Today, merch is more than just “corporate clothing.” It has become a powerful HR branding tool — representing a company’s culture, values, and even helping to attract and retain top talent. In this article, we explore 5 key merch trends for IT companies heading into 2025.

What is merch, anyway?

“Merch” is short for “merchandise.” The term originated in the U.S. in the 1920s, when musicians began creating branded items to stay connected with their fans. These products helped reinforce their image beyond concerts and drew in new audiences.

Why don’t we say “corporate clothing” anymore?

In today’s IT world, merch is a way to express identity, not just a uniform. Employees proudly wear items featuring their company’s branding — not because they have to, but because they want to.

So… how are IT companies like musicians?

Major tech companies release merch to strengthen emotional ties with their audiences — employees, candidates, and customers. Just like bands build communities around their brand, so do companies.

What counts as merch?

The possibilities are broad:
From clothing (t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies) to accessories (tote bags, backpacks, notebooks, thermal mugs), anything that carries a company’s brand can become merch.

Top IT Merch Trends for 2024–2025

1. Meaningful Merch

It’s no longer enough to just slap a logo on a hoodie. Today’s merch should tell a story or reflect a company’s values. High-quality materials, thoughtful design, and purpose-driven messaging are key.

2. Eco-Friendly Everything

Tech companies are increasingly turning to sustainable materials and reusable items. For example: replacing plastic bottles with stainless steel ones, or swapping single-use bags for eco tote bags.

3. Merch as a Strategy

Merch is more than just stuff — it’s a strategic tool for brand building and audience engagement.

Smart Merch: NFC-Enabled Products

Thanks to modern tech, wearable merch can now include functional elements — like NFC tags embedded in patches, pins, or silicone badges.

How does it work?

When activated, an NFC chip turns ordinary merch into a smart product — one that can link to a corporate loyalty program, open a door, or share a digital business card.

What kind of data can it store?

NFC tags can hold:

  • Digital business cards

  • Links to company pages

  • Video greetings

  • Event invites

  • Recipes

  • Office tours
    …and more.

Eco Benefits of NFC

Forget printed materials. With a simple tap — like using Apple Pay — users can access information instantly, saving paper and making interactions smoother and greener.

The Future Trend: Employee Merch Platforms

Companies like Apple and Google have already launched internal online stores for their employees. At Apple, there’s even a physical merch store in California (no devices, just exclusive apparel and accessories).

How does an online merch store support HR?

When a new merch drop goes viral inside the company, employees often want to grab extra items for themselves or friends. A dedicated platform gives them that flexibility — while giving HR full control over inventory and availability.

Benefits of an Online Merch Store:

  • Employees can purchase merch for themselves or as gifts

  • Access to limited edition collections in eco-friendly packaging

  • Payments can be made using company points or internal credits based on achievements

Conclusion

Modern IT companies are rethinking their approach to branded merchandise — aligning it with trends like sustainability, minimalism, and smart tech. Merch should be stylish, functional, and reflective of company values. Internal merch stores not only keep employees engaged, but also help build a strong, cohesive culture. In 2025, corporate merch isn’t just clothing — it’s a branding experience.