· By Andrew Leonard
iron-on activism: how to apply your shade squad badges
meet the shade squad badges: wear the movement + how to apply them.
at sunboli, we’ve always believed that shade is more than protection - it’s a statement. a commitment. a community standing together for a cooler, safer, fairer future.
now, that mission has something you can wear.
our recycled-polyester shade squad badges have officially landed - iron-on, built to last, and designed to customise anything from your sunboli canopy to your festival tote, your hat, your backpack, or even an old tee you want to give a second life.
and because they’re made from recycled materials, they’re a sustainable way to show your support without adding to fashion waste. win-win.
below, meet each badge, learn what it stands for, and get the quick guide on how to apply yours in under a minute.
🌿 the badges & what they mean
1. throw shade

our signature badge - because throwing shade at climate change is the whole point.
this badge is for the bold ones: the people who show up, speak up, and cool down the spaces around them (literally and figuratively).
wear it on your canopy, your jacket, your festival bag - anywhere you want to make a statement.
2. shade for good
this one represents our mission at its core: 50% of profits go into shade projects and climate-resilience initiatives.
every time someone sees this badge, it’s a gentle reminder that small actions add up - and that you’re part of a brand that stands for something bigger than umbrellas.
3. it’s hot as fuck

short, sharp and painfully accurate.
this badge is for the realist with a sense of humour - the person who acknowledges the heatwave, the broken temperature records, the rising humidity… and still wants to make a positive change.
a great conversation starter on your tote or tee.
4. down to earth

a nod to nature, sustainability and not taking ourselves too seriously.
this badge celebrates the fact our canopies are made from hemp - a plant that regenerates soil, uses less water, fewer pesticides, and more common sense.
perfect for eco-purists, gardeners, hikers, and those who love a grounded vibe.
☀️ how to apply your badges
iron-on in 3 easy steps:
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position badge on item (fix with pin if available to ensure positioning) and heat an iron to medium to high heat - no steam
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cover with a cloth on the reverse side and press for 20 seconds applying pressure to all edges of the badge
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let cool and check all edges are sealed. lightly press again if edges lift.
- do not iron the front of the badge.
that’s it. your badge is ready to hit the streets, the beach, the markets, the protests, the commute - wherever shade activism takes you.
🌈 why badges?
when we were designing merch for sunboli, we didn’t want to add more clothes into the world. we all own plenty already.
badges let you reuse what you have, customise your sunboli, and be part of the shade squad in a way that’s low-waste and high-impact.
they’re small, they’re bold, and they say exactly what they need to.
🌱 join the shade squad
whether you add a badge to your sunboli, your festival fit, your gym bag or your work tote, you’re helping spread the message that shade matters - now more than ever.
if you haven’t grabbed a badge yet, you can add one as an add-on through our kickstarter.
let’s finish this strong.
let’s cool our cities.
let’s throw shade - together.