Why Offer Embroidered Merchandise
Embroidered merchandise isn’t limited to the sporting world. Bands, musicians, and event organizers all depend on quality merchandise to build their brand and connect with their audience. But not all merch is created equal — fans can spot the difference between a cheap print and a well-made embroidered product.
That’s where embroidery comes in. Offering embroidery merchandise for bands and events allows your business to stand out, attract new clients, and deliver premium products that fans will actually want to wear.
To understand why embroidery continues to play such a powerful role in music merchandising, we spoke with Paul Field — former manager of The Wiggles and frontman of The Sacred Hearts.
Paul has seen firsthand how quality embroidery helps artists create lasting connections with their fans.
Embroidery vs. Print: The Premium Choice
Screen printing may dominate the mass-production market, but embroidery instantly elevates merchandise. It adds texture, depth, and a high-end finish that printed designs simply can’t match.
Bands and artists are looking for ways to stand out — and embroidery provides a way to do that with quality, durability, and timeless appeal.
“Embroidery offers quality. I still have jackets I bought from Cold Chisel, Bruce Springsteen, and the Rolling Stones — all embroidered over 40 years ago — and I still have them today. They last forever.” — Paul Field
Paul Field (vocals)
Tony Henry (drums)
John O’Grady (bass/vocals)
Jeff Fatt (keyboards & founding Purple Wiggle)
Rex Kelaher (guitar)
One Set-up. Big Possibilities
Unlike many printing methods, embroidery makes it easy to produce short runs without large upfront costs. Once a logo or artwork is digitized, it can be embroidered across countless products of similar fabric types — from tees and jackets to bags and patches — with minimal or no additional setup.
While different fabric types may require slight re-digitizing, color changes won’t add to the setup cost.
It's smart to create these three basic design variations that can be reused for other items, such as bags, badges or key chains.
A smaller chest logo (reuse for badges)
A large, feature or back t-shirt design (reuse for bags)
A cap design
Together, these cover most embroidered merchandise options and help you offer clients a complete, professional package.
This flexibility means your clients can create a wide range of products in various colors from a single setup fee — improving efficiency and profitability for both you and your clients.
Getting Started with Embroidered Merchandise
If you’re new to producing embroidered merchandise, start simple. Offer clients a small range of core items — like tees, caps, and badges — that showcase your embroidery quality. Highlight the difference in texture, color depth, and finish compared to print.
Make sure your clients understand how easy it is to scale — simply reuse their existing designs and expand their product offering. Add photos of finished samples to your portfolio and share them on your social pages to quickly attract the attention of artists and event coordinators seeking high-quality, reliable embroidery partners.
“In entertainment, standing out is everything. Anything that sets you apart from the rest of the world is a good thing. And if you’re a bit of a show-off like me, get some embroidery — it’s the perfect way to stand out from the pack.”— Paul FieldHelp bands stand out and build a brand
For bands and event clients, merchandise isn’t just about selling products — it’s about building a brand that fans trust and remember. Embroidery communicates craftsmanship and attention to detail, qualities that instantly elevate perceived value. All embroidered merchandise becomes part of the band's brand and identity.
Premium Finish, Professional Feel
- Embroidery doesn’t just look premium — it feels it, instantly elevating any design.
- It won’t fade, peel, or wash out, ensuring merchandise stays vibrant and durable.
- Fans and customers are often willing to pay more — helping artists and businesses increase profit margins while offering products that last.
Never Goes Out of Style
- Trends change, but embroidery remains timeless. From vintage band jackets to modern tour caps, it carries a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship that never fades.
- No matter what style of music, embroidery has a classic, enduring look that doesn’t go out of style.
A Sustainable Choice
With fewer chemicals and no inks, embroidery can be a more sustainable decoration method.
Coupled with its durability, it reduces waste and offers your clients an eco-friendlier alternative to print-based methods — an increasingly important factor for both brands and bands alike.
"Things have changed a lot in the last 40 years. People used to buy albums and cassettes, but now it’s all streamed. If you want to support a band, buy a ticket to see them live and buy their embroidered merchandise.— Paul FieldMore Than Merch: A New Income Stream
For artists and bands, embroidery isn’t just decoration — it’s an opportunity. High-quality embroidered items can be a lucrative source of income, even for emerging acts.
Fans value quality. A well-stitched cap, tee, or badge isn’t just merch — it’s a keepsake.
By offering embroidery for bands and entertainment groups, you can:
- Attract new clients in the growing live music and events sector
- Increase profit margins through perceived product value
- Build long-term relationships with repeat clients who regularly perform live events.
- Differentiate your services from print-only competitors
In short, embroidery opens the door to a lucrative new market — one that values quality, individuality, and storytelling through craftsmanship.
Interview: Paul Field on the Power of Music Merchandise
To dive deeper into the world of music merchandise, we caught up with Paul Field — former manager of The Wiggles (1996-2020) and now frontman of The Sacred Hearts.
Paul has spent decades watching how merchandise connects artists with their audiences. From children’s entertainment to live rock gigs, Paul understands how quality merch becomes part of the memory — and why embroidery plays such a vital role in creating lasting impressions.
Paul shares how great merch builds lasting connections between artists and audiences.
🎥 Watch the full interview
Premier Is Live on 7th November
7 PM Sydney | 8 AM London | 3 AM New York | Noon Los Angeles
