Behind the scenes of Mr Inbetween merch: How we design for fans

The inspiration from Ray Shoesmith's character

Every design in our Mr Inbetween collection starts with Ray Shoesmith. His character is a masterclass in contradictions - a hitman who reads bedtime stories, a tough guy with a soft spot for his dog. We lean into that duality. When we sketch new merch ideas, we ask ourselves: Would Ray wear this? Not in a costume way, but as something that fits his understated style. His wardrobe is almost uniform - jeans, boots, a dark shirt, and a jacket that means business. That simplicity is surprisingly hard to capture. We strip away the fluff until only the essential elements remain, just like Ray does when he handles a problem.

The show's creator, Scott Ryan, built Ray as a character who never says more than necessary. Our designs follow that same principle. Graphics are clean, lines are sharp, and text is rare. When we do use quotes, they are the ones that carry weight - like "That's a gray area," or "Good morning" in that flat tone. We avoid anything too flashy because Ray would never wear a neon logo. The color palette draws from the show's gritty Sydney locations: muted blues, grays, and earthy tones. It is a merchant that feels like an extension of the character, not a billboard.

Our design process from concept to final product

The journey from idea to shirt starts with a lot of scribbles. Our design team brainstorms around specific episodes or themes. For example, after the episode where Ray goes camping with his daughter, we played with a campfire graphic. We sketch at least a dozen concepts, then narrow it down to three that best capture the essence. These get digitized and printed as proofs on sample garments. We pay attention to how the artwork sits on the body - a design that looks great on a flat screen can feel awkward when worn. We adjust sizing and placement until it naturally follows the shoulder and chest line.

Once we finalize the artwork, we move to production. We use direct-to-garment printing for smaller runs and screen printing for larger drops. Each method has its strengths. DTG allows for fine detail while screen printing gives that soft, worn-in feel. For every design, we run a test print on the actual blank we will use. No one wants a shirt that feels like cardboard. We apply a curing process that ensures the ink bonds to the fabric and survives multiple washes. The last step is a final review where we wear the sample for a day. If it doesn't feel comfortable or look right in natural light, we go back to the drawing board.

How fan feedback shapes new releases

Our fans are brutally honest - and we love that. Social media comments and emails (via our contact page) directly influence what we make next. When a popular meme from the show circulates, we note it. When someone asks for a design featuring Ray's truck, we write it down. After our first drop, fans told us they wanted more subtle nods to the show rather than obvious logos. We listened and shifted to designs that fans of the show recognize but others might miss - like a silhouette of Ray with his dog or a print of his house number.

We also run occasional polls on our Instagram stories. "Which quote would you wear?" or "Long sleeve or tee?" The results surprise us sometimes. A design we thought was niche - like a simple "Get away with murder" phrase - became a bestseller. Fan feedback also helps us avoid misses. If a design gets a lukewarm response in previews, we shelve it. We'd rather release fewer pieces that really connect than flood the store with stuff no one wants. That focus on quality over quantity is something Ray would approve of.

Quality control and materials selection

Ray Shoesmith is a man who values practicality and durability. His clothes have to withstand rough situations - wrestling with targets, crawling through bushes, or just a long day at work. Our merch reflects that. We choose blanks that are tough but comfortable. Our standard tee is 6 oz, 100% ring-spun cotton with a pre-shrunk finish. It holds up to regular wear and washing without losing shape. For hoodies, we use a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend that stays warm without being bulky. The zippers are YKK - the same brand used in workwear. We don't cut corners because Ray wouldn't.

Every batch goes through a quality check. We look for loose threads, uneven seams, and print alignment. If a shirt doesn't meet our standard, it never reaches the store. We also test for shrinkage - washing each sample three times before signing off. This attention to detail means when you buy Mr Inbetween merch, you're getting something that lasts. It is not disposable fast fashion. It is built to be worn on repeat, just like Ray's jacket that appears in nearly every scene.

Preview of upcoming designs

We have some exciting pieces in the works. Next season, we are releasing a line inspired by the show's most iconic locations. Think graphic tees featuring the neon sign of Ray's local pub, or a print of the bridge where he has his final conversation with Gary. We are also working on a collaboration with a small Australian artist to create a limited edition series of hand-drawn character studies. Each shirt will capture a different expression of Ray - tired, focused, amused. Only 100 of each will be made, and they come with a signed certificate.

Another design in development is based on Ray's philosophy of "keeping it simple." It will feature a minimalist depiction of his truck with the words "The Inbetween" in a custom typeface. We are also testing a women's cut line after many requests. The feedback on fit has been clear - our fans want options that suit different body types. We are taking our time to get the cuts right. As always, we will preview these designs on social media first and let you decide which ones make the final cut.

Want to be the first to see new drops? Join our newsletter for exclusive previews and early access. And if you haven't already, check out our current collection - each piece tells a part of Ray's story.