COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN ORDERING CUSTOM APPAREL FOR YOUR COMPANY EVENT

Introduction

Ordering custom apparel for a company event can be exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Whether you’re outfitting a team for a conference, planning shirts for a fundraiser, or creating branded gear for giveaways, avoiding common pitfalls is key to ensuring your order meets expectations. At Underground Printing, we’ve seen many customers make a few easy-to-miss mistakes that can delay timelines, increase costs, or affect the quality of the final product.

1. Not Planning Ahead

One of the biggest mistakes is waiting too long to place your order. Custom apparel production involves several steps, including art approval, garment sourcing, printing or embroidery, and shipping. Rushing can lead to selecting limited apparel options or paying extra for rush delivery.

Tip: Start planning your order at least 3-4 weeks before your event. For last-minute needs, Underground Printing offers 2-day rush delivery to help meet tight deadlines.

2. Skipping Size Planning and Ordering in Bulk

Custom apparel usually requires a range of sizes to fit your group comfortably. A common error is buying too few sizes or miscalculating quantities, which can leave some participants without the right fit.

Also, ordering in bulk without considering the actual headcount or ordering too few in general can result in waste or shortages. Always plan with a little cushion.

At Underground Printing, we support bulk orders with expert size guides to help you get it right the first time.

3. Choosing the Wrong Apparel Type

Not all apparel suits every event. For example, heavy sweatshirts might not be ideal for a summer outdoor event, whereas moisture-wicking dri-fit t-shirts or custom polos could be better. Similarly, if your event runs cooler, options like custom hoodies or custom jackets might be preferred.

Think about your audience, event location, and season to choose appropriate apparel from Underground Printing's extensive collections.

4. Ignoring Fabric and Quality Considerations

Cheap shirts might save money upfront but may not last or feel comfortable. Conversely, premium fabrics provide a better experience but might cost more. Balancing budget with quality and comfort is essential.

We offer a variety of options including soft t-shirts, hoodies, and durable work apparel like custom business apparel to suit your needs.

5. Overcomplicating the Design

While creative designs are great, overly complex artwork with many colors can increase costs and complicate the printing process. Consider simplicity and clarity, especially for logos or event themes.

Consulting with our team at Underground Printing before finalizing designs can help optimize your artwork for the best printing results.

6. Not Considering Printing or Decoration Methods

There are various decoration types like screen printing, embroidery, and DTG (direct-to-garment printing). Each has pros and cons regarding durability, style, and cost.

For a professional look with stitched designs, embroidery is ideal. For vibrant full-color prints, DTG or screen printing might be better. Matching method to design can save headaches later.

7. Forgetting to Proofread and Review Orders

Double-check spelling, logos, size breakdowns, and color choices before submitting your final order. Minor errors can result in costly reprints or unusable apparel.

Our team at Underground Printing will always send you a digital proof, but it’s best if you review it carefully too—errors found early are easy to fix.

8. Overlooking Shipping and Delivery Options

Many clients forget to factor in shipping time, potentially causing delays in receiving apparel for the event. Underground Printing offers various shipping speeds and fast turnaround options to suit your timeline.

9. Not Using Internal Tools for Easy Group Ordering

Ordering for large teams or multiple departments can get complicated. Luckily, custom printing online stores or pop-up online stores streamline group orders by letting individuals pick their sizes and designs within your set parameters, with centralized payment and shipping.

10. Neglecting to Request a Quote and Ask for Help

Don’t hesitate to contact us early with questions or to get started with a quote. Our experts can guide you through selecting products, sizes, prints, and timelines tailored for your event.

FAQ About Ordering Custom Apparel

• How far in advance should I order custom apparel for a company event? Plan on 3-4 weeks for production, but we offer rush delivery if needed.
• What if I am unsure about sizes? Use size charts and plan a size range to cover all attendees comfortably. We can also guide you in estimating size quantities.
• Can I order a mix of printing methods? Yes, depending on the product and design, we can combine screen printing, embroidery, and DTG for custom results.
• Are there options for small batch or no minimum orders? Yes, check out our no minimum apparel options if you have smaller groups.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

A successful custom apparel order starts with planning and clear communication. Avoiding these common ordering mistakes ensures your company event will be memorable with high-quality, appreciated apparel. When you’re ready to create the perfect gear, rely on Underground Printing to help you every step of the way.

Get started today for a smooth ordering experience that impresses your team and guests.