Videogame merchandise has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. In the past, acquiring themed apparel often meant navigating hefty import fees and enduring long waits for delivery. As a teenager, I witnessed the rise of gaming-inspired clothing, particularly after the phenomenal success of Fortnite. However, the offerings were often lackluster, leading me to buy oversized pieces that I wore with pride to university.
Today, the landscape has shifted dramatically. With the financial independence that comes with adulthood, I no longer need to rely on my mother’s goodwill to secure a gaming t-shirt. The popularity of videogame fashion has surged, prompting brands to invest in licenses and create collections that transcend the traditional, uninspired designs. What we see now is a blend of creativity and style that elevates gaming apparel to new heights.
Character Select
Enter “Character Select,” a weekly column where PC Gamer shines a spotlight on the artistic talents within the gaming community. Each installment features a curated selection of artwork, cosplay, and interviews with creators, celebrating the vibrant culture that gaming inspires.
A recent collaboration between Very Cool and Minecraft exemplifies this evolution in videogame fashion. This partnership, which launched this month, excited me from the moment I first glimpsed the teasers. Minecraft was among the first games to inspire clothing lines in supermarkets, catering primarily to children. But what about adults like myself who cherish the game? Thankfully, collaborations like this one have emerged, allowing us to embrace our love for Minecraft in a more sophisticated manner.
The collection boasts knitted shirts adorned with Mooshrooms and features jeans and joggers subtly embellished with Minecraft motifs, such as the Wither pattern and an Iron Golem embroidery on the pocket. For those who prefer a more understated expression of their fandom, these pieces offer a perfect balance between style and passion.
The meticulous attention to detail in these items truly captivates me. Take, for instance, the Crafting Pants, which may appear as ordinary brown corduroy trousers at first glance. However, they feature a golden crafting table button and a tiny golden pickaxe zipper. Even the golden studs around the pocket hide miniature Creeper faces, details that only reveal themselves upon closer inspection—ideal for those who are passionate about Minecraft yet prefer to keep their fandom subtle.
Of course, the collection does include more overtly themed pieces, such as The Wolf Tee, which reimagines the classic motif of wolves howling at the moon, and the Axolotl tee, showcasing a charming axolotl in the front pocket with a vibrant “companion in a bucket” print on the back. For anyone who has longed for adult-sized Minecraft apparel, this collection is a dream come true.
The response to the Very Cool x Minecraft collaboration has been overwhelmingly positive, with nearly every item selling out within a week, leaving only a few sizes available. Rather than a full restock, Very Cool has introduced a voting system, allowing fans to express their preferences for which items should return to stock. Personally, I’m hoping for the Axolotl Ushanka to make a comeback, as the thought of missing out on this hat is too much to bear.
For those who may have missed out, there’s good news on the horizon. A “second wave” of the collection is set to debut next year, featuring additional items such as keycaps, desk mats, and an exquisite cardigan adorned with in-game flowers. Scheduled for release in January 2026, this upcoming wave provides ample time for fans to vote and potentially bring back some of the most coveted pieces from the initial launch.
