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How to Make Money Selling Custom Festival Shirts & Concert Gear

By ShirtSpace | May 21, 2025 |  Updated May 21, 2025

Custom festival shirts are a great way to turn up the volume on your creativity—and maybe even your festival clothing business. Festival and concert season is an exciting time for apparel decorators, with countless opportunities to create custom clothing that stands out in a crowd. As the demand for unique, eye-catching designs grows, so does the potential to turn your skills into a profitable venture. In this blog, we'll show you how to leverage this season’s buzz to make money by decorating festival apparel that speaks to the vibrant energy of summer events. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
 

DIY Festival Clothes for Your Best Summer Yet!

Festival and concert season is one of the most profitable times of the year for apparel decorators. Whether you specialize in screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG), DTF printing sublimation or heat transfer vinyl (HTV), there are countless opportunities to tap into the booming market of festival and concert-goers.

This guide will show you how to take advantage of the festival season to maximize your profits while staying ahead of trends in custom festival fashion.

Why Festivals and Concerts Are a Goldmine for Apparel Decorators

Music festivals, food fairs and outdoor concerts draw thousands of attendees looking for unique, eye-catching apparel. Many are willing to pay premium prices for exclusive designs that help them stand out. Or they want a custom t-shirt from their favorite artists’ show as a keepsake. Here's why this market is so lucrative:

  • High Demand for Unique Apparel – Festival-goers love one-of-a-kind designs they can't find in stores.
  • Bulk Orders from Bands and Event Organizers – Custom band merch and event t-shirts sell in large quantities.
  • Trendy and Seasonal Appeal – Festival fashion is always evolving, providing endless creative opportunities.

How to Capitalize on Festival and Concert Season

The Next Level Festival Collection, featuring ladies’ t-shirts and tank tops.

Shirts pictured: Next Level’s Festival Collection, including the N5013 Ladies' Festival Muscle Tank in “Smoked Paprika”, 5030 Women's Festival Scoop Neck T-Shirt in “Antique Denim”, N5040 Ladies' Festival Sleeveless V in “Stonewash Green”, N5080 Ladies' Festival Cali Crop T-Shirt in “Red” (discontinued), 5033 Ladies' Festival Tank in “Royal Pine”. 


Festival and concert season is the perfect time to let creativity shine and turn bold style into serious profit. Whether crafting your own DIY festival outfit or launching a brand, having trendy festival outfit ideas can set your products apart in a crowded marketplace. With music lovers looking to stand out, custom pieces offer both personality and value. To make the most of this vibrant season, follow these key festival season business tips, like planning ahead, tapping into social media trends, and offering limited-edition designs. By aligning your products with the energy and aesthetic of festival culture, you can turn a passion for fashion into a booming side hustle—or something even bigger.

1. Create a Festival-Ready Collection

Having a dedicated product line for the festival season can set you apart from the competition. Here are some of the best blanks for concert season apparel:

2. Partner with Local Events and Bands

Approach festival organizers, bands and event promoters to offer your services. Many need custom merch, such as:

  • Custom band shirts
  • Branded staff uniforms
  • VIP and crew apparel
  • Giveaways and promotional products

3. Use Trendy Decoration Techniques

Different printing methods work best for festival wear. Here are some of the most effective:

4. How to Sell Festival Clothing Online and at Events

Maximize profits by selling both in-person and online:

  • Set up a booth at festivals – Directly sell your custom merch
  • Create an Etsy or Shopify store – Sell festival-themed apparel year-round
  • Promote on social media – Use Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or any other social media platform you prefer to showcase your designs

5. Optimize Your Pricing Strategy

Pricing can make or break your business. Consider:

  • Cost per unit (blanks + printing + labor)
  • Competitor pricing in the festival market – do your research!
  • Offering premium pricing for exclusive, limited-edition designs
  • Bundle deals (e.g., buy two, get one free)

6. Stay Ahead of Festival Fashion Trends

To maximize sales, keep up with festival trends:

7. Best Apparel Made for Festivals & Concerts

Some wholesale blank apparel brands have collections that are specifically made with live music events in mind. Shop these collections and styles for picture-perfect festival and concert wear:

8. Offer Customization at Events

Live customization stations are a huge hit at festivals. Attendees love being able to personalize their own shirts, hats or jackets. For DIY festival fashion on-site, invest in:

What Not to Do When Selling Custom Festival and Concert Merch

Before you cash in on your custom creations, make sure you're not stepping on any legal landmines. Avoid using copyrighted images, band logos or trademarked phrases unless you have explicit permission—this includes popular lyrics, artwork and even festival names. Just because something looks cool on a tee doesn’t mean it’s free to use. When in doubt, create original designs or reach out to the rights holder to get permission first. Playing it safe protects your business and keeps the music (and money) flowing.


Custom Festival Fashion Inspo

When it comes to festival fashion, the bolder, the better. Think eye-catching graphics, neon colors, tie-dye, holographic prints and playful sayings that match the energy of the crowd. Don’t be afraid to mix trends—fringe, retro fonts or psychedelic patterns can make your designs stand out in a sea of sameness. The goal? Create something people can’t wait to wear—and Instagram. Here are some DIY festival apparel ideas to get you started:

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Festival Gear

Q: What kind of clothes are worn to music festivals?


A: The ideal festival outfit is lightweight, breathable and built for comfort during long days on your feet. Think cotton tees, loose-fitting tops, crop tops, tanks and shorts made from soft or moisture-wicking fabrics. Beyond comfort, festivals are all about bold, expressive fashion. Don’t shy away from bright prints, unique patterns or daring styles — it's the perfect place to let personal style shine.

Q: What are the latest music festival fashion trends?


A: Current festival style includes vintage-inspired graphic tees, oversized tops, sleeveless tanks and cropped styles. Standout looks are often achieved with tie-dye, acid wash or mineral-dyed fabrics. Personalized accessories, such as custom hats and bags, are also trending.

Q: What items should be brought to a summer music festival?


A: Key items include a sun hat, sunglasses, a lightweight crossbody or belt bag, breathable clothing and a jacket or sweatshirt for chilly evenings. For dusty environments, a face covering like a bandana or a gaiter can be helpful.

Q: Which hats are best for wearing at festivals?


A: Great options for festival hats include bucket hats, wide brims and ventilated baseball caps. Look for hats with UPF sun protection, breathable or moisture-wicking materials and flexible (unstructured) designs that can handle being packed. A built-in sweatband is also a plus for those long, hot days.

Q: What’s the best type of bag to carry at a festival?


A: Go for compact, hands-free bags such as fanny packs, small backpacks or crossbodies that align with venue rules. Clear PVC bags are often required at major festivals. If attending a music festival, be sure to double-check the event’s bag guidelines and choose something with compartments to keep essentials like sunscreen and snacks organized.

Q: Are there specific clothing lines designed for concerts and festivals?

A: Absolutely! We stock collections tailored for festival goers, including:

Q: How can I personalize clothing for a festival look?

A: You can customize blank apparel using methods like screen printing, embroidery, heat transfer vinyl (HTV) or direct-to-film (DTF) transfers. For a DIY flair, try tie-dyeing, bleach designs, fabric paint, rhinestones or appliqués. Combining multiple techniques can create truly standout
pieces.

Q: What printing method is best for festival wear?

A: Screen printing for concerts is great for bulk orders, while DTG and DTF printing work well for intricate, colorful designs. Heat transfer vinyl for festival clothes is ideal for one-off customizations, especially if your design is a single color or more blocky shapes. Sublimation printing for events is the go-to choice if the event is going to be hot, and you plan on selling performance wear (made up of 60% or more polyester). If you are creating custom apparel for the staff, then polyester shirts with a sublimation print are a great option to keep the crew cool, dry and comfortable.

Q: Where can I shop online for budget-friendly festival clothes?

A: ShirtSpace carries affordable blank apparel — including tanks, t-shirts, hoodies and accessories — perfect for personalizing your festival wardrobe at wholesale prices.

Q: Can I sell custom-designed festival wear made with ShirtSpace products?

A: Definitely. Many customers use our blank garments to create and sell custom festival merchandise online, at events or through social media platforms.

Q: How do I start a festival clothing business?

A: Start by researching festival fashion trends, sourcing quality blank apparel, and choosing a printing method that fits your budget. Build an online store and market your designs through social media and local events.

Q: Where can I sell custom festival clothing?

A: You can sell summer event t-shirts at local music festivals, concerts and outdoor shows, as well as online through Shopify, Etsy, or your own website.

Q: How do I price custom festival apparel?

A: Factor in material costs, printing expenses, labor and market demand. Offering bulk discounts and bundle deals can boost sales.

Q: What are the best fabrics for festival wear?

A: The best fabrics for festivals are lightweight, breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and comfortable all day. Cotton, rayon and polyester blends are popular choices, especially those with stretch or quick-dry properties. Mesh and jersey knits also allow airflow, making them great for hot weather. Look for materials that are soft, flexible and easy to wash after a long day of dancing.

Q: What clothing should I steer clear of at music festivals?

A: Avoid thick fabrics, tight-fitting clothes or anything you’re worried about getting dirty. Stick to easy-to-clean, breathable and flexible pieces that allow you to move and stay cool.

Q: How should I wash my festival clothes afterward?

A: To clean festival gear, use cold water and avoid high heat in the dryer. For items with prints or embellishments, follow the care instructions to maintain their look and longevity.



The BAGedge BE268 unisex clear PVC mini backpack, is perfect for concerts and festivals.
Bag pictured: BAGedge BE268 Unisex Clear PVC Mini Backpack.

Final Encore


Festival and concert season presents a massive opportunity for apparel decorators. By leveraging trendy designs, strategic partnerships and smart pricing, you can make this your most profitable season yet. Start planning your festival clothing business today, and get ready to cash in on the summer event rush!

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