Merch We Think Will Blow Up Next Year

Dec 8, 2025

Educational

Girl with long curly hair in a black polo and jeans looking away from the camera wearing a yellow and green scarf that is branded for Buchanan's on her head.

Introduction

With Q4 coming to a close, now is the time to start researching what merch will be trendy next year! While we can’t necessarily 100% predict what will blow up, we sure can make a good guess on what will do better than others due to past trend cycles.

Here are our predictions for merch and merch design that we think will blow up next year.

This image has two images next to eachother of a mini moleskin notebook. On the left side is the mini moleskin notebook attached as a keychain to a maroon backpack. While the right image shows someone writing in the notebook.

Image Courtesy of Moleskin + Milligram

Bag Charms

The micro-accessory era isn’t slowing down. Think functional charms: mini tools, tech-friendly add-ons, or clever utilitarian pieces.

This image depicts 18 different colors that are trendy for 2026 varying from warm earthy tones to cool rich jewel tones.

Rich Jewel and Earth Tones

Warm neutrals and rich hues will continue dominating apparel, drinkware, and soft goods. A color story that looks good on everyone, every day.

A stuffed teddy bear that is fluffy and brown with a pink hoodie on that says Lovebound Library. The bear is placed on a bookshelf between books.

Photo Courtesy of Lovebound Library

Little Characters

Quirky mascots will forever be popular. Cute, weird, memorable; great for patches, labels, and packaging and even bag charms.

Two images depicting two models standing out in wilderness in boxy tee shirts and shorts.

Photo Courtesy of AS Colour

Boxy Apparel

Fashion’s still leaning into structured silhouettes, think cropped oversized pieces for tees and outerwear.

Two angles of the same model wearing a green and yellow silk scarf on a black bag and her head.

Bandanas / Scarves - Specifically as Headwear

Look at the Copenhagen runways, bandanas/scarves are about to have a bigger moment. They’re easy to customize, easy to style, and perfect for everything from events to retail drops.

3 Models wearing jackets with patches on them. Two women are on the left wearing denim jacketsand there is a man on the right wearing an olive green canvas jacket.

Patches on Apparel and Accessories

Crafted details are making a comeback. Think visible stitching, appliqués, and tactile elements that make pieces feel premium and personal.

Someone holding a pencil writing in a daily planner. This planner has disks in the binding that make it so you can take the paper in and out without ripping any paper. The notebook is open on a wood table.

Customizable Planners and Gratitude Journals.

Mindfulness and taking care of your schedule will never go out of style.

Two images showing a fancy keepsake box made of velour for Nivea x Juicy Couture.

Reusable Gift Packaging

Think fabric gift bags, Furoshiki-style wraps with bandanas, and keepsake boxes. People want things to keep, not toss!

Conclusion

Trends evolve, but the brands that win are the ones that plan ahead. If you start exploring these styles now, you’ll walk into 2026 with merch that feels intentional, relevant, and impossible to ignore.

If you want help turning any of these trends into something your audience will actually want to use (and keep), we’re here for it. Let’s make next year’s merch your best yet.