Some of the Best Merch Of Your Favorite Artists Isn’t At Their Concert Booth — It’s Fanmade
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There’s no bigger leap from “casual song enjoyer” to “this artist is literally part of my life” than scoring your first piece of their merch. Rocking a performer’s tee or hoodie not only shows the world who you are, but what you care about. Sure, some band’s logos and iconography have become so entrenched in modern streetwear style that you can wear them with zero allegiance to the music and no one would bat an eye except for corny, “oh really? Name five of their songs”-type folks (with Nirvana merch seeming to take the brunt of the potshots).
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But donning an artist’s merch out in the wild also makes for an easy way to identify and connect with fellow fans, turning would-be strangers into a collective force of nature (see: the Swiftie friendship bracelet trading phenomenon, or literally everything about BTS Armys). On the performer’s side, it’s no longer good enough to just slap your band’s logo on a tee — now we’re seeing quirkier options ranging from Reneé Rapp’s “Young Ex Wife” tank tops, to skeleton-print sweatpants from Phoebe Bridgers, and The 1975 using a hugging Wojack meme on their tee.
But with ticket prices on the rise (including hidden fees, fighting with bots, waiting on a virtual queue for hours), attending some of the biggest tours in the country and actually acquiring that merch in person can seem like a Herculean task at times nowadays. That’s why more and more stans are relying on fanmade merch from sites like Etsy to fulfill that band tee-sized hole in their hearts. With tours that seem to have dedicated “uniforms” these days, it helps too that the pieces are often more unique and sometimes dare we say, better, than the official merchandise.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best fanmade merch we’ve spotted for artists who are taking the globe by storm, from Beyoncé to Bad Bunny, because everyone deserves to rep their faves.
FOR THE SWIFTIES
Greetings from Florida!!! Tortured Poets T-Shirt
$29.99+
This celebration of Taylor Swift and Florence And The Machine’s collab — which features tropical swamp iconography from the track “Florida!!!” — channels a vintage postcard aesthetic in the best way possible. While we love our lavender-hued everything and kitties for “karma is a cat”, we like that this shirt takes a different direction from most Taylor merch. You can choose from three different color styles and S-4XL sizing to ensure that perfect oversized fit for the summer (or year-round Florida-style humidity).
FOR THE BEYHIVE
Cowboy Carter Belt Buckle
$37.50 $50 25% off
Whether you’re stepping out at the beach, the cookout, or on the dance floor, you’ll be channeling Cowboy Carter style with this handmade Beyoncé belt buckle. While this seems like it would’ve been a no brainer for her own merch rollout (maybe for the eventual tour announcement?), but this lovingly crafted homage to Bey’s country era almost feels too pretty to wear. But you some come take it to the floor now, anyways.
FOR THE LIVIES
Engraved Guts Tour Stanley Cup
$94.50 $105 10% off
While this one is a bit of a splurge, you can spill your guts (but not your drink) with this laser-engraved Stanley tumbler commemorating the Guts tour. Featuring songs and icons of Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album/tour engraved throughout, this 30 ounce flip straw tumbler will keep your bevvies colder than your ex’s heart for hours on end.
FOR THE AVOCADOS
Blohsh Inspired Chain Necklace
Referred to as the “Blohsh” (we’re still not sure what that means), this sparkling chain necklace lets you keep Billie’s iconic mascot close to your chest. The genderless slanted stick figure pendant comes in four different colorways and is attached to a 37cm chain. Wear this out and about and you’ll feel happier than ever.
FOR THE MIDWEST PRINCESSES
Wand and A Rabbit Inspired Embroidered Hat
$29
“I heard you like magic?” While we don’t know if you have a wand and a rabbit, any casual outfit looks better if you’re styling it with this Chappell Roan supernova queer IYKYK hat. We like that it comes in four different colors and has an adjustable strap in the back…no not that kind.
FOR THE ARMYS
BTS "You Nice, Keep Going" Enamel Pin
$9
When Buzzfeed asked the question “if you could go back to your debut, what would you tell yourself?” during their Playing with Puppies interview, member Jimin responded: “Hey Jimin, you nice, keep going.” This cute motivational pin is inspired by that now-iconic quote, and is a “cutey, sexy, lovely” must for your collection.
PARA LOS CONEJOS
Nadie Sabe Embroidered Tank
$35
While nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, you could be awaiting a package with this seller’s minimalist embroidered Bad Bunny tank. Don’t get us wrong, we love that sad little heart from Un Verano Sin Ti, but we think this bucking bronco stands out just as well. Made from a soft and stretchy fabric, this pullover features slim fit that hits just above the waist to complete your caballero summer look.
FOR THE HARRIES
Harry's House Home Slippers
$13.27+ $18.95+ 30% off
Step inside Harry’s House with these handmade slippers featuring an album cover-inspired designs. While Styles just released his own clothing line through his brand Pleasing, we think these warm and cozy slippies are just as pleasing,
whether you’re relaxing in the living room or lounging in your bedroom texting your fellow fans about that latest breakup.
FOR THE KENFOLK
If You're Reading This Kendrick Won Mug
$17.95+
While it seems like we’ve finally come to the end of the Kendrick/Drake rap beef (although maybe not, given that we just got Drake rapping over BBL Drizly on his feature for Sexyy Red’s “U My Everything”), it’s pretty clear that Kendrick came out on top by a mile. To celebrate that massive takedown, take a sip from this winner’s cup which playfully uses the “Drake font” from his mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late.
FOR THE BOOTLEGGERS
Luke Combs Stickers
$8.40
This one’s for you, Combs fans — while this site already has a wealth of fanmade stickers, we like that this mixed pack from StickToTheGood shop includes pics of the man himself and not just popular album lyrics (although “beer never broke my heart” is a must). Glossy and water-resistant stick these on your laptop, concert venue-friendly bag, or hell, even on a beer bottle.
FOR THE YOUNG EX WIVES
Reneé Rapp Tummy Hurts Keychain
Doctor recommended for any heartbreak, this “Tummy Hurts” acrylic keychain is perfect for organizing your car and house keys, wearing on your backpack, or hanging anywhere you want to sport your love for Rapp. The fun Pepto-Bismol design won’t guarantee you’ll get over your ex, but you will look stylish.
FOR THE LANATICS
Lana Del Rey Canvas Tote Bag
$16.95 $22.59 25% off
Revel in nostalgia of the Tumblr-esque 2012 Born To Die era up until the present with this canvas tote that displays the timeless cars that have became synonymous with Lana’s album covers and artwork. Each vehicle tells a story, and you won’t have to decide on a favorite album to show off your love for discography.
FOR TYLER FANS
Call Me If You Get Lost (CMIYGL) Mirror
$60
One of the GOATs of artist merch has to be Tyler, the Creator, with his fashion and lifestyle brand Golf Wang having gained an almost cultlike following. But like we said before, some of his most unique merch you’ll arguably find made by fans, like this 24 x 12-inch mirror based on the 2021 album Call Me If You Get Lost.
FOR THE ARIANATORS
The Original "We Can't Be Friends" Peach Necklace
$55
Now this is a rare find — while not exactly a piece of artist merch, Ariana Grande herself bought this delicate necklace from shop aptoArt and featured it in her music video for “we can’t be friends” (the seller even shows a pic of the flowers and a personalized thank you note Ari sent them). We love finds like this that show off a lowkey love for something special and referential to the artist — the necklace itself is also just stunning, with a vibrant glass peach pendant hung by a shiny, gold-plated chain.
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