Step-by-Step: Creating High Quality Custom T-Shirts for Events or Promotions

When it comes to promoting an event, campaign or business, few items work as well as a custom printed t-shirt. It’s visible, affordable and long-lasting — a piece of wearable marketing that can outlast the event itself. For businesses, charities and event organisers, investing in custom t-shirts in the UK can boost recognition and create a lasting connection with supporters or customers. This guide breaks down the process step by step, from planning your design to printing and delivery, to help you create promotional tees that look professional and feel great to wear.

Contents

• 1. Define the Purpose of Your Custom T-Shirts
• 2. Plan and Create the Design
• 3. Choose the Right Garments
• 4. Select the Best Printing Method
• 5. Order the Right Quantity
• 6. Plan for Distribution and Display
• Start Designing Your Custom T-Shirts

1. Define the Purpose of Your Custom T-Shirts

Before you start designing, identify the goal behind your project. Are the shirts for staff uniforms, giveaways, fundraising or merchandise sales? The purpose will guide every other decision, from fabric choice to print style.

For example, charity fun runs often benefit from lightweight, breathable tees, while staff or promotional shirts for a trade show may need a heavier fabric for a more polished look. Knowing the event and target audience helps you balance comfort, cost and impact effectively.

2. Plan and Create the Design

A clear and effective design makes all the difference. Simplicity often works best — clean logos, bold text and a limited colour palette tend to print well and stay readable at a distance. Always keep your message concise; the most memorable tees are the ones that communicate instantly. Take a look at our resources for more guidance on preparing artwork.

Use your brand’s core colours and fonts to stay consistent with your wider identity. If the event has a specific theme, work that in subtly through icons or slogans. The design studio lets you upload artwork, adjust placement and preview it on different garments, so you can see exactly how it will look before placing your order.

3. Choose the Right Garments

Not all t-shirts are created equal. The quality of the blank garment affects both comfort and print results. Choose blanks that offer the right weight, fit and finish for your audience and printing method. Soft, ring-spun cotton is ideal for everyday wear, while cotton-poly blends work well for sports or outdoor events where breathability and durability are essential.

Premium blanks like AS Colour and Stanley/Stella offer excellent structure and consistent sizing, giving your prints a professional base. Investing in quality garments ensures your promotional t-shirts don’t just look good on day one but continue representing your brand long after the event.

4. Select the Best Printing Method

The printing method determines both the look and lifespan of your design. Each technique offers its own benefits depending on the order size, fabric and style:

• Screen Printing: Ideal for large orders and bold designs. Offers durability and vibrant colour, perfect for team or event shirts.
• DTG (Direct to Garment): Best for smaller runs or intricate designs. Allows full-colour printing with a soft finish on cotton fabrics.
• Digital Transfers: Great for names, numbers or simple logos. Commonly used for sports teams and staff uniforms.

Discussing your design with your print provider ensures the chosen method delivers the right finish and feel. Matching the right print process to your blank garment guarantees a result that holds up wash after wash.

5. Order the Right Quantity

>Ordering in bulk usually brings down the cost per unit and ensures you have enough stock for all participants, staff or giveaways. Always plan for a few extra in each size to cover last-minute additions or replacements. Bulk ordering is also a smart move if you’re a business planning multiple events throughout the year — it keeps branding consistent and saves time later on.

Reliable custom t-shirt UK suppliers can advise on size splits and stock availability, helping you avoid shortages or delays. Keeping a few sample pieces on hand for future reference can also be useful when reordering or expanding your range.

6. Plan for Distribution and Display

Once printed, think about how the shirts will reach their audience. For charity events, handing them out on-site helps create an instant sense of unity. For businesses or campaigns, packaging them neatly in branded wraps or paper adds a premium touch. Presentation matters — it reinforces the care and professionalism behind your brand.

Don’t forget to promote your t-shirts online and on social media. Encourage participants or supporters to share photos wearing them. Every post becomes a piece of organic marketing, extending the reach of your campaign at no extra cost.

Start Designing Your Custom T-Shirts

Creating custom t-shirts for your next event or promotion doesn’t need to be complicated. The design studio makes the process quick and intuitive — upload your logo, choose colours and preview your design instantly. You can experiment with different garment styles and see what fits best for your campaign or team.

Once you’re happy, place your order directly through the platform and have your shirts printed to professional standards. High-quality blanks, expert printing and reliable delivery make it easy to bring your vision to life. The result is a set of promotional t-shirts that people will actually want to wear, giving your brand visibility long after the event is over.

Custom t-shirts are a simple yet powerful way to promote events, celebrate causes and strengthen brand identity. When designed thoughtfully and printed on quality garments, they transform from basic merchandise into memorable keepsakes. By following each step in this guide — from concept to creation — you’ll end up with apparel that stands out for all the right reasons. Start your next design today and turn your event into something worth remembering.