Why Fall Is the Best Season for Branded Merch

Matt Tenbush on September 10, 2026

Why Fall Is the Best Season for Branded Merch

There’s something about fall that makes branded merch a little more fun.

Maybe it’s football season. Maybe it’s cooler weather. Maybe it’s the sudden realization that company parties, school events and the holidays are all right around the corner.

Whatever the reason, fall is one of our favorite times of year at Austin Screen Printing & Embroidery—because this is the season when you can really start thinking outside the T-shirt.

And there’s a whole lot more out there than just another t-shirt.

Layer Up

When the temperature finally drops below 90 in Austin, Texans waste absolutely no time breaking out the cold-weather gear.

Fall opens the door to some of the best branded apparel of the year:

Hats. Beanies. Scarves. Gloves. Vests. Hoodies. Quarter-zips. Jackets.

These are pieces people tend to hang onto, and they’re also perfect for embroidery, patches and other decoration methods that can give your logo a completely different look.

Layering pieces are especially useful because they work just about everywhere—from the sidelines on Friday night to the office on Monday morning.

Football + School Spirit = Merch Season

Fall and school spirit pretty much go hand in hand.

Football games, tailgates, homecoming, booster clubs and campus events create countless opportunities to do something beyond the standard spirit shirt.

Think embroidered caps, rally towels, stadium-friendly giveaways, koozies, patches, stickers, bags and cold-weather gear as the season progresses.

And don’t forget the people in the stands.

Sometimes the best spirit wear isn’t designed for the players at all. It’s for the parents, alumni, students and fans who show up every week.

Company Events Get More Interesting, Too

Fall is also packed with company outings, employee appreciation events, conferences and holiday parties.

That’s an opportunity to make the merch part of the experience instead of simply handing everyone another promotional item.

Imagine an onsite activation where guests choose a design and watch their own custom bandana printed during your holiday party.

Just think, limited-edition event merch that’s only available that night.

When people participate in creating something, the item becomes a souvenir from the experience—not just another giveaway.

Holiday Gifts: Sometimes Less Says More

We’re officially entering the time of year when somebody in the office is going to ask:

“What are we giving everyone for Christmas this year?”

Our advice: start thinking about it now—and don’t be afraid to keep it simple.

Holiday gifting doesn’t always need a giant logo to make an impression. Sometimes a small, tasteful logo on a really nice tumbler or a soft blanket speaks louder than your logo printed big across another tote bag.

A quality embroidered quarter-zip. A great jacket. A premium hat and beanie set. A subtle patch. Nice drinkware. A cozy blanket. Even a thoughtfully assembled gift set.

This is a great time to think about the item first and the logo second.

Choose something that fits the recipient and the occasion, then find a way to brand it that feels intentional. Sometimes that’s embroidery. Sometimes it’s a small patch, an engraved mark or a subtle print.

Good branding doesn’t always have to shout.

Think Outside the Box This Fall

T-shirts will always be a huge part of what we do. We’ve printed a few of them over the last 50+ years.

But one of the most fun parts of our business is figuring out what else is possible.

Screen printing, embroidery, patches, promotional products, signs, stickers, live printing and event activations can all work together to create something much bigger than a shirt.

So whether you’re planning a football event, ordering school spirit gear, outfitting your team for cooler weather or trying to come up with a memorable holiday gift…

Fall is a pretty good time to get creative.

And this is the time of year when we really shine.

Have an idea that’s a little outside the box? Bring it to us. Those are usually our favorite ones.