Our Love affair with the Tee: Can you imagine your wardrobe without a T-shirt? It used to be T-shirts were just underwear, but research shows that the T-shirt has now become the ultimate accessory. Its simplistic style and lack of a bulky collar allow it to go well with anything, from a suit to a leather jacket to overalls. People today, often use the tee as a way to update their wardrobes inexpensively. In our world, it’s not difficult to understand then, why T-shirts are one of the best ways to get your name in front of your target audience. A good quality promotional T-shirt will be worn for years and seen by hundreds of people. They come in a rainbow of colors. Some tees have pockets and others don’t. Of course, each T-shirt needs to be customized with your logo on it. The key is to be creative. Select a T-shirt that will stand out and not be thrown away or donated to Goodwill. In order to do that, you must first know your audience. Will your audience be both men and women? If so, don’t give the women an over-sized men’s T-shirt! Although men still want the comfortable, loose fit, women are looking more and more for the fitted, classic and relaxed styles. A woman’s shirt needs to be designed with the curves of the female form in mind. The shirts also come with capped sleeve which aren't long and baggy like a unisex shirt. Consider a V-neck tee as well for both men and ladies tees. For ladies, a V-neck is a nice option regardless of age. For men, V-necks are requested mostly by the 30 and under crowd. Remember, people want shirts that fit, not just a boxy, unisex garment. Although the rage is for retail fashioned T-shirts with softer fabrics and new colors, the demand for the classics, such as 100% cotton, 50/50 cotton/polyester and ringer tees, is still strong. Ringer tees specifically feature a separate color on the collar and around the sleeves, giving an otherwise plain T-shirt a touch of detail. Another great new trend includes the pigment-dyed and garment-washed T-shirts, which over time fade slightly, giving them a vintage-worn look. Tri-blend T-shirts made of polyester, rayon and ringspun cotton are a craze in retail, and rightly so. Although more expensive than your typical 100% cotton T-shirt, they are very soft and comfortable to wear. The fabric content of the tri-blend also makes it possible for new heathered colors. In the end, give your clients something that has a little touch of style, and they will appreciate it and wear it for years to come.
Big, Front and Center??
It’s easy to see why the ever-popular T-shirt continues to be in such high demand; versatility that fits almost any promotion. But the versatility of the T-shirt doesn’t end here. In fact, it really just begins. You now need to decide how you will decorate the tee. It used to be that every T-shirt had a simple screen printed logo; big, front and center. However, just like the T-shirt industry, there has been a revolution in screen printing methods. The distressed look and the retro-athletic look, or “pre-weathered” logo, continue to be popular. However, screen printers are providing other new decorating options that include high-density inks, reflective inks, conductive inks and color-changing inks. How about “puff” ink? Screen printers can combine flat plastisol and “puff” ink to create some exciting three-dimensional images. “3D” printing (puff ink outlines with solid centers) is a technique that greatly enhances your message. Another decorating method that has resurfaced because of advanced technology is heat transfer. Unlike the heat transfers of the past, today’s are die cut exactly to the size and shape of the logo as well as around each individual letter of a company's name. They are ideal for designs with tight/small registration and can incorporate any number of colors including 4-color process. Heat transfers can also be applied practically on any part of the garment, such as the shoulder, collar, pocket, etc., creating a fun and new approach to decoration. Needless to say, there is enough variety in screen printing and other decorating methods today, to challenge embroidery when the look is appropriate. Embroidery does, however, continue to be the most popular decorating option on staples such as polos and dressier twill shirts. But why not do something different there too? Does the logo always need to be embroidered on the front left chest? Why not place it on the back yolk, or even on the sleeve’s cuff? Try tone-on-tone for a subtle look on more expensive garments. Obviously, the decorating method depends on the type of shirt you have selected. Just remember that with the options out there, you can be creative and really let your message shine. Approach the imprint with the vision that the shirt is a walking billboard for you and your company, and you will turn a basic tee, into a fabulous tee!
Completely Wrapped Up
Finally, you need to ask yourself, “How can I package and deliver the T-shirt in a unique and creative way?” In other words, How can I wrap this up? The packaging of a gift can be as exciting to the recipient as the gift itself. Make an impact from the moment the promotion or gift is given. We’ve all been to sporting events when they have thrown T-shirts into the crowd. They may put an imprinted awareness band or a thick imprinted rubber band around the shirt, or perhaps they have compressed it into an unusual shape. Both methods are very effective and add value to your product. Point taken – be creative! If you plan to hand out a T-shirt at an event or tradeshow, consider packaging it with a cap, ultimately banding it together with a colourful imprinted band. If you are delivering shirts directly to your client, polybag the shirt and seal the bag with your imprint, adding a touch of professionalism. In other venues, perhaps use custom hangers, hang tags, functional bags or duffels for packaging the tees. Imprinted ribbon is also an option. How about an outdoor event? Maybe you are hosting a picnic, a walk or an open-air concert. Stuff the tee into a decorated can cooler or plastic mug for an easy-to-distribute gift. All of these ideas add perceived value to your T-shirt, and guarantee that your audience will remember you. Ultimately, your T-shirt has become a marketing product, and not just another shirt.