Custom Event T-Shirts: How Many Should You Order?

You've booked the venue, planned the event, and approved the design. Now comes one important decision: How many event t-shirts should you order?

Order too few, and some people will miss out. Order too many, and you'll waste money on shirts you don't need. Finding the right number takes more than counting registrations.

Every event is different. A company picnic won't need the same quantity as a charity fundraiser or community festival. And custom t-shirts for fundraising often require a different approach than other events.

A little planning now can help you avoid costly mistakes later.

Start With Your Best Attendance Estimate

Start with the number of people you expect to attend the event. Ordering custom t-shirts for events becomes easier when you have a realistic attendance estimate.

If guests need to register, use your registration list as a starting point. For annual events, compare this year's registrations with previous attendance to spot any trends.

Or maybe your event is open to the public. If that’s the case, estimate attendance based on your venue size, marketing efforts, and similar events you've hosted before. Also, avoid guessing or ordering based on your venue's maximum capacity unless you expect a full turnout.

Your estimate doesn't need to be perfect. It gives you a reliable starting point.

Count Everyone, Not Just Attendees

Before placing your order, think about everyone who will wear an event t-shirt. This extends beyond your guest list.

Start with your event team. Staff, volunteers, organizers, speakers, performers, vendors, and sponsors often need shirts as much as your guests. Matching shirts help people identify your team, answer questions, and keep the event organized.

Next, think about anyone receiving a complimentary shirt. This could include VIP guests, donors, judges, or media representatives. Every event is different. So, make a list before finalizing your order.

A few extra minutes of planning can prevent last-minute surprises.

Should You Order Extra Shirts?

Now you have finalized your t-shirt count. But don’t forget to leave room for the unexpected. Every event brings a few surprises, and your t-shirt order should account for them.

Someone may register after you place the order. A volunteer may ask for a different size. A sponsor might decide to join at the last minute. Or a shirt could get damaged before the event begins. These situations happen often enough to plan for.

The right buffer depends on your event size. Smaller events only need a handful of extra shirts. If you're ordering t-shirts in bulk for a larger event, you can add 5% to the final count.

A Few Things to Double-Check Before You Order

Before order approval, take a few minutes to review the details. A quick check can help you avoid delays, extra costs, and unnecessary reprints.

• Review your size breakdown: Order sizes based on your audience instead of splitting every size evenly

• Confirm the shirt style and color: Make sure you've selected the right shirt type, color, and material

• Check your design carefully: Confirm the spelling, dates, logos, colors, and artwork before printing begins

• Leave enough production time: Placing your order early gives your printer enough time to produce and deliver your shirts before the event

Conclusion

Ordering the right number of event t-shirts doesn't have to be complicated. Start with a realistic attendance estimate, include everyone who needs a shirt, and leave room for unexpected changes.

Every event is different, and so is every order. Taking the time to review sizes, artwork, shirt options, and production timelines will help you place your order with confidence.

Ready to get started? Contact inBox Printing and Tees today for a free quote. We provide special event t-shirt printing St. Louis with high-quality apparel, dependable service, and fast turnaround times.