Building a clothing brand takes more than just a great design—it’s about vision, strategy, and execution. In this episode, we’re diving into the fundamentals of brand building, from choosing the right production partner to the power of product sampling.

We share real stories from our early days in the industry, breaking down how guerrilla marketing, community-building, and hands-on product development can set your brand apart. Plus, we talk about how the landscape has changed from Magento to Shopify, and why modern brands need to think beyond mass production.

The industry is constantly evolving, and 2025 is no exception. In this episode, we dive into the trends shaping the future of apparel—from community-driven brand building to experiential marketing and the resurgence of vintage aesthetics. We explore the emotional connections behind fashion, the power of exclusivity in merchandise, and how storytelling transforms products into cultural statements. Tune in as we break down what’s next in fashion and how brands can stay ahead of the curve.

How can private label merchandise help elevate your brand? We dive into the essence of private labels, discussing how businesses can source high-quality materials that ensures top-notch merchandise to their customers, setting them apart from generic market options.

In this podcast episode, we're joined by retail expert and new addition to the Culture fam, Rafael. We explore the evolving retail landscape, especially as the holiday season approaches. Rafael discusses the impact of COVID-19 on retail, the importance of brand authenticity, and the rise of customization. Rafael also shares insights on vendor compliance, technological advancements, and the trend towards domestic manufacturing.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of "drops" in e-commerce and their effectiveness as a sales tool, especially during peak shopping seasons like the holidays. We discuss how drops create urgency and exclusivity and contrast them with print-on-demand models.

We're joined by our in-house drop shipping expert, Jordan, who delves into the technical aspects, including integrating drops with platforms like Shopify, managing logistics, and enhancing customer experience. The episode underscores the strategic importance of drops in boosting sales and engaging consumers.

Ready to dive into an inspiring journey? On this week's episode of Merch Culture we chat with Tim Gibson, who transformed from a screen printer to top exec at a leading company in the printing industry.

https://usstandardapparel.com/

What drives the success of Next Level Apparel? It’s a combination of their family legacy, industry expertise, and personal passion.

In this episode, we're joined by Eric Simsolo, President of Next Level Apparel. Founded by his father 21 years ago, the company initially focused on sublimation printing for sportswear. Over time, it transitioned to developing fabric for fashion and producing stock blanks in Los Angeles, driven by customer demand for higher quality and diverse products. Eric shares his personal stories about growing up in the business and his decision to join the family venture, highlighting the challenges and pride associated with leading the company.

Ever wondered how to make waves on social media without spending a dime on ads? Alex from Streetwearhouse shares his secrets on how consistent, niche-focused content creation has catapulted their brand into the spotlight and attracted a huge audience of streetwear fans.

https://www.instagram.com/streetwearhouse_official/