2025 Airshow Merch That’s Actually Worth Buying (And 5 Rip-Offs to Skip)

I’ve spent more money than I’ll admit on airshow merchandise over 20 years. Some purchases became treasured reminders of unforgettable days. Others collected dust before hitting garage sales. Here’s the definitive guide to merch that delivers – and rip-offs to avoid.

Worth Your Money

1. Official Team Posters (Blue Angels/Thunderbirds): $15-30

The official signed posters distributed at team booths are legitimate collectibles. Pilots actually sign them (not always at the moment you purchase, but authentically signed). Years later, these become historical documents as pilots move on. Frame them properly.

2. Event-Specific Patches: $8-15

Limited-run embroidered patches commemorating specific airshows have actual collector value. The 50th anniversary Oshkosh patch, specific team deployment patches, or commemorative designs for major events appreciate over time.

3. Quality T-Shirts from Aviation Artists: $25-40

Skip the $15 screen-printed mass-market shirts. Aviation artists like John Shaw, Nicolas Trudgian, or Mike Machat license designs for quality apparel. The fabric lasts, the printing doesn’t crack, and the artwork is worth wearing.

4. Aircraft-Specific Models: $30-100

Die-cast or quality plastic models of specific aircraft you saw fly – especially with accurate paint schemes and markings – serve as permanent reminders. Buy from reputable brands (Hobby Master, Corgi) not generic vendors.

5. Photography Prints from On-Site Photographers: $20-75

Professional aviation photographers often sell at shows. A quality 11×14 print of an aircraft you watched perform is more meaningful than anything mass-produced.

The Rip-Offs

1. “Military Surplus” Claimed to Be Authentic: Various prices

That $200 “genuine pilot helmet” was never worn by a military aviator. Real military flight equipment is either controlled property that shouldn’t be for sale, or legitimately released surplus at specific vendors (not random airshow booths). If they can’t document provenance, assume it’s costume-grade equipment priced as authentic.

2. Low-Quality “Leather” Flight Jackets: $150-400

Those A-2 style jackets at airshow booths are typically bonded leather or synthetic materials. Genuine leather flight jackets from reputable manufacturers (Schott, Cockpit USA) cost $600-1,000+. If the price seems too good, the quality matches.

3. Bootleg Team Merchandise: $15-30

If it’s not at the official team booth or a clearly authorized vendor, that Blue Angels shirt is probably unlicensed. The teams receive nothing from sales, quality is inferior, and you’re supporting counterfeit operations.

4. $75+ “Rare” Patches: High prices

Unless you’re dealing with a recognized militaria dealer who can authenticate, that “rare” squadron patch for $75 is probably a $3 reproduction from overseas. Real valuable patches exist but require expert verification.

5. Generic “Aviation” Sunglasses: $40-80

Those aviator sunglasses marketed as “pilot quality” at airshow booths are typically the same quality available at gas stations for $15. Actual aviation sunglasses (Randolph, Serengeti) cost more but deliver genuine optical quality.

The Smart Shopper’s Approach

• Visit official team merchandise booths first – prices are fair and quality controlled
• Compare prices mentally before impulse buying – check your phone for Amazon equivalents
• Prioritize unique, event-specific items over generic aviation merchandise available anywhere
• Quality over quantity – one excellent item beats five cheap souvenirs
• Kids’ items face different calculus – they’ll outgrow/destroy everything anyway

The Test Question

Before any purchase, ask: “Will I care about this in five years?” Official team items, event commemoratives, and quality collectibles pass this test. Generic shirts, novelty items, and impulse purchases rarely do. Buy accordingly.