Choosing the right sweatshirts for your organization, teams or occasions can be an important decision. These sweatshirts can be used as company swag, employee gifting, promotional sweatshirts, and so on. Below, we have created a guide that will help you choose the right sweatshirts that will meet the purpose of your company branding effectively.
Understanding the Purpose
To guide you in the process of choosing the design and material of your custom-branded apparel, it is best to first establish its intended use. Determining if they are being produced as event merchandise, or you are ordering them for your company, or they are for a team? Each purpose may require different design aspects, materials, and amounts of the particular item.
- Corporate Events and Giveaways
In the case of corporate events, customized sweatshirts can be used as corporate event gifts. According to a study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 79% of people who receive a promotional product are likely to do business with the company again.
- Employee Appreciation
When producing sweatshirts as corporate gifts for employees or as team apparel, they can help improve the employees’ morale and create a sense of camaraderie among the team. A 2023 Gallup survey found that organizations with engaged employees outperform those with low engagement by 202%.
- Brand Promotion
Sweatshirts that are given as corporate gifts for employees or clients as promotional items can help in increasing the company’s brand awareness. They walk around with your brand identity and hence act as a direct marketing tool for your company to pass on information to the public and become endorsements for your product or service.
Selecting the Right Material
The aspect of the material used in making the sweatshirt is one of the most critical factors to consider. It influences the comfort, durability, and aesthetics of a house.
- Cotton
Cotton is a common choice to use as it is comfortable and allows air to pass through easily. It is versatile and can be worn on a daily basis as casual wear and for all four seasons.
- Polyester
Polyester sweatshirts are well known for their durability and that they are not being easily shrink or stretching easily. They are ideal for sportswear and can be washed often.
- Cotton-Polyester Blends
Blends of fabric are the perfect mix of comfortable cotton with durable polyester. These are flexible and can be worn at any time of the day and for any event.
Design Considerations
The appearance of your promotional sweatshirts should be in line with your company’s brand identity and be appealing to your target market. Several aspects should be considered to achieve this:
- Logo Placement
Make sure your company logo appears clearly, but not too dominantly. The chest area is the most popular placement, but the back or sleeve can also be chosen for a more interesting design while displaying your company branding.
- Colors
Use colors that are consistent with the color scheme of your brand. According to a study by the University of Loyola, Maryland, color increases brand recognition by up to 80%.
Customization Options
There are numerous choices that you can make while ordering sweatshirts to cater for many different requirements.
- Embroidery vs. Printing
Embroidery is elegant and very long-lasting, making it perfect for corporate giveaways for employees or high-end corporate merchandise. Printing, however, is more versatile and economical for intricate designs and especially good for bulk production.
- Hoodie vs. Crewneck
There are two main styles of sweatshirts – hoodies or crewnecks. If you are looking for a casual, athletic appeal, then custom-printed hoodies are a perfect choice. The crewneck offers a more classic and often more professional look, so choose the style that works best for the purpose of the sweatshirt.
Supplier Selection
Ensure that you select a supplier for your company swag who has experience in producing custom-printed sweatshirts. Read our recent article on the Importance of choosing the Right Company for your Swag.
Distribution and Impact Measurement
The way you divide your custom-branded apparel for distribution can determine how and when the promotional products are used.
- Distribution
Give out the sweatshirts at corporate events, during the team-building exercises, or even as a form of welcoming the new members of the company. It is recommended to pack them up nicely to enhance the unboxing experience.
- Measuring Impact
Monitor the effectiveness of your sweatshirts through feedback surveys, social media, and other mentions and internal engagement metrics. According to ASI Central, 85% of people remember the advertiser that gave them a promotional item.
Trends in Custom-Printed Sweatshirts
- Sustainable Materials
There is a rising trend of using eco-friendly fabrics for apparel. According to a 2023 report by the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, 40% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products. This should also align with your company’s sustainability goals and strategies.
- Innovative Printing Techniques
New technologies in the production processes make designs more colorful and long lasting. Processes like sublimation printing and direct-to-garment printing give very good results that do not fade or peel when worn or washed. If using the sweatshirts at events, you can also consider the benefits of live onsite screen printing – click here to read more.
- Personalization
Adding names or special designs/logos to the sweatshirts can add more value and attractiveness to your corporate gifts. They are a way of making people feel valued and appreciated.
Conclusion
Choosing the right custom-printed sweatshirts for your company, teams, or events can mean taking several factors into consideration. Design and produce sweatshirts that will be both memorable and useful for the team or company they represent, as well as good promotional products. Remember, it is not just about the sweatshirt, but to convey a message that aligns with your company’s mission and vision.