Custom T-Shirts for Societies and Events

Custom t-shirts for societies are usually needed for one specific thing: a tour, a charity event, a society ball, a freshers stall or a committee that wants to be visible on campus. The deadline is fixed, and the budget is usually limited.

That's why working with an experienced supplier like Grahame Gardner is key to ensure you get the perfect fit and amount for your event on time. Read on for more about ordering custom t-shirts for societies and events.

Decide What the Shirt Is For

An event t-shirt worn once can be lighter and cheaper. A society t-shirt people wear all year is worth spending more on, because it's advertising every time someone puts it on.

Being honest about which one you're ordering changes the garment, the design and the budget. Take a look at our sportswear and custom t-shirt range to see the options available to you and decide what best fits your needs.

Print or Embroidery

Print suits large designs, bold graphics, full colour and back prints, and it's often the cheaper route for a one-off event. Embroidery suits crests, small chest logos and anything intended to last for years. Embroidery can also feel more premium if you want something that shows off heritage.

For a society with a crest, embroidery on the chest is usually the better long-term investment. Learn more about how our workwear embroidery service works.

Get the Artwork Right First

Here are some easy tips to make sure you don't have to delay your order. Supply the best quality version of your logo you can find, ideally a vector file rather than something pulled off a website. Artwork is the most common cause of delay on a group order.

Confirm the colours you want before anything goes into production, and check them against your chosen garment colour. A design that works on white rarely works unchanged on navy. We can assist with any questions you may have and provide mock-ups.

Sizing for a Group

Next, use a size chart and collect sizes in writing. For events where people order in a rush, a simple range of unisex sizes causes fewer problems than offering multiple fits.

Order a handful of spares. There's always someone who signs up on the day or wants to swap for a different size.

Lead Times and Deadlines

Let us know your required delivery date as early as possible. Lead times can vary depending on the garments, design and any personalisation required, so your deadline may influence which options are suitable. Discussing dates upfront helps ensure you choose garments that can be supplied in time.

One Order, Not Five

Societies often end up ordering t-shirts, polos and hoodies separately across a year, from different places, with the logo slightly different each time. Agreeing on one artwork specification and using it across everything keeps the society recognisable.

Browse our polo shirts and t-shirts range or our sweatshirts and hoodies range to see what else can carry the same design. For everything else a university group might need, visit our university uniform page.