Tag Archives for t-shirt

T-Shirts! We Love Them, We Wear Them

Classic-T-shirt-Design-I-love-NYIt 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.

 

 

Summer Is Coming

coolerAlthough we are still battling winter, we buoy our spirits with the knowledge that before long summer will be here.  Before that happens, however, the saavy corporate buyer can take advantage of supplier price specials on summer items like t-shirts, sunscreen and coolers.  And, for an added bonus, the timing of these first quarter specials allows us to think ahead of the spring/summer corporate events, and take a little extra time to explore some of the exciting options for creative product branding.

For instance …

  • Coleman coolers can be decorated on every side, including the top of the lid, with the corporate colors, graphics and marketing message;
  • the right screen printer can turn a simple cotton t-shirt into a fashion statement with brand graphics as subtle, or bold, as the corporate advertising theme dictates;
  • and simple items like SPF15 lip balm, insulated beverage holders or acrylic sport bottles offer a logo billboard that has full color, full wrap decorating potential.

Creative graphics can be as basic as adding an all-over solid imprint matching the corporate logo color, and adding the logo on top.  To add a little more style, there are millions of professional photos and graphics available on various internet sites like Shutterstock for very low prices.  Or, in the case of companies with larger marketing departments, in-house graphic artists can create something completely original.

Taking advantage of price specials on the right product for the next event makes budget sense.  Working with your promotional products provider in March to brainstorm creative branding options for a gift-with-purchase program that launches in July, gives the process owner peace of mind, and the recipient a more exciting gift experience.