Custom Event Shirts: The Complete Guide

How to order custom shirts for events — 5Ks, fundraisers, company outings, reunions, and festivals. Printing methods, blank brands, timelines, and tips for getting it right.

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Custom Event Shirts: The Complete Guide

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 tripsmatching 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?

Start Your Project


Event Shirts Landing Page → · Custom T-Shirts → · View Pricing →

Call (231) 347-6347 or email us — Mon–Fri 8am–4pm.

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