If you're ordering apparel for your team, the first question usually isn't about printing. It's about what people will actually wear. A great-looking shirt doesn't help your brand if it stays folded in a drawer.
Start with how your team will use it
Before choosing between t-shirts, hoodies, and crewnecks, think about where and how the apparel will be worn.
- T-shirts are ideal for everyday wear, events, warm environments, and budget-friendly bulk orders.
- Hoodies feel more premium, work well in cooler weather, and are popular for teams that want a casual, branded look.
- Crewnecks sit in the middle. They look polished, layer well, and often feel more versatile than hoodies.
T-shirts: best for everyday branding
T-shirts are usually the easiest place to start. They're cost-effective, easy to size, and work well for staff uniforms, promotions, and giveaways.
Choose t-shirts if you want:
- Lower cost per piece
- Easy reorders
- A lighter option for indoor work or summer events
- A simple way to get your brand seen often
Hoodies: best for premium feel and repeat wear
If you want something your team will wear outside of work, hoodies are a strong option. They feel more valuable and often get more repeat wear, which means more visibility for your brand.
Choose hoodies if you want:
- A premium branded item
- Cooler-weather apparel
- A product that feels gift-able or team-building focused
- A stronger perceived value
Crewnecks: best for a clean, versatile look
Crewnecks are a smart middle ground. They can feel more polished than hoodies while still being comfortable and casual.
Choose crewnecks if you want:
- A professional but relaxed look
- Easy layering over uniforms or tees
- A garment that works across more age groups and styles
The real answer: mix your order strategically
For many businesses, the best option isn't choosing one. It's combining pieces based on use.
- T-shirts for daily staff wear
- Hoodies for manager, premium merch, or cooler months
- Crewnecks for a clean branded option that works year-round
Don't forget the print method
Your design and garment choice should work together. Full-colour logos often work best with DTF, while simple names and numbers may be better suited to vinyl.
Need help choosing the right apparel for your team? start here:
https://icandygfx.com/pages/for-small-business