Why Startup Founders & CEOs Are Wearing Their Own Brand’s Merch - And You Should Too!

In today’s fast-paced startup culture, founders and CEOs are ditching the suit and tie in favor of something a little more personal: their own branded merchandise.

Whether it’s a custom hoodie, a minimalist cap, or a sleek embroidered polo, more and more startup leaders are proudly repping their company logo – not just at trade shows or launch events, but in everyday life. And it’s not just about comfort – it’s smart, strategic branding.

Here’s why the trend is catching fire – and why you might want to grab your own branded gear.

1. Walking Billboards (In the Best Way Possible)

Wearing your logo out in the wild instantly makes you a walking, talking piece of marketing. Every coffee shop visit, gym run, or team Zoom call becomes an opportunity to increase brand visibility.

People notice. They ask questions. And just like that, you’ve sparked a conversation – no elevator pitch needed.

2. Culture Starts at the Top

Your team looks to you for direction – and that includes brand culture. When you’re wearing your logo with pride, it signals confidence, unity, and belief in what you’re building.

Founders wearing merch shows it’s not just for the interns or the sales team – it’s part of the company DNA. That trickles down fast, building a sense of shared identity and purpose.

3. Instagram-Ready Aesthetic

Let’s face it – branded merch has leveled up. We’re no longer talking about oversized t-shirts from the early 2000s. Today’s custom apparel can be stylish, minimalist, and totally wearable.

Look at the biggest names in tech – founders from brands like Canva, Stripe, and Notion are often spotted in subtle, tasteful branded wear that looks like it belongs on a fashion feed. When designed well, your merch becomes something your whole team wants to wear – and post.

4. Boost Brand Recall

Brand recognition doesn’t happen overnight – it takes consistency. Every time someone sees your logo, whether it’s at a networking event or on a morning jog, it’s a micro-impression that adds up.

Wearing your own brand helps hammer home your visual identity. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder to the world (and yourself) of the mission you’re on.

5. It’s Cool & Personal

Let’s not overthink it – there’s something undeniably cool about wearing what you’ve built. You started this thing. You poured your energy into it. So why wouldn’t you wear it with pride?

Great branded merch feels personal. It’s a badge of honor. And let’s be honest – it’s also just way more comfortable than your typical business attire.

Ready to Rep Your Brand?

If you’re a founder or CEO looking to upgrade your wardrobe (and your brand presence), we’ve got you. At Everything Branded, we help businesses of all sizes design merch that’s not only high-quality, but actually stylish.

From embroidered hoodies to eco-friendly caps and premium polos, we’ll help you create apparel your team will be proud to wear – and your customers will remember.