subject: The Role Of Promotional Tshirts [print this page] Promotional t-shirts have been used as a successful marketing tool, for many years. Regardless of the type of business advertised, a t-shirt is an adequate billboard. Once the initial expenses of the shirts and screen printing have been covered these garments will continue their promotional duties for as long as they are worn or displayed, without and additional expense.
The first promotional t-shirt is thought to be one that made the cover of a national magazine, in the early 1940s. Since the logo happened to represent the military, the t-shirt, in general, became somewhat of a heroic icon.
In the 1950s, t-shirts were formally introduced to the Hollywood movie industry, as a promotional tool. It was during this same period that many musicians and even sports teams began to see the merit of using t-shirts to promote their businesses.
Well-known actors, such as James Dean helped to promote the popularity and wear-ability of the t-shirt. He preferred to wear them (along with his leather jacket) both on the screen and off.
This was actually encouraging to businesses who were considering the purchase of promotional t-shirts. Why? The more individuals who wore them, out and about, one a regular basis meant more no-cost 'walking billboards'.
The 1960s made way for a different kind of promotional t-shirt. They promoted activism and political campaigns. Peace and love shirts were extremely popular. John F. Kennedy utilized promotional t-shirts as a campaign tool. It was also during this year that the t-shirt was embraced by the fashion industry.
The 1970s was the decade of the souvenir t-shirt. In 1976 Milton Glaser created a very simple logo that would take the souvenir industry by storm. His 'I love (heart) NY' design, featuring just three bold black letters and a red heart has been copied thousands of times to promote just as many locations, events, hobbies and organizations.
It should be noted that a business need not purchase hundreds of t-shirts, in order to run a successful promotional campaign. As long as the t-shirts are worn by the majority of recipients as opposed to being stored away in a drawer or closet, the campaign can be deemed successful.
The wonderful thing about using a T-shirt as a billboard is the fact that virtually anything can be printed on it. Designs can be printed on the sleeves of the shirt as well as the front and back. (Front and back printing is actually recommended because a message can be seen by those both 'coming and going'.)
Those wishing to order promotional t-shirts have the option of creating their design themselves or hiring someone to do it for them. Typically, a company that does screen printing employs an in-house designer.
Since t-shirts are worn by virtually every age group, promotions can be easily geared toward any age group. A promotional t-shirt can be likened to a business card, of sorts, only one step better. The more creative and appealing the design, the better the chance it will be worn in public on a regular basis.
White t-shirts continue to be the most popular color, for a promotional garment. This is because light color shirts, in general, cost less. It is also less expensive to screen print a design on a light color background.
Promotional t-shirts are also excellent candidates to be given away at a trade show or use for fundraising purposes. Everyone loves to get something for nothing and will be more than willing to accept their complementary shirt. They also make great contest prizes.
Extra consideration should be taken when choosing the quality of shirt that will be used for screen printing purposes. In this case, the most cost effective does not necessarily mean the least expensive.
It should be quite obvious that a t-shirt that is more comfortable to wear will probably be worn more than a stiff feeling one. Since exposure is the key to this type of advertising success, a soft good-quality material is essential. The initial costs are higher, but the benefit of increased advertising possibility is well worth it.
Promotional t-shirts are here to stay. Remember, even in a somewhat unstable economy the majority of the population can afford the cost of a t-shirt.
