How to Effectively Use T-shirts for Branding and Marketing

by On Point Promotions | Jan 12, 2018

Lots of people have some misconceptions and preconceived notions when it comes to T-shirts to be used as pieces of promotional and marketing apparel. There is a lot more you can do with tees than what might first come to mind. In fact, used creatively, T-shirts can be one of the biggest hits for your marketing and provide an ROI you never expected.

The common use for T-shirts

First thought for many who are thinking of ordering T-shirts is as giveaways with your logo emblazoned across the chest or over the heart. When you think about it, besides for lounging around, why would any of your customers or prospects be excited about wearing your marketing apparel? If you don’t mind your brand being associated with Saturday morning chores and yard work, then you are right on track. Go for it.

If that doesn’t make you want to shell out the cost of branded T-shirts, then let’s take a moment to rethink what you are doing and how to best get the marketing bang for your buck.

Turn T-shirts into marketing gold

Here at On Point Promotions & Embroidery, we know of several creative uses for tees. Here are five of the best ideas we have found that might make you tingle for tees.

1. Taglines, art, and mascots – Why do people wear tees? Most often it’s because of the message; something that makes others think, smile, or start a conversation. Remember these messages that were on T-shirts from big brands:

• 7 Up Yours
• Have it your way
• It takes a lick’n …
• Finger licken good

Think also about the bands and music groups with the fantastic artwork on albums that morphed into T-shirts.

Do you have a tagline, quirky logo, or mascot that would make someone stop and take a second look? Does your mascot have a comment or tagline always associated with it? Think Tony the Tiger and his, “Greeeaaat!” All of these things might be great fodder for give-away T-shirts.

If you don’t have a tagline, mascot, or art established, that doesn’t mean you are without other options.

2. Inspirational sayings and quotes – If you have any doubt how much people like inspirational sayings, just scroll through your Facebook feed or spend a little time on Pinterest. Inspirational sayings and quotes light up people’s eyes. The saying or quote could have a connection to your product or service, your customer service, or your company vision or mission.

Can’t you see people wearing a shirt with your company name on it if it said:

• You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.
• Don’t get upset with people or situations. Both are powerless without your reaction.
• Grow through what you go through.
• One day or day one. You decide.
• You’re always one decision away from a totally different life.
• May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. –Nelson Mandela
• If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.
• You are only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it. – Robin Williams
• We rise by lifting others.


A T-shirt with “if you’re gonna do it, really do it” could be just the motivation someone would like to share and if your logo and name are included on the shirt … you are on your way to marketing sweetness.

Or, you could select a variety of sayings and create shirts that are consistent with your brand – in messaging and design. For instance, a flower shop or landscaper might have T-shirts with the following messages:

• Live life in full bloom
• The earth laughs in flowers -Ralph Waldo Emerson
• Some days it storms, some days it shines. This is how flowers grow.
• A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms
• Where flowers bloom, so does hope. – Lady Bird Johnson
• All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today
• Never underestimate the power of a planted seed
• No rain. No flower.

3. Humor and fun – Everyone can always enjoy a laugh and sometimes laughter is the best connections between people. Consider sharing your sense of humor with branded T-shirts. How about:

   • Relax and accept the crazy
   • You aren’t doing it wrong if no one knows what you are doing.
   • I licked it, so it’s mine.

4. How about a little sarcasm? Yes, you will have to exercise some caution when it comes to sarcasm, because it can be polarizing and that’s the last thing you want to make your potential customers feel. But a sarcastic message can also bring a smile or smirk to a face.

   • I’m sorry, did I roll my eyes out loud?
   • The purpose of life is to experience life.
   • If you’re tired of starting over, stop giving up.
   • I’ve got a good heart, but this mouth …
   • If I was meant to be controlled, I would have come with a remote

5. Help your team stand out at events

   Are T-shirts just for giveaways? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, some suggest that the best reason to have branded T-shirts is for your staff and employees. Instead of the branded golf or polo shirt at your next event, have those manning the booth all decked out in a customized line of branded T-shirts in bold colors. Remember, marketing and advertising is so that you and your business STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD, not blends into the masses. Choose a bright color, a bold statement, and, if it is remarkable, have some on hand to give away, too.

Other great marketing ideas …

A few companies will include a special T-shirt in with an order. Other companies have sent T-shirts as a thank-you for completing questionnaires, surveys, and signing up for trial runs of products and services. In fact, when the T-shirt reflects your brand, it could be the defining reason for the interaction. Some business owners have sent out a T-shirt with a personal note after meeting someone new. Of course, these aren’t T-shirts with the name of your business and logo on them, they are designed especially for the purpose – and stand out in a sea of run-of-the-mill T-shirts.

Pay attention to the message on your shirt, the color, the fonts, the look, and feel – make the T-shirt special, use it in a special way, and make the person receiving it feel special. Contact us at On Point Promotions and Embroidery to learn more about how T-shirts can work magic for your business.