Corporate T-shirts and uniforms: fabric, GSM and minimum orders

Corporate T-shirts and staff uniforms put your brand on people's backs every day. A shirt that shrinks, fades or fits badly after two washes does the opposite of what you intended. The good news: most problems are avoidable if you specify the garment clearly and approve a sample before bulk production.

Choose the right fabric

• Cotton is comfortable and breathable — good for everyday wear in Indian weather — but may shrink if not pre-shrunk.
• Polyester and blends (poly-cotton) hold colour and shape better, dry quickly and suit sports events and field staff.
• Pique knit is the textured fabric used for polo T-shirts; it looks more formal than plain jersey.
• For uniforms such as shirts and trousers, ask about fabric composition, colour fastness and how it behaves after repeated washing.

What GSM tells you

GSM (grams per square metre) indicates fabric weight.

• Lighter fabric is cooler but can look thin and see-through in light colours.
• Heavier fabric feels premium and lasts longer but is warmer.

Ask the manufacturer to show two or three fabrics at different GSMs so you can feel the difference.

Size break-up and fit

Get sizes right before production — it is the most common problem.

1. Collect sizes from your team instead of guessing an average spread.
2. Ask for the manufacturer's size chart with actual measurements, since sizes vary between makers.
3. Order a few extras in common sizes for new joiners.

Printing or embroidery?

• Screen printing is economical for larger quantities of the same design.
• Digital or heat-transfer printing suits small quantities or multi-colour designs.
• Embroidery looks premium and lasts well, and suits logos on polos and uniforms.

Share your logo in vector format and confirm the size and position of each print or embroidery.

Samples, minimums and timelines

• Ask for a sample garment in the chosen fabric and branding before bulk production.
• Ask for the minimum order per design and colour, and prices at two or three quantities.
• Agree a delivery date in writing, especially if the order is for an event.

Mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the wash test. Wash the sample two or three times and check shrinkage, colour and print before approving bulk production.
• Guessing sizes. Collect actual sizes from people; a spread based on assumptions leaves you with piles of unusable sizes.
• Oversized logos on polos. A neat chest logo usually looks more professional than a large print, and costs less to embroider.
• Tight timelines for events. Leave a buffer between the promised delivery date and your event.

What to include in your enquiry

• Garment type (round-neck T-shirt, polo, shirt, trousers, jacket)
• Fabric, GSM range and colours
• Quantity with size break-up
• Printing or embroidery, number of positions and logo files
• Sample requirement and the date you need delivery
• Delivery location and GSTIN for invoicing

Compare manufacturers in apparel and garments, or post your requirement with your quantity and sizes.