Before you place your next apparel order, it's essential to understand the basics of custom shirts 101—a foundation we live and breathe here at Colonial Promotions. Whether you're outfitting a team, launching a marketing campaign, or preparing for an event, custom shirts are one of the most impactful tools you can use to promote your brand. But there’s more to great custom apparel than just picking a shirt and adding your logo.
From fabric selection and sizing to printing methods and sustainability, every detail matters. We’ve created this guide to walk you through the most important things to consider—so your custom shirts aren’t just wearable, but memorable.
Key Takeaways
Custom shirts offer a better fit, unique style, and stronger brand representation than off-the-rack options.
Accurate measurements and the right fabric choices are essential for comfort, durability, and presentation.
Choosing the right printing method impacts the look, feel, and longevity of your design.
Thoughtful customization—from collar styles to color matching—helps your shirts stand out.
Sustainable materials and quality construction ensure your custom shirts make a lasting, eco-friendly impact.
Why Choose Custom Shirts Over Off-the-Rack
Off-the-rack shirts are made for the masses. But when you want your apparel to reflect your brand's personality, values, and attention to detail, custom is the way to go.
Custom shirts are tailored for a better fit and a stronger message. Whether you want a sleek, modern look for your team or a relaxed, comfy vibe for giveaways, you can control every element—from sleeve length and collar style to color palettes and prints. And when you choose custom promotional shirts from Colonial Promotions, you’re not just choosing a product—you’re choosing a partner that ensures your shirts turn heads and leave lasting impressions.
The Essential Measurements for a Perfect Fit
Getting the right fit starts with accurate measurements. For a polished and professional appearance, we recommend paying close attention to the chest, neck, shoulder width, and sleeve length. A well-fitting shirt isn't just more comfortable—it boosts confidence and helps represent your brand at its best.
At Colonial Promotions, we provide sizing guides and support so you can make the right call for your team or audience, no matter how many different sizes you need to manage. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to help you find the best fit for your project.
Understanding Different Fabrics and Their Benefits
Fabric is more than a texture—it affects how your shirts look, feel, and perform. Here are a few common options:
Cotton: Soft, breathable, and versatile. Great for everyday comfort.
Polyester Blends: Durable and moisture-wicking. Ideal for activewear or outdoor events.
Linen: Light and airy—perfect for warm-weather promos or upscale events.
Tri-Blends: A mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon. Stylish, soft, and modern.
We’ll help you choose the best fabric based on your goals, whether it’s high-volume giveaways or premium shirts for long-term use.
Custom Shirts 101: Key Considerations Before You Order
When ordering custom promotional shirts, it’s important to consider the following:
Fabric Type: Do you need softness, durability, breathability—or all three?
Fit: Will you go with standard sizes, slim fit, or relaxed styles?
Printing Method: Choose from screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment, or heat transfers depending on your design and budget.
Design Placement: Where should your logo or message go—left chest, full front, sleeve?
Turnaround Time: Are you on a tight deadline? We can help make it work.
At Colonial Promotions, we work closely with you to answer these questions and ensure everything is aligned before your order goes into production.
Exploring Customization Options for Style
Customization is where your brand’s personality shines. From traditional to trendy, we offer a variety of style options to make your shirts stand out:
Collars: Choose between crew neck, V-neck, or polo collars to match the tone of your event.
Buttons and Cuffs: Small details like these can elevate a shirt from casual to polished.
Color Matching: We help you choose colors that align with your brand’s visual identity.
Tag Printing: Want your own label? We can print inside tags for a fully branded finish.
Every detail counts when you're making a statement with custom apparel.
Sustainability and Longevity of Custom Shirts
At Colonial Promotions, we believe great shirts should be good for your brand and the planet.
We offer eco-conscious options, but beyond materials, we focus on quality craftsmanship—because a durable shirt that lasts through many washes is both a smart investment and a sustainable choice.
Choosing long-lasting, sustainable custom shirts shows your audience that your brand cares about quality and responsibility.
Wrap It Up in Style: Your Custom Shirt Journey Starts Here
Custom shirts are more than just apparel—they’re a powerful way to tell your brand’s story. From choosing the perfect fabric and fit to designing standout graphics and selecting sustainable options, each decision brings your vision closer to life.
At Colonial Promotions, we make it easy to create custom promotional shirts that match your goals and leave a lasting impression. Whether you need shirts for a trade show, company event, school fundraiser, or retail line, we’ve got the tools, expertise, and service to make it happen.
Ready to get started? Let’s create something custom that people will actually want to wear.
Contact us today and we’ll help you design shirts that truly stand out.
