Whether it is a consumer of daily wear, an entrepreneur who purchases in bulk, or a person in charge of corporate procurement, T-shirts are a high-frequency item that cannot be avoided. But the seemingly simple T-shirt is comfortable and worry-free if you choose the right one, and if you choose the wrong one, it will either be worn out of shape, or cost overrun, or even involved in tort disputes. Today we will explain the core knowledge of T-shirts from the basics to the advanced level to help you avoid those pitfalls hidden in the details.
1. Basic attributes and specifications: the first step in choosing the right T-shirt
Many people buy T-shirts only to look at the size label, but ignore the core attributes of fabric and weight, no wonder they can’t buy satisfactory ones. Only by understanding these basic concepts can we accurately match the needs.
Fabric is the soul of T-shirts, among which cotton T-shirts are the most popular, but pure cotton is also divided into grades. Combed cotton removes staple fibers through a special process, which feels more delicate and not easy to pilling, which is 10%-20% more expensive than ordinary cotton, but more cost-effective – I used to help a cultural and creative company purchase employee uniforms, chose the combed cotton model, and it did not deform after wearing it for a year, and the feedback was much better than last year’s ordinary cotton.
The weight and yarn count determine the thickness and texture of the T-shirt. The gram weight of 180g is the golden balance point, which is not stuffy in summer, and it is also suitable for wearing it in spring and autumn; If it is an outdoor team uniform, it is more wear-resistant and resistant to fabrication above 220g. The higher the number of yarns, the thinner and softer the fabric, and more than 40 threads have a silky feel to the touch, which is suitable for business casual.
The fit and size should be selected according to the scene. The round neck is versatile and not picky, and the V-neck is suitable for modifying the neck line; The straight fit accommodates all body types, and the slim fit is more neat, suitable for young people or sports scenes. In terms of size, the Asian size version is slim, the shoulder width and clothing length of the European and American sizes are wider, and the manufacturer must provide a detailed size chart when purchasing, especially the over/small size customization, it is best to sample and try it on first. If it is a parent-child activity purchase, children’s T-shirts should focus on the size of the neckline and the softness of the fabric to avoid abrasion on the child’s skin.
2. Fabric technology and function: make T-shirts suitable for more scenarios
With the development of fabric technology, T-shirts are no longer just about “wearing cool”, and different functional fabrics can accurately solve specific problems. Especially for bulk purchases, choosing the right functional fabrics can greatly improve the user experience.
Quick-drying T-shirts and moisture-wicking models are preferred for sports scenes, which are usually added with stretch spandex, which has good stretchability and can dry quickly after sweating to avoid sticking to the body – last time I helped the gym purchase a custom T-shirt, I chose a quick-drying fabric containing 5% spandex, and the members reported that it is much more comfortable than ordinary cotton T-shirts when exercising. In summer, you should look for the UPF50+ sunscreen function, which can effectively block more than 98% of ultraviolet rays, which is more worry-free than wearing sunscreen.
Health and environmental protection are also hot demands now. Antibacterial and anti-odorT-shirts are suitable for people who exercise and travel for business, and add antibacterial ingredients through fabrics to reduce odors caused by bacterial growth; Organic cotton and recycled polyester are environmentally friendly choices, and BCI cotton (Better Cotton Development Association certification) is the standard configuration of high-end brands, although the purchase cost is 5%-10% higher, but it can enhance the brand image. In addition, when buying T-shirts for children or people with sensitive skin, be sure to confirm that they are free of fluorescent agents and zero formaldehyde, and regular manufacturers will provide test reports.
Functional fabrics | Core strengths | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
Quick drying + spandex | Moisture wicking and good elasticity | Sports and fitness, outdoor expansion |
UPF50+ sun protection | Blocks UV rays | Outdoor work, summer camps |
Antibacterial and anti-odor | Reduces odor and inhibits bacteria | Business trips, sports, student dormitories |
Organic cotton | Environmentally friendly, skin-friendly, and non-irritating | Children’s clothing, sensitive skin, high-end brands |
3. Printing and craftsmanship: let the T-shirt change from “basic” to “special”
Printing and craftsmanship are the “appearance responsibility” of T-shirts, and the effects and costs of different processes vary greatly, and choosing the right process can make customized T-shirts both good-looking and durable.
The most common is screen printing, suitable for mass customization, such as group uniforms, annual meeting uniforms, the less color, the lower the cost, the MOQ of more than 50 pieces is the most cost-effective, but the effect will be reduced if the pattern color is complex. If it is a small batch and high degree of restoration customization, such as the celebrity peripherals that support and call, digital direct injection is more suitable and can accurately restore photo-quality patterns, but the disadvantage is that dark T-shirts need to be primed first, and the cost is about 30% higher than screen printing.
special effects require corresponding processes: sublimation is suitable for full-body printing, the pattern will not crack and fall off, and is often used in sportswear and trendy brands; The embroidery texture is high-end, suitable for logo customization, such as the chest logo of a business casual T-shirt; glow-in-the-dark and reflective processes are suitable for outdoor workers or night running group uniforms, which are safe and distinctive. In addition, processes such as flocking and three-dimensional thick plates can increase the layering of the pattern and are suitable for creating niche trendy models, but it should be noted that these processes may fall off after too many washes.
4. Style and scene: T-shirts can also be worn in new styles
The style of T-shirts is ever-changing, and choosing the right style can not only enhance the temperament, but also meet the needs of the scene. Whether it is personal wear or bulk purchase, it is necessary to first clarify the usage scenario.
Street hipsters love street trendy brand style, often exaggerated prints and oversize versions; People who pursue simplicity prefer minimalist solid color models, which are suitable for jeans and suits, and many professionals around me have more than 3 white solid color T-shirts in their wardrobes. Retro style has been very popular in recent years, with American retro distressed prints, Japanese Cityboy loose fits, and Y2K millennial style bright colors, all of which are very popular among young people.
The choice of T-shirts for specific scenes is more particular: for sports and fitness, choose quick-drying stretch models, and for business casual, use solid colors of combed cotton or mercerized cotton, which do not violate with suit pants; parent-child clothes and couple clothes are suitable for designs of different sizes with the same pattern to enhance emotional connection; Tooling styleT-shirts are mostly made of thick fabrics and multi-pocket designs, suitable for outdoor work or industrial style wear; The preppy style often uses stripes and embroidered badge elements, which is full of youth.
5. Supply chain and cost: the secret to saving money in bulk procurement
For enterprise procurement and entrepreneurs, supply chain and cost control directly affect profits. Mastering these key points can save you money.
First of all, understand the supply chain process: cloth line inquiry→ pattern making→ confirmation of fabrics and processes→ mass production→ quality inspection→ packaging. FOB Shenzhen is a common trade term, meaning that the seller is responsible for transporting the goods to the port of Shenzhen and declaring customs. The pattern making cycle is usually 7 days, and it takes about 15 days for mass production, and the peak season may be extended, so you must reserve enough time when purchasing.
The cost composition should be calculated clearly: the fabric cost accounts for the highest proportion, about 40%-50%; followed by printing labor costs, ranging from 1 yuan to 10 yuan per piece according to different processes; There are also dyeing fees, thread prices, packaging accessories, etc., these details must be confirmed with the manufacturer. MOQ of 100 pieces is the threshold of many manufacturers, the higher the MOQ, the lower the unit price – I previously helped a company purchase 1,000 pieces of group uniforms, which is 20% cheaper than the unit price of 100 pieces. In addition, gram weight loss is an easily overlooked point, usually 3%-5%, which should be taken into account when calculating the cost.
In terms of qualifications, factory inspection BSCI, SEDEX, ISO9001, OEKO-TEX and other certifications can prove the manufacturer’s production specifications and product safety, especially for export or high-end procurement, we must choose certified manufacturers to avoid subsequent quality problems.
6. Brand and intellectual property: avoid the “minefield” of infringement
When customizing T-shirts, intellectual property issues must not be ignored, and once infringed, not only compensation must be made, but may also affect brand reputation.
If it is a private brand, it is necessary to do a good job of trademark registration and appearance patents in a timely manner; If it is OEM, you should choose a regular white label OEM manufacturer to confirm that it has relevant qualifications. Authorized IP and co-branded models can enhance the attractiveness of T-shirts, but they must be officially authorized, such as a trendy brand that compensated hundreds of thousands of yuan for using unauthorized cartoon images.
Platform sales should pay more attention to the fact that Amazon brand filing can protect their own brand, but also avoid infringing on the rights and interests of others, TRO infringement is a common dispute on Amazon, once complained, the store may be frozen. In addition, GS1 barcodes, tag certificates, and washing marks should be complete, which is not only a compliance requirement, but also enhances consumer trust. The anti-theft buckle is suitable for offline retail and reduces theft losses.
7. Sourcing Agent perspective: core suggestions for T-shirt procurement
Hello everyone, I’m Yigu, I’ve been a purchasing agent for many years and have handled thousands of T-shirt purchase orders. In my opinion, the core of T-shirt procurement is “matching needs” – consumers want a comfortable fit, and companies want cost-effectiveness and compliance. When purchasing in bulk, don’t just look at the unit price, but comprehensively evaluate the manufacturer’s qualifications, pattern-making capabilities and after-sales guarantee, and it is best to test the fabric and process with the sample clothes first. For export orders, OEKO-TEX certification and BSCI factory inspection are basic requirements; For domestic customization, focus on printing fastness and sizing standards. In addition, be sure to clarify intellectual property responsibilities with the manufacturer and sign a written agreement to avoid subsequent disputes. Choosing the right partner is more important than struggling with the difference of a few dollars.
8. FAQ: The T-shirt questions you care about are here
- Q: How to choose between 180g and 200g cotton T-shirts? A: 180g is suitable for single wear in spring and summer, breathable and comfortable; 200g is thicker, suitable for spring and autumn outer wear or inner wear, and the wear resistance is also better.
- Q: What should I do if the MOQ of custom T-shirts is too low and the manufacturer does not take the order? A: You can choose the digital direct injection process, many manufacturers have a digital direct injection MOQ of only 10 pieces; It can also be combined with other small-volume purchasers to reduce costs.
- Q: How can I tell if a T-shirt is real combed cotton? A: Look at whether the label has the “combed cotton” logo, and then touch the feel – the surface of the combed cotton is smooth, there is no obvious fluff, and it is not easy to shrink and deform after washing.
- Q: How to protect the rights of customized group uniforms if the print falls off? A: First of all, keep the purchase contract and samples, and negotiate with the manufacturer to return and exchange the goods; If negotiation fails, you can protect your rights in accordance with the Consumer Rights Protection Law, and qualified manufacturers usually provide after-sales protection.
- Q: What qualification documents do I need to prepare for foreign trade T-shirt export? A: It mainly includes OEKO-TEX product test report, BSCI factory inspection report, customs declaration, GS1 barcode, etc., which are specifically adjusted according to the requirements of the target country.