How to Order Custom Apparel for Events Like a Pro
Whether you're planning a company retreat, charity run, trade show, family reunion, or school fundraiser, custom apparel makes the event memorable and brings your group together.
1. Start Early (But We Can Help if You Didn't)
The ideal timeline is 3-4 weeks before your event. That said, at The Printing Needle, we offer same-week turnaround on many orders. If you're in a crunch, call us.
2. Collect Sizes Before You Order
- Use a Google Form to collect sizes from your group
- Order a few extra mediums and larges (most common)
- When in doubt, order unisex sizing
3. Keep Your Design Simple and Bold
- Readable from 10 feet away
- Use 1-3 colors (saves money on screen printing)
- Include the event name, date, and logo
Don't have a designer? Our in-house graphic design team creates custom artwork free with your order.
4. Choose the Right Printing Method
| Event Type | Best Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Company team shirts (50+) | Screen Printing | Lowest cost per unit |
| 5K / charity run | Screen Print or DTF | Works on performance fabrics |
| Executive gifts (10-20) | Embroidery | Premium, professional look |
| Family reunion (15-30) | DTF Transfers | Full-color photos, any fabric |
| One-off VIP items | DTG | No minimums, fast turnaround |
5. Don't Forget the Extras
- Custom hats, Great for outdoor events
- Tote bags, Perfect for conferences
- Stickers & patches, Fun, low-cost swag
The Printing Needle, Garden Grove, CA
Family-owned · No minimums · Same-week turnaround
📞 714-766-4601 Get Your Quote See Our WorkTwo More Things That Save Corporate Orders
6. Decide Who Owns The Sizes
Corporate orders derail when size collection is left to "reply to this email." Put one person in charge, use a single form with youth and adult sizes on one grid, and set a deadline two days before you actually need it. Order a handful of spares in medium and large, new hires, guests and executives who forgot to respond are guaranteed.
7. Pick The Garment For The Room, Not The Budget Line
A trade show booth needs collared shirts; a team-building day needs soft tees people will keep; a client-facing crew needs embroidery, not a printed logo. Spending two dollars more per piece on the right category is cheaper than a box of shirts nobody wears twice.
What Your Marketing Team Should Send Us
Vector artwork (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG), Pantone colors if brand consistency matters, and a note on any placement rules from your brand guidelines. If all you can get is a PNG from a website, say so early and we will rebuild it. Every order gets a digital proof, and we will flag anything that will not survive being reproduced in thread or ink before you approve it.
Embroidery Versus Printing For Corporate Apparel
Embroidery signals permanence and belongs on polos, quarter-zips, jackets and caps for staff who face customers. Screen printing belongs on event tees, giveaways and anything you are ordering in volume. If your logo has small text under about a quarter inch tall, embroidery will lose it, we will tell you and suggest either sizing up or simplifying the mark for the stitch version.
Planning a company event? Send the headcount and date and we will handle the rest.
Get an Instant QuoteCorporate Ordering FAQ
Can you invoice or take a purchase order?
Yes. Call (714) 766-4601 or email Sales@PrintingNeedle.com and we will set it up.
Can you ship to multiple offices?
Yes, we split, label and ship nationwide, including individual employee addresses for remote teams.
Can we reorder the same shirts next quarter?
Yes. We keep your art and setup files, so reorders skip the setup work entirely.
