How to design the right shirt for events. The right event shirt combines the right fabric, fit, and design placement to balance comfort and branding. Start by defining the event purpose, choose the best material for your audience and setting, and design with wearability in mind so your shirt continues to promote your event long after it ends.
Why Event Shirts Matter
Custom event shirts do more than provide something to wear — they unify participants, advertise your event, and create lasting keepsakes.
A well-designed shirt can:
- Increase visibility for your brand, sponsors, or cause.
- Boost team spirit and a sense of belonging.
- Generate revenue through merchandise sales.
- Act as a wearable memory that extends the life of your event.
Why Events Shirts Work
Here’s a step-by-step guide to building unity, visibility, and brand recall with your event shirts:
Step 1: Define the Event Goals
Before you even think about colors and fonts, ask: What’s the purpose of the shirt?
- Promotional giveaway? Keep costs lower and designs simple.
- Fundraiser merchandise? Choose higher-quality materials people want to buy and re-wear.
- Uniform for staff or volunteers? Prioritize visibility (bright colors, bold logos).
- Commemorative shirt? Use premium styles and timeless designs that participants will want to keep.
Step 2: Choose the Right Shirt Style
Not all shirts are created equal. Popular event styles include:
- Classic crewneck tees — Affordable and universally loved.
- Performance shirts — Great for outdoor events or sports tournaments (moisture-wicking).
- Polos — Perfect for corporate or formal events.
- Long sleeves or hoodies — Better for cooler-weather gatherings.
Pro Tip: If your event includes a wide audience, offer multiple styles (e.g., unisex tees + women’s fit).
Step 3: Match Materials to the Event
Fabric material impacts comfort, durability, and price. Here are the most common:
- 100% cotton: Soft, breathable, best for casual events.
- Cotton/poly blends: Durable, wrinkle-resistant, and great for large groups.
- 100% polyester (performance): Best for athletic or outdoor events.
Pro Tip:Think about the setting. An outdoor summer festival may demand lightweight blends, while a corporate gala might call for premium cotton or polos.
Step 4: Design Placement Best Practices
Where you place the design matters as much as the design itself:
- Front left chest logo: Subtle, professional look.
- Full front design: Maximum visibility, great for team shirts.
- Back print: Perfect for listing sponsors or event details.
- Sleeve prints: Adds a unique, stylish touch.
Pro Tip: The rule of thumb is to keep it simple, legible, and aligned with the event’s vibe.
Step 5: Plan Order Timeline and Quantities
Event shirts work best when they’re ready before the event. Build in enough time for:
- Design approval and proofing.
- Printing and production (fluctuates depending on many factors; could be 7-14 business days).
- Shipping or distribution to your event site.
Pro Tip: Always order extras, 5-10% more than your final count, for last-minute signups, staff, or VIP ballers.
Quick Tips for Designing the Perfect Event Shirt
- Pick colors that complement your logo and look good on everyone.
- Limit your design to 2–3 colors for budget-friendliness.
- Use high-quality vector artwork to ensure crisp printing.
- Balance boldness with wearability (so people wear it again after the event).
Why Choose Shirt.Co for Event Shirts?
When it comes to events — whether it’s a 5K, corporate retreat, music festival, or family reunion — your shirts aren’t just apparel, they’re part of the experience. Shirt.Co specializes in making event shirts that look great, feel comfortable, and deliver lasting value. Here’s what sets us apart from the competition:
- 1. Bulk Pricing That Saves You Money
Large groups shouldn’t mean sky-high costs. Our bulk discounts make it easy to outfit your entire team, audience, or guest list without breaking your budget. - 2. Fast Turnaround, Even on Rush Orders
Events run on strict deadlines. We offer reliable production timelines and rush services so your shirts arrive when you need them — not a day later. - 3. Design Help for Every Theme
From bold logos to full-color graphics, our design team ensures your artwork looks crisp, vibrant, and memorable on every shirt. We’ll even help with placement and sizing for maximum impact. - 4. Wide Range of Styles & Fits
Not every event needs the same shirt. Choose from unisex tees, moisture-wicking performance wear, tanks, long sleeves, or even hoodies — all in sizes for men, women, youth, and tall fits. - 5. Quality That Lasts Beyond the Event
Nothing’s worse than getting a shirt that only lasts a week. Our prints are durable and our shirts come from trusted brands. That means your event shirt doesn’t just get worn once — it becomes a favorite long after the day is over. - 6. Stress-Free Fulfillment Options
Need shirts distributed directly to participants? We can ship in bulk to your event site or handle individual fulfillment so everyone gets their shirt on time.
FAQs on How to Design the Right Event Shirts
What’s the best shirt for a hot outdoor event?
Lightweight cotton/poly blends or performance polyester shirts are best — they’re breathable and wick moisture.
Should I order different fits?
Yes. Offering youth, women’s, and tall sizes ensures better comfort and inclusivity.
Do I need to provide artwork?
You can, but Shirt.Co also has design support to help refine or create event-ready artwork.
How many shirts should I order?
Order based on registrations or staff count, then add 5–10% extra for unexpected needs.
Contact Shirt.Co to Learn How to Design the Right Event Shirt
Designing the right event shirt comes down to planning: know your goals, pick the right materials, create a wearable design, and order early. At Shirt.Co, we make the process easy by offering top-quality shirts, expert design support, and fast turnaround times — so you can focus on running your event while we handle the details.
Ready to start? Give us a call at 636-926-2777 or start a quote online to design the perfect shirt for your next event.
