Custom apparel can be a powerful branding tool — but small mistakes in the ordering process can lead to disappointing results. Most of these issues aren’t obvious until after the apparel arrives, which is why they’re so frustrating.
The good news? Nearly all common mistakes are preventable. Here are the most frequent ones we see — and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing Apparel Based on Price Alone
Budget matters, but choosing the cheapest option often leads to:
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uncomfortable fabric
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poor fit
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faster wear and tear
Apparel that doesn’t feel good doesn’t get worn — which means your branding effort falls flat.
How to avoid it:
Balance cost with comfort and durability, especially for items worn repeatedly by employees.
Mistake #2: Not Considering the End Use
Apparel for daily work, events, giveaways, or resale all have different requirements.
Problems happen when:
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event shirts are used as employee uniforms
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heavy garments are chosen for warm environments
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casual styles are used in professional settings
How to avoid it:
Decide where, how often, and by whom the apparel will be worn before choosing garments.
Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Decoration Method
Not every logo works equally well with every decoration style.
Common issues include:
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fine details lost in embroidery
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thick prints that reduce comfort
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poor contrast on certain fabrics
How to avoid it:
Ask which decoration method best supports your logo and garment choice — not just which is cheapest.
Mistake #4: Rushing the Proofing Process
Skipping or rushing proof approval can lead to:
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incorrect placement
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unexpected sizing
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color mismatches
Once production starts, changes are costly or impossible.
How to avoid it:
Treat proofing as a quality checkpoint, not a formality.
Mistake #5: Inconsistent Reorders
Months later, many businesses reorder only to find:
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different logo sizes
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slight color variations
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garment changes
This can make apparel look mismatched across teams or locations.
How to avoid it:
Work with a printer that documents past orders and helps maintain consistency.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Care and Longevity
Some garments require special care that people don’t follow, leading to:
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fading
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cracking
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shrinkage
How to avoid it:
Choose apparel that’s easy to wash and maintain — especially for employee wear.
Mistake #7: Not Asking Enough Questions
Many mistakes happen simply because assumptions are made.
Questions worth asking include:
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How will this look after multiple washes?
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Is this garment seasonally appropriate?
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Will this logo placement be comfortable?
How to avoid it:
Partner with a printer who explains options clearly and proactively.
Final Thoughts
Most custom apparel mistakes don’t come from bad intentions — they come from lack of information. A little guidance upfront makes a big difference in the final result.
When apparel is chosen thoughtfully, it becomes something people are proud to wear — not something they leave behind.
