As a typical indie kid myself, band merch (along with gig tickets and vinyl) seems to be the only thing that I can bear to spend my money on. There is no better feeling than wondering down the street in your well-loved band tee and seeing somebody approaching you with a t-shirt dedicated to the same artist, instantly feeling a little spark of chemistry between you two; because for once somebody has heard of this up-and-coming musician undiscovered by most of your immediate family or or friendship group.
As well as seeing someone on the street with the same music taste as you, there is no better feeling than going to a gig of said band and being surrounded by people who are in love with them just like you, getting a flicker of confidence in them for the 3 hours that it's carried out for. However, there is always the question which no doubt crosses most peoples minds when thinking about their outfit: do I wear merch?
Choosing to participate in a night of true joy and exhaustion, it's obvious to people why you're there, which is why some may argue that wearing clothes that you are comfortable in throughout this situation is the right idea. But just imagine this, you're first row dancing your heart out at the barrier, making eye contact with the lead singer or fit drummer during their set, with you wearing your beloved t-shirt purchased from their store the day it came out, seeing the happiness on their faces as they finally realise what it is like to make people happy from their music. There is no better feeling than the pure happiness you are giving them and getting back. After all, they make the merch for you to wear, and you would rather chose to be comfortable?
Moreover, if you do decide not to wear it, there's always the choice of buying something at the venue, which one of my friends always does to put on during their set. Whether that be a t-shirt, wristband or tote bag, it is amazing having something to take home with you other than just your ticket, incredible memories and PCD. But with wanting to get an awesome spot in the crowd and wanting to get your size, when is the right time to buy your memento? If you have seats, there is no doubt about when you can hit the merch stand - perfect opportunity during the shitty support acts for you to buy whatever your heart desires (or what your purse can afford). One of my best friends has vented to me many a time about when she has gone to buy a tour tee after the concert and being devastated when they don't have her size, because this was possibly the only opportunity to do so. However, my advice for you merch lovers out there is, once the set has finished and everyone is screaming at the top of their lungs and gazing up at the band sadly leaving the stage, wriggle your way out of the crowd so you can miss the crazy herd of people around the stand and exit, nearly as bad as the overcrowded audience at the gig. This means you will be the first in line and the first to buy whatever you want, as well as being able to get your size before they sell out or before it is too hectic to even think of trying to get near the merch stand. No matter how hard it is to leave them when they haven't fully exited the stage, coming from experience it is worth it.
In terms of styling a band t-shirt, as an indie myself I only really have experience dressing this way, but whether you're an indie kid, metal head or emo, I have some tips and ways that you can dress your merch to perfection.
Of course it depends on your style, but personally I think that mom jeans are perfect for this. Not only are they way more comfortable than skinny low rise jeans, but they compliment the idea of a tour tee perfectly because they are the ideal rise to show off the dates with the shirt effortlessly tucked in. I asked one of my good friends what she thought and unsurprisingly she said something that I would have no doubt picked for myself : dungarees. Dungarees are a staple in any wardrobe regardless of your style or age, because of the versatility of them and that they are the ideal way of dressing down an outfit because of the chilled vibe they give off - especially when only one strap is done up, leaving the other one draping and exposing a bit more of your beloved band t-shirt.
As well as seeing someone on the street with the same music taste as you, there is no better feeling than going to a gig of said band and being surrounded by people who are in love with them just like you, getting a flicker of confidence in them for the 3 hours that it's carried out for. However, there is always the question which no doubt crosses most peoples minds when thinking about their outfit: do I wear merch?
Choosing to participate in a night of true joy and exhaustion, it's obvious to people why you're there, which is why some may argue that wearing clothes that you are comfortable in throughout this situation is the right idea. But just imagine this, you're first row dancing your heart out at the barrier, making eye contact with the lead singer or fit drummer during their set, with you wearing your beloved t-shirt purchased from their store the day it came out, seeing the happiness on their faces as they finally realise what it is like to make people happy from their music. There is no better feeling than the pure happiness you are giving them and getting back. After all, they make the merch for you to wear, and you would rather chose to be comfortable?
Moreover, if you do decide not to wear it, there's always the choice of buying something at the venue, which one of my friends always does to put on during their set. Whether that be a t-shirt, wristband or tote bag, it is amazing having something to take home with you other than just your ticket, incredible memories and PCD. But with wanting to get an awesome spot in the crowd and wanting to get your size, when is the right time to buy your memento? If you have seats, there is no doubt about when you can hit the merch stand - perfect opportunity during the shitty support acts for you to buy whatever your heart desires (or what your purse can afford). One of my best friends has vented to me many a time about when she has gone to buy a tour tee after the concert and being devastated when they don't have her size, because this was possibly the only opportunity to do so. However, my advice for you merch lovers out there is, once the set has finished and everyone is screaming at the top of their lungs and gazing up at the band sadly leaving the stage, wriggle your way out of the crowd so you can miss the crazy herd of people around the stand and exit, nearly as bad as the overcrowded audience at the gig. This means you will be the first in line and the first to buy whatever you want, as well as being able to get your size before they sell out or before it is too hectic to even think of trying to get near the merch stand. No matter how hard it is to leave them when they haven't fully exited the stage, coming from experience it is worth it.
In terms of styling a band t-shirt, as an indie myself I only really have experience dressing this way, but whether you're an indie kid, metal head or emo, I have some tips and ways that you can dress your merch to perfection.
Of course it depends on your style, but personally I think that mom jeans are perfect for this. Not only are they way more comfortable than skinny low rise jeans, but they compliment the idea of a tour tee perfectly because they are the ideal rise to show off the dates with the shirt effortlessly tucked in. I asked one of my good friends what she thought and unsurprisingly she said something that I would have no doubt picked for myself : dungarees. Dungarees are a staple in any wardrobe regardless of your style or age, because of the versatility of them and that they are the ideal way of dressing down an outfit because of the chilled vibe they give off - especially when only one strap is done up, leaving the other one draping and exposing a bit more of your beloved band t-shirt.