A company picnic or corporate event is one of the best opportunities to get your whole team in branded gear at the same time. A well-designed event shirt becomes a walking billboard — worn at the event, taken home, and worn again for years. Here's how to get it right.
Why event shirts work
People wear event shirts. Unlike a lot of branded merchandise that ends up in a drawer, a good-quality t-shirt from a memorable event gets worn — to the gym, on weekends, around the neighborhood. Every wear is a brand impression. And unlike most advertising, your employees actually want the shirt.
What shirt should you order?
For company picnics and outdoor events, a soft, comfortable t-shirt wins every time. Heavier cotton shirts feel substantial and hold a print well. If your event is in warmer months, a lighter ring-spun cotton or a 50/50 blend offers more comfort.
For more formal corporate events or team-building days where you want a polished look, a polo is worth considering. Read our guide on custom embroidered polos for a breakdown of when polos make sense.
Design tips for event shirts
Event shirts are different from uniforms. You have more creative latitude — a full front print, a bold graphic, or a design that references the event theme works well here. A few principles:
- Include the year — "Annual Company Picnic 2025" makes the shirt a keepsake
- Use your brand colors — it's still a branded item even if the design is playful
- Don't cram too much in — a clean, bold design prints better and looks better than a crowded one
- Consider a back print — a front logo and back design gives you two surfaces to work with
Read our full guide on how to design a great event t-shirt for more design guidance.
How to handle sizing
For company events, collect sizes in advance — add it to your RSVP form or send a quick survey. If you're ordering for a large group and can't collect sizes in time, use a standard distribution curve:
- S: 10%
- M: 25%
- L: 30%
- XL: 25%
- 2XL: 10%
Order 10-15% extra overall to cover late additions and guests.
Timeline planning
Standard turnaround at Turbo Tees is 10-15 business days from artwork approval. If your event has a fixed date, work backwards:
- Place your order at least 3 weeks before the event
- Allow a few days for artwork review and proof approval
- Build in a buffer — shipping can add 1-3 days
Need it faster? Ask about rush options. Read our guide on custom shirts for charity walks and runs for more on deadline planning.
💡 Order a few extra shirts in the most common sizes. You'll always have a vendor rep show up, a family member tag along, or someone whose shirt got lost. Extra shirts also work as prizes or giveaways.
What about other items?
Shirts are the anchor item, but corporate events often include hats, bags, or other branded gear. We can source and print a full event package — call us to talk through what makes sense for your event size and budget.
Ready to order your event shirts? Call 855-TSHIRT-5 or request a quote online.