Choosing the Best Custom Hats: 7 Expert Tips   

When it comes to the perceived value of a promotional item, a custom hat almost feels like a gift. While custom t-shirts are a mainstay in giveaways, there are a number of reasons why people might not wear them -- the wrong size, an awkward fit, and so on.

Custom hats avoid a lot of those issues. A one-size-fits-all hat isn't impacted by a person's height or weight. It's also usually going to be a pretty good fit, especially if it's adjustable. In fact, if you're giving away hats, you can be pretty sure just about everybody is going to be able to use them... and that's what makes them an incredible promotional item.

However, even if you're not using a hat to promote a business, organization, or charity, there are great reasons for using customized hats. (Partly for the same reasons they excel as a promotional tool.)

Custom hats could be the feather in your promotional campaign's cap   

Hats have several advantages over other kinds of custom apparel when it comes to promoting a business, organization, or cause. These include:

 - High visibility   

Given hats are on people's heads, they're in a prominent, highly visible location.

Think about it -- even if you're in a crowd, you're going to see other people's heads. In fact, that might be the only part of their body that's visible. A hat is in a better place to be seen than any other type of apparel.

- Can be worn every day of the week  

How many times does somebody typically use a t-shirt before washing it? And how many times a week can you see somebody wearing the same shirt even if it's clean?

Unlike most types of apparel, it's not unusual for somebody to wear the same hat everyday.

- People pay attention to hats  

Although designs on custom apparel are likely to be noticed, a lot of people -- particularly sports fans -- seem to pay special attention to hats.

Hats are frequently used to show some kind of affiliation -- to a sports team, brand, or organization. Team hats are especially likely to get a reaction. And because peoples' eyes are drawn to hats, it's a great place for a logo.

 Top custom hat brands   

Although all custom hats are a great promotional item, some brands are better than others. Here are a few of the most notable brands -- ones that people absolutely love (and will therefore be more likely to actually use!)

Richardson  

Richardson is a super-popular, top-selling hat brand, typically seen as a mid-to-high-end choice. It offers a consistent, great fit.

This consistency is perhaps Richardson's greatest value. When you buy a Richardson, you always know exactly what you're getting.

Flexfit  

Unlike some other brands, Flexfit is sold by sizes -- meaning it's not adjustable. Instead,these hats come in small, medium, large, and XL.

Despite being fitted hats, Flexfit can stretch. The brand is named for its "Flexfit Technology," a feature found in its core products (Flexfit®, Flexfit 110®, Flexfit 210® and Flexfit Delta®), which involves weaving polyurethane spandex into the sweatband and throughout the crown for added elasticity.

New Era  

New Era is an incredibly well-recognized and respected brand. In fact, the company goes all the way back to 1920.

The business, which started with fashion caps, first made the leap to baseball caps in 1934. By 1950, New Era was producing hats for 16 baseball teams. And, in 1993, New Era became exclusive baseball cap supplier for Major League Baseball (MLB).

So even if you haven't heard the name until now, you've likely seen New Era baseball caps. And, if you're a longtime fan, you might get a kick out of using the MLB's official supplier for your own custom hats -- especially if you're using them for your own team.

New Era custom hats are available as unisex and also by size.

Nike  

When it comes to athletic apparel, few brands are as well-recognized as Nike. Their iconic Swoosh logo is known globally as a symbol of excellence.

There's a certain prestige factor to Nike products, which might count double for custom caps. After all, the design and style aren't just speaking for themselves, you also have the Swoosh. That automatically suggests a higher value in many people's minds.

Nike can be amusing choice for custom logo hats, considering the hats will have two logos -- whatever you choose to put on it and the Swoosh logo. While it's not an issue for a sports team, businesses might think twice when choosing it for their company logo hats.

 The challenges of hat design   

There are two inescapable facts when it comes to caps.

First, a hat's surface isn't flat. This means that something that might be legible on a shirt won't always be easily-read on a hat.

Second, you're dealing with a small space. The average maximum size for an embellishment is only 4" x 2".

These two aspects will influence a lot of your design choices. And, if you keep them in mind, you'll wind up with much nicer custom embroidered caps.

 Why you should always stick with embroidery when it comes to custom hats   

Although screen printing is the preferred embellishment method for custom t-shirts, embroidery is the standard for caps.

Why the difference? The nature of the surface area.

Screen printing works well on custom shirts because shirts provide a smooth, flat surface. Hats, on the other hand, don't have a flat surface. As a result, printed hats tend to turn out badly.

For that reason, Bolt Printing doesn't offer custom-printed hats. If we can't ensure a level of quality you'll be happy with, we don't want to risk providing that service. (And while there are companies who sell custom-printed hats, you should be careful -- not every company has a commitment to quality. Many are all too happy to do whatever you ask, no matter how badly it turns out... and will often avoid your phone calls when you try to complain.)

While it can still be tricky to embroider custom hats, it's much more reliable than printing.

 7 Things to consider when choosing -- and designing -- a custom hat   

#1 - Too much information is often a problem  

While you might think potential customers need to know as much as possible about your company, remember that your hat isn't a business card.

There's a place for your phone number, but it's probably not on your hat.

There's a place for your email address, but it's probably not on your hat.

There's a place to list what services you offer, but it's probably not on your hat.

So what should be on your hat?

Your company logo. This is the best option for a custom embroidery.

Your company's name. Whether on the front, back, or side of a hat, it's practical to have your company's name since not everybody will recognize your company logo.

Maybe a website. This one is iffier because it can be harder to read. And, honestly, most people can just Google your company's name.

Always keep in mind the average person might not see your hat for very long. If the person wearing your hat and the viewer are both walking, they might only see your design for a few seconds (and that's while the hat is being jostled!)

#2 - Avoid tiny elements  

How much good is a graphic or text if nobody can see it? When you go with smaller elements, you run the risk of people either struggling to figure out what's there or missing it completely.

And then you have the practical issue of embroidering those details. A sewing machine is a bit like a jackhammer -- or, in other words, it tends to struggle with very small, very precise detail.

#3 - Less is more  

With so little space to embellish, you really need to prioritize your content.

Again, anybody who sees your cap while walking will likely only catch a glimpse of what's there. The more content you have, the longer it'll take for them to make sense of the design. You might only have a few seconds to deliver your message. Make that time count.

#4 - Sizing  

While the great thing about hats is most people can wear them, you still need to think about the sizes while ordering.

If you're planning on a normal giveaway, make sure to order a one-size-fits-all style of hat. After all, you won't know who's going to be wearing them.

However, if you're giving hats to specific people -- such as your employees -- you might choose more precise sizes instead.

(Note: Be careful with sized hats. You're often better off ordering a sample to make sure you get the right size.)

#5 - Comfort  

The comfort level of your hats will influence how often they're worn. Unfortunately, comfort comes down to a lot more than just a question of size, but also how the headwear fits and other small details.

Higher-end brands tend to do better in terms of comfort. While you might spend a little more on a nicer brand of custom caps, those additional few dollars could decide whether it's something a person wears all the time or not at all. (Which can be huge if you want people wearing your custom logo hats -- think of each person as a walking billboard, bringing attention and interest to your business or cause.)

#6 - Style  

There are more hat styles than most people realize and those styles can give very different impressions of your brand.

Some styles are more casual while others are either fashionable or practical. The style you might give to somebody working outside could be very different from the hats you might hand out to customers during a giveaway.

After all, dad hats will appeal more to some people than others.

#7 - Stay within the limitations  

Similar to issues with tiny elements, there are a number of technical limitations when it comes to embroidering hats. Trying to incorporate too much into a small space will cause issues.

 Bolt Printing has great headwear at great prices   

Whether buying hats or beanies, Bolt Printing has you covered.

We carry all of the top brands and, thanks to our incredible embroidery knowledge (as well as our white glove service), we can make sure your custom apparel looks amazing.

Unlike other custom apparel companies, we have no setup fees or hidden fees -- the price is the price. (And, if something changes -- such as needing to make a substitution because a product isn't in stock -- you'll be notified promptly.)

Does it get better? You bet! We offer free shipping on most standard orders to a single location. And, if standard shipping isn't fast enough for you, we have expedited options at reasonable shipping costs.

 How can Bolt Printing afford to offer such low prices and great terms?   

There are a lot of things that can contribute to the cost of custom apparel. The biggest one by far is whether or not a company outsources its labor -- the actual customization of that apparel -- to another business. Basically, this is when one company serves as a middle man, standing between a customer and the company actually doing the work on the customer's order.

Bolt Printing is not a middle man. We handle all of our production in-house within our own facility in sunny Brookfield, CT.

That means we can offer you low prices WITHOUT sacrificing quality.

 Start designing your own hat today!   

If you've been considering custom embroidered hats for a while, now is a great time to look into them. You can use our online design studio to see how your custom embroidered caps might look.

Upload your art into our design lab to see how it'll look on a hat or, if you don't have a graphic, you can always pick something from our huge selection of clip art.

Not ready to order today? You can save your design for later.

Why does the format have such a profound effect? It comes down to the way the graphic image is interpreted during output.

Rasterized Images are a dot matrix data structure that represents a generally rectangular grid of pixels (points of color) creating continuous tones. This is why the edges are rounded and the colors in the smiley face are not solid.

Vector Images are defined in 2D points, which are connected by lines and curves to create shapes. Each of these points has a precise position on an x and y-axis. This is why the edges are precise.

Oftentimes, when a designer provides graphic files, they provide raster images. While it's a format that's easily opened and perfect for viewing on a website, it's not good for reproduction in a large size.  

 File Formats and Why Resolution Matters 

You can't create a dope t-shirt design that works with the majority of the low quality images available on the internet. Resolution is the key to having sharp, clear printed images on your custom graphic shirts. The resolution of an image is the number of pixels that make up that particular image. The best resolution for t-shirt printing and other clothing is 300 digital pixels per inch (DPI) to create a design with sharp, clear lines and colors that stand out. The higher the pixel count, the sharper your design will look.

The best file formats for printing graphics on a custom screen printed t-shirt (and work best for managing high-resolution images) are PNG and EPS vector files. T-shirt design graphics should be downloaded as a portable network graphics file (PNG) or as an Encapsulated Postscript vector file to guarantee the image produces crisp, sharp printed t-shirt designs. Both file types are good for manipulating high-resolution artwork used to create t shirt designs.

 Art File Formats: PNG or EPS 

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) files are highly compressed and work well for illustrations and designs with limited colors. PNG files are optimized for high quality transparent web graphics. These are a good choice for creating a logo design or simple t-shirt image with fewer colors and details.

EPS (Encapsulated Postscript) files are a good choice for handling high resolution multi-color images for digital printing. This file type works well with vector graphic programs like Adobe Illustrator (which is a great program for designing t-shirts).

 The Impact of T-Shirt Design Color Combination 

One of the simplest ways to create an awesome t-shirt design is to remember that opposites attract. Assuming you want to design a shirt where people can clearly see what's on the shirt, contrast is extremely important. If the shirt is a dark color, you want to print with a light ink color (see the example above). Conversely, if the shirt is a light color you want to print with a dark ink color (white shirt + yellow ink = not good combination). Because your screen is lighted, it may give the appearance that the colors will work well together when in reality they don't.

 

During our proof process, we will make corrections, so if we see that you've selected a color combination that isn't ideal, we'll bring it to your attention and change it to what would provide the best contrast at the same price :)

 

It is crucial to us that your printed shirts make an impact .... so we want the people who see you wearing them to be able to read your very important message :)

 

Now that you have a clearer idea of which colors to combine for a better final product, it's time to pull up your sleeves and start putting together your design. Make sure to use great contrasts between garment color and design color so your art is easy on the eyes.

 

Put the Power of Color Combinations to Work!!!  

 

 Some Basic Color Theory   

Think about this for a moment. How do you pick an image for your designs? How do you choose the shirt color? You'll usually pick what you like or what makes you feel good. Part of your decision happened because someone designed the t-shirt color with careful use of color theory. Here are some terms and concepts that can help you create better designs.  

• What is color?
• Basic color types
• Chroma, saturation, intensity, and value
• Contrasting and complementary colors

 

 What is color anyway?

Color is all about light waves and how the human eye perceives that part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light is just one small aspect of the radiation emitted by the sun and other stars.

The light from the sun is all the colors of the rainbow mixed together. We see different colors because some colors are reflected when the sun's light shines on a t-shirt, a toy, or some other object. Every color strikes the object but only certain colors are reflected back. The others are absorbed. A red ball looks red because that's the color of light reflected back in to our eyes.

The color white contains all the colors of the spectrum. Light shining on a white t shirt reflects all the colors back and we see it as white. Black shirts look black because black objects absorb all the colors of light hitting them. An object that doesn't reflect any light back in to your eyes always looks black. 

 

 The Color Wheel   

The color wheel is a concept developed by Isaac Newton in 1666 AD to show the different colors of light and their relationships to each other. Red, yellow, and blue are the three primary colors and all the rest are secondary and tertiary colors made by combinations of the three primary colors. Use the wheel to pick t-shirt color combinations that complement or contrast to create your own award winning t-shirt designs. Start by choosing a shirt color as your background. Then you can choose colors that contrast or complement the shirt color to create your desired effect.

 
Color types and choosing t-shirt color designs

 

The color of your shirt is your canvas. Choice of t-shirt color provides the background for all the rest of your work. Understanding the basic color types can help you make t-shirt color choices and design elements with impact and emotional appeal.

Monochromatic color schemes are effective for t-shirt design. Using only differing shades of the same basic color creates designs that are clean and attractive for daily wear. This works well when you have a complex design but don't want the shirt to look chaotic or overly busy.

EXAMPLE OF A MONOCHROMATIC COLOR COMBINATION USING DIFFERENT SHADES OF BLUE.

TIE-DYE T-SHIRT AVAILABLE ON OUR SITE.

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Using adjacent, or analogous, color combinations is an effective way to make shirt designs that have a bit of pop without looking too loud. These are colors that are close to each other on the color wheel. Adjacent mixes of color containing red, for example, like pink and purple or orange work together well.

EXAMPLE OF ANALOGOUS (ADJACENT) COLOR COMBINATION USING RED, ORANGE AND YELLOW WHICH ARE ADJACENT ON THE COLOR WHEEL.

TIE-DYE T-SHIRT AVAILABLE ON OUR SITE.

s/PC147

Complementary colors are another effective color combination for a dope t-shirt design. These are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary color combinations are Red and Green, Orange and Blue, Yellow and Purple... These combinations are effective and can be seen everywhere. Take orange and blue, for example -- both the Knicks and the Mets take that complementary color combination to the top.

EXAMPLE OF COMPLEMENTARY COLOR COMBINATION USING ORANGE AND BLUE, WHICH ARE OPPOSITES ON THE COLOR WHEEL.

ACTUAL EMBROIDERY PRODUCED BY BOLT PRINTING & EMBROIDERY.

 Easy Custom T-Shirts: Charity Fundraising 

 Raising Money For Charity Fundraisers

Whether you own a non-profit organization or just want to help raise money for an important cause, there are many different fundraising ideas you can do to help others in need. Fundraising ideas can include raffles, bake sales, gala events, golf tournaments, and more.

One of the most popular ways to raise money for charity is a 5K run/walk. A 5K run/walk is a great fundraising idea because it's low cost, easy to promote, and people of all ages and fitness levels can participate. After you've decided on the logistics of your event, it's time to get the word out! You can promote your 5k run/walk charity event through direct mail, email, social media, and more.

Custom printed t-shirts for fundraisers are the perfect way to not only raise awareness about the charity and promote your event, but selling the t-shirts will help you raise more money! For a 5K race/walk, you can sell the t-shirts online before the event or during the event by setting up a table. A bonus to having custom charity t-shirts is they can be worn anytime, not just during your event! Each time someone wears your shirt, they're spreading awareness for your charity!

At Bolt Printing, we've worked with charity events nation-wide to help with all their custom t-shirt needs. We offer prices lower than many of our competitors. But don't worry! Cheap doesn't mean low quality! All our styles are high quality from brands like Gildan and Hanes.

No matter what season you're planning your charity event, we have both long and short sleeve t-shirt styles available. We can also screen print on hoodies and jackets.

Not sure what type of shirt you should get? Here are some of our favorite options!

Most Affordable Custom T Shirt - A great option if you have a tight budget. This 100% cotton shirt is our lowest cost and best deal.

Gildan DryBlend Tee - While still one of the best deals, this shirt is 50% cotton and 50% polyester to help you stay cool and dry.

 Garment Choice: Finding the Best Fit for Your Design Needs 

There's a bewildering array of fabric and t-shirt style options out there. Finding the right fabric option that works best for your t-shirt design ideas can be a little daunting. Before you choose a style of garment to print, think about your end goal. Knowing what the end goal is will help you find your top choice garment for each project.

 Options To Consider 

• Are you purchasing shirts as a promotion or a give-away?
• Are you purchasing uniforms for a business or a school?
• Do you have a unique design, and want to resell the shirts?
• Is staying cool in warm temperatures important?
• What is the activity level of the person wearing the garment?

Knowing the what, who, and why details helps narrow down your potential fabric options and simplifies finding the right choice garments for your project. Here's a brief description showing which fabric and style options work best for each application and why.

 

 

 

Right Choice Garments and Fabric Choices 

Some fabric options are definitely better suited for t-shirt design and printing applications. Some materials are easier to print on and do a better job of displaying your logo, message or graphic design. Making the right decision is the first important step to get your new uniform, t-shirt line or customized gift just right.

100% Cotton T-shirts that do not call out "ring-spun" are generally knitted with fabric using an "open end" or "carded" yarn. T-Shirts made with this type of yarn will have a lower cost and will be less soft. Shirts made with this type of fabric are the most common variety used for basic custom printed cotton t-shirts because of the lower cost.

• Preshrunk doesn't mean that the garment will not shrink. It means that the fabric was compacted to reduce shrinkage, twisting, and torquing when laundered. All major mills make garments to accommodate the shrinkage expected to occur during the recommended care (see the instructions on the label).
• Ring-Spun Cotton means the fabric was knitted with ring-spun yarn. Ring-spun yarn is made by a spinning technique that stretches the yarn between the spindles. T-shirts made with ring-spun yarn are softer, more expensive, and create an ideal platform for screen printing.

• Combed Ring-Spun Cotton is a step up from regular ring-spun yarn. During this process, cotton fibers are spun then combed through to remove impurities while ensuring the fabric stays soft to the touch. Fewer impurities means a smoother surface to print on. These are also softer, lighter, and on the more expensive end. This type of fabric is usually used on retail-style shirts.

   

 

50/50 Blends are knitted from a yarn that's half 100% cotton and half polyester.  The result is a fabric that feels a bit lighter. Some customers also note 50/50 blends feel more breathable and a bit softer. This was the original t-shirt fabric and used to be the most popular selling style (due to cost). However, as the customer demand has moved to 100% cotton, prices can be a bit higher. This fabric is preferred for t-shirts used as uniforms (ie, a polo shirt with a design logo or custom shirts) because it's easy to care for and less prone to wrinkling. It's most commonly used by community sports leagues/teams and small businesses such as landscaping companies, construction companies, trade service companies, and restaurants.

 

Tri-Blend is exactly what it sounds like, a fabric created by blending three different types of thread. This ingenious material has the durability of polyester, the comfort of cotton-printed shirts, and the drape of rayon. These benefits allow manufacturers to offer a higher-quality, super-soft, well-fitting tee. This material is even softer, lighter, and comfortable than combed ring-spun cotton shirts (and is more expensive).

 

Performance Fabric is designed to wick moisture away from the body. These are 100% polyester and are mostly used as athletic shirts. They're easy to care for and don't need to be ironed. 100% polyester shirts won't shrink and mostly have a silky texture. They do require a specific method of printing and are more commonly used as an active shirt, both for indoor and outdoor use. Perfect for high-intensity activities, these shirts will keep your body dry longer than regular cotton printed and DryBlend shirts. Because it's on the more expensive end, this type of fabric isn't usually picked as a give-away shirt.

 

Once you pick the right material, you should consider the cut of the shirt. Basic cotton printed t-shirts such as BD54, 5000, BD55, and 8000 will usually be on the boxy side. These will run true to size and some styles are a bit over-sized to accommodate the shrinkage, which can be up to 5% on a 100% cotton t-shirts.

Choose the best fabric and surface texture for your next custom printing or embroidery project.

 

 Rules To Live By: 

Smooth, flat surfaces are ideal for screen-printing.

Textured, thicker fabrics are ideal for custom embroidery.

 

 Fabrics fall into two main categories: 

Knit Fabrics are made of yarn that is looped continuously producing a braided look.

Knit fabrics are more stretchy.

 

Knit Pattern

 

Woven Fabrics are created on a loom made by interlacing two or more threads at right angles, like a basket weave. Woven fabrics are not stretchy and have little give.

 

Woven Pattern

 

 Jersey:

a knitted fabric =  basic t-shirt material.
variations: content, weight, thread count, and yarn type. 

T-Shirts, Polo Shirts & Tank Tops are often made with Jersey Fabric

 

 100% Cotton:

knitted with 100% cotton yarn
Best Selling in this category. 

Garments are expected to shrink; they are roomier to accommodate shrinkage (even when the label says pre-shrunk).

 

Ideal Embellishment: Screen printing

Embroidery is okay on a heavier dark garment.

100% Ring-spun Cotton

 Common Weights: 

Lightweight: 4.8 oz or less
Heavyweight: 5.3-5.6 oz
Super Heavyweight: 6.1 oz

 

 

 What are the shirts for? 

Are these work shirts? If so, then you should take into consideration whether the employees are constantly moving, if they are outdoors or indoors, and the workplace's dress code. Shirts made of polyester or polyester blend are a good fabric choice for anyone who moves a lot or works outside. This type of fabric will be more breathable than 100% cotton printed shirts and feel lighter in the heat.

 

If you're not concerned about the heat and comfort is your top priority, you may go with a ring-spun cotton printed shirt that will keep your employees comfortable at all times.
For give-aways and gifts, the basic cotton t-shirts are usually the go-to fabric since they keep the cost low. With that, you can order a bulkier amount of shirts and spend less money compared to ordering a different type of material.

 

For those who are selling the shirts or starting a new t-shirt line, it's all about comfort and looking nice. Retail styles tend to go for a super soft, light fabric with a "retail cut" to make the shirts more fitted. Ring-spun cottons and tri-blends have a similar cut. The main difference is the weight of the shirts and their softness (tri-blends are softer and lighter), as well as the cost of each item.

 

 Pick A Color. Any Color 

Now that you have a clearer idea of which type of shirt to pick, it's time to choose a color and start designing your printed t-shirts.

For your next custom printed t-shirt project, there are a crazy number of shirt colors to choose from. With the addition of print color(s), the color combinations are truly endless.

Without a doubt, you can design a cool t-shirt that's truly one-of-a-kind.

If you're struggling to make the final decision or want to stay mainstream, here's a list of top selling colors by season:

 

 Top Selling Shirt Colors Year Round: 

By far the top selling shirt colors are black, white, red, royal blue and athletic gray (also called heather gray, sport gray, or athletic heather).

 

Top Selling Shirt Colors in Spring and Summer:

 

 

 

Top Selling Garment Colors in Fall & Winter: 

 

 

In fall and winter deep, rich colors in all color families (dark gray, cardinals (or maroons), navy, and dark greens) are on-trend.

Choosing the Best Custom Mens Shirts: 8 Expert Tips   

What's the first thing that pops into your mind when somebody mentions custom clothing? Is it a hat? A beanie? Maybe some custom socks?

Odds are it's none of the above.

While I can't read your mind (so your passwords are safe!), I imagine you might've defaulted to thinking about a shirt -- and most likely a t-shirt. After all, shirts are the centerpiece of custom clothing and the most popular of those options is men's/unisex.

Oh? You're wondering about the "men's/unisex?" Before learning about 8 tips for picking the best custom men's/unisex shirts, it might be worth discussing men's and unisex apparel.

 Men's shirts vs unisex   

When shopping for custom apparel, you've probably seen both "men's shirts" and "unisex shirts" -- often right next to each other.

So, right about now, you might be wondering: "What's the difference?"

The short answer? None. For the most part, men's shirts and unisex shirts are the same thing.

 "If men's shirts and unisex shirts are the same thing, why are both names listed?"   

The short answer? Because people like to be sure about what they're buying. If men see "unisex," they might wonder if it's really for men. And if women just see "men's shirts" then they might wonder if the size is too big or bulky for them.

So, both are listed to make it as clear as possible that they're for everybody (although especially for men).

"But are they REALLY the same thing?"  

The short answer? Yes, stop asking!

As for the "why," keep in mind there are specific women's styles as well -- ones that would look a little odd on a guy. However, most men's apparel can be worn by women without looking unusual. In fact, odds are you wouldn't even notice.

"Okay, but what's the difference between women's and unisex then?"  

There are a few obvious differences between women's shirts and men's/unisex.

-Plunging necklines. The cut on a woman's collar tends to go much lower than a man's.

-Shorter sleeves. The sleeves on women's shirts are often noticeably shorter.

-A more tapered fit. Women's shirts tend to be more form-fitting -- or, at least, fit to a very different form! Because women's bodies tend to be less broad than men's, there's a substantially different fit with fitted shirts.

In short, women's apparel tends to be noticeably different from men's/unisex (although they can still wear unisex).

 Types of men's shirts   

Male/unisex shirts come in a wide variety of styles. Ranging from the popular to the essential, as well as from the professional to the casual, there's something for every occasion.

Short-sleeved t-shirts  

The short-sleeve t-shirt is probably the most popular shirt style and definitely on the casual side.

Whether working out or hanging out, a short-sleeved tee is a great option. It's something you'll see people wearing wherever you go (except maybe in winter, when jackets and sweatshirts cover them up).

And, if you're trying to promote a business or charity, t-shirts are an inexpensive form of advertising that can turn your customers, etc, into walking billboards. They're the least expensive shirts you can order.

(See our collection of printed short-sleeved t-shirts and best deals.)

Long-sleeved t-shirts  

Think of a short-sleeved t-shirt, then add longer sleeves, and you get a long-sleeved tee.

More expensive than a short-sleeved t-shirt, the long-sleeved tee is also a bit less likely to fit everybody -- after all, people can have different arm lengths. However, if the shirt has a cuff (or, even better, a ribbed cuff), the sleeve can be adjusted to make up for the difference. (It's also worth mentioning that a unisex long-sleeved shirt's long is more likely to fit a woman's arms than a ladies long-sleeved shirt).

(See our collection of printed long-sleeved t-shirts and best deals.)

Polo shirts  

Polos are where men's shirts start to transition from the casual to the professional. Originally used as sports apparel, polo shirts moved from the polo field and tennis court to the office.

Because they feature a collar and buttons, polos are less casual than t-shirts, although they aren't quite as formal as men's dress shirts.

If you're looking to outfit your workers with uniforms, polos are a popular choice. They're also great for clubs of all kind, board members, churches, and charity workers.

Depending on the intended use (and material thickness), either printing or embroidery might work better. Although an embroidered logo may look more professional, print designs do a better job with small details.

(See our print and embroidered polo shirt collections.)

Men's dress shirts (a.k.a. button-up shirts or button-down shirts)  

When it comes to formal attire, dress shirts are men's best option.

Dress shirts predate t-shirts, polos, and most modern shirts. While the style has seen a few changes over the years -- and increased variation -- the fundamentals remain the same.

At one point, a white dress shirt was seen as a symbol of high status. However, as they became affordable, dress shirts grew in usage and popularity. These shirts gradually moved from being a marker of the elite to the broader upper-class, where a certain segment of society wore dress shirts on a daily basis while others only wore them during formal occasions (such as to church, thus giving rise to the expression "dressed in their Sunday best").

The white dress shirt grew so synonymous with a class of employee that the terms "white-collar worker" and "blue-collar worker" became commonplace. Even after those white shirts saw competition from other colors -- turning offices into rainbows -- the expressions have persisted. In fact, even when casual Fridays became casual weekdays, the terms remained popular.

Nowadays, there's a much wider variety of office attire where everything is considerably more casual, but dress shirts remain the pinnacle of professional attire.

+Different dress shirt styles  

Dress shirts generally offer more options than any other style of shirt.

This selection includes:

-Sleeve options (Long or short)

-Cuff styles (Button or cuff links)

-Pockets (Single-breast, double-breast, or none)

-Buttons (Both the number and style)

-Collar buttons (More on this in a minute)

-Collar cut

In short, there's an almost-shocking number of choices. However, not all of those options are available when ordering custom dress shirts.

+"But what's the difference between a button-down shirt and a button-up shirt?"  

The terms "button-down shirt" and "button-up shirt" tend to cause some confusion. And while you'd think you can use them interchangeably, they're not actually the same thing.

Observe the following image closely:

Are you looking at a button-up or button-down shirt? It's definitely a dress shirt -- you're sure of that much -- but you might be wondering where the distinction lies.

Hint -- it's at the collar!

A button-down shirt has extra buttons at the collar, which are used to fasten the collar in place.

The style was reportedly introduced by the Brooks Brothers in 1896 and gives dress shirts a slightly more tailored look. However, a button-down isn't for everybody. The extra buttons can be a bit of a nuisance with a tie, some consider the added buttons unsightly, and others dislike having their collar held in place.

A direct comparison to a button-down (in terms of function) might be a tie bar, which is used to fasten a tie against the front line of a dress shirt. Some people prefer the neater, cleaner look while others would rather have their tie fly free (or to not wear one in the first place!)

+Custom design dress shirts vs made-to-measure custom dress shirts  

By now, it might be worth addressing a mild point of confusion -- "custom dress shirts" has more than one connotation.

Specifically, it might be conflated with made-to-measure shirts, which are dress shirts made (or adjusted) by a tailor based on the exact measurements of a client's body.

Made-to-measure clothing is a very different kind of custom clothing -- it's custom-made rather than customizing the apparel itself. A tailor will carefully measure their client, getting their exact body measurements, so they can create a dress shirt with the perfect fit.

However, there are more benefits to custom-made apparel than just getting a custom fit -- you also get to choose your own fabrics. This gives you a direct control over the fabric quality, ensuring you'll get a shirt that uses the exact material you want.

If you're looking for custom-made suits and shirts, you could try an online service like Ratio Clothing (which has a perfect fit guarantee) or Black Lapel (where you can build a personalized measurements profile to create made-to-measure shirts and suits). Or, for a more traditional experience, you might contact a local tailor.

+A totally custom dress shirt?  

If you wanted to go all-in on custom-made apparel, you could embroider your custom-created clothing with a logo. This is an incredible choice if you have a personal brand you're trying to promote. However, it's often a little impractical.

And, perhaps it goes without saying, but something this highly-personalized doesn't serve the same purpose as normal custom clothing. (And you'd likely need to request the embellishment from whoever is custom-making the made-to-measure shirts)

+Occasions for custom men's dress shirts  

Given that custom men's dress shirts are more expensive than other shirts, you likely won't be using them in a giveaway. However, depending on your company or organization, they can be a great way to demonstrate your brand.

For example, a sales team wearing custom dress shirts with your company logo will have an easier time convincing customers they represent an established, legitimate business. It can also be a great look for board members or other executive teams. Basically, custom dress shirts work for many of the same activities as custom polos (although polos are often preferred, given their lower price).

(See our custom dress shirt collection.)

Performance shirts  

If you need something on the athletic side, you might consider performance shirts.

Perfect for athletic endeavors, performance shirts have a variety of benefits ranging from moisture-wicking properties to breathability and, in some cases, UV protection. They're great for keeping people cool and dry during a workout or game.

When do performance shirts shine? If you're outfitting a sports team, you'll probably want to go with performance shirts. They're also a solid choice as a work uniform for employees who either spend a lot of time outdoors or have a physically active job.

Pictured above is the Sport-Tek's Tall Heather Contender™ Tee (ST360; available in 12 colors), a 100% polyester high-performance t-shirt and just one of many great options.

Believe it or not, but there are also performance dress shirts. However, those can be a bit harder to find.

(See our collections of printed performance t-shirts and we carry a few embroidered performance polos (along with a lot of regular polos.))

Tank tops  

Want something a bit cooler when working out? Or maybe you're just not a fan of sleeves? Either way, tank tops might be the answer.

When are tank tops a great choice? Depending on the sport, they work as a team uniform. Otherwise, tanks are good for workout clothing. (And, if you own a gym, you could sell branded tanks and other performance clothing to members, giving you a chance to promote your business while making a profit.)

Tank tops and muscle tees also work as uniforms in fitness clubs and for outdoor service jobs in warm places, like a marina or a casual beachfront restaurant.

Pictured above (on the right) is one of Gildan's Ultra-Cotton tank tops (2200). Available in 7 colors, it's a fantastic, affordable option.

However, our current bestseller is Bella+Canva's Unisex Jersey Tank (3480, seen above). Available in 10 colors, this stylish tri-blend tank top is highly popular with a wide variety of people. And, if you are using tanks as uniforms, this will probably be the way to go.

(See our full tank top collection.)

 8 Tips for picking men's custom shirts   

But which style of men's shirt is the best-suited to meeting your needs?

The answer may depend based on whether you represent a business, charity, school, or team. Likewise, the occasion matters as well -- celebrating a family reunion, for instance, may call for something very different than promoting a concert. And that usage should influence most of your decisions.

#1 - Type of shirt  

As previously discussed, there are a LOT of options when it comes to shirts. However, not all of them will be right for your company, organization, etc.

Here's a quick breakdown:

• T-shirts are good for most things -- events, giveaways, promotions, commemorating special occasions (such as reunions and birthday parties), bands, teams, and so on. (And they can work as a uniform.) Their benefits include a large print area and low-cost.
• Polos are geared more towards professional functions, such as work or school uniforms. They're more expensive and you'll probably go with a smaller customization (such as just a logo or organization name). However, depending on the usage, you might customize a few locations on a polo.
• Dress shirts tend to be very formal. They excel in highly-professional functions, particularly for sales.
• Performance shirts are geared toward athletic activities. They're great for team uniforms and outdoor events. As with t-shirts, you have a large print area.
• Tanks are good for workouts, sports, and so on. Depending on the sport, they may also work as a team uniform.

Most of the time, you'll probably want to customize either a t-shirt or polo.

#2 - Brand  

Do you have a shirt brand in mind? Even if you don't think about a shirt's brand, some of your customers will.

Some companies, like Nike and Adidas, enjoy tremendous brand recognition. In fact, they're so famous that much of their value comes from their name -- hence why you'll see the Nike and Adidas logos on their custom blank garments. (Such as Adidas's A230 above; available in 10 colors).

However, even when a brand isn't as famous as Nike or Adidas, the difference can be evident. Bella+Canvas, for instance, is known for its fashion -- even if you've never heard of the company before today, you might recognize how stylish their t-shirts are (as seen with the 3001 above; available in a massive 57 colors).

#3 - Fabric type  

Depending on how a garment is meant to be used, its fabric can make a huge difference. For example, a ring-spun cotton t-shirt is bound to be pretty comfortable whereas a 100% polyester shirt is much less likely to shrink and will wick moisture.

Then blends combine fabric types so you can have both of the traits.

A 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, for example, is a popular option for uniforms because it tends to last better (since it's less likely to snag than polyester or shrink than cotton) and is easier to care for (since it's less likely to wrinkle than cotton).

#4 - Sleeves?  

Unless you're buying a tank top, you'll have the choice of going with either short or long sleeves.

Although people tend to associate each kind of apparel with just one sleeve choice, most have both.

For instance, when you think of a polo, you probably envision short sleeves. However, as you'll see with the Jerzees polo (437MLR; available in 6 colors) above, polos are also available in long-sleeves.

And while you might associate dress shirts with long sleeves, there are plenty of short-sleeved options, such as Port Authority's short-sleeved button-down shirt seen above (S508; available in 20 colors).

#5 - Cuffs  

If you chose a long-sleeved dress shirt, you'll have to decide if you're looking for a specific kind of cuffs. Some need to be fastened with cufflinks, others will have a button on the sleeve.

Port Authority's long-sleeve poplin shirt (W100, seen above; available in 12 colors) is a sharp-looking cotton/poly blend dress shirt that features dye-to-match buttons and adjustable cuffs.

As you'll notice, the cuffs use buttons rather than cufflinks.

The choice between buttons and cufflinks can wind up being more preference than fashion. Although cufflinks are associated with more formal wear, a smaller detail like this isn't something people will notice in most settings.

#6 - Pocket(s)  

Pockets tend to be an option on all styles of shirts, which is great news for pocket fans.

Comfort Colors has a nice long-sleeved pocket t-shirt (4410, seen above; available in 15 colors) -- besides having a pocket, it's super-comfortable and has a nice vintage look.

When printing on shirts, you can put a design either above the pocket or directly on it. However, if you're embroidering, you need to put the design above the pocket because the embroidery process would otherwise sew the pocket the shut.

#7 - Buttons  

Not all shirts have buttons, but it's something worth looking at when they do.

Pictured above is Sport-Tek's PosiCharge RacerMesh polo (ST640; available in 17 colors) -- a best-selling performance polo -- which features three dyed-to-match buttons.

The number of buttons on a polo can vary. Two is generally seen as an entry-level option, three is average, and four tends to be viewed as being higher-end. (Likewise, a dress shirt's button count might vary... but it's a bit less noticeable.)

Likewise, buttons have different styles, too. Besides dyed-to-match (which is one of the nicest options), there are metal buttons, woodtone, and pearlized buttons.

The right button is a bit of a fashion question -- namely, do you want people to see your buttons? While dyed-to-match tends to blend right in, the other options stand out.

#8 - Cost  

Most people are working on a budget. And if you represent a company trying to stretch its marketing budget, you may have price points on the brain.

The BD54 is an incredibly affordable short-sleeved tee. Available in 51 colors, it's an absolute bargain. (Be sure to check out the rest of our best deals, too!)

Looking to move up a little? The Gildan 5000 (seen above, available in 67 colors) is a still very-affordable step up from the BD54.

 Bolt Printing wants to be your favorite destination for men's custom apparel   

Our site makes it easy to shop for custom clothing and accessories.

Just select a shirt or other garment from any of the product pages or enter Bolt's online design studio directly to create custom apparel in minutes. You can upload artwork or rely on Bolt's extensive clip art and font library. (And don't worry about getting it 100% right -- our team of experts can fix up problems with your design.)

Not ready to order today? No problem! Just save your design for later -- and you can even share the link with others.

So, what are you waiting for?

Choosing the Best Polo Shirts for Embroidery: 8 Expert Tips   

When it comes to custom apparel, there are no end of clothing options -- hats, t-shirts, jackets, hoodies, beanies, sweatshirts, and just about everything else you can think of (and several things you might not think of).

Each one of these items has its uses. Custom t-shirts and hats, for example, are great for giveaways. Custom beanies are an awesome item to sell during a fundraiser. And, when it comes to uniforms, you can't go wrong with custom polos.

Why pick a polo?   

Polo shirts offer a great mix of professionalism, convenience, and comfort. They're less formal than traditional button-down shirts yet aren't so casual as to feel completely out of place in an office or other professional setting. Perhaps that's why custom embroidered polo shirts are a mainstay in call centers, used by many sales reps, and often chosen for school uniforms.

 What you need to know about customizing polos   

If you've ever designed a custom tee, you might've felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of options before eventually appreciating the variety. Unfortunately, a lot of the things that look great on a tee don't work as well with a polo shirt.

Given the nature of polos -- as well as what looks professional -- your options are a bit more constrained. And you'll need to keep these limitations in mind when designing the perfect custom polo shirts for your organization.

 Design placement matters   

Unlike t-shirts, there are only a few places on a a custom polo where a design looks natural.

The generally-essential design placement on a custom polo shirt is the left chest. This is where you'd want your logo or text. However, as illustrated in the shirt example above, there are a few other places where a supporting design makes sense.

A sleeve design is a popular secondary branding opportunity. If your custom embroidered polo shirts are being used as uniforms, this placement will make your workers easier to identify. However, unless you have a very small or simple company logo, you might be better off with just your company's name.

Similar to the sleeve, a nape placement makes employees easier to spot. The nape of the neck is probably a bit more effective than the sleeve since the design should be easier to see at a distance.

Keep it simple  

Shirt designs tend to go wrong when people try to do too much. While this is more often an issue with custom tees (where companies try to put their entire business history and information on their shirt), polo designs don't seem to be immune, either.

What should you use in a design? Your logo and/or company name. That's it.

Can you put a phone number there? Sure, but it's often not practical and you may need to forego another design element for space. (For example, you'd use your company logo and phone number, but leave off the company name. Of course, if your company's name is already in the logo, that's not an issue.)

Can you put a website? Again, sure, but it's not practical. Anybody who can read your company name probably has a phone and knows how to use Google -- they can find your company's website without you.

Can you mention what services you offer? Maybe if your heart was absolutely set on it, but that'd probably be a terrible idea.

However, if you have multiple placements, you can include that information in another placement. For example, your left-chest design could be your company logo and/or name. Then you could put your website on either the sleeve or nape. (Although you'd still want to avoid listing your services.)

Remember: You want your custom polo shirts to look professional. Jamming too much information into your design will take away from that look.

"Does it have to be embroidery? Can't you print on a polo shirt?"  

Although embroidery is generally preferred when it comes to polos, screen printing is also an option.

Seen above are a printed logo on a custom tee (left) and an embroidered logo on a polo shirt (right). Is the difference between the two immediately apparent?

An embroidered logo makes the polo shirt look a lot fancier and more professional. If you're running a business, it's usually the better option. However, a print design has its benefits, too.

For starters, the fine detail seen in the print design on the left would be difficult to replicate with embroidery. Either the design would run together or the material would tear.

And depending on the polo's fabric type and thickness, printing can work better.

 Great reasons to order great custom embroidered polo shirts   

Embroidered polos have a wide array of functions. Here are a few of the most common uses.

Casual-professional uniforms

Not all business settings are serious enough to require a button-down shirt. Sometimes you want to foster a more casual environment -- particularly when your employees are interacting with the public.

Whether or not your team interacts with customers face-to-face, uniforms have their benefits. Custom polo shirts can be used to create a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, reminding your workers that they're all in this together. And that sense of community can greatly increase morale.

School uniforms  

Schools looking to promote a cohesive image will often have a dress code either mandating or encouraging uniforms. Usually these outfits consist of either a button-up shirt or polo with a pair of slacks (or a dress for girls).

Although once exclusively the domain of private schools, uniforms began to be adopted by American public schools in the 1990s. Today, 20% of American public schools have uniform policies.

The benefits associated with school uniforms are numerous. For starters, they remove a lot of clothing-related anxiety and have been shown to reduce bullying, violence, and other misconduct. However, there's also a sense of school spirit provided by uniforms.

Country clubs and resorts

Certain service-oriented businesses require a slightly more formal dress code. If the work is mostly done outdoors, it often makes sense to have employees wear a 50/50 polyblend polo shirt as a work uniform. The mixed performance will provide moisture wicking to keep them dry while having the comfort of cotton.

Polos are a popular choice for country club and resort staff. In addition, these recreational businesses could also sell polos with their branding (although not always in the same color as your employees' uniforms). For resorts that already have a gift shop, selling polos is a great way to bring in some additional revenue -- and those embroidered polo shirts will help get the business's name out there.

Athletic wear

Although most people probably associate polo shirts with either golf or tennis, it's also great for other sports and athletic activities. In fact, the style of shirt gets its name from the game polo (which is played on horseback and involves hitting a ball with a mallet).

Other uses:  

• Clubs
• Churches
• Spiritual retreats
• Business conferences

 Things to consider when picking a custom polo shirt   

When choosing a custom polo shirt, you're going to want to see how its features meet your needs. Depending on the traits you're looking for, a shirt could be either perfect or terrible.

#1 - Fabric types  

Polo shirt fabrics have a direct impact on a polo's utility. Cotton, for example, provides warmth (and is less expensive than many other fabrics), while polyester offers performance features (such as moisture wicking).

If your polos are going to be worn in an air-conditioned environment, going with a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend makes a lot of sense. However, if the polos are going to be used outdoors or for something athletic, you might consider a 100% polyester polo.

The Adidas A230-E (the embroidered version, available in 10 colors -- which also has a print version) is a moisture-wicking polo with UPF 30 protection, making it great for outdoor activities. However, these features also make it expensive.

By contrast, the Gildan 8800-E (available in 10 colors) is a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend. This gives it some of the benefits of the both materials -- specifically the comfort of cotton and the performance elements of polyester (moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, easier care instructions, etc) -- and, perhaps most importantly, it's a lot more affordable. (However, if you're using polos as business uniforms, it can make sense to spring for something nicer.)

#2 - Fabric texture  

As previously mentioned, a polo's fabric texture can determine whether to go with a printed or embroidered design.

Beyond that, it can also impact things like the feel and comfort level.

The massively popular Sport-Tek ST640-E (available in 18 colors -- which also has a custom print version) is a 100% polyester polo shirt with a traditional athletic feel.

On the other hand, the Jerzees 437MSR-E (available in 14 colors) is a 50/50 blend with more of a jersey-type feel (ie, meaning it feels like a t-shirt).

#3 - Button color  

Have you put much thought into button color? Depending on the color, a polo's buttons can either blend in or stand out.

Wood tone and pearlized buttons are generally viewed as lower-end options, with wood toned buttons looking a bit more casual than pearlized buttons.

Other buttons are dyed to match the fabric -- giving the overall appearance a cleaner look.

And, on the more expensive side, there are metal buttons. However, you're less likely to see those with custom polos.

#4 - Number of buttons  

As a general rule, the more buttons a polo has, the fancier it looks.

Two buttons is often seen as a budget option, three is considered average, and four is on the higher end.

While having more buttons increases the ways a polo can be worn, realistically a lot of people will keep it fully-bottoned or use everything except the top button so it doesn't always have much of an impact.

#5 - The button placket  

A polo's placket is an often-overlooked feature... partly because many people are unfamiliar with the term.

The placket is the box at a polo's center chest and connects to a piece behind it (referred to as the bucket) for the buttons.

Even if it's not something people necessarily think about, the placket is something they notice.

#6 - Pocket(s)?  

Do you want a pocket on your custom polos?

Shirt pockets are an occasionally divisive subject -- some people love them, others hate them. However, if somebody is used to having a shirt pocket (and regularly makes use of that pocket), they'll probably dislike pocket-less styles.

Keep in mind your design placement will be impacted by a pocket. Although you can print on the pocket itself, you need to embroider above it or you'll risk sewing the pocket shut.

(Seen above is the Port Authority K500P, available in 8 colors.)

#7 - Sleeve length  

While most people opt for short-sleeve polos, a long-sleeve version might work better for your needs.

If you're in a colder area -- or want a different uniform during winter -- long sleeves are definitely an option. (And, by the way, they can also help hide employees' embarrassing tattoos!)

Pictured above is Jerzees 437MLR-E (available in 6 colors), which uses a 50/50 cotton/polyester jersey (meaning you have the option of custom embroidery or printing).

#8 - Brands  

The final consideration is whether to go with a specific brand. Each brand has its own advantages -- some are more stylish, others carry name recognition, certain features, and so on.

Great brands include Nike, Port Authority, Adidas, Gildan, Sport-Tek, and Cornerstone. Each has a number of styles and different benefits. (And some styles have added functions, like side vents.)

 Don't get stuck playing Marco Polo while looking for great deals   

Bolt Printing prides itself on offering low prices and delivering lightning-fast turnaround times. We don't play with games with prices -- when you buy from us, you won't have to worry about setup fees or hidden fees.

Our online design studio makes creating amazing polo shirts easy. You can choose from our extensive clip art collection or upload your own image. And, once you order from us, you'll be able to use your account to easily reorder shirts.

Looking to Create the Ultimate Logo Sweatshirt? Here's What You Need to Know   

Promoting a newer business can be hard. You'll likely struggle to get your name out there, let alone be considered as a top choice for the product or service you're offering.

On top of that, when you're starting out, you likely won't have a massive advertising or marketing budget. In short, promoting smarter (rather than harder) is essential, and one of the most cost-effective choices is custom apparel.

(Even if you don't have a business, don't stop reading just yet! Some of this advice applies to other organizations, too -- such as charities, sports teams, schools, and more!)

 "Would my business benefit from having customized apparel?"   

 Short answer?   

Yes.

Somewhat longer answer?  

The benefit depends on the type of organization you have. (And I'll discuss specific examples later on.)

Much longer answer?  

The largest benefit might be for local businesses, particularly ones in industries that tend to have engaged customer-bases (meaning fans instead of just customers) or for companies with public-facing employees.

If you have employees wear custom sweatshirts or custom t-shirts when working at job sites (instead of at your company), anybody looking for a company that performs that service will likely pay attention.

Likewise, awareness can be built by the number of impressions. While somebody can see an advertisement or logo once and it might make a large enough impression to prompt an action (such as looking up the business or visiting/calling it), that's usually reserved for people specifically looking for a product or service. The average person is going to need to have an awareness built over time -- ie, seeing something related to your organization across multiple occasions.

While awareness is an important part of building a long-term brand, your focus may instead be on immediate results. Luckily, custom clothing can work for both. If somebody immediately needs what you're offering, that custom t-shirt or sweatshirt might serve as a call-to-action. However, if it's not something they need, you still might leave an impression that helps you in the future (even if it's just name recognition where a person recalls hearing about your company before, which can make you seem more trustworthy).

 "But what are logo sweatshirts?"   

They're sweatshirts... with a logo on them!

 "Why put a logo on a sweatshirt?"   

An organization's logo is an instantly-recognizable symbol associated with their brand. Think of the Nike Swoosh, McDonald's Golden Arches (a.k.a. the "M"), or Disney's Mickey Mouse ears -- all of these brands have iconic logos that most people know at a single glance. These logos reinforce their respective brands, keeping them in customers' (or fans') minds.

And, with other brands, it goes even deeper. Think of Gucci. Calvin Klein. Tommy Hilfiger. Popular fashion brands where fans pay for the privilege of being identified with that brand. Or think about any major sports team. Again, these are examples where fans care so much about an organization that they're willing to pay money to wear that brand's logo -- basically paying to be a walking advertisement.

While your company likely isn't anywhere as famous, you can tap into that same promotional tactic by having your own custom clothing.

 "Okay, but why a sweatshirt?"   

There are a few major advantages to a custom sweatshirt or hoodie.

First, it's outerwear -- meaning that it's the layer of clothing people will see in colder weather.

Second, sweatshirts tend to be longer-lasting than other kinds of apparel. The thicker fabric usually means they'll wear out more slowly and gracefully.

Third, custom sweatshirts and hoodies can be worn more frequently without seeming odd. Because they're an outer layer, they don't need to be cleaned as often.

Fourth, they have a higher prestige value -- yet are available at a reasonable price. For example, pictured above is our "Wow! What an amazing bargain!" best deals custom sweatshirt. This crewneck sweatshirt is unbelievably affordable -- in fact, the price is so cheap, you might wonder if there's a typo. (But no, that's the price! AND the BDC80 sweatshirt is available in 23 colors!) Considering it's not much more expensive than a higher-end custom t-shirt (and is cheaper than many of the really expensive custom tees), the BDC80 is a very budget-friendly choice -- and not even the only very-affordable custom sweatshirt we offer.

In short, there are a LOT of great reasons to go with custom sweatshirts... and it makes even more sense for some companies.

 Which organizations (or industries) benefit the most from custom sweatshirts?   

While most businesses benefit from custom apparel, some companies and organizations will see a much larger potential return depending on the industry. Here are just a few of those examples.

Contractors, handymen, repairmen, painters, and anybody working outdoors

Sooner or later, everybody needs a contractor. Even if you're naturally handy, you'll probably want to call in a plumber, electrician, or other specialist for certain tasks.

Although these blue-collar professionals are very much in-demand (especially now), building up a reputation can be difficult. However, one of the easiest ways to promote your business is to have employees wear custom sweatshirts and other company-branded apparel. Not only will this advertise your company at the job-site (while making your organization look a bit more professional), your logo will be on display at anyplace your workers might visit between jobs.

There's even a chance you might gain a potential customer's attention when you stop to get gas or even a cup of coffee. Think about the possibility -- a simple stop could wind up getting you a big job!

And if you don't have any employees yet, there's no reason you can't take advantage of custom sweatshirts. Instead of giving them to your workers, you can ask friends and family to wear them around.

Restaurants, bars, and various eateries  

Whether it's a place they love visiting on special occasions or a hangout several nights a week, most people have a favorite restaurant or bar. And although many patrons' appreciation is expressed just through repeat visits, you'll sometimes get super-fans who'd enjoy wearing something with the eatery's logo or name on it.

When you operate this kind of a business, you have a few choices where custom clothing is concerned. Some restaurants and bars sell custom merchandise, which offsets their cost so they're basically getting free advertising. Of course, if your business is really awesome -- or you have a cool logo -- that custom apparel might actually be a source of added revenue. Our friends at Blue Ridge Beer Garden (seen above), which you'll definitely want to check out if you're ever near Hendersonville, NC, sells tons of hoodies, etc, so it's an additional income stream for them.

Not a big enough name where you can just sell your apparel (yet)? You could try running giveaways or partner with radio or tv stations to hold events.

However, besides customers wearing your clothing, it's something you can give to employees, too. Custom t-shirts and polos can be used to identify workers. And, if you offer outdoor dining, your servers could use custom sweatshirts or jackets during those cold winter months.

Companies providing a luxury product or service

Whether it's a ski resort, country club, golf club, or a spa, some businesses are beloved for the services they offer. Even better, these companies are in a place where they can actually sell their custom apparel since many already have gift shops -- meaning your custom sweatshirts may even net you a profit.

Schools, camps, or anything involving kids

Children can have a boundless enthusiasm. If you work with children (the literal kind, not just very immature coworkers and customers), they can be the most enthusiastic promoters of your organization.

While this can be a huge benefit for private schools, public schools might benefit, too, if the custom sweatshirts are sold as part of a fundraising drive.

Keep in mind if you're taking children on a trip, having them be identifiable is incredibly helpful for keeping track of everybody and ensuring nobody gets lost. Or different colors could be used as an easy way to sort grades or groups. On top of that, custom sweatshirts and other apparel are a great way to build a sense of community, instill a team spirit, and promote inclusivity.

Sports teams  

You don't have to be a major franchise to have fans who want to show their support for your team. Whether minor league or even a youth league, fans love wearing clothing with their favorite team's logo on it.

And, thanks to the magic of customized apparel, your team doesn't have a massive name to feel like a big deal. Custom hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and even hats are available to teams of all sizes.

However, even beyond the fans, having additional clothing options for the athletes themselves -- and everybody else associated with the organization -- helps them promote the team even when away from the field. And while a personalized sweatshirt is great, team logo sweatshirts more than get the job done.

Fitness, health, and wellness industry  

Whether teaching yoga, martial arts, or dance, odds that a lot of your business revolves around word-of-mouth recommendations and referrals... and there's also a chance your students are pretty passionate about their hobby. Custom apparel -- like sweatshirts and t-shirts -- are a great way for those students to show that appreciation in public and hopefully act as a conversation starter that can grow your business.

+Some examples of businesses that might benefit from logo t-shirts, logo sportswear, and logo sweatshirts include:  

-Martial arts -- Karate, Taekwondo, Kung Fu, Muy Thai, Kickboxing, MMA (Mixed-Martial Arts)

-Dance instructors and studios -- Ballet, Ballroom Dancing, Competitive Dance, Hip-Hop, Tap Dancing

-Gymnastics

-Acrobatics

-Recreation centers -- YMCA, PAL (Police Athletic League)

-Mind-Body Exercises - Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong

The other great thing about using custom clothing to promote these kinds of businesses is that the apparel can also act as a retention tool, reminding your students (and clients) of your business and fostering a much stronger connection so there's more of a community feeling -- something people want to actively participate in.

Charities, fundraisers, and other non-profits  

A major challenge for any charity is raising awareness for a cause. Custom sweatshirts and other clothing is great way to broadcast what a charity aims to do while showing visible support.

Just like with some businesses, charities could sell custom clothing as part of a fundraising effort. Beyond that, it's often an essential for volunteers -- especially if they're working outdoors during winter or have to travel (such as for an organization like meals on wheels).

Of course, the logo sweatshirts volunteers wear should be different than what's available to the public (if you have them go to the public at all) so your workers are easily identifiable.

 5 things to consider when looking for logo sweatshirts   

Picking the perfect sweatshirts for your design doesn't have to be hard. You can start by thinking about the following questions.

#1 - What's your budget?  

Custom sweatshirts cover a very wide price range, with entry-level options whose price is comparable to higher-end shirts all the way up to hoodies that are around the price of lower-end custom jackets.

A lot of this decision will likely come down to what you're planning on doing with your custom sweatshirts. If you're selling them to customers, you could pass along the expense by charging a bit more. Likewise, if you're giving them to workers, you might want a higher-quality logo hoodie or sweatshirt because it'll look nicer and last a bit longer. However, if the custom sweatshirts are being used for a giveaway or provided to workers likely to damage them, you may want the most affordable option.

And, when it comes to cheap custom sweatshirts -- or, more specifically, cheap custom crewneck sweatshirts -- it's hard to beat the previously-mentioned BDC80 (available in 23 colors). When you also consider the option for free shipping, it very well might be the cheapest, good-quality logo crewneck sweatshirt around.

#2 - Full-zip vs pullover  

The question of whether you go with a pullover or a full-zip custom sweatshirt or hoodie may come down to budget. After all, a zipper makes a garment more expensive.

While a zipper might not always be a huge price jump, an increase of even $5 will add up -- such as an extra $60 when you order 12 custom hoodies or $480 on an order of 96.

What are the advantages? Pullovers are cheaper, provide an uninterrupted design space on the front of the sweatshirt, and will provide better insulation. However, they're less convenient to put on and take off.

Zip-ups, on the other hand, will have a zipper splitting the front of the custom hoodie in half, which limits what you can do with a design (such as sticking with just a left-chest logo). However, they're are a lot more convenient to wear (and there's no potential embarrassment in taking them off where the material pulls at your clothing underneath) and the sweatshirt can be worn unzipped (so as not to get too warm).

So, how much is a zipper worth? The answer can depend on who's wearing the hoodie. Although a zip-up is a premium, the recipient might be more likely to value and wear the customized garment. And, for some uses, a zipper might be expected.

By the way, if you're looking for a great full-zip hoodie, be sure to check out the Gildan Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt (18600, available in 17 colors, it's a fantastic 50/50 cotton/polyester blend that you can get either screen-printed (great if you want a giant logo on the back) or embroidered (which is great with a left-chest logo)).

#3 - Material  

Some sweatshirts are designed for warmth, others are designed for performance (such as offering moisture-wicking fabric).

Cotton, for example, is a warm fabric. By increasing the amount of cotton in a sweatshirt -- whether it's increasing the amount in a blend or the overall content -- the garment will be substantially warmer.

Besides cotton, the other extremely common fabric is polyester, which is a man-made material. Although not as warm, polyester offers moisture-wicking performance qualities, making it great for athletic wear (whether it's custom sportswear or exercise clothing).

Most custom sweatshirts will feature a mix of the two. One of the most common is a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, but you'll also see 80/20 cotton/polyester blend sweatshirts (like Independent Trading Company's amazing Midweight Crewneck Sweatshirt (seen above, the SS3000 is available in 14 colors as a print or by special request as an embroidery).

#4 - Garment color  

The colors you choose have a direct impact on whether your logo gets somebody's attention.

Different colors can leave wildly different impressions. Blue and green, for example, have a calming effect -- and are considered some of the big comfort colors. Meanwhile, reds, yellows, and oranges are thought to conjure more active emotions. And bright colors are inherently more eye-catching than dull ones.

Conversely, some color sweatshirts are more likely to be worn than others. Various heathers -- like athletic heather -- tend to be popular. Likewise, black sweatshirts (and other garments) tend to be more popular than white.

However, it's more than just picking a color you like, you'll want to choose a garment color that works with your design -- otherwise your design could be overwhelmed by the sweatshirt's color.

Depending on your design's colors, some options may be entirely off the table. In other cases, your logo's colors may strongly contrast the garment's color, ensuring that your design really pops.

As seen above, a white design on a black hoodie is a classic combination. The effect is absolutely eye-catching and I imagine most people would take notice of it right away.

The other benefit to going for a strong contrast is your message will often be easier to read, even when the font is smaller. And, of course, logos will likely stand out a lot more in the viewer's mind.

In some cases, you might decide you're better off picking a duller color hoodie so your design stands out more and can catch people's attention. However, if the colors in your design are darker, duller, or more subdued, you can achieve a stronger contrast if you pick a brighter color sweatshirt.

The custom t-shirt seen above features a black design on a pink shirt, so you have an attention-grabbing garment color along with a very strong contrast -- or, in other words, it's a memorable example of custom clothing.

#5 - Extra features  

Many sweatshirts and hoodies feature a kangaroo pocket, but what if you want a bit more?

While you likely won't have anything like an interior media pocket in a custom sweatshirt -- zippered or otherwise -- that isn't to say some sweatshirts and hoodies don't have extras.

The Cornerstone Heavyweight Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt with Thermal Lining (CS620, available in 4 colors (including the duck brown seen above)), for example, features an interior zippered pocket.

There are many neat premiums like that, although they aren't for everybody. However, if you want your sweatshirts to be valued -- whether you're selling them to fans or giving them to employees (or possibly even brand ambassadors like influencers) -- these could be a great decision.

 When investigating the best value, you don't have to look further than Bolt Printing   

Let me clue you into something -- Bolt Printing offers some of the best prices on custom apparel that you'll find on the internet, as well as incredible quality, top-notch service, and lightning-fast turnaround times (in fact, we offer next-day turnaround!).

Does it get better? You bet! Bolt Printing also offers free shipping! Although these orders aren't eligible for next-day turnaround (only paid-shipping has next-day turnaround), you can save a bundle by buying in advance and, even without next-day, Bolt is usually faster than those other guys. (Learn about our next-day turnaround.)

So whether you need custom sweatshirts, hoodies, beanies (yes, we have AMAZING beanies at AMAZING prices -- usually much, much lower than the big-name custom apparel companies), custom t-shirts, or anything else, Bolt Printing should be your first stop. And, with our quality, speed, and service, we'll probably be your last stop, too!

 Customize your own sweatshirt or hoodie (or anything) today!   

Our online design studio makes putting logos -- or any other artwork -- on custom sweatshirts easy. Just upload your artwork, place it where you like, add notes for our team (if needed), and... you're ready to go.

Don't have artwork? No problem! Bolt Printing has an extensive clip art gallery where you're sure to find something you like.

Bolt has it all -- convenient design studio, expert customer service to help you every step of the way, low prices, amazing quality, AND lightning-fast turnaround times.

So, I have just one question: What are you waiting for?

How to Pick the Best Custom Sweaters: 5 Pro Tips   

Custom apparel comes in all shapes, sizes, and styles... and one of the biggest style questions -- a divisive issue gripping our great nation -- is what's the difference between a custom sweater and a custom sweatshirt?

Custom sweaters vs custom sweatshirts   

 "What's a sweater? What's a sweatshirt? More importantly, what's the difference?"   

While there's a good deal of heated discussion around the subject of sweaters vs sweatshirts, many of these arguments tend to leave people out in the cold.

If you've ever googled "What's the difference between a sweater and a sweatshirt?" or -- even worse -- "sweater vs sweatshirt" then you've likely seen a LOT of answers... and probably noticed how few of them seem to agree.

In the most pragmatic sense, sweaters and sweatshirts serve the exact same function -- namely, they're designed to keep you warm. And there's a regional component, too. People on the East coast are more likely to refer to everything (minus hoodies) as sweaters while other parts of the country may refer to everything as sweatshirts.

"But wait, is there a real difference? There's gotta be one, right?"  

Short answer? It depends on who you ask.

Long answer? There are dozens of claimed distinctions, most of which don't hold up.

You might've heard that sweaters are warmer than sweatshirts. However, warmth depends on a number of factors -- the material choice, fabric density, style, and other elements.

Maybe you've heard some of the following claims:  

"Sweaters have collars, sweatshirts don't!" (And yet there are a lot of things called sweatshirts that have collars -- that comes down to style!)

• "Sweatshirts and hoodies are things people wear during workouts, unlike sweaters!" (Not true! Lots of people who wear hoodies don't work out. And at least some tech CEOs wear hoodies as a fashion choice.)

• "A sweater is knitted or crocheted." (Probably the biggest of the claimed distinctions yet it winds up excluding things people call sweaters and including things most people might call a sweatshirt.)
• "Sweatshirts can have zippers, but a sweater doesn't!" (Humorously, if you believe the knitted/crocheted argument and this argument, you might have a crisis of faith when you notice knitted outerwear with zippers.)
• "Okay, but only sweatshirts have a front pouch!" (Although less common, you can find knitted garments with a front pouch... and things you might describe as a sweatshirt without one.)
• "Ah! But a sweater can be sleeveless whereas a sweatshirt cannot!" (Which is an absolutely bizarre claim, considering even sleeveless hoodies are a thing.)

In short, if there is a significant difference, it's often just in people's minds... but you can expect a prolonged argument over this "difference" with certain people (which, when dealing with somebody who likes to argue, may be a nice break from politics).

A garment by any other name...  

At the end of the day, the important thing is whether the outerwear keeps you warm (ESPECIALLY at the end of the day because it gets cold at night).

So, if you're looking for warm, customized apparel, it doesn't matter what you call it -- just that it gets the job done. (And, for other warm apparel, there's always beanies and jackets!)

 The impact of differences in style   

Even if we're ultimately talking about the same garment, the style can determine how you're able (or unable) to customize the apparel.

For example, if you have an uneven surface, you won't be able to have a printed design (because screen printing (and digital printing) requires a flat, smooth surface... at least, to produce high-quality products).

However, all you need for embroidery is a thick material (meaning you can have embroidered sweatshirts and embroidered hoodies in any number of styles and using a variety of materials.)

 5 Tips for choosing the best custom sweatshirts/sweaters   

Picking the perfect garments may sound daunting, but it's not actually that hard. Just think about how you're planning to use your customized apparel and let that guide your decisions.

For example, if you own a gym and want to sell customized hoodies with your business logo on them, you'll likely go with moisture-wicking performance (or athletic) hoodies. If you're planning on using them as a holiday gift for your business, you might want a relatively nice fleece (possibly from a popular brand) or maybe even a french terry.

Here are a few things to consider:

#1 - Will you go with a custom hoodie?  

One of the big things separating what people consider a sweater and a sweatshirt is a hoodie.

Although a hoodie is extremely practical (providing outerwear and headwear in one stylish piece of apparel), the inclusion of a hood makes a hoodie its own thing.

How much do the best custom hoodies cost? The answer can vary depending on your definition of "best." Because there are so many different options and hoodie styles, each with different advantages, there's no such thing as the perfect hoodie. Instead, your perfect choice will vary based on any number of factors -- is your focus on affordable prices? Are you looking for something soft? Cozy?

When evaluating the price of a hoodie, always remember that a higher-quality hoodie is more likely to be worn -- meaning it's far more likely to be seen. And, considering the amount of use a hoodie might get, you can count on a lot of people seeing it.

(Pictured above is the Independent Trading Co. Women's Lightweight Crop Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt (AFX64CRP, available in 3 colors). Like most Independent Trading Co. apparel, it's extremely soft (almost unbelievably soft) and has a neat, stylish, designer look.)

+Zip-up hoodies

Zippers are convenient. Not only are zip-ups easier to put on or take off than a pullover, they offer an extra option -- keeping the hoodie unzipped -- if you just need to feel a little warmer, but don't want to be too hot. (After all, how many times have you seen somebody put on and take off a pullover when struggling to find that right temperature?)

However, there are are two disadvantages to full-zip hoodies. First, it adds to the cost. Second, a zipper breaks up your design space -- instead of being able to run a large logo on the front, you'd have to settle for a smaller left-chest logo (although you could do something larger on the back).

Pictured above is the Gildan Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt (18600, available in 17 colors -- and also available for embroidery). It's a super-popular, affordable custom hoodie.

+Pullover hoodies  

The other option is a pullover hoodie, which is the more "classic" (or traditional) design. Pullovers tend to be cheaper than zip-ups because they lack a zipper. In the case of the Gildan Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt (18500, available in over 43 colors, for either printing or embroidery), it's about $5 cheaper than its comparable zippered counterpart (the previously-mentioned 18600). So, if you're looking to save a few dollars, you can always ask whether you really need that zipper.

While the zipper is a premium, your team members and/or customers will usually be more likely to wear those custom hoodies. However, if it's being used as part of a mandatory work uniform, that might be less of a consideration.

+Crewneck sweatshirts  

Although hoodies were the big, cool thing for a long time, crewneck sweatshirts have been gaining popularity in recent years.

The crisp, simple design of crewnecks offers a neat visual appeal, but -- on top of that -- a crewneck sweatshirt is functional, too. Thanks to the collar, crewnecks are better at trapping warmth than hoodies. And, unlike a hoodie, there's no hood to get in the way when wearing a hooded jacket (such as Sport-Tek's Hooded Raglan Jacket (JST73, available in 7 colors)).

Pictured above is the bestselling Gildan Heavy Blend crewneck sweatshirt (18000, available for either screen print or embroidery, with over 36 colors to choose from). It's a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend good for both warmth and athletic performance (since it has moisture-wicking properties).

#2 - Fabric choice  

Many custom sweatshirts and custom hoodies feature high-quality materials, and the nature of those materials can have a direct impact on how the garment performs. Notably, fabrics like cotton provide warmth while polyester gives you breathability and moisture-wicking properties. So, in the case of a blend, the composition (or amount of each material) will directly affect the performance.

More cotton? Your custom hoodie will be warmer. Less cotton? It's going to be a bit cooler.

#3 - Fabric thickness  

Your fabric weight (or density) will change the look and feel of a garment. Just like with shirts, a thinner fabric can be more stylish (although nowadays oversized, bulky hoodies can be a popular choice, too). However, a thinner hoodie is going to be far less warm.

#4 - Garment color

More than just a style choice, color can matter a LOT when it comes to your design. After all, different colors interact with each other in different ways. In the example above, there's a mix of lighter-color letters on a darker-color crewneck sweatshirt. Not only does the darker color help the letters pop (without overpowering them), the color complements the letters extremely well. Another dark shade probably wouldn't do them justice.

(By the way, we have a whole color theory guide.)

In many cases, garment color can be a low-cost way of making your custom hoodies and other apparel more noticeable. Rather than go for an print design with a lot of colors (or that uses some kind of custom ink), you can pick a color that stands out -- for example, red or yellow is going to be more eye-catching than black.

+Going for a strong contrast  

However, if your black custom hoodies have a white or bright-yellow design, people are far more likely to notice your design. In the example above, the white ink starkly contrasts the black custom hoodie. It's an excellent case-in-point showing much ink colors (and garment colors) matter.

+Choosing a very mild contrast  

On the other hand, if you want your design to be a little more subtle, you can opt for similar light or dark colors. The design on the crewneck sweatshirt above blends nicely against the garment.

+Tie-Dye?!  

If you want something a bit more colorful, you can always look into tie-dyed sweatshirts and custom hoodies. However, you need to be careful with tie-dyes since they can overpower a design. In the example above, the letters are hard to read in places. (This is why you need to carefully consider your fonts and colors when you create custom clothing!)

++Why you only want to screen print with a tie-dye hoodie  

While embroidery is an option with most hoodies, it's not suggested with tie-dye hoodies given that embroidered designs tend to be small and are therefore more likely to get lost when you have a vibrant garment design.

Pictured above is the Port & Company Tie-Dye Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt (PC146). The dazzling design on the right is the neon rainbow (which, like many custom hoodies, has an adult and a kids-sized version) while the pattern on the left is available in multiple colorways. Either way, it's a very fun hoodie design -- and perfect if you're ordering hoodies for a family reunion.

#5 - The design itself  

Your custom sweatshirt or custom hoodie design will influence a lot of your decisions -- for example, the design can greatly impact cost if your custom-printed hoodies feature a lot of colors.

+Embroidery vs screen printing  

One of your big design decisions will be whether to go with an embroidered or custom-printed design.

While embroidery or printing largely comes down to a matter of preference, people can feel surprisingly strongly about it.

A nicely embroidered logo, for instance, offers a very clean, professional look. (No pun intended.) As a result, the company logo on this custom hoodie looks extremely classy.

However, that isn't to say you can't have a tasteful left-chest design with a screen print. The company logo for Romeo Painting (seen above) looks great, too. Of course, there's an advantage to screen printing as well...

+Screen printing can give you a much larger design  

The big limitation with embroidery is that the expense is determined by stitch count... and huge designs have huge stitch counts. However, the cost for screen printing is determined by the number of colors used (rather than size), so you can have a massive design on your custom hoodie.

A popular design choice is to go with a small version of a company logo at the left-chest and then a much-larger logo -- sometimes with extra information -- on the back.

 Start designing your own custom hoodies, sweatshirts, or anything else today   

Whether you're looking to make your own hoodie or any other piece of outerwear, we have you covered.

Bolt Printing carries a wide selection of sweatshirts, hoodies, and so much more, with something for just about everybody.

Creating custom hoodies doesn't have to be hard  

Our online design studio makes it to easy to create custom clothing. Simply upload your artwork, add whatever text you need, and leave notes for our talented customer experience team. Don't have artwork? No problem! You can pick something from our stacked selection of clipart.

We offer volume discounts, free shipping, and more -- so what are you waiting for?

How to Choose the Best Custom Bags: 5 Expert Tips   

When it comes to promotional apparel, sometimes you have to think outside the box... in fact, sometimes you have to think so far outside the box that you wind up thinking inside the bag.

Do bags count as apparel?   

Opinions tend to vary whether a bag is considered apparel or an accessory. Although bags are worn objects, they often aren't seen as clothing. However, whether they are or aren't apparel, bags are an amazing promotional item and may be the best option for your needs.

(And, by the way, if you're looking to buy screen-printed drawstring or tote bags, you'll find them in our accessories section. If you're looking for an embroidered bag, check our embroidery section.)

 The value of custom bags   

Whether it's backpacks, messenger bags, or even tote bags, there's a higher perceived value around custom bags than most other promotional products.

Part of this appeal comes from the fact that many bags feel more expensive than custom t-shirts or custom hoodies. However, on a pragmatic level, bags tend to be longer-lasting than most kinds of apparel (just about the only thing that might last as long are custom jackets).

 Types of custom bags   

While there are many kinds of bags, only a handful are popular for customization. These include:

• Backpacks
• Messenger Bags
• Duffel Bags
• Tote Bags
• Drawstring Bags

Backpacks, messenger bags, and duffel bags tend to be the more expensive side. As such, they're more of a premium item (meaning that they're less likely to be used for giveaways).

Tote bags and drawstring bags are far more affordable -- in fact, they're a LOT cheaper than most people assume (often costing about as much as a custom t-shirt) -- which makes them a great choice for giveaways. However, tote bags tend to be a bit more professional while drawstring bags are more casual. (Think of it this way -- teachers will carry tote bags whereas their students might have drawstring bags.)

So, which type of bag is best for your uses? Here's an overview of each type of bag and how they might be used.

 Custom backpacks   

Even among custom bags, backpacks are a higher-end product -- basically a premium item among premium items. However, that added cost comes with a LOT of added value.

Custom backpacks are durable and offer a lot of storage space (including specialized storage space in the form of pockets). And, for certain activities (including school and camping), they're absurdly practical. The odds of a backpack being used are far higher than that of custom t-shirts. On top of that, backpacks are much more likely to be saved (and cherished) than t-shirts.

Options range from the reasonably affordable (like Port Authority's Basic Backpack, the BG204, available in 6 colors) to the super-premium (like OGIO's Metro Backpack, the 711105, available in 3 colors).

(Note: For a less-expensive option, you might consider drawstring bags.)

 Occasions for using a custom backpack   

-Schools  

Regardless of age, children generally need backpacks for school and what better option than a custom backpack with the school's name or logo?

For public schools, you might consider selling custom backpacks as part of a fundraiser (taking the orders before buying the backpacks). However, if you run a private school, the cost of a backpack could be baked into the tuition.

-Retreats  

We all need a break sometimes, an opportunity to refresh and/or reconnect. If you organize men's retreats, church retreats, wellness retreats, etc, custom backpacks can be a great way of commemorating the occasion and then keeping these events in attendees' minds.

-Camps  

Whether summer camps, Bible camps, music camps, or any other kind of camp, attendees often need backpacks and a branded backpack just makes sense.

And, if you regularly hike or camp with a group, custom backpacks can be neat for showing an extra bit of camaraderie.

 Messenger bags

Remember briefcases? Once an omnipresent item in offices, briefcases have increasingly fallen out of favor ever since professional settings started to become more casual. Nowadays, you might be more likely to see a messenger bag than a briefcase.

In terms of convenience, a messenger bag often makes more sense than a briefcase. After all, you're getting the same amount of storage space while trading sturdy handles for a sturdy strap, which makes carrying your essentials a lot easier.

If you're outfitting a sales force or other employees in a public-facing role, custom messenger bags emblazoned with your company logo will help you project a more consistent brand image.

What can you fit in a messenger bag? A laptop, for starters. Papers. Pens. Any number of items you (or employees) may need in a professional setting.

Pictured above is Port Authority's BG305 messenger bag (available in 4 colors), a reasonably-priced option that can be used to outfit a sales force without breaking the bank. The BG304 (available in 4 colors) is even more affordable, but doesn't offer nearly as much specialized storage space. (Namely, the BG304 messenger bag just offers a large, zippered main compartment and then an open pouch on the outside.)

For a higher-end option, there's the more expensive OGIO Corporate City Corp Messenger Bag (711207, available in 3 colors). It features more pockets, pouches, and specialized compartments (including a zippered exterior pocket on each side). More importantly, the padding is thicker, offering better protection for a laptop.

 Duffel bags (or duffle bags)   

Where messenger bags are geared for professional settings (although they're a great casual choice, too), duffel bags fall on the personal side. They're a great option for overnight travel or a trip to the gym.

Pictured above is OGIO's Half-Dome Duffel (711007, available in 6 colors), a great-quality bag available at a very-reasonable price.

Looking for something a bit cheaper? Port Authority's gym bag (BG970, available in 7 colors) is an extremely budget-friendly option that checks most of the same boxes.

"Is it duffel or duffle?"  

Although both spellings are correct, you're more likely to see "duffel" used in American English and "duffle" is more common when it comes to British and Australian English.

Best uses for a duffel bag?  

• Sports teams (whether they're pro, semi-pro, or youth/kids/school)
• Gyms
• Team-building exercises
• Anything related to athletics or fitness

 Custom tote bags   

Unlike some of the other options seen so far, custom tote bags are extremely budget-friendly -- in fact, they can be cheaper than custom t-shirts!

Pictured above is Bolt Printing's long-handle custom tote bag (the BP7LHT). These cotton canvas tote bags are our cheapest custom totes, costing even less than our immensely popular BD54 custom t-shirt (which itself is an amazing bargain)... and it's not even the only tote cheaper than a custom tee.

Custom totes are extremely practical. Most use a strong enough material that they can carry heavy items and, in many cases, are even good with sharp objects. Whether totes are taken shopping or to the beach, they're super-popular bags that are sure to be seen.

What are some of the best uses for promotional tote bags?

-Conferences and trade shows  

Conference attendees need something to carry all of their conference swag and what better way to make an impression than with a custom tote bag? Your bag will be on display as attendees walk from booth to booth (or between attending events) and, as a result, lure potential customers right to your booth.

-Formal celebrations  

Custom totes are a great added gift for something like a baby shower or wedding party where guests need something to help bring home their party favors and other goodies. And a guest might hold onto a quality custom tote bag much longer than anything contained within that bag.

A tote is effectively a gift that can hold gifts. How cool is that?

-Luxury businesses  

If you own a spa, hair salon, or other business providing a service seen as a luxury, custom totes can be a great way to either promote your business (as a low-cost freebie that other people will see) or to bundle products for sale (ie, a gift bag). Keep in mind when ordering in bulk, tote bags can be very inexpensive... while still feeling like a nicer promotional item.

-After-the-fact usage  

Considering that totes are reusable bags, they tend to get used time and time again (which is super-eco-friendly, if you're interested in saving the planet). While you might focus on the initial usage for your custom tote bag, keep in mind the repeated use is where you'll likely get the most attention for your brand, cause, or event.

And, with state and local governments increasingly banning single-use plastic bags (ten states have a ban so far, and many smaller municipalities have rules), totes and other reusable bags are only going to become more relevant.

(Looking for custom tote bags FAQs? Be sure sure to check out our full guide for buying custom tote bags! And see more custom tote bags by checking out our full collection for printing and embroidery.)

 Custom drawstring bags (a.k.a. cinch bags)   

Drawstring bags tend to be made using thin, flexible materials giving you a large, adjustable storage space that's cinched at the top with a drawstring. Although some models also contain a zippered pocket, many just have one large storage space.

"How do drawstring bags stack up against backpacks?"  

While there's some similarity between drawstring bags and backpacks -- since both are carried on a person's back with the help of shoulder straps -- the difference in quality is immediately apparent.

Backpacks tend to use a thicker, sturdier material (meaning there's less give, but more protection). They have many dedicated storage spaces, most of which can be sealed with a zipper. A backpack's shoulder straps tend to be thicker and padded, which makes carrying heavy objects more comfortable (where drawstring cords can "bite" your shoulders).

However, the advantages of drawstring bags are that they're much cheaper (the lower-end styles, like the BPNWBP -- available in 10 colors -- can be even less expensive than totes) and, when not in use, they can be scrunched up and fit into a pocket. Given they offer a more flexible space, there are some things that'll fit into a drawstring much better than a backpack. And drawstring bags are a lot easier to clean.

When are drawstring bags useful?  

Custom drawstring bags work well as low-end promotional items for a giveaway. They make the most sense when it's something related to athletic activities (like a gym, marathon, or sports team) or for a younger crowd (ie, children). (And, if you have any drawstring bag questions, be sure to check out our full guide.)

 5 tips for choosing the perfect custom bag

So, which custom bags are right for you? Here are 5 things to think about.

#1 - Purpose  

90% of the time, the best bag will be decided by how you plan on using it.

Giveaway at a conference? You want customized tote bags.

Giveaway at an athletic event? Usually drawstring bags.

Outfitting a sales team? Messenger bags give give you a more professional look.

Using them for a spa or resort? Usually tote bags.

A nice end of the year giveaway to a youth soccer team? Well... that's a bit trickier. Drawstring bags will work, but so will duffel bags and backpacks.

#2 - Budget  

Custom bags can be expensive... or, if you're going with custom tote bags, they be cheap. Depending on your budget, your best option might be determined by how much you're either willing or able to spend.

However, if you're reselling the bags, cost is less of an issue because your expenses can be passed along to customers. (And a higher-end bag might help you sell those bags for a higher price.)

The other consideration is going to be the number of recipients. While Bolt Printing has a minimum order quantity (meaning you need to order at least 12 bags), there's no maximum -- meaning you can order any number of bags. Need 200 bags? We have you covered. A thousand? Awesome. Two-thousand? It's getting to be a bit much, but cool. Three-thousand? Okay, this hypothetical is getting big. However, whatever you need, we'll provide. (But, if you need thousands of bags, we probably won't be able to offer next-day turnaround times!)

Although you save more on bulk orders (whether it's the cost of totes going from $7.45 each to $3.90 each or backpacks going from $27.27 each to $23.07 each... or from $82.45 each to $78.25 each), the overall cost can still add up.

For example, paying $50 per bag for 12 bags brings you to $600 before taxes (and, if you're buying those bags from us, you'll receive free shipping). Although expensive, you might not break the bank. However, imagine needing a hundred bags. Even after the cost per-bag went down from buying in bulk (ie, it might be $45 instead of $50), you're still looking at $4,500 before taxes, which is a lot harder on a budget.

Compare that to buying wholesale tote bags. The BP7LHT (seen above and discussed earlier) is currently priced as low as $7.45 each when buying 12 and $3.90 when buying 96 (that price reflects one ink color). So 12 would run you $89.40 and 96 would be $374.40 (again, before taxes). Or, in other words, your marketing dollars could be stretched a lot further.

In short, if you only need 12 or 24 bags, going with a more expensive option can still make a lot of sense. However, if you need hundreds or thousands of bags, you may want something a bit more economical.

#3 - Printing vs embroidery  

Most bags can be embroidered, however not every bag is good for printing.

The benefit to screen printing is you can get a very large decoration on a bag at a low cost, which makes it great for drawstring and tote bags.

Embroidery, on the other hand, gives you the choice of lots of colors (at no extra cost), but -- since the cost of embroidery is driven by stitch count -- larger designs are more expensive.

Why not just print everything? Because printing works best on a flat, rigid surface, something not offered by a lot of bags -- on top of the customization area often being on the small side.

In short, the type of bag may determine the customization available. However, when there's a choice, printing will work best if you want a large design. Beyond that, it's a matter of preference where one method might look better than the other depending on the design and bag.

#4 - Product color  

What color bags will you choose? Depending on the color, your design may either pop or get lost. (And, as seen above with the Liberty Bags 8881, some bags are available in a LOT of colors -- that particular style has 15 options!)

Likewise, certain bag colors might be a better fit for your organization than others -- and could appeal more to certain customers. (For example, pink drawstring bags might appeal to a sorority... but most fraternity members likely won't use them.)

#5 - Longevity  

Depending on the quality of a bag, it can last a very, very long time. And that's a good thing, if you're trying to build awareness for your business or cause. However, if you don't need to keep your name out there five or ten years down the road, how long a bag lasts may be less of a consideration.

 Whatever you need, Bolt Printing has you covered   

The cat's out of the bag! When it comes to custom bags, Bolt has everything you need. (We even offer reusable grocery bags & cooler/lunch bags!)

Our online design lab makes creating awesome custom bags easy. Just upload your artwork into our studio, place it where you want, and then add any additional elements. Don't have art? No problem! Bolt has an extensive collection of clip-art so you're bound to find something you like. And with low prices, no set-up fees, AND free shipping, how can you lose? Be sure to check out our design studio today.

 Choosing the Best Custom Sweatshirts: 8 Expert Tips   

If you're hoping to get attention for your business, cause, or event through custom apparel, there's one thing you have to remember: For clothing to be seen, it must first be worn. (Or, in other words, what good is a custom shirt if it stays at the bottom of a drawer?)

During certain times of the year, shirts won't pull in nearly as many eyeballs because they may be covered by other layers of clothing, such as sweatshirts and jackets. And, while a custom sweatshirt is more expensive than a tee, that added investment could be well worth the price.

 Why a custom sweatshirt?   

So, what sets custom hoodies and sweatshirts apart from all other apparel, you ask?

 -It gives people a warm feeling   

Funny (or punny) as it sounds, people can feel warm and fuzzy about sweaters... because sweaters keep them warm (and are often fuzzy).

People can develop stronger feelings about apparel that offers them protection from the cold and elements. It taps into a very basic, primal nature -- a desire to feel safe, nurtured, protected. As a result, some people view sweatshirts as protectors of sorts. While it sounds silly, the concept isn't much different than the attachment somebody develops towards their home. (And some people feel very strongly about their homes, even if others don't.)

-More likely to be valued  

How many promotional pens have you had over the years? How many coasters? Mugs? Keychains? Lanyards? The list of crap you've probably thrown out or lost is likely staggering. And who can blame you? These are cheap, nearly omnipresent items -- they aren't meant to be valued so you don't value them.

By contrast, sweatshirts are a premium item. It's far more of an investment for the company, charity, or organization that orders them. And because people recognize sweatshirts as being more expensive -- and therefore more valuable -- than many other promotional items, those garments are more likely to be saved and worn.

If you're ordering apparel to sell it as memorabilia for a team or school, not only might a sweatshirt be more appealing as a piece of general merchandise, but you can also justify charging a higher amount (where, even though a custom sweatshirt is more expensive, there's still a better profit margin).

-Everyday usage  

Wearing the same t-shirt five days in a row might seem odd. But the same sweatshirt? Well, it'd be much less odd.

Because a sweatshirt is an added layer of clothing, it doesn't get dirty as easily as a shirt (or whatever else is between your skin and the sweatshirt). Besides that, it's much more common to see a sweatshirt reused than a t-shirt.

-Sweatshirts are durable  

How long does a t-shirt usually last before it starts to look ratty? Because shirts aren't as thick (the result of having a lower fabric weight), the material is more likely to wear out a bit sooner. And, since people tend to wash t-shirts much more often (possibly after wearing them just once), a custom t-shirt will start to show issues that much faster.

 Best uses for custom sweatshirts   

Because custom crewneck sweatshirts are a bit more expensive than other custom apparel, they tend to be distributed a little differently. You're less likely to see a hoodie as part of a giveaway, but there are plenty of times where a custom hoodie has some overlap with a custom t-shirt.

And, although custom t-shirts might be the workhorse of custom apparel, they can't really compete with hoodies under a few circumstances.

-Outdoor work uniforms  

While polos and t-shirts are great for employees working indoors, they aren't always the best choice for outdoor work.

If you have a landscaping business or construction company, your workers are going to be exposed to the elements. Any shirts they might wear will be covered up as a result, but the outermost layer -- which can be a hoodie -- will be seen by anybody who drives past the job site.

-Branded apparel  

Do you run a business that customers like to associate with? Breweries, restaurants, clubs, and other companies in the service sector often don't just have customers, they have fans. And by tapping into that favorable brand perception, you can either turn a profit by selling custom apparel like hoodies and t-shirts or, at the very least, offset your costs (meaning you're getting free marketing).

The same is even more true for bands and other entertainers. Lots of people own band t-shirts and other apparel. If it's something your group offers, it could even help you seem like an even bigger deal (while, of course, getting your name out there -- after all, who does a better job of talking up a musical group than its fans?)

-Fundraising and merchandising  

Whether you represent a charity, a local team, a school, or anything else, a custom sweatshirt can be an amazing way to generate some money.

 8 Tips for choosing sweatshirts   

When it comes to picking the right custom sweatshirt, all of your decisions should be geared towards how it'll be used. After all, what might be considered the best custom sweatshirt for one function may be lousy for another. Here are 8 important considerations.

#1 - Do you want to go with a hoodie?  

The first decision is so large that it almost feels like its own thing: whether to choose a hoodie.

On a basic level, the "only" difference between a hoodie and a sweatshirt is the hood, but that hood fundamentally changes the nature of the design. And, from an appearance standpoint, hoodies and sweaters offer very different looks.

-Drawstrings  

While hoodies are just hooded sweatshirts, that added hood impacts the design. As a result, hoodies overwhelmingly feature drawstrings to cinch the hood. Although a very practical benefit (that keeps the cold and weather at bay), drawstrings can distract from a design (or even partially obscure it).

It's worth nothing that the color can vary with drawstrings. Sometimes it matches the hoodie, other times it's different.

-The hood  

The namesake of a hoodie, ultimately the hood is what sets a hoodie apart from a normal sweatshirt. And how much a hoodie will set itself apart may vary.

As with drawstrings, the lining of a hoodie can either match the exterior's color or a different color might be used. The result is drawing more attention to the hood, which is great if you want the hood to be noticed or are going for a more stylish look.

-More likely to keep you warm?  

Can a hoodie keep you warmer than a normal sweatshirt? It's hard to be sure. Although you have an extra piece you can pull tight to seal (meaning, in theory, less cold air gets in), the hood will move with your head meaning the collar doesn't set as flush with your body as it otherwise might. As such, there might be an increased chance of being exposed to cold air.

That said, there are a lot of people who insist they feel warmer in one option than the other, so it might be personal preference.

(And, if you're looking for a warm hoodie, you can't go wrong with the CornerStone CS620 Heavyweight Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt with Thermal Lining (available in 4 colors). It's an 60/40 cotton-poly blend featuring a 100% polyester thermal lining and, at an 11.8 oz fabric weight, it's very thick and warm -- perhaps the warmest hoodie we carry!)

-Possibly the biggest sweatshirt choice you'll make  

In short, custom hoodies are a huge departure from their standard counterpart. If you're a hoodie fan -- or buying sweaters for an occasion that suits personalized hoodies -- they're great.

As for the best custom hoodies, a few will be highlighted later on.

-The benefit of going hood-less?  

It's worth noting that crewneck sweatshirts are massively popular right now. Although they'd fallen off for a long time, they've since come back in a HUGE way within the last year.

Whether the newfound popularity is driven by style or a hood seemingly feeling unnecessary, custom crewnecks have a lot of value as their own thing. And, because they're so widely appreciated right now, people are more likely to wear them (and therefore your design is more likely to be seen).

#2 - Thickness  

A sweatshirt's fabric thickness is usually a good indication of its warmth. However, some materials insulate better than others. (For example, an 80/20 cotton-poly blend will be warmer than a 50/50 blend when both have the same garment weight.)

Besides the added warmth, a thicker fabric will wear less quickly than a thinner one (of the same material). And some people find thicker sweatshirts more comfortable -- like wearing a blanket.

Sweatshirts tend to be classified in terms of three weight classes:

-Midweight  

Generally 7.5 to 8 ounces, a midweight sweatshirt is often a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend.

One example is the Gildan Heavy Blend™ Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt (seen above, the 18600 is available in 17 colors). Despite the heavy in its name, this popular sweatshirt is actually a midweight (at 8 ounces).

And while customers print a design on these sweatshirts, there's also an embroidered option available.

-Heavyweight  

Generally 9 to 9.5 ounces, a heavyweight sweatshirt is also often a 50/50 blend.

An astounding example of a heavyweight is the Gildan DryBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt (seen above, the 12500 is available in 12 colors), which features Gildan's moisture-wicking DryBlend® fabric. It's a 9-ounce sweatshirt that you can customize either through screen printing (here) or embroidery (here).

-Heavy Cotton  

Generally around 10 ounces (although sometimes going as high as 12), a heavy cotton tends to be the heaviest option. It's most often a 80/20 cotton/poly blend.

If you're looking for a thicker design, you could check out the Sport-Tek Super Heavyweight Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt (seen above, the F281P is available in 10 colors -- and there's also an embroidered option (the F281, found here)). It's a 12-ounce high-quality fleece designed for durability and comfort, which should keep you pretty warm.

Another 12-ounce option is the Independent Trading Company Heavyweight Hooded Pullover Sweatshirt (the IND4000, to be discussed a bit later).

#3 - Garment color  

What colors are used in your custom design? An important -- but sometimes overlooked -- element is how the colors interact between custom designs and the garment they're placed on. When there's a strong contrast, the design can absolutely POP! but, should a wrong color be picked, it might blend too much and be missed.

As a general rule, most dark or bright colors on a white or light-colored garment will stand out.

Above is an example of custom hoodie order we printed for the Blue Ridge Beer Garden (located in Henderson, NC). Notice how the red makes the bar's gorgeous design stand out? It's an all-around eye-catching graphic design.

(By the way, the design was printed on a Independent Trading Co. Midweight Hooded Sweatshirt. Besides the color seen above (a grey heather, which might look a little different in the photo), this sweatshirt is available in over ten other colors -- and, I might add, it's a super-nice hoodie.)

Likewise, white and other light colors will stand out on a black or dark garment. Above are some custom hoodies we printed for NuForm Counter Top Co. in Fairview, Illinois. The color combination is simple but effective -- a white design placed on a charcoal custom hoodie (in this case, the PC850H -- available in 12 colors).

Although these businesses took different color approaches, they both picked a solid contrast.

#4 - Gendered hoodies  

Although customers usually go with unisex custom hoodies, there is a women's style, too.

While the benefit of a unisex is the broader usage (which can be helpful whether giving custom hoodies away or selling them), female-specific hoodies can appeal a bit more to women and are a fantastic choice when going for a something a bit trendier.

One of the more interesting examples of a female custom hoodie might be the Independent Trading Co. Women’s Lightweight Crop Hooded Sweatshirt (seen above, the AFX64CRP is available in 3 colors).

#5 - Zip-up  

Zip-up hoodies and other sweatshirts are a bit more expensive their normal counterparts, but it adds a lot of perceived value which, in turn, can make people more likely to actually wear the hoodies.

The big advantage to zip-ups is convenience. A pullover hoodie is more of a hassle to put on and take off -- and can be unsightly, considering it pulls at the clothing underneath. However, zip-up hoodies are basically lighter jackets (although it's worth noting that zip-ups tend to be cheaper than jackets).

However, adding a zipper has a drawback -- the design space on the front of the sweatshirt will be broken up. So while a zipper might make a hoodie a bit nicer, you're losing out on the design space -- as illustrated above. (By the way, on the right is the Sport-Tek Super Heavyweight Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt. Available in 7 colors, it's great for both indoors and outdoors wear.)

#6 - Brand  

A lot of people's idea of a great hoodie involves something from a specific brand. And it shouldn't be surprising -- brands are powerful, after all, conjuring instant associations with things like athletic achievement (in the case of Nike or Adidas), fashion (for a brand like Bella+Canvas), quality (such as the incredibly-consistent Gildan), and more.

While the best custom hoodies may not need to come from a specific brand, several are noted as doing phenomenal things or excelling in certain areas. If those areas happen to line up with what you're looking for -- or if you're attempting to appeal to fans of a particular brand -- then it might make a lot of sense to go with apparel from that company.

While not having as much mainstream name value as other major brands, Independent Trading Company has gained a reputation for making incredible blank hoodies. (The company is a personal favorite of Bolt Printing's founder.)

Seen above is Independent Trading Company's Heavyweight Hooded Sweatshirt (IND4000, available in 24 colors).

If you want something a bit lighter, you can check out the Independent mid-weight hoodie (SS4500, available in 32 colors).

Other major brands include CornerStone, Alternative Apparel, and Champion.

-Reasons for picking a specific brand  

Gildan - Value (highly-consistent quality at affordable prices)

Sport-Tek - Athletic and other performance apparel

CornerStone - Durable, quality workwear

Port Authority - Upscale, very corporate-looking apparel

Bella+Canvas - Trendy, fashionable, retail-like brand

Independent Trading Company - GREAT quality, retail-like brand, and strong value

#7 -Performance/moisture-wicking  

If the people wearing your custom hoodies are going to be physically active, you might consider going with more of a performance fabric.

Pictured above is Sport-Tek's Sport-Wick® Fleece Hooded Pullover (F244, available in 13 colors). It's a 100% polyester hoodie where the top layer releases moisture from inner layers, keeping its wearer's skin comfortably dry.

If you're outfitting athletes or employees working very active jobs, a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric (such as a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend) could help them maintain their performance.

#8 - Screen printing vs embroidery  

Do you want a large, gorgeous custom-printed design on your hoodie? Or a smaller, more tasteful embroidery?

Your preference may influence the best custom sweatshirt for your needs. Although you can screen print on any sweatshirt, some may be better for embroidery than others.

While on a general preference level, most people seem to prefer a large screen print, embroidered hoodies definitely have their fans, too. Of course, what if you didn't have to choose?

Although not often done, some customers have ordered hoodies with embroidered logo on the front and then a larger print design on either the sleeve or back. More often, however, that logo will also be a print design.

 Let Bolt Printing warm up your marketing or promotional campaign

If you've decide custom sweatshirts or hoodies are right for you, the next step is finding the right company to make them. Might I suggest... Bolt Printing?

Bolt has a tireless team of experts who've mastered the art of screen printing on hoodies and other apparel. Unlike other companies, we'll review your artwork and have you sign on proofs to ensure you're getting what you hoped for instead of just what you submitted. (And yes, there can be a HUGE difference at times since not all artwork translates well immediately -- even if some companies are willing to slap that version on a sweatshirt and call it a day, no matter how bad it looks).

On top of all that, we're fast. Bolt Printing prides itself on lightning-fast turnarounds, finishing rush orders by the end of the next business day (after the final approval has been given). And, by the way, we don't charge any extra fees for that -- you automatically get the next business day turnaround when you upgrade your shipping (in which case it's the shipping company that gets that money, not us). However, even without a rush order, the turnaround is usually about a business day or two (again, after the final approval -- so always approve those orders!)

And although our minimum order quantity on hoodies is 12, you stand to save more on bulk orders. (Because we don't digitally print on hoodies, you can't just order a single hoodie like you would a single custom t-shirt.)

 Design your own hoodie today!   

If you've longed to see your company logo on a hoodie or artwork on a sweatshirt, now is the perfect time to do it.

Bolt Printing's online design studio makes creating custom apparel easy. Simply upload your artwork into the studio, place it where you want, and add whatever other elements. It's that easy. Don't have your own artwork? Check out our wide selection of clip and other free design resources.

Our prices are routinely lower than that of major custom apparel companies like Custom Ink, Broken Arrow, Rush Order Tees, and others -- despite the fact we also offer high-quality products that either match or exceed the custom apparel they offer. (Or, in other words, our best custom hoodies are better than their best custom hoodies AND you can usually get it for less. In fact, just look at how we stack up when it comes to t-shirts, beanies, and hats on our pricing grid. We're not shy about our commitment to quality -- when it comes to custom apparel, we care... A LOT!)

Great prices WITHOUT sacrificing quality? How can you go wrong?  

Does it get better? You bet! Bolt Printing offers free standard shipping on most orders. (Just within the continental US -- we don't have worldwide delivery, sorry!)

How can we manage to be this good while keeping our prices low?

Simple -- Bolt Printing isn't a middleman. We handle all of our customization at our headquarters in sunny Brookfield, CT where it almost never rains (which gets to a problem some years). And, with fewer people involved in the process -- and everybody working closely -- we're able to keep our costs down AND our quality up.

So, what are you waiting for?

 Choosing The Best Hoodies for Embroidery: 6 Expert Tips   

While you can print on a hoodie, sometimes you want something a little fancier -- sometimes you want to... embroider a hoodie!

 Why embroider a hoodie?   

Why wouldn't you embroider a hoodie? Embroidered hoodies are awesome!

All kidding aside, printing and embroidery each have their advantages, disadvantages, and benefits. And while a hoodie with a nice, smooth screen print will look amazing, an embroidered hoodie can look every bit as good.

For the most part, it's going to come down to a mix of personal preference and usage. An embroidered logo design is going to look more formal on a hoodie, which is helpful if you plan on using hoodies as a work uniform. (A great case-in-point might be parking lot attendants -- who would you trust more to leave your car keys with, an employee with an embroidered company logo on their hoodie or a printed one?)

Beyond that, embroidery over print will often come down to a person's recognition of how incredible an embroidered hoodie looks. (And a lot of embroidered hoodies are amazing.)

 Print vs embroidery on hoodies   

The big advantage of print is... well, it can be big. Like really big.

Screen printing doesn't have the same limitations as embroidery. If you want a huge design, you can have a huge design. The price doesn't even change because the cost for printing is driven by the number of colors in your design. (Although great custom printed hoodies don't need some crazy print color combination -- in fact, you can often get a cooler effect by printing contrasting colors, such as a white design on a black hoodie.)

The cost of embroidery, on the other hand, is driven by stitch count (ie, the amount of thread used in an embroidery design). So although you can use as many colors as you want (at no added cost), you tend to be limited when it comes to size.

Although it seems like a restriction, there's a benefit to smaller designs. First, they look a bit cleaner and more professional. And some designs look better small. (However, if a small design has a lot of detail, you're usually better off screen printing instead.)

 "Okay, you've convinced me -- I'm interested in embroidering a hoodie. But would I still print the tags?"   

Here at Bolt Printing, we'll occasionally get asked whether we print custom size tags or even questions about printing private label tags. However, it's not a service we offer.

While some resellers like to have custom tags on their hoodies, the demand hasn't been high enough for us to justify offering the service -- sorry!

 What makes a hoodie great for embroidery?   

Unlike t-shirts where a thin material might be hard to embroider, any good-quality hoodie will work for embroidery. After all, hoodies naturally tend to use thick fabrics that can support embroidery, even designs with a high-stitch density.

Will some blank hoodies work better than others? Nope! Which means your biggest concern is picking something the recipients will like.

 6 Tips for choosing the best custom hoodies for your embroidered design   

What separates a great-quality hoodie from a more basic, good-quality hoodie? The answer may vary depending on how you're planning to use it.

Although there are certainly differences in quality between hoodies, ultimately a lot of it will come down to a hoodie's purpose. Or, in other words, it's not so much that there's a perfect hoodie but instead hoodies that are better at doing certain things.

A stylish hoodie, for example, will often use a thinner material and feature a trimmer cut -- and might even sport an unconventional design. As a result, it's not as warm.

(And, of course, if you're giving hoodies away, what you might consider the "best" option might simply be the most economical hoodie.)

 #1 - Material   

The very first thing you might consider is the fabric choice. Will you go with a 80/20 cotton-polyester hoodie? Or maybe a 50/50 cotton-polyester blend hoodie?

A Gildan DryBlend® Hooded Sweatshirt (like 12500-E seen above, a 50/50 cotton-poly hoodie available in 12 colors), for example, uses a moisture-wicking fabric. This helps the wearer stay warm during a workout without getting too hot.

Why does this make a difference? Because a workout hoodie will differ from one you're simply using to stay warm.

For instance, while it's important that your favorite gym hoodie is breathable -- so you don't get too hot -- that's not a concern when you're just trying to stave off the cold. In fact, odds are it'll do a worse job of keeping you warm than many other pullover hoodies (especially if it uses a lightweight material).

However, if you're looking for warmth, you'll usually want a higher cotton count. An 80/20 cotton-poly hoodie will feel warmer (and bulkier) than a 50/50 cotton-poly even if the garment weight is the same.

In short, the material you choose can have a pretty direct impact on every other aspect of your custom hoodie.

#2 - Thickness  

A thick hoodie tends to be a warm hoodie.

There are a LOT of people who love a warm and thick hoodie -- in fact, if a hoodie doesn't meet those criteria, some won't even wear it.

Depending on the time of year and how cold it gets in the region, the amount of warmth somebody might need will vary. A Connecticut winter, for example, is a lot warmer than a Minnesota or Montana winter. And then compare that to a much warmer winter in Georgia or a much colder winter in Alaska.

During extremely cold days and super-cool nights, a super-thick sweater is great. However, that same hoodie might be too warm the rest of the time.

#3 - Comfort  

Many people's second-biggest concern (after warmth) is that a hoodie wears comfortably. And although comfort can vary person-to-person, most people tend to find a baggier design more comfortable. (And, if you're just giving them away, going a size too large is usually safer than a size too small!)

However, if you know a lot about the intended recipients, you may be able to cater to their preferences.

This is another area where a thicker hoodie shines, since the added thickness provides a certain amount of cushioning. In fact, some people will say a thick, super-soft hoodie is like wearing a blanket.

#4 - Fashion  

At the opposite end of the spectrum is fashion. Style and comfort don't always go hand-in-hand; in fact, many of the things that make a hoodie comfortable may make it less fashionable.

A loose-fitting hoodie may be comfy, but it's also bulky. In the example above, you likely can't get much of a sense for the model's body type. While it's probably very comfortable, most people wouldn't describe the hoodie as fashionable.

By contrast, stylish hoodies tend to use thinner (if not sheer) fabric and have a trimmer design, highlighting more of the wearer's body. This gives the apparel a very clean, tailored look.

Depending on the nature of why you're buying hoodies, this can be a huge deal. If you're promoting a trendier product or service, a fashionable hoodie might be the best choice -- or possibly even the only feasible choice.

#5 - Brand  

Do you have a preferred company when it comes to hoodies? Or do you buy whatever looks or feels nice at that moment?

Many customers have a tremendous preference towards certain brands -- whether they like a certain company's product for a very specific reason or just as a matter of brand loyalty.

In some cases, these customers like what they like and won't bother with anything else. However, the majority of people don't feel quite that strongly.

If you're selling your custom hoodies as part of a fundraiser, for a local sports team, or something related to a business, going with a better-recognized brand can be an easy way to justify charging a bit more. However, if you're giving your hoodies away (or providing them to employees), it's going to be less important.

(Featured above is Champion's Powerblend pullover hoodie (S700, available in 12 colors (Note: The listing is for the screen print version, but we're able to embroider it as well upon request)). Champion is a recognized brand and -- like Adidas and Nike -- their custom apparel features their logo. In this case, Champion's blank hoodie has their logo on the sleeve.)

Two of the most notable brands are Gildan and Sport-Tek.

Gildan's major benefit is value -- the company produces highly-consistent, quality apparel at very reasonable prices. As a result, they're a leader in producing blank apparel.

Sport-Tek, on the other hand, is often the go-to option when it comes to moisture-wicking athletic apparel. If your custom hoodies are being used for a sport, you'll often want to go with something from Sport-Tek.

#6 - Warmth can come down to multiple factors  

While most people tend to associate a hoodie's thickness with warmth, the fabric matters, too.

A Gildan heavy cotton blend -- like the 18500 (available as a unisex or the kids version (seen above), with a choice of 43 colors) -- tends to keep people warm because it uses a high-quality fabric. The 18500 uses a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, giving it both warmth AND breathability (to keep it from getting too warm. In short, it's surprisingly versatile (and sure to leave an amazed look on its wearer's face).

 Things to keep in mind with an embroidered hoodie design   

As mentioned, printing and embroidery are very different beasts. While print designs can go huge, embroidery tends to stay sensible.

-Simple designs work best  

How much thought have you put into your organization's brand and logo design? A logo identifies your organization -- be it a company, charity, or even a band -- at a glance, which arguably makes it the most visible part of your branding.

Effective logos are usually pretty simple -- think of the Nike Swoosh, Disney's Mickey Mouse silhouette, and so on. Not only does the simplicity ensure these logos are easily recognized, but they can also be easily placed on apparel (or any other product for your promotional and marketing use).

In the example above, we were asked to embroider a complicated logo with a lot of detail. While it turned out good -- considering the the size -- some of the text wound up being a little fuzzy.

Embroidery can struggle with small, fine detail. And, I should mention, so will the human eye. If somebody saw this logo at a distance, how much would they be able to make out?

Compare that to this handsome logo -- it also looks good, but it has the added benefit of being simple enough to see from a distance. However, there's an issue here, too -- the Bolt Printing logo is using an orange lightning bolt on a yellow background. Because there isn't a strong color contrast, the image might blend together at a distance.

When creating a design, you should always consider the amount of detail and the color use.

-More stitches, more money  

The cost of embroidery is determined by stitch count, meaning large, full designs are going to cost a lot more -- and that expense can really add up.

To avoid a serious case of sticker shock, you'll want to stick with a reasonable-sized design. However, if you followed some of the previous guidelines, even a smaller design will turn out fantastic.

 Embroider a hoodie today (or save your design for tomorrow)   

If your hoodie embroidery enthusiasm has hit its apex, you might want to run out right now so you can start embroidering your own.

If so, AWESOME! Bolt Printing would love to help you on your embroidered hoodie journey.

Our online design studio makes it easy to embroider hoodies, beanies, hats, polos, and even those boring, non-hooded sweatshirts. Just pick your favorite blank hoodie, upload your artwork, and place your design.

Don't have artwork? No problem! Our online design tool has an extensive clip art library or, if you'd prefer, you could go with a text-only design.

And you don't need to be perfect. Our team of experts will review your design, make any necessary changes (and if you need something changed, let us know in the comments), and send you a proof. From there, if you think it looks great, we'll go ahead. If you don't, we'll make adjustments until you're satisfied.

When you order from Bolt Printing, you're not buying from some nameless, faceless corporation that will slap your design on apparel without any regard for how it looks. Instead, you're putting your custom apparel in trusted hands of experts who care about the finished product and will work with you to make that clothing as amazing as possible. (It's like having a free graphic design department.)

 Bolt Printing knows a thing or two (or fifty or a hundred) about embroidering hoodies   

Here at Bolt Printing, our team of experts have been turning customers' embroidery dreams into embroidery reality for over a decade.

We adhere to strict quality guidelines, making sure that your hoodies are top-notch. If the end result isn't something we'd be proud to show on our social media profiles, we'd rather it not go out.

And, on top of all that, we offer lightning-fast turnarounds and very competitive pricing (in fact, we're often a LOT less expensive than even big-name custom apparel makers).

How do we do it?

For starters, Bolt Printing is not a middleman.

We do all of our customization on-site at our spacious headquarters in scenic Brookfield, CT where the sun never sets (except at night).

What does this mean for you?

For starters, fewer hands means there are fewer places for something to go wrong. When you're ordering from a middleman, they have to convey those instructions to the company actually doing the customization -- that adds opportunities for miscommunication (and additional expenses since you're paying a company who then pays a company to do the work).

However, when you order directly from a company that handles its own customization -- like Bolt Printing -- there are far fewer people involved in the process and thus fewer chances for errors.

When you call our office, you're able to talk directly to the expert who will be readying your design for embroidery. They're able to walk right into the production facility to speak with the skilled embroiderer who will be putting your design on a hoodie. If there are any questions, they can talk to each other. If one of them notices an issue, they can bring it to the other's attention.

In short, Bolt Printing cares about your design. We want you to be happy with your embroidered hoodies and we always go the extra mile.

Bolt offers great prices, superior service, and astounding turnaround times. Why would you want to work with anybody else?

 How to Choose the Best Custom T-Shirts: 8 Expert Tips   

When trying to get the most bang for your buck from custom apparel, few things deliver like t-shirts. Custom tees are great because they're low-cost, give you a large design space, and are something that most people will wear... although not everybody does.

The reality is that while some t-shirts wind up being worn until they're practically falling apart, others wind up at the bottom of a drawer or back of a closet, never to be seen again until spring cleaning sends them on a trip to the local Goodwill or Savers.

How can your custom t-shirts avoid that fate? More than just having a great design, you need to think about the kind of shirts people will like wearing.

 Not all t-shirts are created equal   

There's a natural temptation to think of t-shirts as a commodity -- especially since entry-level shirts (your plain whites) are often sold almost exclusively on the basis of price. However, shirts aren't always quite that simple.

Just like there's no one-size-fits-all shirt, there's no-design-fits-all-purposes shirt. You have fashionable t-shirts, you have performance shirts, cost-effective shirts for giveaways, and everything else. Then not only do you have men's/unisex shirts, but you also have ladies shirts. And don't forget kids' shirts!

In short, a shirt is not a shirt is not a shirt -- there are a LOT of varieties, with some better for certain things than others.

Overwhelmed yet? Don't worry -- we'll go over everything one at a time, with a few recommendations along the way.

 What makes for a great custom t-shirt?   

Because t-shirts can be used for so many different functions, you won't ever have just one best custom t-shirt. Instead, you may have the best custom tee for a specific function and then another for a different usage.

For example, a great athletic t-shirt might be 100% polyester. However, if you wanted to use your custom t-shirts as employee uniforms, you might instead go for a 50/50 polyester/cotton blend (since the care is easier). But if you were just giving away shirts to promote your business, you'd likely choose a 100% cotton because it's the cheapest option.

So while that 100% polyester shirt might be amazing for a sports team, it'd be a terrible choice for a giveaway given the added cost. Therefore, the first thing that needs to be considered is why you you're looking to order custom shirts.

 Reasons for getting custom t-shirts   

There are at least as many reasons to create print t-shirts as there are apparel styles for those shirts. And while there's a certain amount of overlap (both in the occasion and sometimes the recommendation), it's worth highlighting a few of the more notable reasons while showing off some custom t-shirt designs that absolutely hit it out of the park (which may help to inspire some of your own t-shirt design ideas).

 Promoting a business or charity   

When promoting a business or charity, you want a custom t-shirt that'll instantly grab people's attention while delivering its message. One of the easiest ways to do this is to pick a t-shirt design with a color that strongly contrasts the garment.

In the example above, you have a simple white logo on a black t-shirt. The result? A super-strong contrast that absolutely pops, allowing people to easily read the design.

If you're giving away custom t-shirts, you probably have a budget. One the best choices -- since it's the least likely to break the bank -- is a Gildan 5000 (available in an astounding 67 colors). Of course, if you want to save a little more, you could also check out Bolt Printing's BD54 (available in 51 colors).

(As an added side-note, a white t-shirt will almost always be the cheapest option, so if you're looking to save a bit more, you'll want to go with that.)

However, the cheapest option won't always be the best choice. If you want to increase the chances of a shirt being worn, you may opt for something a bit nicer. For instance, a ringspun cotton is softer than its regular counterparts and, although it's more expensive, the added cost might be more than justified if it makes the difference between whether or not somebody wears your shirt.

Events  

Similar to promoting a business or charity, a shirt promoting or announcing an event needs to grab people's attention quickly and convey a piece of information. (In many cases, that might include a date and location.)

The gorgeous screen-print above -- which we absolutely adore -- celebrates Anoka's annual giant pumpkin weigh-off.

Never heard of Anoka, Minnesota? It's a city that's BIG into Halloween -- in fact, it prides itself on being "The Halloween Capital of the World" and hosted one of America's first Halloween parades (all the way back in 1920!).

Depending on the event, you might either sell your custom t-shirts (especially at the venue) or give them away ahead of time. And whether you're selling the shirts or giving them away will probably affect the shirts you buy. (For instance, if you're selling t-shirts, you could go with something a bit nicer then pass that added cost along to customers. However, if the shirts are being given away, you're more likely to look for ways to cut costs.)

The example above used a Gildan 5000 t-shirt.

Family reunions, birthdays, and other special occasions  

For families with a lot of relatives, reunions can be a huge deal -- and also birthday milestones, baby showers, bachelorette parties, and so much more.

Custom apparel is an amazing way to commemorate a family reunion. Think of it like a group photo you can share with the world -- every time you wear a shirt with your event's custom design, not only are you reminding yourself of an awesome time you had, you're broadcasting it to everybody else, too.

For milestone birthdays, a custom t-shirt can celebrate the occasion long after the party ends. It's also an incredible way to let somebody know how much they mean to the people in their lives.

The example above keeps things pretty simple -- it involved screen printing a white dye custom t-shirt design on a black garment -- yet it's visually stunning. The graphic designer (or whoever handled the artwork) did some amazing work.

As with the previous occasions, a Gildan 5000 is a fantastic choice.

But which shirts did the customers from those examples pick? Both chose a BD54.

Bands and entertainers  

Custom t-shirts promoting entertainment are a bit different than the previous uses since, besides being a great method for getting attention, the shirts can also be a money-maker.

If you're selling shirts, you're usually going to choose higher-quality custom t-shirts, such as a ring-spun cotton (which is softer than a normal 100% cotton). Although it costs slightly more, the higher quality both helps to justify the shirt's price AND makes fans more likely to love the shirt. (After all, comfort is still a factor.)

One option might be the Gildan 64000, which is a ring-spun 100% cotton tee available in 40 colors. As for the t-shirt design seen above, it was placed on a Bella+Canvas 3501, which is a 100% combed and ring-spun cotton long-sleeve shirt available in 23 colors.

(By the way, if you're curious about Solar Circuit's music, be sure to check out their Youtube channel.)

Work uniforms  

Unlike the options seen so far, you'll probably want to go with a 50/50 poly/cotton blend when you're using a custom t-shirt as a work uniform. (Although a lot of small business owners tend to go with polos instead of t-shirts, that tends to be more the case with indoor jobs. Outdoor workers -- such as landscapers -- are more likely to use a t-shirt. Some bars and restaurants also favor a t-shirt.)

For t-shirt uniforms, it's customary to go with the company name and/or logo at the left-chest on the front of a shirt and then a larger image -- often the logo, sometimes with a message or information underneath -- on the back.

However, if you only want to customize one side, you'll likely choose a larger design on the front.

The example above is simple -- a black dye (with a spot of red) on a safety green shirt (in this case, a Gildan 5000). Not only is the shirt likely to catch a bystander's eye, but the simple message stands out against the shirt.

However, you're only looking at the back of the shirt. There's also a left-chest logo on the front (just the company's name) and an American flag on the sleeve, too.

While you can use a 100% cotton (like the Gildan 5000 or BD54) as a work uniform, many small business owners prefer a 50/50 cotton-poly blend because the care instructions are easier, it's stain-resistant, and more breathable (which is a help when your employees keep active).

Some of the most popular 50/50 options for t-shirt uniforms include the BD55 (available in 28 colors) and the Gildan 8000 (available in 33 colors).

School functions  

Whether for a school play or a marching band, custom t-shirts are a great way to show spirit.

Depending on the school, you may choose to go fancy or budget-friendly. The BD54 and Gildan 5000 are certainly options if the school board is tightening the purse-strings. However, if you have generous donors or run a private school, you could go with something else.

And, if you're selling the apparel instead of giving it away, you can pass along the added cost to parents, who might prefer a nicer option (like a ringspun cotton shirt) for their kids.

Sports, workouts, and other athletic activities  

When it comes to the more athletic side of things, you'll probably want to go with a 100% polyester t-shirt.

Performance shirts help to regulate body temperature by wicking moisture and being more breathable. Some also offer UV protection, which is useful since most sports are played outdoors.

One of the most popular options is Sport-Tek's ST350 (available in 32 colors), although anything from the Sport-Tek line will perform great. (Seen above is the ST360, available in 12 colors.)

Team-building and retreats  

One final -- but not nearly the last -- possible use for custom t-shirts is for team-building and retreats.

When trying to help a group bond, wearing clothing with the same message can break down barriers by rather literally showing everybody is on the same side. Whether a company outing, religious retreat, men's group, or anything else, pre-designed tees are a great choice.

 8 Tips to consider when choosing the best custom tees   

Now that you've seen the range of purposes served by custom shirts, you might want to narrow things down. Here are 8 considerations when choosing a custom t-shirt.

#1 - Cost  

Looking for a good deal? When it comes to custom apparel, price is often the first thing on people's minds. If this is your highest priority, you'll probably want to either stick with something from our best deals category or go with a Gildan 5000. These tend to be top-sellers because they're budget-friendly.

The incredibly awesome design seen above is on a BD54, which is our most affordable t-shirt.

#2 - Style  

If cost isn't your biggest concern, you may want to go with something a bit more fashionable. Bella+Canvas, for example, is a trendier brand.

The Bella+Canvas 3413 (seen above) is a tri-blend available in 44 colors. It features a trimmer cut, meaning it's more likely to be form-flattering.

Next Level is another fashionable brand. One of its more popular offerings is the 3600 (seen above), which comes in 35 different colors. Again, it's a trimmer fit (meaning it's less boxy) and stacks up very nicely against Bella+Canvas shirts (the 3600 is seen as being comparable to B+C's popular 3001).

Both shirts use ringspun cotton, meaning they're softer than average.

#3 - Collar type  

While crew-collar tees tend to be the most common choice for custom t-shirts, you also have the option of a v-neck.

Port Authority's relaxed-fit v-neck t-shirt (PC54V, seen above) is a popular choice and is available in 10 colors. The company is known for creating quality, affordable clothing.

Another option is the Gildan 64V00. Available in 6 colors, you get the incredible consistency associated with the Gildan brand in a very-popular v-neck.

#4 - Unisex or gendered?  

Although there's no one-size-fits-all-shirt, there are unisex shirts (sometimes called men's shirts). The obvious benefit of going with a unisex-style shirt is you don't have to worry about not having the right kind of shirt for everybody (since most men aren't comfortable wearing women's clothing).

However, if all of the shirts are being given to women -- or if you're ordering for people with specific requests -- ladies shirts might be the better option.

Three of Gildan's best-selling custom ladies t-shirts are the Ultra-Cotton tee (2000; available in unisex, ladies, and kids versions, with a whopping 60 colors), the 5000L (seen above, available in 18 colors), and the soft-styled junior fit (64000L, available in 13 colors).

By the way, if you're planning on ordering both men's and women's tees, it can be easier to order a shirt that's available in both varieties (like the 2000).

Looking for something a little more stylish? The Bella+Canvas 6004 (available in 13 colors) is a ring-spun cotton, junior-cut ladies t-shirt with an attractive cut.

Just keep in mind to ALWAYS CHECK THE SIZING CHART when ordering women's apparel, especially since some are a juniors fit and custom clothing can run smaller than normal retail (or, in the case of some shirts' ladies extra-small, a lot smaller).

For advice about ordering women's shirts, be sure to check out our full guide.

#5 - Brand  

Many customers make a big deal about brands. There are even some who refuse to wear anything other than clothing from their favorite apparel company. So, when you ask, "Do brands REALLY matter?", the answer is they can mean a lot to some people.

When it comes to sports apparel, brands like Nike and Adidas are great choices -- especially since professional teams use them. (Nike has been the exclusive provider for the NFL since 2012 while Adidas jerseys are worn by many soccer teams.)

Pictured above is Nike's Dri-Fit Tee (NKBQ5231, available in 9 colors). It's a moisture-wicking performance t-shirt with Nike branding right on the sleeve.

By the way, it's worth noting that some companies -- like Nike and Adidas -- will have their logo as part of their custom t-shirt design. This can be a huge benefit if you're buying shirts as team uniforms since they'll feel more like professional sports apparel. However, it may limit how you're able to customize your own t-shirt.

#6 - Fabric  

Depending on the type of fabric used, a t-shirt may perform better or worse under certain conditions.

Your choices range from 100% cotton to 100% polyester.

Cotton -- often called "The Fabric of our Lives" -- is a great all-purpose material. Its benefits include being cost effective (since the cotton industry is so massive, competition keeps prices low), comfort, and warmth.

Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic fabric. Its benefits include moisture-wicking properties, breathability, and a reduced chance of shrinking. 100% polyester clothing tends to excel when it comes to athletic pursuits. It's perfect for sports uniforms and workout gear.

(Pictured above is Sport-Tek's ST350, a 100% polyester performance t-shirt available in 32 colors).

#7 - Sleeves  

Although people tend to default to thinking about short sleeves when it comes to t-shirts, you can also get a long-sleeved t-shirt.

The advantage of a long-sleeved t-shirt is added warmth, which makes sense for certain times of the year and certain parts of the country.

The downsides are it's a bit more expensive and not everybody likes long sleeves.

Seen above is Gildan's Ultra-Cotton long-sleeved t-shirt (2400, available in 28 colors).

#8 - Pockets?!  

Do you need pockets? Some people love pockets while others don't notice them. However, depending on the industry, they can be helpful when a t-shirt is being used as a uniform.

Pictured above is the Hanes pocket Beefy-T. Available in 9 colors, it's also a heavier-weight t-shirt -- meaning it has a sturdier feel.

 Custom t-shirt selection cheat sheet   

To make the selection process as simple as possible, here's a very quick breakdown:

Giveaway? Stick with a 100% cotton t-shirt, either a Gildan 5000 or our BD54.

Work uniform? Either a 50/50 blend (like the BD55) or a 100% cotton (like the Gildan 5000).

Sports team uniform? Go with a 100% polyester t-shirt, like the ST350.

Most purposes?