Here in Australia, a custom stubby holder is more than just a bit of foam to keep your drink cool. It's a classic, a staple of every barbie, beach trip, and sporting event. Think of it as a miniature billboard that gets your brand right into your customers' hands, over and over again.

They're not just a novelty item; they're one of the most practical and effective marketing tools you can find, perfect for everything from corporate giveaways and trade shows to weddings and local fundraisers.

Why Custom Stubby Holders Are Such a Great Marketing Tool

When it comes to promotional products, some things are a flash in the pan, used once and then forgotten. Stubby holders are the complete opposite. They have real staying power.

Because they’re so genuinely useful, people hang onto them. They live in kitchen drawers, car gloveboxes, and camping kits, ready for the next get-together. This means your brand stays visible long after the event is over, delivering fantastic value and return on your investment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect stubby holder that people will actually want to use.

A Booming Market for Custom Gear

The hunger for personalised merchandise isn't just a fleeting trend; it’s a massive industry. The custom printing market right here in Australia, which includes items like custom stubby holders, is a perfect example of this.

In 2024 alone, this sector pulled in a whopping USD 650.3 million in revenue. And it's not slowing down. Projections show the market is expected to nearly double, rocketing to an estimated USD 1,313.1 million by 2030. This incredible growth shows just how much Aussie businesses value the power of customised branding.

This image gives you a sense of the sheer variety of promotional products out there, with stubby holders sitting right alongside other high-impact branding options. It really shows how you can find the perfect item for any marketing campaign.

How Are They Actually Made?

At its heart, creating custom merch is all about accessible and efficient production. To get a better handle on the bigger picture, it's worth understanding the concept of What is Print On Demand (POD) and how it enables custom creations. This approach gives incredible flexibility for both design and order size, which is what makes personalised products like stubby holders a viable option for businesses of any size.

By the time you finish this guide, you’ll have all the know-how to confidently design a promotional product that people will love. If you’re keen to get started, you can always request a quote for your custom stubby holders and get some expert advice from our team.

2. Choosing the Right Material and Style

The foundation of any great stubby holder is the material it's made from. This choice really drives everything else—from how well it keeps a drink cold to how your design looks and feels in someone's hand. Getting this right is the first step to creating a promotional product people will actually want to use again and again.

Think of the material as the engine of your stubby holder. While the flashy design gets all the attention, it’s the material underneath that does the heavy lifting, making sure that drink stays refreshingly cold. Quality here makes a world of difference.

As you can see, a custom stubby holder isn't just a fun giveaway; it's a legitimate marketing tool that fits neatly into a wider promotional product strategy.

At its core, a stubby holder is a highly effective piece of merchandise that serves a direct marketing purpose, getting your brand seen in the most relaxed and positive settings.

Neoprene: The Gold Standard Material

When stubby holders first hit the Aussie market back in the 1980s, they were often made from materials like vinyl or even leather. The problem? They didn't do a great job of keeping drinks cold. Thankfully, things have moved on a lot since then.

Today, the undisputed king of stubby holder materials is neoprene. It’s the same high-performance stuff used to make wetsuits, and for very good reason. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber packed with thousands of tiny gas bubbles, which creates an incredibly effective insulating barrier. This structure is what dramatically slows down the warming process, even on a scorching summer afternoon.

Neoprene’s flexibility is another huge plus. It allows the holder to stretch and grip snugly around different can and bottle sizes, ensuring maximum contact for better insulation and a secure feel.

On top of its performance, neoprene is tough. It means your branding will survive countless BBQs, beach trips, and parties without cracking or fading. It’s this blend of performance and durability that makes it the best choice for a quality custom stubby holder.

Flat-Pack vs. Glued Base: What’s the Difference?

Beyond the material itself, the way a stubby holder is put together also matters. The two main styles you'll come across are flat-pack (stitched) and glued-base holders. Each has its own strengths, depending on what you need them for.

• Flat-Pack (Stitched) Holders: These are made from a flat piece of neoprene with the sides stitched together. The biggest advantage is that they fold completely flat, making them perfect for mail-out campaigns or for slipping into gift bags where space is tight.
• Glued-Base Holders: This style has a separate circular base glued firmly onto the main body. This gives it a more rigid, traditional shape that stands up on its own. It has a premium feel that works brilliantly for event giveaways or as part of a corporate gift pack.

The choice often comes down to logistics and presentation. If you need to post them, the flat-pack's slim profile is a clear winner. For a more substantial handout at a trade show, the glued base offers that classic, sturdy feel.

To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of the most common materials and styles.

Stubby Holder Material and Style Comparison

Feature	Neoprene	Foam (Scuba)	Flat-Pack (Stitched)	Glued Base
Insulation	Excellent	Good	Excellent (if neoprene)	Excellent (if neoprene)
Durability	High	Medium	High	High
Print Quality	Vibrant & detailed	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Flexibility	Very flexible, snug fit	Stiffer, less stretch	Very flexible	More rigid structure
Best For	Premium look, long-lasting promotions	Budget-friendly giveaways	Mail-outs, event bags, travel	Corporate gifts, high-end merch
Portability	Folds flat or stands up	Can be bulky	Folds completely flat	Stands up, doesn't fold

Ultimately, the best option depends on your budget, how you plan to distribute them, and the overall impression you want to make with your brand.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All Drinks

Finally, don't forget to match the holder to the drink! While the standard can cooler is the most common, there are a few other options designed for specific containers.

• Standard Can Holders: Perfectly sized for the classic 375ml can. This is your go-to for most beers and soft drinks.
• Slim Can Holders: Designed for the taller, sleeker cans used for seltzers, pre-mixes, and some craft beers.
• Bottle Holders with Zips: Made for long-neck beer bottles, these usually have a zipper up the side to ensure a snug, secure fit from top to bottom.

Thinking about what your audience is most likely to drink will help you choose a product they'll get the most use out of. For even more inspiration, you can explore our full range of promotional bar accessories to see what else could complement your campaign.

Branding and Printing Methods That Make an Impact

Your design is what takes a humble stubby holder and turns it into a brilliant piece of marketing. But a great design is only half the battle; choosing the right printing method is what makes your artwork look sharp, vibrant, and utterly professional. It’s the final touch that brings your vision to life.

For custom stubby holders, it really comes down to two main players: sublimation and screen printing. Each has its own strengths, and the best fit for you will depend on your design, your budget, and how many you need. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of how they work.

Sublimation for Vibrant Full-Colour Designs

Think of sublimation like a high-tech tattoo for fabric. This process uses heat to infuse dye directly into the fibres of the neoprene. The ink becomes a permanent part of the material itself, meaning the finished print is completely seamless and won't crack, peel, or fade away.

Because the design is baked right in, sublimation is the perfect choice for complex and colourful artwork.

• Photographic Quality: It’s unbeatable for reproducing photos, detailed illustrations, or logos with fancy gradients and shadows.
• Seamless Edge-to-Edge Printing: You can cover the entire stubby holder from top to bottom, with no awkward gaps or borders. This gives it a really premium, polished look.
• Unlimited Colours: Go wild! There's no limit to the number of colours you can use, which is why it’s the go-to for eye-popping, vibrant designs.

Sublimation is your best bet when your brand's look is all about dynamic imagery or a broad colour palette. It guarantees every little detail is captured perfectly.

If you're curious about the science behind it, digging into sublimation printing techniques can give you a deeper appreciation for how it achieves such incredible results.

Screen Printing for Bold and Durable Logos

Screen printing is the classic, tried-and-true method. It’s a bit like using a very precise stencil. A mesh screen is prepared, and ink is pushed through it onto the stubby holder, laying down one solid colour at a time. This creates a thick, tactile layer of ink that sits right on the surface of the neoprene.

This technique is fantastic value for money on simpler designs, particularly when you’re ordering a big batch.

• High Durability: That thick layer of ink is tough as nails, making it a great option for logos that need to survive a bit of rough and tumble.
• Cost-Effective for Bulk Orders: For designs with just one or two colours, screen printing is almost always the most economical way to go for larger quantities.
• Excellent Colour Vibrancy: It produces bold, solid colours that really pop, especially against a dark background.

The Australian market backs this up. While screen printing held the majority of the market in 2024 with a 59.03% revenue share, digital printing like sublimation is the fastest-growing segment. It’s a clear sign that more and more businesses are opting for detailed, full-colour designs.

Making the Right Choice for Your Brand

So, which one is it? The best method really just comes down to what you want to achieve with your stubby holders.

• Choose Sublimation if: Your design is a photo, has lots of colours, uses gradients, or you’re after that seamless, all-over print.
• Choose Screen Printing if: Your design has one to three solid colours, you need a super durable print, and you’re placing a large order to get the best price per unit.

Getting your head around the strengths of each method is the key to a great result. For a more detailed look at these and other options, have a squiz at our guide to custom printing options for promo gear.

And remember, no matter which printing style you land on, the quality of your artwork file is crucial. For the sharpest possible print, we always recommend vector files (like .EPS or .AI formats). They can be scaled to any size without losing a drop of quality, ensuring your logo looks crisp and clear on the final product.

Getting Your Artwork and Design Specs Spot On

Submitting a print-ready design is the key to getting a brilliant finish on your custom stubby holders. It might sound a bit technical, but it’s really just about giving our printers exactly what they need to make your design look crisp, vibrant, and professional. Nail these details from the get-go, and you'll get a smooth process and a final product you’ll be genuinely proud to show off.

Think of it like giving a builder a detailed blueprint. With clear instructions, they can build the perfect house; without them, you might end up with a wonky wall. This section is your handy checklist for creating that perfect blueprint for your design.

What Are Bleed and Safe Zones?

Two terms you’ll hear a lot in print design are bleed and safe zones. They sound a bit jargon-heavy, but the idea is simple: they create a buffer to make sure your design looks perfect after it's cut and stitched together.

Ever painted a wall right up to a door frame? You’d probably paint a little bit over the edge onto your masking tape. That extra bit of paint ensures that when you peel the tape off, you’re left with a clean, sharp line with no white gaps. That extra paint is your "bleed."

In printing, bleed is the part of your design—usually the background colour or image—that extends past the final trim line. This is crucial because it guarantees the colour goes right to the very edge of the stubby holder, with no risk of a weird white border showing up after it's cut.

The safe zone is the opposite. It’s an inner margin where you should keep all the important stuff, like your logo, any text, or contact details. Keeping everything inside this area stops it from getting accidentally chopped off during production.

File and Colour Requirements: The Essentials

To get the best possible print, your artwork needs to be set up correctly. This means using the right file type, resolution, and colour mode for the printing method you’ve chosen.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep on hand:

• High-Resolution Images: If you're using photos or pixel-based graphics (like JPEGs or PNGs), they need a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the actual print size. Anything less, and your image will likely come out looking blurry or pixelated.
• Vector Files Are Best for Logos: Whenever you can, supply logos and any text-based graphics in a vector format (like .AI, .EPS, or .PDF). Vector files are made from lines and curves, not pixels, which means they can be scaled up or down to any size without losing a drop of quality.
• Use the Template: We’ll give you a template for your specific stubby holder. Always create your design on this template. It’s built to ensure everything fits perfectly, accounting for the stitch lines and base assembly.

Getting Your Brand Colours Right

Making sure the red on your stubby holder is your brand's red is obviously super important. Printers use specific colour systems to get this spot on, and the one we use depends on your printing method.

For screen printing, which lays down one solid colour at a time, we use the Pantone Matching System (PMS). You just give us a specific PMS code, and our team mixes the ink to match that exact shade. It’s the best way to get perfect colour consistency.

For full-colour sublimation printing, designs are built using the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) colour model. This process blends the four colours to create a whole spectrum of tones, just like your office printer does. It’s perfect for photos and designs with lots of different colours.

You don't have to figure all this out on your own. For a bit more detail, have a look at our simple guide with more artwork submission tips for beginners. And of course, our expert team is always here to look over your files and make sure they’re 100% ready to go.

Creative Ways to Use Custom Stubby Holders

Let's be honest, a custom stubby holder is much more than a bit of neoprene. It's a walking, talking billboard for your brand, placed right in the hands of your audience during their happiest, most relaxed moments. When you think beyond the basics, this humble Aussie icon becomes a seriously powerful tool for building connections and brand loyalty. People genuinely use and appreciate them, which is more than you can say for most promotional gear.

This is exactly why they're such a staple in the promotional world here in Australia. In fact, custom stubby holders are a massive slice of the country's broader custom merchandise industry, which pulls in over AUD 1.4 billion every year. That figure alone tells you how deeply they're woven into the Aussie way of life, especially when the sun's out.

For Your Business and Brand

For any business, custom stubby holders offer a fantastic return on investment. They're a low-cost, high-impact way to get your name out there and create some goodwill along the way. They fit perfectly into all sorts of corporate activities, leaving a lasting impression long after the event has wrapped up.

• Trade Shows & Conferences: Ditch the flyers that end up in the bin. A quality, branded stubby holder is something people will actually keep and use, reminding them of your business every time they crack a cold one. Pro tip: add a QR code to your design that links straight to your website.
• New Employee Welcome Packs: Popping a company-branded stubby holder into an onboarding kit is a simple, friendly gesture. It helps new team members feel part of the crew from day one and adds to a positive, welcoming company culture.
• Company BBQs & Events: Hand them out at the next Christmas party, team-building day, or corporate retreat. They're practical for the day and a great memento for staff to take home afterwards.

Of course, these are just a few ideas to get you started. By thinking about a whole range of promotional products, you can build a really cohesive marketing plan where every item works together to get your message across.

For Unforgettable Events and Personal Moments

Away from the office, custom stubby holders are brilliant for adding that personal touch to a special day. They become functional keepsakes that your guests will use for years, bringing back great memories every single time.

A great stubby holder design tells a story. For a personal event, this might be the date of a wedding or a funny inside joke for a bucks party. For a brand, it's a chance to communicate your personality and values in a fun, tangible way.

Think about these popular uses:

• Weddings & Engagements: Personalised stubby holders are a classic wedding favour for a reason. Customise them with the couple's names, the wedding date, and a thank you message for a gift that’s both fun and genuinely useful.
• Bucks & Hens Parties: Go for a design with a hilarious slogan, a caricature of the bride or groom-to-be, or the date of the big weekend. It’s a fantastic way to bring the group together and create a souvenir of the shenanigans.
• Sporting Clubs & Fundraisers: Design holders with your team logo and colours to sell as merchandise. They’re an easy and effective fundraising item that supporters will be proud to show off while cheering from the sidelines.

To get your creative juices flowing, here are a few campaign ideas showing how you can put custom stubby holders to work for your brand.

Campaign Type	Target Audience	Design Tip	Distribution Strategy
Product Launch	Early Adopters, Media	Sleek, modern design with the new product's logo and a "launch edition" tag.	Include in press kits and give away at launch events.
Local Tradie Promo	Homeowners, Contractors	Simple, bold logo with a phone number and a catchy tagline like "Your Local Legend."	Hand them out after completing a job or leave them at local hardware stores.
Real Estate Agent Gift	New Homebuyers	A welcoming design with "Congratulations on your new home!" and the agent's details.	Give as part of a settlement gift basket.
Music Festival Merch	Festival Goers	Feature the festival lineup and date with vibrant, eye-catching artwork.	Sell at the official merchandise tent on-site.

These examples show just how adaptable a stubby holder can be, fitting into almost any marketing or event plan you can dream up.

Ultimately, no matter the reason, the goal is always to create something that connects with the person holding it. A well-designed stubby holder isn't just a giveaway; it’s a long-lasting reminder of a brand, a celebration, or a great memory.

Getting the Logistics Right: Pricing, Samples, and Timelines

Once you've nailed the design for your custom stubby holders, the next step is getting them made and delivered. This is where understanding pricing, samples, and production timelines comes into play. Getting your head around these logistics is the key to a smooth, stress-free project, ensuring your stubby holders land on your doorstep right when you need them.

Think of it like planning a big event. You need to know the cost per head, maybe taste the food beforehand, and have a firm date for when everything needs to be ready. The same logic applies here, and getting it right means your campaign will run without a hitch.

How to Make Your Budget Go Further with Tiered Pricing

Here’s one of the best things about ordering custom merchandise: the more you buy, the cheaper each one gets. Stubby holder pricing is almost always tiered, meaning the cost-per-unit drops as your order quantity goes up. This makes them an incredibly savvy choice for large events or big marketing pushes.

For instance, the price for one stubby holder in an order of 50 will be higher than the price for one in an order of 100. Bump that up to 500 or 1000, and the unit cost drops dramatically. This happens because the setup costs for printing and production are spread across more items, making each one cheaper to create.

This tiered model is fantastic because it works for everyone. A local footy club can afford a small run for a fundraiser, while a big company can get a great deal on thousands for a national conference.

Why You Should Always "Try Before You Buy" with a Sample

You wouldn't buy a car without taking it for a spin, right? The same goes for your promotional gear, especially when you're ordering in bulk. Getting a sample is your quality control check—it gives you total confidence before you press go on the full production run.

You’ll usually have two options, and each serves a different purpose:

• Generic Sample: This is a pre-made stubby holder from a past job. It's not about the design, but all about the feel. You can check the quality of the neoprene, feel the stitching, and see the overall build. It’s perfect for making sure the product has that premium touch you're after.
• Pre-Production Sample: This is the real deal—a single, finished stubby holder printed with your exact artwork. It’s the ultimate proof, showing you precisely how your colours, logo, and design will look in person. It adds a little time and cost, but for big orders where brand accuracy is non-negotiable, it's absolutely worth it.

Planning Your Timeline from Artwork to Delivery

Finally, let’s talk timing. Knowing the lead times is crucial for meeting your deadlines without any last-minute panic. A typical custom stubby holder order in Australia has a few stages that all add up to the final turnaround time.

From the moment you sign off on the artwork, you can generally expect standard production and delivery to take about 10-15 business days. This window covers printing, assembly, quality checks, and shipping to wherever you are in Australia.

Caught in a time crunch for an upcoming event? Don't stress. Most suppliers have express service options that can cut that production time down. The trick is to flag your deadline right at the start. This allows the production team to prioritise your job and make sure your stubby holders arrive on time. A little forward planning is always your best bet.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Once you're close to placing an order, a few final questions always seem to pop up. It's completely normal. Getting these details sorted is the key to a smooth process and making sure the final product is exactly what you had in mind.

We've put together the answers to the questions we hear most often from our clients across Australia. Think of it as a final checklist to give you complete confidence before you hit 'go'.

What’s the Smallest Order I Can Place?

This is easily one of the most common questions we get. The minimum order quantity (MOQ) really depends on the style of stubby holder and the complexity of your design. As a general rule of thumb, you’re usually looking at a starting point of about 50 to 100 units.

If you're after a simple, one or two-colour screen-printed design, sometimes that minimum can be a little more flexible. The main thing to know is that stubby holders get much cheaper per unit as the quantity goes up. This is what makes them such a fantastic and cost-effective choice for big events, corporate giveaways, or large-scale marketing campaigns. If you're not sure, just ask—we can almost always find a solution that works for your budget.

What Kind of Artwork File Do I Need?

For a really crisp, professional-looking print, your artwork file is everything. To get the sharpest result, we always recommend sending through your design in a vector format.

• Vector Files (.EPS, .AI, or .PDF): These are the gold standard. Vector graphics are made from mathematical paths instead of pixels, which means we can scale your logo up or down to any size without it becoming blurry or losing quality.

• Pixel-Based Files (.JPG or .PNG): If a vector file isn't an option, a high-resolution image can work. Just make sure it’s at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the actual size it will be printed. Anything less will likely look a bit fuzzy.

Don't stress if this sounds too technical! Our in-house team is here to help and can often convert your logo for you, free of charge.

How Long Until My Stubby Holders Arrive?

Knowing your timeline is crucial, especially when you’re planning for an event. Our standard turnaround for custom stubby holders is usually around 10-15 business days. That clock starts ticking from the moment you sign off on the final artwork proof and covers both production and delivery anywhere in Australia.

Got a deadline looming? Let us know right from the start. We have express options available for those urgent jobs and can often juggle our production schedule to make sure you get your order in time.

Can I Get a Sample Before Ordering a Whole Batch?

You bet. We want you to be 100% happy with the final product, which is why we offer a couple of sampling options.

You can ask for a generic sample to get a feel for the neoprene material and see the quality of the stitching and construction firsthand. For larger or more complex orders, we can also create a full pre-production sample—that’s one single, finished stubby holder with your actual design printed on it. It’s the perfect way to sign off on everything before the main production run begins, giving you total peace of mind.

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Ready to get started on a promotional item that people will actually keep and use for years to come? The team at Simply Merchandise is ready to help with artwork, expert advice, and samples to bring your idea to life. Explore our range and get your free quote today!