand visibility you're after. The most popular merch succeeds because it earns its place in people's regular rotation.

How can I balance sustainability and cost?

Smart sustainability starts with choosing products that naturally replace wasteful alternatives. Reusable water bottles eliminate hundreds of single-use plastic bottles, while quality tote bags replace countless plastic shopping bags. These items justify their cost through genuine environmental benefits rather than just eco-friendly marketing.

Our approach at Mercha focuses on sustainable materials at competitive prices rather than premium eco-brands that might strain your budget. Consider the total value too — slightly more expensive sustainable items often deliver better results through increased usage and positive brand associations. When someone uses your branded ICON Fily Bottle daily instead of buying disposable drinks, they're seeing your logo repeatedly while appreciating your environmental commitment.

Do limited editions really increase sales?

Limited editions tap into powerful psychology around scarcity and exclusivity, but they need genuine reasons for being limited to work effectively. Artificial scarcity feels manipulative, while natural limitations — like seasonal colours, event-specific designs, or collaboration opportunities — create authentic urgency.

The key is building anticipation and delivering quality that justifies the exclusive positioning. When we create limited runs for clients, it's usually around special events, seasonal relevance, or unique design collaborations that provide natural boundaries. The result is faster decision-making, higher perceived value, and more engagement around the product launch. Just remember — the exclusivity means nothing if the underlying product isn't worth having in the first place.

Merch That Speaks for Your Brand

When you choose promotional products, you're not just buying marketing materials — you're investing in relationships. The right most popular merch creates those meaningful moments when someone reaches for your branded water bottle during their morning run, or throws on your company tee for a weekend coffee run. These aren't just products; they're daily reminders that your brand fits naturally into people's lives.

At Mercha, we've built our entire approach around making this process as straightforward as possible. Our three simple steps — browse our curated collections, upload your logo with real-time preview, and receive fast delivery with quality guarantee — remove all the traditional headaches that have made custom merchandise feel overwhelming for busy business owners.

What sets us apart isn't just our streamlined process, though. It's our commitment to sustainability, quality materials, and thoughtful design that ensures your promotional products improve rather than compromise your brand image. When major brands like Klaviyo, Woolworths, Amazon, TikTok, and Uber trust us with their most important campaigns, it's because they know we understand that every piece of merchandise represents their values.

Whether you're facing a rush order situation for a last-minute event or want to develop a comprehensive merchandise strategy that builds long-term brand loyalty, we've got the systems and expertise to deliver results that work as hard as you do. Our rush collection maintains the same quality standards as our regular products — we just move faster, not cheaper.

The best promotional products don't announce themselves as promotional. They feel essential, useful, and genuinely desirable. When your branded items become part of people's daily routines — carried to meetings, worn to the gym, used at home — you've achieved something special: genuine brand integration that creates lasting connections.

Ready to find why Australia's leading brands choose Mercha for their most important promotional campaigns? Explore our most popular collections and experience how easy it is to create merchandise that truly represents your brand values and builds the relationships that matter most to your business.