Make It Wearable: Branded Apparel That Tells a Story
There’s something about a good t-shirt or hat that sticks with people, especially in the summer when everyone’s out and about, attending local events, heading to the beach, or exploring small towns. Apparel has the power to turn your brand into a walking billboard and tell your story in a meaningful way.
That’s why we love helping our clients bring their brand to life through wearable marketing.
Whether you’re creating merch to sell or swag to give away, the design and the method of printing matter. At Dark Horse Design, we’ve helped clients make their gear more engaging and impactful through heat press, embroidery, patches, and digitized logos.
Promote the Experience: Gypsy Blood Divers
Gypsy Blood Divers isn’t just a business – it’s an experience. They offer full-service dive charters right out of Point Pleasant, NJ, and when it came time to design shirts, we knew we needed to capture that sense of adventure.
The result? Shirts featuring their boat and divers in action, made with heat press printing for bold color and sharp detail.
If you’re selling branded merch this summer, whether at your shop, during experiences, or online, your apparel should tell your story. It's also perfect for your crew!
Digitized Logos for Family Pride
Father Son Garage is a classic car restoration business with deep roots and generations of passion. But somewhere along the way, their digital logo file went missing – and they couldn’t make shirts without it.
We stepped in to help digitize their logo, restoring it for use across digital and print projects. We also printed up shirts, including a onesie for the youngest member of the crew! This project is a great reminder that if you’re considering custom apparel or swag, it’s important to have a high-res logo file print-ready.
Embroidery for Summer Activities: Scout Troop Beanies
We love working with small businesses, but some of our favorite side gigs involve helping civic groups and non-profits with their branding and merch.
For a recent project, we created embroidered beanies for multiple different Troops to wear during their camping trips and outdoor adventures. Embroidery is a great choice for headwear because it’s clean, durable, and looks professional. Best of all, it adds a tactile element that gives your swag a high-quality finish.
If your community or corporate group is planning summer outings, embroidery is a fun and functional way to show team spirit.
Repping Your Town: Belmar Merch
Another cool way to brand apparel? Patches! They work on hats, bags, and shirts, and they’re a great option when you want one consistent design across multiple items.
Check out these custom patches at our friends’ shop in Belmar - used on hats and tees to create a cohesive, standout look. You can also gain great detail on panel hats using a heat press!
Both techniques are a great option for street fairs, surf shops, and other local retailers. You can make them bold and bright, or keep them subtle and classic.
Swag That Sells the Summer Experience
As you prepare for summer, ask yourself:
How are you appealing to both locals and tourists?
Are you showcasing your experience – not just your product?
What story is your swag telling?
Branded apparel can be fun, useful, collectible, and cool. But most importantly, it should feel like you. Whether you run a family business, offer unique experiences, or participate in community initiatives, the gear you wear (and sell) is a reflection of your brand.