Apparel and merchandise

Merchandise baseball hat, tumbler, coffee mug and writing pen.

Branded apparel and promotional items bring the UIC brand to life in the physical world. Every item — whether worn, carried or shared — should clearly and consistently reflect the university’s identity and uphold the high standards of our brand. These touchpoints extend our presence beyond campus, shaping how our community and audiences experience UIC every day.

Use merchandise with intention. Each item should support a defined goal, serve a specific audience and contribute to a cohesive, recognizable brand experience. Prioritize quality, relevance and longevity to ensure items are not only well-designed, but meaningful and useful. When aligned with UIC brand standards, apparel and swag become more than giveaways — they become lasting expressions of who we are.

Follow brand standards

All merchandise must align with UIC brand guidelines to ensure a consistent and recognizable identity. Use approved colors and typography, keep designs simple and legible, and avoid excessive text or graphics that can dilute the message. Above all, ensure that UIC is clearly identifiable so every item reinforces the strength and clarity of the brand.

Trademark and licensing

All UIC-branded merchandise must be produced through licensed vendors.

• Ensures proper trademark use
• Meets quality standards
• Complies with university requirements

Trademark and licensing

Consider sustainability

  • Choose reusable over single-use items
  • Select environmentally responsible materials
  • Avoid short-lived or unnecessary products

Support UIC’s climate commitments by making thoughtful, responsible choices in branded merchandise. Choosing sustainable swag means focusing on items that are designed to last, sourced with care and produced with minimal environmental impact.

By reducing packaging waste and emphasizing durability and purpose, our merchandise helps advance the university’s goals around sustainability while reinforcing a brand that leads by example.

Brand webstore

Merchandise jacket.

The UIC brand webstore is the recommended starting point for apparel and swag.

Benefits:

  • Pre-approved designs and products
  • Correct logo and color usage
  • Streamlined ordering through licensed vendors
  • Consistent quality and compliance

Choose from carefully curated items, including tablecloths, desk stationary, sustainable items and much more. Customize them with your unit or college logos.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for or have any questions, our customer support specialist is available to help.

 

Need assistance?

Contact Strategic Marketing and Communications for guidance on vendor selection, logo usage and design review.