Why is everyone in the US suddenly rocking MBTI gear in 2026?
If you thought the MBTI craze was strictly a Korean phenomenon, think again. As we head into early 2026, the trend has officially crossed the Pacific and taken over the US market. While we’ve been using personality types for dating and job interviews for years, US creators are taking the aesthetic to a whole new level. We are seeing high-end MBTI-themed accessories—think minimalist gold necklaces for INFJs, rugged outdoor gear for ISTPs, and vibrant desk setups for ENFPs—that look way more sophisticated than the basic stickers we used to see.
The hype is real because US-based independent artists on platforms like Etsy and niche boutiques are leaning into the "vibe" of each personality rather than just printing four letters on a mug. They are creating entire lifestyle collections. If you want something unique that your friends in Seoul won't have yet, looking toward US stores is the way to go.
The best US stores for personality-type swag
Most of the best stuff is found on sites that don't always offer direct international shipping, or if they do, the rates are astronomical. Places like Etsy have incredible handcrafted MBTI jewelry, while specialized sites like 'Type-Aesthetic' or even curated Amazon US collections have some of the coolest phone cases and laptop sleeves I've seen this year.
The problem? A lot of these US sellers find international shipping to be a hassle. But don't let that stop you. If you find a store that doesn't ship to Seoul, or if their checkout process is a nightmare, you can always use a BuyForMe service. This is basically a proxy shopping hand-holder where they buy the item for you, so you don't have to worry about your Korean credit card being declined on a picky US website.
The lazy person’s guide to shipping from the US to South Korea
Let’s be honest: nobody wants to spend their weekend calculating volumetric weight or filling out complex logistics forms. This is where using a reliable package forwarder makes life so much easier. Instead of begging a US seller to ship to Korea, you just ship your goodies to a US-based address provided by the forwarder.
I personally recommend comGateway because they specialize in making this process feel like local shopping. Once your MBTI accessories arrive at their warehouse, they can consolidate multiple packages into one box. This is a huge money-saver because shipping three small keychains separately is way more expensive than shipping one small box. If you’re curious about how much you’ll end up paying, you can quickly estimate shipping cost using their online tool before you even hit the 'buy' button.
Zero-stress customs: What you need to know for Korea
One of the biggest hurdles people fear is the customs process. But for us in South Korea, it's actually pretty straightforward if you follow the "lazy method." When shipping from US to South Korea, the main thing you need is your Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC). You can get this in two minutes from the Korea Customs Service website.
In 2026, the de minimis value (the amount you can import without paying extra duties) generally stays around $200 for US goods under the KORUS FTA. Since most MBTI accessories like hats, pins, and stationery are relatively low-cost, you usually won't have to pay a dime in import taxes as long as your total order stays under that $200 limit. A freight forwarder will usually handle the manifest details for you, so you just sit back and wait for the delivery truck.
Pro-tips for saving on your 2026 hauls
If you're planning on building a full collection or buying gifts for your whole ENFP/INTJ friend group, you should definitely look into Prime membership benefits. It often gives you access to lower shipping rates and longer storage times in the US warehouse, which is perfect if you’re waiting for multiple sellers to ship their items.
Also, keep an eye on US holiday sales. Even though MBTI gear is a niche trend, shops often have sitewide discounts during long weekends. By using a US address, you get to take advantage of those local deals that international shoppers usually miss out on. Happy hunting, and may your personality-type accessories be as unique as your cognitive functions!
