You know that drawer. The one filled with branded t-shirts you got at events, conferences, and company dos. Most sit there unworn, destined for the charity shop or weekend painting duties.
But then there’s that one t-shirt. The one you reach for on lazy Sundays. The one that somehow made it into your regular rotation. What made the difference?
What People Really Want (And It’s Not What You Think)
The British Promotional Merchandise Association asked 200 people aged 16-30 what matters when choosing t-shirts. The results might surprise you.
Comfort wins. Every time. 29% of people put comfort first, followed by price at 27%. But here’s the interesting bit – 18% specifically look for quality fabric that’ll last.
That tells us something important: people don’t just want cheap t-shirts. They want t-shirts they’ll wear.
The most popular style? Good old crew necks at 31%. Sometimes, the classics work for a reason. Polo shirts came second at 21%, with V-necks appealing to 16% of people.
The Sustainability Story That’s Changing Everything
This bit is interesting. When asked about 100% organic cotton, 24% said it’s very important, and another 46% said it would be nice but not essential.
That’s 70% of people who care about sustainable materials – seven out of ten.
We’ve been passionate about sustainability for years (because we genuinely care about the planet), but it’s brilliant to see consumers catching up. When creating branded clothing that people will keep and wear, using materials that don’t harm the environment makes sense.
What Gets Worn vs What Gets Forgotten
The research revealed some telling preferences about which brands people want to wear:
- University and college branding topped the list at 28%
- Holiday destinations attracted 25%
- Car brands appealed to 22%
Notice a pattern? People want to wear brands that mean something to them. That represents their experiences, interests, or aspirations. Creating a connection matters.
When offered a free branded t-shirt or 5% off their next event ticket, 64% chose the t-shirt.
How We Think About Branded Clothing
We’ve always believed that great branded merchandise isn’t just about putting a logo on something. It’s about creating a connection.
When we work with clients on branded clothing, we focus on:
- Understanding your people – who they are and what they value
- Choosing materials that feel good – sustainable options that people want to wear
- Creating designs that work – balancing brand visibility with everyday wearability
- Quality that lasts – because disposable fashion isn’t good for anyone
- The whole experience – from design concept to the moment someone puts it on
Making Branded Clothing That Matters
The best branded clothing works because it serves two purposes: it represents your brand values and gives people something they will love to wear.
That might mean choosing organic cotton over conventional. Picking a fit that fits real people. Creating designs that feel authentic rather than corporate. Or simply making sure the quality is there.
When someone chooses to wear your branded t-shirt, they’re not just wearing your logo – they’re endorsing your brand. That’s a responsibility we take seriously.
Ready to Create Something People Want to Wear?
If you’re thinking about branded clothing for your team, event, or campaign, we’d love to help you create something that doesn’t end up in that drawer. Something that becomes part of people’s lives instead of just part of your marketing budget.
