How to Create Unique & Impactful Pride Swag

04.15.2025 | Featured Homepage, Events, Swag, Why Stran, 2025

Pride is more than a parade. It’s a celebration rooted in activism — a movement that’s fought for equal rights, visibility, and belonging for the LGBTQ+ community for generations. And while Pride has grown into a season full of joy, color, and connection, its heart remains the same: showing up with purpose.

That’s where branded Pride swag can help. The right Pride merch can build awareness, generate enthusiasm, and show real support not just for your brand, but for the community you’re representing.

Whether you’re planning for a parade, sponsoring a community event, or celebrating your LGBTQ+ employees, here’s how to create Pride merch that’s as colorful as it is impactful.

START with intention

AdobeStock_576782353

Before you pick a product or design a logo, get clear on your goals. Ask the important questions:

Are you supporting a specific Pride event? Who does it serve?
Are you partnering with an LGBTQ+ organization? What does that partnership require?
Are you backing a local celebration, or uplifting your own LGBTQ+ employees and customers?

Knowing your “why” will help you shape your message, select the right Pride event merch, and ensure that your support comes from a place of authenticity.

Don’t be afraid to spell it out. Add a tag, include a note, or print a QR code that links to your company’s DEI efforts or the nonprofit you’re supporting. The design draws people in, and the message ca keep them connected.

amplify lgbtq+ voices

The most impactful Pride swag is made with the community, not just for it.

Bring LGBTQ+ creatives, employees, or partner organizations into the process. Not only will the design feel more authentic, but it also becomes a platform to share stories and perspectives that matter.

Our favorite real-world example? Last year, Converse launched a limited-edition collection of products featuring work from LGBTQ+ artists. This is a fantastic example of co-creation done right.

more than a rainbow

Pride Month 2025_Landing Page Art-03 (1)-2

A rainbow logo might be a start, but it shouldn’t be the finish line.

Pride is bold, expressive, and personal. Your merch should reflect that. Explore colors from the Progress flag, the trans flag, and the nonbinary flag. Incorporate messaging that goes beyond “celebrating Pride” to say something meaningful about your brand’s role in the movement.

Put inclusivity at the forefront by recognizing the full spectrum of identities within the LGBTQ+ community — especially BIPOC, trans, and nonbinary individuals who are often underrepresented.

When your design feels personal, your swag becomes a statement.

Choose Thoughtful Products

Why put all the effort into Pride merch if nobody is going to use it? When you’re selecting items for your pride efforts, aim for products that people are excited to wear, engage with, and use.

A few examples:

Retail-style apparel that people want to keep wearing post-event
Hydration gear for parades, marches, and festivals
Weather-ready items like fans, hats, or branded umbrellas
Durable totes or accessories that make an impact all month long

🌱 Take this idea a step further by choosing sustainable Pride merchandise. Reusable items, organic materials, and give-back products align perfectly with this year’s focus on eco-conscious swag.

make it personal

Pride Month 2025_Landing Page Art-02 (1)-2

If you really want to make a lasting impression with your audience, opt for customized Pride swag.

Localize your designs to reflect the city or region where you’re celebrating. Offer multiple product styles or colorways. Let people personalize their merch with pronoun pins or on-site customization.

Live printing stations and embroidery activations don’t just elevate the experience — they create instant photo ops that boost brand visibility and community engagement.

Back It Up With Action

Pride swag should be one piece of a larger, long-term commitment to equity and inclusion. Here are a few ways your brand can show how your support continues year-round:

Donate a portion of proceeds to LGBTQ+ nonprofits or mutual aid groups
Highlight your internal DEI initiatives
Share how your team participates in advocacy, education, or volunteering
When your merch is backed by real action, it becomes a powerful symbol of allyship and a meaningful reflection of your brand values.

Pride merchandise is more than just a way to stand out. It’s a chance to stand for something.

When you lead with intention, creativity, and community, you don’t just show up to Pride — you show support in a way that sticks.

Ready to make Pride merch that marches with your mission? Explore our collection of curated Pride swag, and contact our team today!