How Modern Swag Stores Are Making Awkward Size Questions Disappear

Few things make a workplace interaction more uncomfortable than asking someone about their clothing size. It’s personal, awkward, and unnecessary — yet it happens every time companies order branded apparel or employee gifts.

Managers dread sending that “What’s your size?” email, and employees often hesitate before answering. It’s one of those small but universal pain points that somehow survived into the digital age. But now, companies are finally finding a better way to handle swag — one that’s smart, stylish, and completely size-question-free.

Welcome to the world of modern, on-demand swag with Merchloop, where awkward sizing conversations are a thing of the past.

The Awkward Truth About Size-Based Swag

What seems like a simple question can turn into a surprisingly tricky situation. Some employees are between sizes, some have changed sizes, and others simply don’t want to discuss something so personal at work. What should be a fun experience — getting new company gear — can quickly become uncomfortable.

And that’s not even the worst part. The logistics of collecting sizes are a nightmare:

• Someone forgets to fill out the spreadsheet.

• Another person’s information is outdated.

• You end up with piles of leftover smalls and zero larges.

By the time the order arrives, you’ve spent more time chasing sizes than celebrating the actual swag. It’s a lose-lose situation for everyone.

The Hidden Costs of Guesswork

Besides being awkward, the old way of ordering swag is inefficient and expensive. Bulk ordering means you’re stuck guessing how many of each size to order.

Order too much, and you’ve got boxes of extra shirts nobody wants. Order too little, and you’re scrambling to reorder, often at rush prices. Meanwhile, the excitement around the swag fades away.

It’s wasteful, outdated, and totally avoidable — especially now that on-demand swag is possible.

Merchloop’s Modern Solution to the Awkward Size Question

Merchloop changes everything by removing the need to ask for sizes altogether. The platform lets employees pick their own apparel and accessories in the size, style, and color they prefer — privately and effortlessly.

Here’s how it works:

1. On-Demand, One-at-a-Time Ordering

No more bulk orders or storage closets full of mismatched shirts. Merchloop lets companies create custom online stores where employees can order branded items one at a time, as needed.

They choose their size and style privately, and Merchloop handles decoration and fulfillment from start to finish. Every item ships directly to the employee, perfectly sized and ready to wear.

2. Inclusive Sizing and Brand Variety

Merchloop offers inclusive sizing across top brands like Nike, TravisMathew, Marine Layer, and The North Face, ensuring every team member finds something that fits comfortably and looks great. Whether it’s a cozy hoodie, sleek quarter-zip, or performance polo, there’s something for everyone — without the awkward conversations.

3. Effortless Gift-Giving and Recognition

For new hires, milestones, or employee recognition, companies can send digital store links or gift codes. Employees select their own merch, confirm their size, and get it shipped directly to them.

It’s thoughtful, personalized, and completely eliminates the need for HR to chase down size info.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Moving beyond size-based swag isn’t just about convenience — it’s a reflection of how modern companies are rethinking workplace culture.

Respecting Privacy and Comfort

Discussing clothing sizes at work can be uncomfortable or even triggering for some people. By letting employees choose privately, you show respect for their personal boundaries while still creating an inclusive, positive experience.

Empowering Individual Choice

When employees get to select what they want and what fits best, they’re more likely to wear it proudly. Company merch stops feeling like a uniform and starts feeling like something they actually love.

Strengthening Brand Connection

Employees who feel confident in their swag are more likely to rep the brand outside of work. That turns every piece of apparel into a walking billboard for your company culture — and one that people wear because they want to, not because they have to.

Where the Change Really Shows

Merchloop’s approach to on-demand swag transforms the way companies handle everything from onboarding to appreciation programs.

New Hire Welcome Kits

Instead of guessing what sizes to order for new employees, simply send them a store link. They pick the gear they like, choose their size privately, and receive a branded welcome box that fits perfectly — literally and figuratively.

Milestone Rewards and Promotions

No one wants to celebrate a work anniversary with a jacket that doesn’t fit. Merchloop ensures every employee gets exactly what they want, without the guesswork or awkwardness.

Remote Team Merch

For distributed teams, managing swag across locations is tough. Merchloop’s system allows each team member, no matter where they are, to order their swag individually and have it shipped right to their door.

Event and Seasonal Swag

When planning branded items for retreats, trade shows, or holidays, you can skip the entire sizing hassle. Just add your branded items to your Merchloop store and let employees or attendees choose what they want.

Why Companies Are Switching to On-Demand

The smartest companies are rethinking their entire swag strategy — moving from bulk orders and awkward questions to flexible, on-demand systems that actually make sense.

Here’s why:

• No minimum orders: Get what you need, when you need it — even if it’s just one item.

• At or below MSRP pricing: Premium brands without the premium markups.

• All-in-one production: Merchloop creates, decorates, and fulfills everything in-house for faster delivery and higher quality.

• Zero waste: Everything is made to order, meaning no more leftover inventory.

• Better employee experience: Everyone gets what fits them — no awkwardness, no stress.

It’s efficient, sustainable, and completely aligned with the modern workplace.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, swag isn’t about shirts and mugs — it’s about connection. It’s how companies celebrate their people and express their brand identity. But that connection only works when it feels authentic and comfortable.

When employees have a say in what they receive — when they can choose their style and size privately — it sends a subtle but powerful message: You matter.

That’s the magic of Merchloop’s approach. It takes something traditionally awkward and turns it into an effortless, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

The Future of Employee Merch

The old way of handling swag — bulk orders, size charts, and storage bins — is fading fast. The future is flexible, digital, and employee-centered.

Merchloop’s on-demand model represents that shift perfectly. It’s designed for how teams work today: remotely, globally, and with a strong emphasis on individuality.

So the next time someone starts to ask, “Hey, what’s everyone’s t-shirt size?” there’s a better answer waiting — just send them to your Merchloop store.

No awkward questions. No guesswork. Just great swag, made simple.

The Takeaway

Asking for employee sizes is awkward, unnecessary, and completely outdated. With Merchloop, you can give employees the freedom to choose what they want — in the size that fits them best — without ever having to ask the question.

It’s smoother for HR, smarter for the budget, and more enjoyable for everyone on the team.

Modern swag isn’t about handing out shirts — it’s about giving employees choices.
And with Merchloop, those choices are easier, faster, and more stylish than ever.