With Capitol Hill in the background a crowd fills the streets on Washington, during the Women's March on January 21, 2017.

Americans have been purchasing political merchandise for decades. At the very first presidential inauguration, citizens wore metal pins bearing the phrases "Long live the president" and "GW" for George Washington. Abraham Lincoln was the first president to have his image on a pin. In the 1960's and 70's protestors made their own buttons at home in support of the civil rights movement. Today, political merchandising is even more vital to a movement's success, and the potential for profit is far greater.

The "Make America Great Again" Hat

Perhaps the most recognizable piece of political swag in recent history is President Donald Trump's 'Make America Great Again' hat. The iconic red cap, which retails for $25, has sold out multiple times and won symbol of the year from the Stanford Symbolic Systems Program.

Richard Theriault of Bangor, right, and his father Paul Thriault of Fort Kent wearing Make America Great Again hats. Portland Press Herald | Getty Images

Trump submitted his application to trademark the phrase "Make America Great Again" back in November of 2012. He has profited from the decision politically and financially ever since. The phrase is not original. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush both said, "Let's make America great again" in the presidential election of 1980. Bill Clinton used the phrase in his 1991 presidential announcement speech but more recently referred to it as a "racist dog whistle." In the 2016 primaries, candidates Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Scott Walker used the phrase until the Trump operation sent cease-and-desist letters. His trademark allowed him to control his opponents and develop exclusive merchandise, most notably in hat form.

A cutout of US President Donald Trump wearing a 'Make America Great Again' hat is seen at a souvenir shop in the airport terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Saul Loeb | Getty Images

The majority of the MAGA caps are made in the Cali-Fame factory in Southern California by immigrant labor. The Washington Post estimates that Trump makes about $8 in profit for every hat sold (84,000 of them by June of 2016 for a total of $672,000). Knock-off hats are made in factories in countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam and China. These manufacturers benefit greatly from demand, while Trump benefits from their reproduction because they help foster political support. And, since Trump's election, political merchandise has played a central role in protest culture.



Demonstrators attend the rally at the Women's March on Washington on January 21, 2017. Kevin Mazur | Getty Images

'Pussy hats'

At the Women's March on January 21st, thousands of woman wore pink knit hats with distinctive ears as a way for "women, whether transgender or cisgender," to "come together to support women's rights in a creative and impactful way." The hats were controversial in certain circles but undeniably popular. One major difference between the pink and red hats is who they benefit. Unlike Trumps' red hats, the pink hats are usually handmade. No one company or individual profits. However, a rise in pink yarn sales has benefited companies like Michael's as well as local knitting stores. Furthermore, the careers of founders Krista Suh and Jayne Zweiman are likely to benefit from their idea taking off.

Casey Ryder of Portland Fiber knits a pink pussy hat Thursday, January 12, 2017. Portland Press Herald | Getty Images

Safety pins

The safety pin trend began after the Brexit referendum: Wearing a safety pin came to symbolize solidarity with those who are victims of hate crimes. After the election, the trend crossed the pond. Celebrities like Kerry Washington are still wearing them.

While a regular old safety pin can seem easy to find, many craft stores started selling out after the election, and some entrepreneurial types have chosen to capitalize on the demand for them as statement jewelry. Etsy artist Rebecca Cullen achieved notoriety for marketing a $335 safety pin necklace. Other artists have created their own more affordable versions and pledged to donate proceeds to charity.

The runners up

Not all political merch becomes a viral success.

Bill Clark | Getty Images