Best Tips for Designing Custom Company Shirts That Stand Out
Designing custom company shirts can be a great way to enhance your brand’s visibility, foster team spirit, and create a sense of unity among employees. However, with so many designs out there, it’s essential to make your shirts stand out. By following a few expert tips, you can create custom company shirts that are both stylish and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who sees them.
- Understand Your Brand Identity
Before diving into designs, take some time to clearly define your brand’s identity. What does your company stand for? What image do you want to project? Your custom company shirts should reflect this identity. For example, a tech startup might opt for a sleek, minimalist design, while a construction company might lean toward something more rugged and durable.
Tip: Use colors, fonts, and graphics that align with your brand’s personality. Consistency in design elements strengthens brand recognition and creates a unified look across all company materials.
- Choose the Right Colors
Color choice is crucial when designing custom company shirts. Bold colors can make your design pop, while neutral tones may look more professional and versatile. Select colors that complement your logo and overall brand palette. Colors can convey specific emotions or values—blue often represents trust, green suggests growth, and red evokes energy.
Tip: Avoid using too many colors, as this can create a chaotic look. Instead, stick to two or three complementary colors for a clean, cohesive appearance. Make sure your chosen colors contrast well with the shirt’s background so your design stands out.
- Keep the Design Simple and Clear
While it can be tempting to include every element of your brand’s story on a single shirt, simplicity is key. Designs that are too complex or crowded can be overwhelming and lose their impact. Instead, focus on one or two central elements, such as your logo, a slogan, or an iconic image that represents your brand.
Tip: A clear, simple design will be more memorable and easy to recognize from a distance. For text, choose clean, legible fonts, especially if the design includes a company name or slogan. Avoid intricate fonts that are hard to read.
- Position the Design Strategically
Where you place the design on your custom company shirts matters. The most common locations are the chest area, the back, and the sleeve. Each position serves a different purpose and can impact the visibility and readability of your design.
- Chest: A small logo on the chest gives a professional, uniform look, ideal for employee shirts.
- Back: A large logo or design on the back is ideal for making a bold statement and can be easily spotted from a distance.
- Sleeve: Adding a subtle logo or icon on the sleeve can create a unique touch that sets your shirts apart.
Tip: Consider using a combination of placements for added interest, such as a logo on the chest with a larger design on the back. This helps to make your custom company shirts stand out without overcrowding any single area.
- Incorporate a Catchy Slogan or Tagline
A catchy slogan or tagline can reinforce your brand message and make the shirt more memorable. If your company has a slogan, consider incorporating it into the design. Keep the text short and impactful, so it’s easy to read at a glance.
Tip: Use fonts and colors that contrast well with the shirt’s base color for readability. Make sure the slogan resonates with your audience and embodies your brand values.
- Choose Quality Materials
The quality of your custom company shirts can impact how often employees and customers will want to wear them. Cheap, uncomfortable fabric won’t last long, and it may not make the best impression. Instead, choose high-quality materials that are comfortable, durable, and suited to your climate or work environment.
Tip: If your team works outdoors, consider performance fabrics that wick moisture or resist stains. For a more professional look, opt for polos or button-ups with embroidery rather than screen printing.
- Think About Your Audience
Your custom company shirts should appeal not only to your employees but also to clients and potential customers. Think about who will be wearing or seeing these shirts. If the shirts are for customer giveaways, a fun and trendy design might be more appealing. For employee uniforms, you may want something more professional.
Tip: Test your design by showing it to a few people from your target audience. Their feedback can help you refine the look and feel of your custom company shirts.
- Add a Unique Design Element
Consider incorporating a unique design element that makes your shirt memorable. This could be a creative icon that represents your brand, an abstract shape, or even a special effect like embroidery or 3D printing for added texture.
Tip: A unique design element can make the shirt feel special and help it stand out from the crowd. Just be careful not to overdo it—balance is key to keeping the design professional.
- Choose the Right Printing Technique
Different printing techniques can achieve different effects. Screen printing works well for bold, solid colors and large designs, while embroidery is ideal for logos and small details, giving a professional, textured look.
Tip: Match the printing technique to your design’s needs. For a high-end look, consider embroidery; for bright, bold designs, screen printing is a great choice.
- Ensure Consistency Across Your Brand
Custom company shirts are an extension of your brand, so they should be consistent with other brand materials, such as business cards, websites, and promotional items. Consistency in design builds recognition and trust with your audience.
Tip: Double-check that colors, logos, and fonts are consistent with your brand guidelines to create a cohesive brand experience.
Final Thoughts
Designing custom company shirts that stand out requires a mix of creativity, strategy, and attention to detail. By understanding your brand, keeping the design simple, and choosing quality materials, you can create shirts that employees and customers alike will be proud to wear. Remember, these shirts are more than just clothing—they’re an extension of your brand identity. With these tips, your custom company shirts can make a lasting impression and boost your brand’s visibility.
DG Promotions is the top choice for custom t-shits, embroidery, and promotional items. If you are ready to learn more or place an order, get a quote or give us a call at 800-714-3583.