Needing T-Shirts Made? Here’s What to Know Before You Order (And Why Local Matters)
- Florida Custom Merch
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
When businesses plan giveaways for trade shows, conferences, or corporate events, one of the most common go-to items is the classic chocolate with a custom wrapper. It’s familiar, it’s easy, and it feels like a “safe” option. But if you look at the actual impact of these giveaways—how long they last, how often the brand is seen, and what impression the user walks away with—the chocolate wrapper strategy falls short.
If you’ve ever typed “needing t-shirts made near me” into Google, you already know how overwhelming it can feel. There are countless suppliers, tons of print methods, dozens of shirt styles, and what seems like an endless list of decisions — all before you even choose the right sizes. Whether you’re gearing up for a trade show, a corporate event, a local festival, or simply ordering shirts for your staff, the quality of the product you choose makes a huge difference in how people perceive your brand.
This guide breaks down everything you should consider before placing an order, and why working with a nearby, local provider can save you time, stress, and money.
1. Start With the Purpose: Who Are the Shirts For?
Not all shirts are created equal, and not all events call for the same type of apparel.
Trade shows: Great for giveaways, but sizing becomes tricky. People come in all shapes and sizes, and you often don’t know who will stop by your booth. Still, shirts make excellent high-value swag that people will actually wear — which means they keep promoting your brand long after the show.
Corporate uniforms: Comfort and durability come first. Employee shirts require better fabric quality and consistent branding.
Fitness or bodybuilding events: Expect to order larger sizes.
Customer appreciation or promotional drops: Standard sizes in S–XL usually cover most of the audience.
Most businesses ordering shirts for giveaways stick to S–XL because they work for the largest segment of people. And as you pointed out — at a trade show, someone may want a shirt so badly that they’ll gladly take an XL even if they'd normally wear a medium.
2. Quantity: How Many Shirts Do You Actually Need?
Quantity affects everything — price, print method options, turnaround time, and production availability.
Small runs (under 50 shirts): Best suited for direct-to-garment (DTG) or DTF.
Medium runs (50–200 shirts): Screen printing becomes more cost-effective.
Large runs (200+ shirts): Bulk screen printing gives the lowest cost per unit.
Local production helps avoid delays and allows last-minute adjustments — something that’s nearly impossible when ordering from an out-of-state online vendor.
3. Choose the Right Shirt Quality
The shirt itself is just as important as the print.
You’ll want to consider:
Material: 100% cotton, cotton/poly blends, moisture-wicking polyester.
Fit: Unisex, women’s cut, athletic cut, relaxed.
Brand: Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Gildan, Hanes, Comfort Colors — each has pros and cons depending on your purpose.
A local merch specialist can show you physical samples so you can feel the difference before committing.
4. Which Printing Method Is Best? (It Depends.)
There’s no single “best” print method — each one serves a different purpose.
• Screen Printing
Ideal for large orders, bold colors, and long-lasting prints. Great for events and uniforms.
• Direct to Garment (DTG)
Perfect for small runs or full-color designs with gradients and photos.
• Direct to Film (DTF)
A newer method gaining popularity. Works on almost any fabric, durable, and flexible for complex designs.
• Embroidery
More premium. Ideal for polos, uniforms, and higher-end giveaways.
• Appliqué / Patches
Great for jackets, hoodies, thicker garments, or a luxury feel.
A knowledgeable provider will help you match your design and your budget to the right method instead of forcing everything into one process.
5. Sizing Strategy: Don’t Overthink It — Just Plan Smart
For most trade shows and giveaways, an effective size breakdown is:
Small (S): 10–15%
Medium (M): 25–30%
Large (L): 30–35%
Extra Large (XL): 20–25%
If your audience tends to be:
Younger/fitness-oriented: Order more mediums and larges.
Bodybuilders or strongman events: Order more XL–3XL.
Corporate/mixed audience: Stick to standard S–XL.
Even if someone grabs a size that isn’t perfect for them, a good-quality tee still gets worn — and that’s the whole point of branded shirts.
6. Why Order From a Local Provider?
Searching “needing t-shirts made near me” usually means you want someone:
Close by
Easy to communicate with
Able to solve problems fast
Able to deliver straight to your business, hotel, or trade show venue
Local providers can:
Show you samples in person
Discuss print methods with real-life examples
Help you pick the best shirt for your budget
Turn orders around faster
Fix last-minute changes or emergencies
Deliver directly to your event or hotel
When you work with someone around the corner, you avoid hidden shipping fees, misprints, long delays, and guesswork.
7. The Bottom Line: Quality Shirts = Better Brand Impressions
Your shirts represent your brand. A cheap tee that shrinks or cracks after one wash sends the wrong message. A soft, well-printed shirt? That becomes a walking billboard people want to wear — and that’s priceless long-term marketing.
If you’re a hotel, a local business, a trade show exhibitor, or simply someone needing t-shirts made, working with a trusted, local merch partner ensures your project turns out clean, professional, and on time.
With so many options available, choosing the right branded promotional item can be overwhelming. Since 2016, we, at Florida Custom Merch, have helped numerous businesses achieve success through the use of custom branded promotional merchandise. Hiring an expert can help you select the perfect item, save time and money, and, most importantly, maximize your results.
Thank you for reading! We hope you found this article helpful!
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