Who orders custom merch
- Companies and startups: onboarding kits, offsites, client gifts.
- Events: conferences, marathons, product launches, volunteers.
- Colleges and schools: fests, clubs, batch tees, sports teams.
- Teams and communities: cricket and football teams, running clubs, cafés and restaurants.
Choose the right product
| Product | Best for | Fabric suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Crew-neck tee | Events, fests, everyday swag | Cotton or cotton blend, 160 to 200 GSM |
| Polo shirt | Office, client-facing staff, uniforms | Pique cotton or blend |
| Hoodie or sweatshirt | Premium swag, winter offsites, college merch | French terry or fleece |
| Dri-fit tee | Sports days, marathons, outdoor events | Polyester performance fabric |
| Caps and totes | Add-ons and giveaways | Cotton twill, canvas |
Branding options
- Screen print: cost-effective for simple logos as quantity grows.
- DTF print: flexible for multi-colour logos and small runs.
- Embroidery: premium, durable look for polos, caps and hoodies.
- Sublimation: all-over designs on polyester sportswear.
Common placements are the left chest, centre front, upper back and sleeve. Compare methods in screen printing vs DTF vs DTG.
Ready blanks vs custom-made
| Printing on ready blanks | Custom-made in a pooled lot | |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity | Very small runs | Small runs at near-bulk pricing |
| Fabric and fit | Limited to available blanks | Better fabric, chosen fit |
| Branding | Print only, generic labels | Print, embroidery and your own labels |
| Speed | Fastest | Lot fill time plus production |
Plan sizes properly
Wrong sizes are the most common merch complaint. Share a size chart with chest and length measurements, and collect each person's size through a simple form. If you cannot collect sizes, weight the order towards M and L and order a few spares.
Timeline checklist
- Finalise logo files in vector format.
- Choose products, colours and placements.
- Collect sizes.
- Approve a digital mock-up and, for larger orders, a physical sample.
- Production and delivery. Build in a buffer before the event date.
Need merch for your team or event? Send Voz Cruda your requirement or open Smallotz.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order custom company t-shirts in small quantities?
Yes. Printing on ready blanks suits very small orders, and pooled production on Smallotz lets you order better quality custom-made tees and hoodies without meeting a full factory minimum.
Which fabric is best for corporate t-shirts?
Cotton is comfortable for everyday wear and events. Cotton-polyester blends shrink less and keep their shape, and polyester dri-fit suits sports days, marathons and outdoor events.
How long does custom merchandise take?
Printing on ready blanks can be quick, while custom-made garments need time for production and decoration. Plan several weeks ahead for events, and longer for large or custom orders.
How do I decide sizes for a team order?
Collect sizes from each person using a size chart with measurements. If that is not possible, a common approach is to weight the order towards M and L and add a few extra pieces.
Should I choose embroidery or printing for company logos?
Embroidery looks premium and lasts long on polos, caps and hoodies. Printing is better for large designs, event graphics and multi-colour artwork.