It would not be much of a stretch to say that t-shirts have become the most popular outer garment in the world.  The fit and style options of today’s t-shirts can accommodate a conservative audience with classic taste, or can appeal to the younger crowd looking for body-hugging shirts that are longer in length and softer to the touch.  The fabric choices range from 100% cotton to varying degrees of cotton blends, color choices are endless, and with the right graphics, this apparel staple can become a wardrobe statement piece.

Originally worn as an undershirt, the popularity of the t-shirt as an outer garment started at the end of WWII when soldiers began incorporating them into their casual wardrobes.  The demand further surged thanks to Marlon Brando and his 1951 role as Stanley Kowalski in A Street Car Named Desire which featured Brando wearing a tight fitting tee.  Not long after, businesses like Walt Disney recognized the marketing appeal of these shirts and began putting designs on them to boost their brand.  That idea turned out to be genius!

Branded t-shirts are everywhere.  According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) Global Study, 48% of U.S .consumers own logo shirts, with men being more likely to own promotional tees than women.  57% of U.S. consumers feel more favorable about the company that gave them the shirt and the vast majority of them, especially in the Midwest (95%), know who gave it to them.

Depending on the quantity of shirts and intricacy of the design, a branded tee can cost anywhere from $5.00 to $10.00 – possibly less with large quantities sporting single color imprints.  And just because the imprint is 1-color, doesn’t mean it has to be boring.  The right graphic designer can incorporate a logo into a cool, single color design, printed in one creative location that would generate interest from anyone who sees it.  Up the arm, at the hem, on the back collar bone, or vertically up the front side – creative placement of a single color logo can be as dynamic as any multi-color design.  It just takes some imagination and an open mind.

The average number of impressions for a promotional shirt is 2,450.  Considering the mileage you get from such a small investment, choosing to give a well-designed branded tee as part of your corporate marketing strategy – especially with the warmer weather upon us – would be a simple choice to make.