Ordering group shirts for your college team, club, or event can be exciting – nothing beats the sense of unity and pride that comes from wearing matching apparel. Whether it’s for a sports team, cultural festival, graduation, or charity event, custom shirts help create lasting memories and a strong group identity. But as fun as the process sounds, it can quickly turn into a frustrating and costly experience if not done carefully. From choosing the wrong shirt sizes to miscommunicating the design, simple mistakes can lead to delays, wasted money, and unhappy group members. When you’re dealing with multiple people’s preferences, sizes, and deadlines, every step matters. A single oversight can result in shirts that no one wants to wear – or worse, shirts that don’t even arrive on time for the event. This guide will walk you through the top mistakes students and organizers make when fulfilling College Group Order Shirts – and how to avoid them – so your group can look great, feel comfortable, and proudly show off their custom gear without stress.
Not Planning Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes is leaving your shirt order until the last minute. Printing companies often need a few weeks to produce and ship large group orders, especially if you have custom designs. Rushed orders can result in higher costs, limited style choices, and even late delivery.
Tip: Start planning at least a month before you need the shirts. This allows time for collecting orders, approving designs, and handling any production delays.
Guessing Sizes Instead of Collecting Them
Assuming everyone’s size instead of asking can lead to a pile of unworn shirts. College groups often have a wide range of body types, and a “one-size-fits-all” approach rarely works.
Tip: Use a shared spreadsheet or form to collect exact sizes from each member. Encourage people to try on similar shirts for fit before finalizing their choice.
Ignoring Fabric Quality and Comfort
It’s easy to focus solely on the design and forget about comfort. Low-quality fabric may shrink after one wash, feel itchy, or lose its color quickly.
Tip: Choose breathable, durable fabrics like cotton blends or performance materials if the shirts will be worn during physical activities. Request fabric samples before placing a large order.
Overcomplicating the Design
While a detailed, colorful design may look great on screen, it can be costly to print and might not look as sharp on fabric. Complex designs can also make shirts feel heavy or stiff.
Tip: Keep your design clean, bold, and easy to read from a distance. Remember that fewer colors often mean lower printing costs.
Forgetting About Printing Techniques
Not all printing methods work for every design or fabric. Screen printing, embroidery, and heat transfer each have their pros and cons.
Tip: Discuss your design with the printing company to choose the most suitable method for your shirt material, budget, and intended use.
Not Ordering Extra Shirts
Unexpected situations happen – someone may join the group late, or a shirt may get damaged before the event.
Tip: Always get College Group Order Shirts a few extras in popular sizes to cover last-minute needs without having to reorder.
Poor Communication with the Printer
Miscommunication about deadlines, design changes, or shirt specifications can cause major headaches.
Tip: Confirm all details in writing, including shirt style, color, design placement, size breakdown, and delivery date. Keep a single point of contact between your group and the printer to avoid confusion.
Overlooking the Budget
It’s tempting to choose the fanciest shirt style or printing option, but costs can add up fast – especially for large orders.
Tip: Set a clear budget from the start, factoring in taxes, shipping, and possible rush fees. Choose a balance between quality and affordability.
Ignoring Color Variations
Colors can appear differently on a computer screen versus printed fabric.
Tip: Ask for a printed sample or a color swatch before approving the final design to ensure your chosen colors look right in real life.
Not Considering Reusability
If your group plans to order college t-shirts every year, you might choose designs that can be reused or adapted with minor updates.
Tip: Avoid overly specific details (like dates) unless they’re essential, so shirts can be worn long after the event.
Final Words
Ordering college group shirts should be an exciting way to bring people together, not a stressful last-minute scramble. By avoiding common mistakes like guessing sizes, neglecting fabric quality, or leaving orders too late, you can ensure that your shirts arrive on time, fit well, and look amazing. Clear communication with your printer, careful budgeting, and smart design choices go a long way in creating apparel that your group will love to wear — and proudly keep as a memento.
When it comes to getting it right the first time, partnering with a trusted supplier is key. Ink Tees offers high-quality team apparel with custom printing options, durable fabrics, and reliable delivery. Our wide range of shirt styles ensures comfort and style for every member of your group, while their expert printing services guarantee your design looks exactly as you envisioned. Choose us for your next College Group Order Shirts, and make your event a stylish success from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best way to collect sizes for college group shirt orders?
Use a shared spreadsheet or online form to gather exact shirt sizes from each member. This prevents guesswork and ensures a proper fit for everyone.
- How far in advance should I order college group shirts?
It’s best to College Group Order Shirts at least 3–4 weeks before your event to allow time for design approval, production, and delivery without rush fees.
- What fabric is best for college group shirts?
Cotton blends and performance fabrics are ideal as they offer comfort, durability, and breathability, making them perfect for all-day wear.
- How can I make sure my shirt design looks good when printed?
Request a printed sample or proof from the printer before finalizing your order to confirm color accuracy and design clarity.
- Should I order extra shirts for my group?
Yes. Ordering a few extra shirts in common sizes can help accommodate last-minute joins or replacements without reordering delays.