Toptex guide: choosing the right t-shirt for personalisation

What is the first step in selecting the most suitable item? Ask yourself the right questions and, most importantly, ask your end customer! 

Here are some examples to inspire you:

• Is it a promotional object or a fashion item?
• How will the t-shirt be used? 
• What fit, finish and level of comfort is expected by the end customer who will wear the t-shirt?
• What quantities and sizes should be supplied? Should restocking be expected? How often?
• What marking technique will be used for decoration access? What design will be flocked, printed or embroidered onto the t-shirt: logo, photo, text? Will it be identical for the whole series?*

What T-shirts for an association event ?

For these types of events, t-shirts are often intended to be worn for a day, evening or weekend. This usually means the budget is moderate, especially if the end customer is a non-profit association.

In this case, basic short or long sleeve plain t-shirts are often preferred. 

Ideally ? A unisex cut suitable for both men and women. 

Of course, kids’ style t-shirts are also available for personalisation so that everyone gets their own t-shirt to wear.

What personalised t-shirts for a company and its teams ?

To strengthen a sense of belonging and cultivate corporate bonding within a company, it’s common to give out t-shirts personalised with the company logo to employees.

Which fabric should you choose? 

For frequent use in a physical work setting, polyester tends to be favourable: it is hard wearing, non-crease, wicks away sweat and is easy-care. Don’t forget that for employees in the logistics or security sector, hi-vis t-shirts with reflective strips can also be personalised.

For a corporate t-shirt for more classic use, in an office for example, this may be an opportunity to choose an eco-friendly composition: recycled materials, organic cotton or even in-conversion cotton. And if the fabric is thick enough (180 g/m2 minimum), the company logo can be embroidered, guaranteeing elegance, durability and quality.

Toptex Tip : We recommend adding a practical dimension to your company t-shirt, with a chest pocket for easy pen storage..

What fashion t-shirts for ready-to-wear shops and souvenirs ?

To make the right choice, it’s important you know the goals of your customer, which may be a fashionable clothing store looking for a basic that is well cut, high quality and hard wearing. Or maybe it’s a souvenir store that offers affordable pieces in a range of colourways.

• For top of the range, natural materials are the most sought-after, particularly cotton, of course such as organic cotton with the GOTS label, certified OEKO-TEX® cotton or in-conversion cotton.
• For more affordable options, carded cotton may be a solution. Thin and comfortable, it comes in plenty of fashionable colours.
• Finally, for a good quality/price ratio, polycotton makes a great compromise. The combination of polyester and cotton provides a smooth surface, perfect for decoration by transfer, printing or screen printing.

Toptex Tip: We recommend choosing “no label” t-shirts that only have a size tag at the neck so that the end seller can add their own brand

Would you like to know more about recycled textile materials and their certifications? Toptex explains everything in the Toptex blog post “Toptex guide: choosing the right t-shirt for personalisation"

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TopTex Team