Everything you need to know about promotional T-shirts

Promotional T shirts are all around us and there’s certainly no one who doesn’t have at least one in their wardrobe. Certainly, T-shirts are one of the most popular promotional items of all time and that is why it is impossible to avoid them in any advertising campaign.

Yet trends are changing fast in this segment of advertising too, and promotional T-shirts have long been more than just casual wear, but a sophisticated advertising tool that can deliver enviable results if used thoughtfully.

Promotional T-shirts are more than just clothes

As the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion is not something that exists only in clothes. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, in the magic, it is connected with ideas, lifestyles, events”, and so promotional tees are no longer just part of the usual advertising repertoire, they are becoming part of our everyday lives. They are pieces of clothing that we wear not just when we have to, but whenever we feel comfortable in them.

From a company or brand perspective, it is therefore very important to give promotional T-shirts that are of high quality, with modern cuts and materials, and with graphics that are original and have a message. Last but not least, promotional or corporate gifts should reflect the spirit of your company and the values behind it.

Promotional polo shirts

Whether you want a smart, professional look for your promotional event, trade fair or just a uniform for your employees, polo shirts are the way to go. The collar, buttons on the neckline and the cut give these shirts a more formal look than the regular ones. And that’s not all.

• Polo shirts are available in almost any colour combination, so they are adaptable to all target groups and the needs of your company or brand.
• The materials used to make polo shirts are usually durable, which makes them more durable.
• The cut and materials used make polo shirts comfortable to wear and very popular with employees and business partners.
• Polo shirts are widely used for all their positive qualities, making them a very appreciated corporate or promotional gift.

Knowing your target audience and the purpose for which they will be used is essential when choosing the most suitable promotional polo shirts. Good forethought and pre-purchase research can be crucial to the success of a promotional campaign.

Branding of promotional polo shirts

Printing and embroidery are the most common methods used to place a logo or advertising message on polo shirts. Embroidery usually gives a richer, more professional look, but can be more expensive and less suitable for complex or multi-coloured designs. Printing is usually a cheaper alternative, allowing a wide range of colours and complex designs to be used, but is less durable in the long run.

Regardless of the technology you use for branding, it is very important that the implementation is of high quality. Therefore, choose a reliable partner to carry out the project and price should not be a key factor in the selection.

Promotional T-shirts

T-shirts are an evergreen must-have item in your promotional gifts. There is a wide range of colours, designs and cuts of T shirts on the market which, with clever print design, will have a strong advertising reach.

The fact is that many people are very keen on promotional T-shirts in their everyday lives, if they are up-to-date, fashionable and of good quality, which is a huge potential for us as advertisers.

What branding techniques are used on tees

We often say that T shirts are a big canvas just waiting for an artist, a good graphic designer, who will be able to fill that canvas in a way that will attract as many people as possible to wear the T-shirt and go out in public with it.

Promotional T shirts have always been an extremely effective way to raise awareness of a company, because when worn by employees, customers or business partners, they become a travelling advertisement that increases the visibility and presence of a brand or company in the marketplace.

Yet good design can be wasted if the print quality is not good and the T-shirt becomes useless. It is therefore very important to choose a good printer and, of course, to choose the most appropriate printing technology.

The most common t-shirt branding techniques are:

• Screen printing is the oldest textile printing technology, where the ink is transferred through a screen directly onto the T-shirt. An affordable option suitable for larger quantities.
• A similar technology is transfer printing, which means transferring the ink by screen printing first onto a special paper, then using a press and high temperature to transfer this impression onto the fabric.
• The latest technology is DTG printing, where special printers are used to print each T-shirt individually. This method allows us to produce personalised and unique shirts at an affordable price.
• Embroidery is a branding technique in which the logo is machine embroidered with thread. The resulting logo or promotional message is durable and has a rich appearance. Embroidery is particularly suitable for polo shirts or T-shirts made of higher quality material.

Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account when designing. A good printer or promotional gift dealer will be able to advise you and help you choose the most suitable one.

What material should the promotional T shirts be made of?

Perhaps the best answer to this question is very simple. A quality one!

The best way to choose the right material for your promotional Tshirts is to focus on its quality, durability and sustainability. However, it is also true that there are many materials that have different properties and therefore not all are suitable for every purpose or occasion.

Cotton is certainly the material most often used to make T shirts. As it is a natural material, it is very comfortable and absorbent at the same time, which is very suitable for hot summer days. Unfortunately, due to its organic design, cotton T-shirts are also prone to shrinkage and shape changes, which makes them less durable.

The alternative to cotton is synthetic, polyester T-shirts, which are very durable and low-maintenance. In most cases, these qualities are the reason why they are used in sport and recreation.

Eco-friendly promotional T-shirts reduce your environmental impact and enhance your company’s reputation as a socially responsible business.

Green materials, such as organic cotton or recycled textiles, are a new trend that has become very popular due to the growing concern for the environment. In most cases, these materials offer similar properties to traditional ones, but are produced in an environmentally friendly way. Many companies are using them to demonstrate their socially responsible orientation.

The materials used to make promotional Tshirts often include various blends that combine positive properties. For example, Tshirts made of a cotton/polyester blend are both comfortable and durable, making them very popular.

Choosing the right material for your promotional Tshirts is far from negligible, as it can make a real difference to the success of your advertising campaign.

The power of promotional Tshirts in the world of marketing

Promotional T-shirts are a powerful advertising tool that will help you to significantly increase your visibility in the market and to connect even more strongly with your customers and business partners.

However, the following facts should be seriously considered and taken into account before making a purchase decision:

The materials must be of high quality and must ensure comfort and longevity.

The design must not only promote the brand, but also be interesting to your target audience, as this is the only way to ensure that the Tshirts in circulation will fulfil their advertising mission.

You need to understand the wants and needs of your target audience, because that’s the only way to create truly desirable promotional T shirts.

Choosing, sourcing and equipping tees with prints or embroidery is certainly a project you should take seriously, and choosing a good supplier is key to a successful T-shirt promotion.

Statistically, promotional clothing, and therefore promotional tees, are at the top of the list of popularity among recipients of promotional or corporate gifts. Research shows that over 57% of people who receive a promotional T-shirt have a positive perception of the brand. This proves the importance of choosing the right Tshirts for your campaign.

Promotional T shirts are not just a garment, they convey the message you want to send out into the world. Choose quality, fashionable and useful T-shirts to keep your brand or company in the minds and hearts of your business partners and employees for a long time to come.

Interested in more useful tips about promotional textiles? Read the Facts you need to know about promotional T-shirts.