Quick Answers
- Best for 24+ shirts: Screen printing — lowest per-piece cost
- Best for under 24 or full-color: DTF printing — no minimums, unlimited colors
- Turnaround: 7–10 business days (rush available — ask)
- Most popular blank: Comfort Colors 1717 (events), Gildan 5000 (budget), Bella+Canvas 3001 (premium)
- Fundraising: Sell through a pop-up online store
Events We Print For
- Charity runs & 5Ks — participant shirts, volunteer tees, and sponsor recognition. Comfort Colors is the most popular blank for race events
- Company outings & retreats — matching team shirts for team-building. Fun designs that people actually want to wear after the event
- Festivals & community events — staff shirts, vendor identification, and merchandise for sale
- Family reunions & group trips — commemorative shirts with dates, locations, and inside jokes. These become keepsakes
- Fundraisers — sell custom shirts through a time-limited online store with no upfront cost to the organizer
- Weddings & bachelor/bachelorette parties — custom bridal party and group shirts
- Church events & mission trips — matching group shirts for volunteers and youth programs
- School events — homecoming, field day, graduation, prom, and spirit weeks
Choosing the Right Blank
The blank matters — it is what people will actually wear and remember.
- Comfort Colors 1717 — garment-dyed, vintage feel, soft and relaxed. The #1 choice for events where the shirt needs to feel special, not cheap. People keep and re-wear Comfort Colors shirts
- Gildan 5000 — heavy cotton, budget-friendly, widest color range. Best for large quantities where per-piece cost matters most
- Bella+Canvas 3001 — retail-quality fit and feel. For events where the shirt doubles as merchandise
- Next Level 3600 — lightweight, modern fit. Popular for fitness events and 5Ks where a lighter shirt is preferred
Browse catalogs for the full selection.
Timelines & Planning
Event shirts have hard deadlines. Here is a realistic planning timeline:
- 4+ weeks before event: Ideal. Enough time for design, proofing, production, and shipping without rush fees
- 2–3 weeks before: Workable for most orders. May limit blank availability if specific colors are needed
- Under 2 weeks: Rush production may be available — call us at (231) 347-6347 to discuss
The earlier you start, the more options you have. Submit your project as soon as you have a rough idea of quantity and design — we can work out details from there.
Fundraiser Shirts
If your event shirts are also a fundraiser, we can set up a time-limited online store where supporters order and pay directly. The store opens for a set period, closes on a deadline, and we produce the full batch. You set the retail price — the margin goes to your organization. Zero upfront cost, zero inventory risk.
Artwork Tips for Event Shirts
- Include the event name, date, and location — this is what makes it a keepsake
- Keep the front simple — event logo or name. Put details and sponsors on the back
- Sponsor logos on back — a common way to offset shirt costs. Sponsors pay for placement, reducing your per-piece cost
- Need design help? Basic file setup is free under 15 minutes; custom design work is $65/hr beyond that. Design fees are non-refundable. Artwork services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order?
Screen printing: 12 pieces. DTF: no minimum.
Can I mix sizes?
Yes. Order any combination of sizes within one design.
How do I handle sponsor logos on the back?
Send us all sponsor logos and the order you want them listed. We will create a back layout for your approval before production.
What if my design is not finalized yet?
Submit your project with what you have — even a rough sketch or description. We will work with you to finalize the design.
Ready to Get Started?
Event Shirts Landing Page → · Custom T-Shirts → · View Pricing →
Call (231) 347-6347 or email us — Mon–Fri 8am–4pm.


