Why textiles are an effective channel for brand visibility on the move
A custom T-shirt is a walking advertisement that you pay for only once. Unlike a banner or an online ad, branded clothing is worn by real people in real places: offices, the underground, parks, supermarkets.
A team uniform sends an instant message: professionalism, cohesion and identity. People dressed alike come across as more organised and more trustworthy, whether they are a sales team, team-building participants or event volunteers.
Types of textiles: what to choose and when
The most versatile and affordable option. Suitable for large quantities and mixed audiences. Available in dozens of colours and fabric weights.
A smarter look than a T-shirt. The standard choice for client-facing teams. Embroidery is the recommended technique.
A well-received gift that gets worn often. Embroidery on the chest or sleeve. Available in slim fit or relaxed fit.
Resistant to wind and light rain. A premium look, with embroidery on the chest and back. Highly durable.
Worn over tops or under jackets. Practical where temperatures vary.
Hard-wearing fabric, multiple pockets, resistant to wear and tear. Branded with embroidery or a durable transfer.
Materials: what fabric weight means and why it matters
Fabric weight (g/m², often quoted as GSM) tells you how heavy, and therefore how thick, the material is. Heavier is not always better; it depends on how the garment will be used:
Another important factor is fibre composition. Choose 100% cotton for screen printing and DTF (more vivid results), cotton/polyester blends for sublimation printing and resistance to wear, and 100% polyester for full-colour sublimation printing and sportswear.
Branding techniques: which one suits which garment
A simple 1- or 2-colour logo on a polo shirt or hoodie → embroidery. A complex design or photo on a T-shirt → DTF below 50 pcs, screen printing above 50 pcs. White polyester sportswear → sublimation printing.
Design guide: what works on textiles
- Logo on the left chest (8×8 cm area): a classic, understated position
- Large logo and text on the back: maximum visibility at events
- Embroidery on the sleeve or collar for an extra accent
- Garment colour that matches your brand colour (if available)
- A bold, simple font that can be read from a distance
- Leave a margin between the design and the edges of the garment
- A logo too small for embroidery: the detail gets lost in the stitching
- Gradients and shadows in screen printing: they cannot be reproduced accurately
- Light colours on dark garments without a white underbase
- Text less than 5 mm high for embroidery
- Too much text: it becomes illegible when people move
- Thin fonts for embroidery: they disappear into the fabric
Sizes and ordering: how to avoid problems
Wrong sizes are one of the most common causes of dissatisfaction with textile orders. Here is how to collect and manage sizes properly:
Send round a simple table (XS / S / M / L / XL / XXL / 3XL) and ask everyone to fill in their size. Do not guess: each person knows best.
If you have 100 people, order 108-112 pieces spread across the sizes. That way you will not be short of any size on delivery.
ATU can send fabric and colour samples before you place the order. The cost of the sample is deducted from the order.
As a general guide: XS 5%, S 15%, M 30%, L 25%, XL 15%, XXL 7%, 3XL 3%. Adjust it to the profile of your team.
Care and durability: what to tell your team
How long the branding lasts also depends on how the garment is washed. Include these instructions on delivery:
Max 30-40°C for all branding techniques. Higher temperatures fade colours and damage embroidery.
Washing garments inside out protects the branding from direct friction in the drum. This matters most for screen printing and DTF.
Avoid hot tumble drying: it can shrink the fabric and distort the branding. Dry naturally, out of direct sunlight.
A mild liquid detergent, without bleach. Bleach fades colours and damages the branded fibres.
Kitting out a team or organising an event?
Tell us how many people, which garments and your budget, and we will send you a full quote with visual proofs within 24 hours.