Byeon
Choosing the right size breakdown when ordering t-shirts in bulk is essential to avoid ending up with unwanted inventory or running out of the sizes you need. There are several factors to consider when determining the best size breakdown for your order. Firstly, it is important to think about your target demographic. For example, bodybuilders are likely to require larger sizes, while runners may need smaller sizes. You can also ask your audience directly through polls on social media. Secondly, it is crucial to know how the products fit, as sizing can vary significantly between brands and styles. Checking measurements and ordering samples can help ensure you order the correct sizes. Additionally, considering the printable area is important, as the design size may be restricted by the smallest item in the order. Other factors to keep in mind include the availability of uncommon sizes, the potential for fabric shrinkage, and the fit preference of your audience. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision about the size breakdown for your t-shirt order.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common T-Shirt Sizes | Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2XL, 3XL, XS |
| Most Common T-Shirt Sizes | Medium, Large, Extra Large |
| Recommended T-Shirt Size Breakdown | 1 – 2 – 3 – 3 – 1 (S – M – L – XL – 2XL) |
| T-Shirt Size Ordering Tips | Consider the physical build of the group, the style of the T-shirt, and the fit preference of the group |
| Factors to Consider | Demographic, printable area, availability of uncommon sizes, fabric type, shrinkage |
What You'll Learn
Think about your audience
When ordering custom t-shirts, it is important to consider your audience. This will help you avoid ending up with a bunch of shirts you can't get rid of and ensure you have enough stock for what is popular.
Firstly, think about your demographic. For example, bodybuilders are probably going to be on the larger size, whereas runners are likely to be on the smaller side. You may find that customers may drop smalls in favour of XXL. If you have a large audience base, you are also likely to receive more requests for sizes that you may not have ordered otherwise, such as XS or XXL+.
Another way to get an idea of the sizes for your demographic is to ask your audience directly. For example, you could create a poll on social media. A poll is likely to get more responses than a pre-order, as it doesn't require any money or commitment from the person.
If you are ordering for a group with a similar physical build, such as bodybuilders or gymnasts, you may want to tweak your results. If you know your audience might be an outlier, feel free to adjust accordingly. For instance, if you are ordering for a team of wrestlers, you will need to skew towards the larger end of the spectrum, whereas if you are ordering for a team of cheerleaders, you will need smaller sizes.
Finally, consider the type of event you are ordering for. For instance, skewing ordered sizes to be larger for a BBQ festival and smaller for a yoga retreat would make sense.
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Consider the fit
When ordering t-shirts, it's important to consider the fit to ensure you don't end up with a bunch of shirts that don't fit your customers. While it might be tempting to order 50 of each size, this can lead to unnecessary inventory or, worse, running out of the sizes you need.
First, think about your target audience and their demographics. For example, if you're targeting bodybuilders, you'll probably need larger sizes, while runners might require smaller sizes. You can also ask your audience directly through a social media poll, which doesn't require any commitment or money from the participants.
Second, know how the products fit. There is no "standard" or "universal" sizing for garments, and the fit can vary greatly depending on the brand and style. Fitted styles, for instance, may require ordering more large sizes or even sizing up. Ordering a sample of the products or checking the measurements can help you make more informed decisions.
Third, consider the printable area. Smaller sizes may restrict the size of the design that can be printed. If you want a design that covers the full front of a large t-shirt, it may not fit on the front of a small t-shirt. In such cases, you may need to reduce the design size, order additional smaller items, or drop the smaller sizes altogether.
Finally, be mindful of uncommon sizes. Some brands offer a wider range of sizes and colours than others. If you need extra small or larger sizes, for instance, Stanley/Stella is a good option.
By considering these factors, you can make more informed decisions about your t-shirt size breakdown and ensure your customers are happy with the fit.
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Check the fabric
When ordering t-shirts, it's important to consider the fabric type. This is because different fabrics have different levels of shrinkage, which can impact the fit of the t-shirt. For example, 100% cotton t-shirts can shrink by about 2%, while shirts made from a 50/50 poly-cotton blend, tri-blend fabric, or 100% polyester won't shrink at all. Therefore, if you're ordering cotton t-shirts, it's a good idea to size up to account for potential shrinkage.
Another thing to consider when choosing a t-shirt fabric is the level of comfort and quality. Cheap t-shirts are often made from scratchy, low-quality fabrics that can be uncomfortable to wear. They may also shrink in the wash and lose their shape over time. On the other hand, more expensive t-shirts are usually made from softer, higher-quality fabrics that are more durable and less likely to shrink.
The type of fabric you choose can also depend on the purpose of the t-shirts. For example, if you're ordering t-shirts for a giveaway or promotional event, you might opt for a cheaper fabric to save costs. On the other hand, if you're ordering t-shirts for a company uniform or a group of employees, investing in higher-quality, more durable fabric may be a better option.
Additionally, the fabric type can impact the printability of the t-shirt. For example, some fabrics may not be suitable for screen printing or embroidery, so it's important to consider the decoration method you plan to use before choosing the fabric.
Finally, the fabric weight is another important consideration. T-shirt fabric is typically measured in ounces per square yard, and a good weight for a basic t-shirt is around 4-6 oz. Heavier weights, such as 7-9 oz, are more suitable for colder weather or workwear, while lighter weights, such as 3 oz or less, are ideal for athletic wear or hot climates.
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Account for shrinkage
When ordering T-shirts, it's important to account for shrinkage. This is especially true when choosing cotton T-shirts, as they are known for shrinking. Some 100% cotton T-shirts can shrink up to a full size after the first wash. This is because the natural fibres, which are pulled and stretched during the fabric-making process, attempt to return to their natural state when they are wet and heated. Manufacturers use processes to reduce shrinkage, but most garments change by 3-5% in the wash, which may not be noticeable.
To account for shrinkage, it's recommended to order a size up. Shirts that are too small are less likely to be worn, whereas a shirt that's too big can still be worn. If you're ordering for a smaller group, XS and 3XL sizes may not be needed. A simplified T-shirt breakdown for smaller orders is 1-2-3-3-1.
If you're concerned about shrinkage, you can also look for T-shirts made from polyester or other man-made fabrics. These are guaranteed to wear and wash without experiencing any shrinkage and are less likely to stretch or wrinkle. Blended garments, which combine natural and man-made fibres, are another option. However, blends with a greater percentage of natural fibres, like cotton and rayon, are more likely to shrink.
Another way to reduce shrinkage is to follow the care instructions on the tag. Washing garments in cold water with light fabrics and hanging them to dry out of direct sunlight can help prevent fading and minimise shrinkage.
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Poll your audience
Polling your audience is a great way to get an idea of the sizes you'll need for your t-shirt order. It's a good method because it doesn't require any money or commitment from your audience, and you'll get a better response rate than you would with pre-orders.
There are a number of ways to poll your audience, including via social media. If you have an email list, you could also send out a quick survey. If you're ordering t-shirts for staff or team members, you could print and distribute a form for them to fill out.
If you're unsure about how to reach your audience, consider your options for promotion. Do you have a social media presence? Can you partner with influencers or other people who have a large following in your target demographic? Can you advertise your poll through a publication or platform that your audience is likely to engage with?
When creating your poll, be sure to include a range of sizes, from XS to 3XL or larger. You may also want to ask about people's preferences for fit, as this can vary depending on the brand and style of the t-shirt. For example, some people may prefer a roomier t-shirt, while others may prefer a snug fit. If you're ordering for a group with a similar physical build, such as bodybuilders or gymnasts, be sure to take that into account.
It's also important to keep in mind that not everyone will respond to your poll, so you may need to make some estimates based on the data you do receive. Consider the size of your audience and the number of responses you're likely to get. If you have a large audience, you may receive more requests for less common sizes.
Finally, don't forget to consider the printable area when choosing your t-shirt sizes. The print area of a design is limited by the smallest item in the order. For example, if you want to print a design on the full front of a large unisex t-shirt, it won't fit on the front of a ladies' small t-shirt. In this case, you may need to reduce the design size, order additional smaller items, or drop the smaller sizes altogether.
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Frequently asked questions
When ordering t-shirts for a group, it's important to avoid simply guessing the sizes you'll need. Instead, consider the demographic of the group and ask them directly about their sizes. You can do this via a social media poll, or by collecting size data from staff or team members using a printable form. It's also a good idea to check the measurements of the t-shirts you're ordering, as sizes can vary depending on the brand and style.
Medium and large are the most common sizes, accounting for 77% of t-shirt purchases worldwide. Extra-large is the next most common, making up 18% of sales, followed by small and XXL. However, in the US, 3XL is often added to orders due to the population being generally larger.
You can use a simple formula to calculate the number of each size to order. For example, for 1000 t-shirts, the breakdown would be: 100 small, 200 medium, 300 large, 300 extra-large, and 100 2XL. This formula can be adjusted depending on your specific needs and demographic.
In addition to the size of your audience, you should also consider the fit of the t-shirts. Fitted styles may require ordering more larger sizes. You should also be aware of any size restrictions on the printable area of the t-shirt, as the design size may be limited by the smallest size in the order. Finally, consider the availability of uncommon sizes, as some brands may have a more limited range of colours and sizes for these options.
