Start with how the apparel will be used
Before picking a style, think about the conditions the apparel needs to hold up in. A crew working outdoors needs something different from an office staff shirt or a one-day event giveaway. Consider climate, activity level, how often it will be washed, and whether it needs pockets, stretch, or moisture-wicking fabric.
It helps to separate "everyday uniform" pieces (worn weekly, needs to last) from "event" pieces (worn once or twice, cost matters more than longevity). That distinction alone narrows down fabric weight and price point quickly.
Fit: give people options
Teams are made up of different body types, and a single unisex cut rarely fits everyone comfortably. Where possible, offer both a standard/unisex fit and a women's fit, and check the brand's actual size chart rather than assuming sizes are consistent across styles — they vary a surprising amount between manufacturers and even between garment types from the same brand.
If you're ordering for a group and can't get everyone measured, it's worth ordering one or two sample sizes first to check fit before committing to a full-size run.
Fabric weight and blend
Lighter, cotton-blend tees are comfortable for warm climates and casual wear but show wear faster under heavy embroidery or frequent washing. Heavier fabrics — pique polos, fleece, twill — are more common for uniforms and outerwear because they hold stitching well and last longer under regular use.
A 50/50 cotton-poly blend is a common middle ground: more wrinkle- and shrink-resistant than 100% cotton, while still comfortable. Performance/moisture-wicking polyester fabrics suit outdoor or athletic teams but can behave differently under dense embroidery, so simpler, lower-stitch-count designs tend to work best on them.
Sizing for groups
For any order of more than a handful of people, collect sizes individually rather than guessing at a size distribution — mis-sized garments are one of the most common (and most avoidable) sources of reorders and delays.
A simple approach: share the size chart for the exact style you plan to order (not a generic chart), have each person self-report their size against it, and build in a small buffer of extra units in common sizes (M/L/XL) in case of exchanges.
Color and logo placement
Pick garment colors that give your logo good contrast — thread that closely matches the fabric color can wash out and lose visibility once stitched. Standard placements like the left chest for a small logo, or full back for a larger design, tend to look the most professional and are the easiest to plan consistently across a whole order.
Ordering process basics
Once you have a garment style, sizes, and artwork ready, the general flow is: choose the blank garment and color, choose placement(s) for your logo or design, review the total for your quantity, and submit the order (or request a custom quote first if you want to confirm details before committing, especially for larger or more complex orders).
If you are ordering in bulk or need help finalizing fit, fabric, or artwork before ordering, our quote request form is the fastest way to get answers before you commit to quantities.