private label your custom screen print shirts

Why You Should Private Label Your Custom Screen Print Shirts

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Building a t-shirt brand is not an easy task. You must invest time, effort, and money to get your name out there and make your custom screen print shirts recognizable. But once you have a strong brand, it can be very rewarding. Not only will customers purchase your products, but they’ll also be more likely to recommend your brand to others.

If you’re looking for a way to take your custom t-shirt business to the next level, you should consider private labeling your garments. Private labeling allows you to put your own brand on the shirts that you print, which can help you attract new customers and grow your business.

Today, we’ll look closely at private labeling, its benefits, and how to start the process.

What Is Private Labeling?

Private labeling is when a manufacturer produces a product for a brand that will sell it under its own name and branding.

For example, let’s say you have a custom t-shirt business and want to private label your shirts. You would find an apparel manufacturer (like us) that can produce the garments for you. Instead of adding the manufacturer’s logo to the garment, you would add your own neck labels and hang tags with your brand’s logo on them.

The manufacturer would then send the shirts to you, and you would sell them under your own brand.

Benefits of Private Labeling Your Custom Shirts

Although private labeling will increase your overall investment into your custom apparel, it offers several benefits that can help you grow your business.

Here’s why you should consider using private labeling as a brand-building strategy:

It Looks Professional

Customers will perceive your brand as more professional if you’re private labeling your products. It shows that you’re serious about your brand and are willing to invest in it. This can help you attract new customers and encourage them to purchase your products.

It Helps You Stand Out from the Competition

There are thousands of t-shirt brands, so it’s important to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Private labeling can help you do that by allowing you to put your own spin on your products.

For example, you could choose to create a unique neck label for your garments. Small details can make a big difference when it comes to attracting new customers.

It Helps You Build a Stronger Brand

As we mentioned earlier, private labeling helps you build a stronger brand. By putting your own branding on the shirt, you’re able to better control how customers perceive your brand.

Private labeling allows you to create a more consistent look for your brand across all products. This is important because it makes your brand recognizable and trustworthy in the eyes of consumers.

It Increases Customer Loyalty

Another benefit of private labeling is that it can help increase customer loyalty. When customers wear shirts with your brand on them, they’re effectively walking around as human billboards for your business.

This exposure can lead to more sales and word-of-mouth marketing for your business. In turn, this can help you build a loyal customer base that will continue to support your business for years to come.

It Makes Your Business More Profitable

Private labeling can also make your business more profitable in the long run.

Once you’ve built up a strong brand, you’ll be able to charge premium prices for your products. Customers are willing to pay more for products from brands they trust.

So, by private labeling your shirts, you’ll be able to sell them at higher price points and increase your profits.

It Allows You to Create a More Unique Product

When you add your own branding and neck labels, you can make your shirts stand out from the competition. It allows you to create a more unique product that consumers will be interested in purchasing.

If you want to produce a truly one-of-a-kind garment, you should consider using a cut-and-sew manufacturing process in tandem with private labeling. This will allow you to develop a unique garment pattern with the help of your manufacturer.

It Gives You More Control Over Your Inventory

When you work with a manufacturer, you can specify the exact number of shirts you need. This support gives you more control over your inventory and helps you avoid overstock.

If you work with the right manufacturer, you can scale up to produce as many garments as you need when your brand grows. When you choose a partner to work with, keep their private labeling capabilities and potential to scale

How to Private Label Your Garments

Private labeling is not difficult as long as you have the right connections, resources, and knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to private label your custom shirts:

1. Find the Right Manufacturer

It’s critical to find a manufacturing partner that can produce high-quality garments that meet your standards. You’ll want to work with a reputable company that has experience private labeling shirts.

Our team at Scrappy Apparel has over 16 years of experience in the industry. We can help you produce high-quality custom screen print shirts that meet your requirements.

Finding a manufacturer that can meet your desired quantity and specifications is also essential. Once you’ve found a few good options, you can request quotes and samples before making your final decision.

2. Design Your Shirt

After you’ve chosen your shirt style, it’s time to design it. You’ll want to create a unique design to your brand that will appeal to your target market. You can hire a professional to help you if you’re not a designer.

3. Choose Your Shirt Style

The next step is choosing the shirt style you want to private label. Hundreds of different shirt styles are available, so take some time to research the options and decide which is best for your brand. You’ll want to consider the type of fabric, fit, color, and neckline. You’ll also want to make key decisions about sleeves, pockets, and other design details.

4. Decide on Your Branding

Now it’s time to decide on your branding for the shirts. This includes your logo, tagline, and color scheme. You’ll want to make sure that your branding is cohesive and looks good on the shirt.

5. Create Your Neck Label

The next step is to create a neck label for your garments. This is a small piece of fabric sewn into the back of the shirt near the neckline. It’s integral to private labeling because it’s where you’ll place your brand’s name and logo.

No idea how to make a neck label? Don’t stress, here are two super easy ways to take that task off your to-do list:

Use Our Free Templates

You can use our free neck label templates to design your own labels. To access them, register for a free account, log in, and head to the download page.

Then, download the template you like, add your branding, and send it to us. We’ll print them out and sew them into your shirts.

Try Our Done-For-You Neck Label Service

With our neck label service, we’ll design and print your labels for you. All you have to do is provide us with your branding requirements, and we’ll take care of the rest. Of course, you’ll get to review and approve the final design before anything is printed.

And the best part? Our done-for-you neck label service only costs $75. (Yes, we know it’s the deal of the century.)

6. Place Your Order

Once you’ve chosen your manufacturer and decided on your shirt’s details, you’re ready to place your order. You’ll need to provide your manufacturer with your branding materials, shirt specifications, and desired quantity.

At Scrappy Apparel, we pride ourselves on our Brand Building Process (BBP), which you will go through each time you place an order with us. This helps to ensure that your shirts are exactly what you want and that the process is as smooth as possible.

get your free quote

Get Your Quote

Once you submit your project through our “Get Your Quote” process, you will receive a detailed estimate within 24 business hours.

connect with scrappy sales rep

Connect with your Scrappy Sales Rep

Once you receive your quote, you will be connected to a Scrappy sales rep to finalize your project details.

pre-production layouts

Approve Your Pre-Production Layout(s)

After payment, you will receive pre-production layouts to confirm your print size, location, private labeling, etc.

sit and relax

Sit Back And Relax

After approval, your order will be scheduled for production. Ground shipping is FREE to your doorstep… early, on time, never late!

7. Receive Your Shirts

After your shirts are produced, they will be shipped to you from the manufacturer. Once you receive them, you can start selling them to your customers!

Now, let’s talk about turnaround times. Obviously, you have garments to sell, so you don’t want to wait 10 years for your shirts to arrive. But you also don’t want to sacrifice quality for speed.

At Scrappy Apparel, our turnaround times vary depending on the specific services you need, but our production speed is one of the fastest in the industry. Even better, our turnaround times are always accurate. You can count on your delivery to arrive when we say it will.

8. Start Selling Your Shirts!

You’ve made it to the final step: turning your t-shirts into profit!

There are many ways to sell your shirts, including setting up an online store, selling at trade shows and events, or working with retailers.

The best way to sell your shirts will depend on your specific business goals. But no matter how you choose to sell them, always remember to market your shirts effectively. After all, you want people to actually buy them!

Some effective marketing strategies include using social media, influencer marketing, and email marketing. You can also try giving away shirts for free or selling them at a discount to get people interested in your brand.

Bring Your Brand to Life With Our Private Labeling Service

Scrappy Apparel is your one-stop-shop for custom apparel and private labeling. We offer the highest quality materials at the best price possible to give you the most bang for your buck.

Our private labeling services allow you to put your brand on our shirts. This is an excellent way to make your shirts unique and stand out from the competition.

Our team of experts will also guide you through every step of the process, from ordering to delivery.

We’ll even consult you on design choices, branding, and marketing to give you everything you need to grow your t-shirt brand. Scrappy Apparel is not just a t-shirt printing company. We are a true partner in your success.

Still not convinced? Check out our portfolio and testimonials to see our work and what our satisfied customers have to say about their projects.

If you’re interested in private labeling your shirts, request a free quote from our team today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started.

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halloween

How Apparel Brands Capitalize on Halloween

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The spooky season is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity for brands in the apparel industry to capitalize on Halloween.

We know what you’re thinking… no, you don’t have to sell costumes. You can explore Halloween themes in your products and marketing campaigns without venturing into costume territory.

Even though it may seem like a niche holiday, Halloween offers a phenomenal opportunity for apparel brands to reach new customers and boost sales. A recent study by LendingTree showed that Millennials and Gen-Z plan to spend the most on Halloween this year.

Halloween is in four days, but we thought it would be fun to look at how apparel brands can take advantage of the holiday. You can implement these tips for next year. After all, Halloween 2023 will be here before we know it.


Why Halloween is a Scary Good Opportunity for Apparel Brands

Not sold on the spooky hype? Here are a few reasons why you should consider creating a Halloween-themed product line or marketing campaign:

Because It’s Fun!

Halloween is a time when people are more likely to take risks with their fashion choices. They’re also open to trying new things, which means they might be more receptive to your brand if they haven’t heard of it before.

It’s the perfect time to experiment with bolder designs, unusual color combinations, and edgier styling. This is your chance to break out of the mold and really show your customers what your brand is all about.

Halloween = Big Spending

Halloween means business. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, consumers spent $10.1 billion on Halloween in 2021. The projected spending for 2022 is $10.6 billion.

That’s a lot of money you’re leaving on the table if you decide not to get involved with Halloween. This holiday is only getting bigger and better for businesses.

It’s Not Just for Kids

When you think of Halloween, you probably think of little kids in costumes trick-or-treating. But the holiday has evolved over the years and now includes people of all ages.

Adults are just as likely to get into the spooky spirit. This means there’s a whole new market for you to tap into with your Halloween-themed offers.


6 Tips to Make the Most of the Spooky Season

halloween t-shirts

1. Use Spooky or Festive Themes Within Your Products

Consider creating special Halloween-themed designs or patterns that can be used on t-shirts or other apparel. Customers will be looking for festive clothing to wear during the Halloween season, so this is a great way to get your products noticed.

2. Get Festive With Your Packaging

If you sell online, consider using festive packaging during the Halloween season. For example, you could use black and orange wrapping paper or include Halloween stickers in each order. This will make your packages stand out and get customers excited about opening them.

halloween meme

3. Create Halloween-Themed Marketing Campaigns

While your potential customers are all thinking about Halloween, it’s the perfect time to launch marketing campaigns that tie into the holiday.

You could create social media ads with ominous imagery, run a contest with a Halloween-themed prize, or even partner with other brands on co-branded Halloween initiatives.

Want to tap into the Halloween spirit in more subtle ways? Use creepy fonts and dark colors in your ads. (And of course, don’t forget to include a call-to-action (CTA) that encourages customers to buy your products.)

People love when their favorite brands get into the Halloween spirit, so getting creative with your marketing during this time will pay off.

4. Offer Special Halloween Sales or Discounts

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are right around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you can’t offer special deals leading up to those big shopping holidays. Offering sales or discounts specifically for Halloween can be a great way to stand out from the competition.

For example, you could offer a percentage off all Halloween-themed items in your store, or free shipping on orders over a certain amount. If you want to go the extra mile, you could even create a Halloween-themed landing page on your website where customers can browse all of your spooky deals in one place.

Whatever you decide, make sure your offers are highly visible and easy to find on your website or app.

5. Get Involved in the Community

Halloween events are happening all over the country. Get involved in the ones happening near you. You could sponsor a local pumpkin carving contest or hand out candy at a trunk-or-treat event. (If you’re feeling really generous, you could give out t-shirts!)

Not only will this help get your brand name out there, but it’s also a great way to build relationships with potential customers in your community. And who knows, they may remember your brand the next time they go shopping.

6. Plan Ahead for Next Year

Finally, don’t forget to start planning for next year’s Halloween season. That way, you can hit the ground running and make the most of the holiday.

The manufacturing process can take weeks or months, depending on the products you sell, so it’s important to start working on your Halloween designs well in advance.

At Scrappy Apparel, we have some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry, but we always recommend starting the manufacturing process early to avoid any last-minute rush.

Here’s our recommended Halloween 2023 campaign timeline:

  • June 2023: Finalize products and order inventory
  • July/August 2023: Plan and prepare marketing campaigns
  • September 2023: Start promoting Halloween apparel
  • October 2023: Continue promoting and offer your best deals during this month
  • November 2023: Analyze results and plan for next year

Is Your Inventory Ready for the Holidays?

You can rely on Scrappy Apparel to get your inventory ready for the busiest shopping days of the year.

Whether you’re looking for retail-ready screen printing or a cut-and-sew program to bring your dream garment to life, we’re here to help. You’re welcome to check out some of our previous work, and our team will happily answer any questions you have.

The holidays are almost here, so don’t wait to begin your project!

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all over print shirts

How to Design and Manufacture All Over Print Shirts

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We’re willing to bet you have at least one all over print shirt in your closet.

You know the ones. They’re the shirts with the wacky, multi-colored designs that often feature pop culture references or current trends.

They’re loud, proud, and definitely not for everyone. But for those of us who like to make a statement with our clothing, all over printed shirts are the way to go. We’ve all seen them, and you may even own more than one. After all, they’re always in style.

If you’re dying to manufacture an all over print shirt for your clothing brand, you’re in the right place. At Scrappy Apparel, we specialize in producing all over print garments that look practically seamless.

What Are All Over Print Shirts?

All over print shirts are pretty much what they sound like – shirts with a design that covers the entire garment. The design is printed on the shirt’s front, back, and sleeves.

What Patterns Work Best For All Over Print Shirts?

Now that you know all about all over print shirts, it’s time to start thinking about designs. If you’re going to invest in an all over print shirt, you want to make sure you have a dope design that your customers will love.

Fortunately, there are a few patterns that work particularly well for all over print shirts. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Tie-dye: Tie-dye is a classic pattern that never goes out of style. Tie-dye all over print shirts are bold and fun, and they can be worn for various occasions.
  • Floral: Floral all over print shirts are perfect for spring and summer. They can be dressed up or down. You can make your floral shirt look feminine or tropical, depending on the vibe you’re going for.
  • Abstract: Abstract all over print shirts are perfect for those who want a more unique look. Abstract designs can be anything from geometric shapes to swirls and curves.
  • Animal print: Animal print all over print shirts are bold and attention-grabbing. They’re perfect for making a statement, and they can be worn for a variety of different occasions.
  • Solids: Solid all over print shirts are simple but effective. They’re perfect for those who want a more understated look.

If you use a pattern for your all over print design, we strongly suggest that you make it clear and easy to follow. You want your shirt to be eye-catching but not too busy or overwhelming.

seamless patternWhat is a Seamless Pattern?

A seamless pattern is a design that can be repeated over and over again without any visible seams. Think t-shirts, wallpaper, gift wrap, and other products… you’ve probably seen seamless patterns many times without even realizing it!

If you have no idea how to create a seamless pattern, don’t stress. We have a tutorial to share with you:

How To Successfully Create a Seamless Pattern

Creating a seamless all over print shirt design can seem challenging at first. But it’s not impossible, and with a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create unique all over print shirt designs that are sure to turn heads.

Here are a few tips for creating seamless all over print shirt patterns:

Use Adobe Illustrator or a Similar Vector Program.

Vector graphics are perfect for print shirts because they can be scaled up or down without losing quality. This means you can create a design that’s exactly the right size for your all over print shirt, and you won’t have to worry about the design being pixelated or blurry.

Use Bold, Bright Colors or High Contrast.

Patterned shirts are all about making a statement, so you want to use striking colors in your design. This will make your all over print shirt stand out, and it will ensure that your design is attention-grabbing.

If you’re not sure how to create contrast in your designs, we recommend consulting a color wheel. Colors that are on exact opposite ends of the color wheel have the highest possible contrast. These are called complementary colors.

Here’s a quick list of complementary colors for your reference:

  • Red and green
  • Orange and blue
  • Yellow and purple

You can also use black and white to create a stark contrast in your design.

When in Doubt, Keep Your Design Simple.

It’s important to remember that all over print shirts don’t have any breaks or seams, which means the design must be continuous. This means you should keep the design simple, so it’s easy to follow.

You’ll also want to consider how your design will look from a distance. If you want your artwork to stand out from several feet away, you should use a simple design, large elements, and high contrast.

Read Our Step-by-Step Tutorial.

If you decide to use Adobe Illustrator, we have a detailed tutorial that will show you exactly how to design all over print shirts in Illustrator. It has screenshots, so you can see exactly what to do.

Check out our seamless pattern tutorial.

How to Manufacture Your All Over Print Shirts

Once you’ve created your seamless pattern, it’s time to find a manufacturing partner who can successfully bring your artwork to life.

Not all custom apparel partners are created equal. You want to choose a company that will use the optimal printing techniques and inks for all over print garments. At Scrappy Apparel, our experts will be happy to help you make the best decision for your project based on your custom apparel goals.

We use a state-of-the-art printing process called all over sublimation printing, which allows us to add your design onto the garment’s front, back, and sleeves.

What to Know About All Over Sublimation Printing

If you want to print a seamless pattern or another all over design, sublimation is the printing technique we recommend.

Sublimation is a stellar printing technique. But like any process, it has benefits, drawbacks, and limitations.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:

Pros of Sublimation

Sublimation works well for complex designs. With sublimation, you can print any design, even if you have many colors or intricate details within the artwork.

Sublimated designs do not fade, crack, or peel. You’ll be impressed by the longevity of your garment when you choose all over sublimation printing.

Sublimation has a low minimum order quantity (MOQ). At Scrappy Apparel, sublimation has a low MOQ of only 24 pieces. Many of our other printing techniques have higher MOQs, so sublimation is a good option if you need a smaller number of shirts.

Sublimation is an ideal process for printing on polyester garments. If you love polyester, this technique is for you!

Our sublimation program is the best in the industry. We don’t sublimate on wholesale blanks. Instead, we use a cut-and-sew manufacturing process that provides more accurate design placement and higher quality garments overall. (We’ll share more about our sublimation program in a bit!)

Cons of Sublimation

Sublimation is not ideal for printing on cotton. The quality won’t be as good. Therefore, we strongly recommend using polyester fabric with all over sublimation printing.

Already excited to start manufacturing your all over print shirts? Grab your free quote, and our team will happily walk you through the process.

Speaking of processes…

How the BBP Streamlines the Production of All Over Print Shirts

BBP stands for Brand Building Process.

The BBP is our proprietary process that we use to streamline the custom apparel manufacturing process. To sum it up, the BBP makes your life easier and ensures that your order turns out exactly how you imagined it would.

Here’s how it works:

get your free quote

1. Get Your Free Quote

The first step is to get your custom apparel quote. In this step, we will collect your design file and iron out the basic details of your order so we can provide an accurate estimate. All orders include free shipping to your doorstep plus free folding and polybagging. Your garments will arrive retail ready.

connect with scrappy sales rep

2. Connect with your Scrappy Sales Rep

Once you’ve gotten your all over print shirt quote, you’ll meet your designated Scrappy Sales Rep. This is your point of contact throughout the entire manufacturing process. Your Scrappy Sales Rep will answer all your questions and coordinate the production of your order.

pre-production layouts

3. Approve Your Pre-Production Layout(s)

Based on the design you submit, we will create pre-production layouts that confirm the placement of your design on the garment. You will approve everything about your order before it goes into production, so there will be no surprises when you see the finished products.

sit and relax

4. Sit Back And Relax

After you review and approve your pre-production layout, your work is done, my friend. Now, you can relax and wait for your order to arrive on your doorstep. Our turnaround times are quick, so you won’t be waiting for very long.

It’s that simple! With the BBP, you can rest assured knowing that your all over print shirts will make your brand the star of the show.

Why Scrappy Apparel’s Sublimation Program is the Best in the Industry

Like we mentioned earlier, our all over sublimation printing process is unique. People say it’s important to prioritize “quality over quantity,” but you can have both with Scrappy Apparel.

How Our Sublimation Process Works

1. We cut the fabric into the necessary pieces to make the garment.

2. We use sublimation printing to add your design all over the exterior of each piece.

3. We sew the garment together for the perfect finish.

The result is a garment that looks picture-perfect. No misplaced elements. No blurry or fuzzy designs. No mistakes or lines that shouldn’t be there.

Why Choose Scrappy Apparel?

One thing that sets us apart from others in our industry is our commitment to our customers’ projects. We’re not just an apparel manufacturer. We’re a true partner that can help you scale your clothing brand. With over 16 years in the industry, our experts will help you make the best decisions for your project based on your goals, preferences, and budget.

Our Scrappy Sales Reps are passionate about custom apparel. Our customers frequently tell us that our team is a joy to work with, and it’s because we genuinely care about the success of the brands and businesses we partner with.

We know it can be difficult to find a reliable manufacturer. That’s why we created our BBP and customer-centric systems. We provide the best experience possible for our partners so they can focus on other areas of their business rather than worrying about manufacturing logistics.

When you work with us, you can rest assured that you won’t pay any hidden fees, your orders will always arrive on time, and you’ll have a custom apparel partner that can scale up with you as your brand grows.

We have robust manufacturing capabilities that can produce thousands of garments at once. So, when your brand goes viral on TikTok, you’ll already have the infrastructure in place to turn around the inventory you need to fulfill the orders that come in.

Finally, we source the highest-quality materials for the garments we produce. This is paramount. Nobody likes wearing a cheaply made, scratchy shirt. There are thousands of clothing brands in the U.S., so you must delight your customers at every opportunity to stand out in the competitive apparel market.

At Scrappy, we pride ourselves on offering our customers the best of the best.

Scrappy Apparel is the Right Choice for Your All Over Sublimation Project.

Ready to get your all over print shirts ASAP? We have great news. Our turnaround time for all over sublimation printing is only 20 to 25 business days. That means by next month, your shirts will be in your hands and ready to sell.

If you want to learn more about our processes and manufacturing capabilities, request a free quote from our team.

We are excited to begin your project!

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how t-shirts build brands

The Band T-Shirt Phenomenon: How Bands Make Money Selling T-Shirts

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T-shirts are a classic article of clothing. They are comfortable and versatile. They come in various styles to suit any taste. But there is one style of t-shirt that has been popular since the ’70s: the band t-shirt.

We know you’ve seen band t-shirts in almost every store now. We’re not surprised, either.

Band t-shirts are a way to show support for your favorite group, but they’re also big conversation pieces. Wearing a band t-shirt is an excellent way to meet new people who share your taste in music. You can dress a band t-shirt up or down depending on your mood and where you’re headed.

The band t-shirt phenomenon is more than just a fad. It can be a serious money maker for the artists who sell merch to their fans. For example, Slayer made over $10 million from merch during their farewell tour.

Let’s take a closer look at the origin of the band t-shirt and how artists from all genres sell t-shirts as an additional revenue stream.


How the Band T-Shirt Phenomenon Began

The band t-shirt is a long-honored tradition among music fans. Whether you’re rocking a shirt from your favorite band or wearing one to show your support for a new artist, there’s no denying the power of the band t-shirt. It’s wearable advertising.

Although the origins of the band t-shirt are not 100% clear, we believe the first band t-shirts emerged in the 1940s. The “bobby soxers,” or enthusiastic female music fans, wrote the names of their favorite musicians across their clothes and wore them with pride.

But the popularity of band t-shirts picked up in the early 1970s, with bands like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd leading the way. These shirts were simple, often featuring just the band’s logo or name.

As the years went on, band t-shirts became more and more elaborate. By the 1980s, shirts often adorned the band’s album artwork or tour dates.

Today, band t-shirts are more popular than ever. You can go on almost any band’s website and purchase merchandise to support them.


Strategies Bands Use For T-Shirt Success

Apparel is one of the most important tools in a band’s arsenal when building a brand. So, how do bands actually sell their merch after manufacturing it? Here are a few common strategies:

Release Limited Edition Items

Limited edition items are only available for a short time.

Why does this strategy work, you ask? It’s a good ol’ marketing tactic.

Limited edition items create a sense of need, urgency, and excitement around the release of new merchandise. They help build a community of fans eager to get their hands on the latest products.

Through word-of-mouth marketing and increased visibility from selling shirts, bands can reach new potential fans with their limited edition merch.

Strategic Partnerships

Another key strategy is to partner with well-known brands or designers to create co-branded merchandise. Strategic partnerships can help a band reach new audiences and tap into existing fanbases. For example, Metallica partnered with Netflix to release a line of Stranger Things t-shirts.

Finally, some bands choose to sell merchandise that is directly related to their music. This could include t-shirts with lyrics from their songs or hoodies with the album artwork on them. By selling these types of items, bands can connect their music to apparel and create a more immersive experience for fans.


metallica

How to Make a Successful Band T-Shirt

So, you want to create your own awesome band t-shirt?

It’s all about catching people’s attention and making a lasting impression. Here are some tips to get you started:

Consider your audience. Who will be wearing your shirts? Make sure the design appeals to your target demographic.

Choose an eye-catching design. Think about what will make your t-shirt stand out from the rest. A bold graphic or interesting typography can go a long way. Also, keep in mind the placement of your design. Some designs may not work well, depending on the arrangement.

Incorporate your band’s logo. This is an obvious one, but make sure that your band’s logo is prominently featured in the design. It’s a great way to get instant recognition.

Make sure the colors work well together. Unless rainbow is the vibe you’re going for, using fewer colors is often better. Choose a color palette that will work well together and make your design pop.

Use high-quality materials. Cheap materials will end up looking, well, cheap. Invest in suitable quality fabrics and printing techniques to ensure your t-shirt looks great after washing.

Hint: At Scrappy Apparel, we do all the legwork to source the best materials for you. That’s just one of the reasons why you should work with us!

Keep it simple. A busy design can be overwhelming and look like a hot mess. Instead, stick to a few simple elements for a clean and stylish look. This can also make the garment easier to wear for people.


Add T-Shirts to Your Brand Strategy

Are you feeling inspired after reading about how band t-shirts evolved throughout the years? Let’s talk about your brand now.

We have years of experience helping brands create custom apparel that takes their business to the next level. We offer our customers the best printing techniques and materials. You can be sure you’re getting your bang for your buck when you work with us.

Scrappy Apparel can help you make your custom t-shirt dreams come true. We are a fully online solution for t-shirt manufacturing. Our Brand Building Process (BBP) makes your ordering experience hassle-free and minimizes the margin of error.

You’ll review pre-production layouts before we begin manufacturing your apparel, so there won’t be any surprises when you receive your order.

Our team of experts will help you with each step, and we ship all orders free to the USA.

We promise perfection every time. Request your free quote, and we’ll get started on your project ASAP!

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clothing printing companies

How Clothing Printing Companies Help Brands Scale

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So you’re looking to scale your business, eh? Don’t really know where to start or which strategies would work the best for your apparel brand? As always, Scrappy is here to help with that.

We’re about to show you how working with a clothing printing company can help take your brand to the next level. Clothing printing companies specialize in, well, printing clothes! They can manufacture anything from t-shirts and hoodies to more complex items like hats.

What’s great about working with a clothing printing company is that they can help you produce high-quality products without breaking the bank. If you work with a versatile company, they’ll offer a variety of techniques, inks, and materials to create the exact product you envision.

Ready to learn more about how a clothing printing company can help take your brand to new heights? Before we talk about that, let’s take a look at the basics of scaling a brand.


Factors to Consider When Scaling an Apparel Brand

Even if your brand is the best of the best, there are still a number of factors you need to consider when scaling your apparel brand. After all, no two brands are the same. Every brand’s success story plays out differently.

Here’s what you should think about as you pave your brand’s path to success:

Size and Scope of the Brand

When scaling an apparel brand, it is important to consider the size and scope of the business. If you want to grow the brand rapidly, it may be necessary to expand into new markets or create new products. On the other hand, if your apparel brand is starting out small, it may be better to focus on a smaller market and develop a niche product line.

Market Research

It is also important to conduct market research when scaling an apparel brand. This will help you determine which products to develop and which markets to target.

Product Development

Once you’ve completed your market research, it is necessary to develop products that fit the needs of your target market. The product lineup should be well-planned for your apparel brand to succeed in a growing market.

Brand Identity and Messaging

As your apparel brand expands, it is crucial to maintain a consistent brand identity and message. Your brand image should remain consistent across all channels, including your social media, website, and marketing materials.


apparel manufacturing

An Overview of Apparel Manufacturing Options

There are two main ways you can manufacture your apparel:

  • Manufacturing In-House: You can keep your entire design and manufacturing process in-house. This gives you complete control over every aspect of production.
  • Working With a Custom Apparel Partner: You can delegate some or all of the manufacturing process to a third-party vendor. This can be a more cost-effective option, but it can also mean giving up some control over quality and timelines.

From a scalability standpoint, it’s often easier to manufacture with a partner. They will have access to higher-volume production capabilities and can handle the increased demand as your business grows.

We’ll talk more about scaling in a minute. First, let’s take a closer look at how each manufacturing approach works.


What it Looks Like to Manufacture Garments In-House

In-house manufacturing is a process of creating products within the confines of a company’s facilities. By taking this approach, companies can control the entire manufacturing process from start to finish.

Sounds awesome, right? Well, in-house manufacturing comes with a few challenges.

Managing the entire manufacturing process in-house can be daunting for an apparel brand. There are many moving parts—from sourcing materials to designing garments to overseeing production—that need to come together seamlessly for things to run smoothly. And if you’re running an in-house manufacturing operation, it’s your job to manage all of it.

Sourcing materials is one of the most important aspects of manufacturing apparel in-house. You need to make sure you’re using high-quality materials that will withstand the rigors of production and wear and tear. But you also need to source these materials at a reasonable price so you can stay profitable. This can be a tricky balance to strike, but it’s crucial for success.

Designing garments is another key component of in-house manufacturing. You need to make sure your designs are stylish and on-trend, but also practical and easy to produce. This can be a challenge, but it’s important to get it right if you want your garments to be successful.

Once you’ve got your materials and designs sorted, it’s time to start production! This is where things can really start to get overwhelming. There are a lot of moving parts in managing production, and it can be tough to keep track of everything.

Pros and Cons of Handling Manufacturing In-House

Now that you know a bit more about what goes into manufacturing garments in-house, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of this approach.

Pros

  • You have complete control over the manufacturing process.
  • You can ensure high-quality standards are met.
  • You can respond quickly to changes and trends.

Cons

  • The manufacturing process will dominate your to-do list.
  • It can be expensive to set up an in-house operation.
  • It can be challenging to source materials and manage production.

Overall, there are both pros and cons to manufacturing garments in-house. It’s important to weigh these carefully before making a decision about whether or not this is the right approach for your business.


What It’s Like to Work With a Custom Apparel Manufacturer

Working with a custom apparel manufacturer can be an excellent way to get high-quality garments made without managing the entire manufacturing process yourself.

When you work with a custom apparel manufacturer, you’ll typically send them your designs, and they’ll produce the garments for you. This can be a great option if you don’t have the time or resources to manage production yourself.

Especially if you are new to the apparel industry, working with a custom apparel manufacturer can be a great way to get your feet wet and learn the ropes. They can help you with everything from sourcing materials to managing production.

One of the main benefits of working with a custom apparel manufacturer is that you can focus on other aspects of your business, like marketing and sales. You don’t have to worry about the day-to-day details of manufacturing, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming.

Pros and Cons of Working With a Custom Apparel Manufacturer

Here are the pros and cons of this approach:

Pros

  • You don’t have to manage the manufacturing process yourself.
  • You can focus on other aspects of your business.
  • Your partner can help you with everything from sourcing materials to managing production.

Cons

  • You have less control over the manufacturing process.
  • Your timelines may be less flexible.
  • It can be challenging to find a reputable and reliable manufacturer.

Working with a custom apparel manufacturer can be the right option for businesses that want high-quality garments without having to manage the entire manufacturing process themselves. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are some downsides to this approach, including less control over production and timelines.


Want to Scale? Here’s Why Working With a Clothing Printing Company is the Best Decision You Can Make.

As your business grows, you’ll need to figure out how to scale your production. Working with a clothing printing company can give you massive potential to scale.

Here’s how working with a custom apparel partner will help you scale to new heights:

You’ll Have Access to State-of-the-Art Equipment.

As thousands of orders come in, you’ll need to upgrade your equipment to keep up with demand. The resources of a little print shop won’t cut it anymore. But don’t worry—when you partner with a custom apparel company, they’ll have the latest and greatest printing technology to ensure your garments are produced quickly and efficiently.

You’ll Be Able to Streamline Your Workflow.

You’ll need to refine your processes to keep up with demand. A clothing printing company can help you do this by managing the production process from start to finish. This way, you can focus on other aspects of your business.

You’ll Get Access to Industry Experts Who Can Help You.

Especially if you’re new to the industry, you’ll need all the help you can get as you scale. Fortunately, when you work with the right partner, you’ll get access to a team of experts who can advise you on everything from marketing to product development.

Scaling your business is a big undertaking, but working with the right partner can make it a lot easier. When you work with a clothing printing company, you’ll have access to all the resources you need to take your business to the next level.


What It’s Like to Partner With Scrappy Apparel

Working with us is like being in custom apparel heaven. We have everything you need to make your apparel dreams come true.

Sure, we have the latest technology, streamlined processes, and a team of experts who can help you, but that’s not all.

Here’s what really sets us apart from all the other apparel manufacturers out there:

Working With Us is Like Having Your Own In-House Apparel Department.

Our incredible customer service team will make you feel like you’re our only customer. We’ll do everything in our power to help you succeed. Our experts will answer all your questions, provide helpful advice, and make sure your manufacturing experience is as smooth as possible.

Better yet, we’ll become an extension of your team. We’ll get to know your company’s culture and values, so we can help you create garments that perfectly represent your brand.

We’re not just another clothing printing company—we’re your partner in custom apparel success.

We Have the Resources to Scale Your Brand to Infinity and Beyond.

We have the resources to handle massive orders. We’re talking thousands of garments at once. Whether you have a big event coming up or you’re launching a new product line, we can handle it without breaking a sweat.

We Do All the Work to Source Materials and Develop Garment Patterns for You.

So you don’t have to lift a finger, we take care of sourcing materials and developing garment patterns for you. We have a team of experts who are passionate about finding the best fabrics and creating garments that look great and fit perfectly.

You Approve Everything Before We Go Into Production.

Before we start production, we’ll send you pre-production layouts to review and approve so there are no surprises when you receive your order. We won’t move forward with production until you’re 100% happy with what you see.

We Have a Fast Turnaround Time.

We know you need your garments ASAP, so we work quickly to get your order out the door. We always deliver early or on time… never, ever late!

You’re Working With a Partner, Not Just a Manufacturer.

You’re not just working with another manufacturer when you work with us. You’re partnering with a team that is passionate about helping you grow your business. We’ll be there to support you every step of the way.

We Have a Badass Private Labeling Program.

If you’re looking to take your brand to the next level, our private labeling program is for you. Your garments will have your brand name, logo, and hangtags. We can even help you design your labels if you need it.

We’re a Brand That’s Built on Scrappy Entrepreneurship.

We know what it’s like to start from scratch and build a brand from the ground up. We’re passionate about helping other entrepreneurs succeed.

As you can see, Scrappy Apparel will give you everything you need to scale your brand and elevate it to the next level. We’ve been in the game for over 16 years, and we know what it takes to succeed.


screen printing

Ready To Partner With Us and Scale Your Brand?

Our team is eager to begin your project. Let’s get to work:

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Is Your Store Ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

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We’ve finally reached that time of year. The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisp, and everyone’s favorite shopping holiday is just around the corner. That’s right, folks. Black Friday is almost here!

The holy trinity for companies is Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and a killer marketing strategy. If you prepare well enough for this time of year, your sales will reflect your efforts.

But how do you properly prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM)? How can you go above and beyond to be better than your competition?

You’re lucky to be here, my friends. We’re here to share all of our preparation secrets on how to develop your company’s strategy for BFCM success.


The History Behind BFCM

Black Friday started in Philadelphia in the 1950s. At that time, people used the term to describe the heavy traffic and congestion that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. Over time, the name became associated with bargain shopping and big sales.

Cyber Monday was created in 2005 by the National Retail Federation. The term encouraged people to shop online for holiday gifts. Cyber Monday has become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year.


How to Prepare for Black Friday

Even though Black Friday offers massive potential for apparel brands, it can also be a hectic and stressful time. But don’t worry! Our team at Scrappy Apparel is here to help.

Here are a few useful tips on how to prepare for Black Friday so you can make the most of the holiday rush:

Get Your Inventory Ready

This one is crucial. Make sure there is enough of every product available to meet customer demand. You don’t want to disappoint customers by selling out of their favorite items too quickly.

Train Your Staff

Your employees will be the face of your business on Black Friday, so it’s important to make sure they’re prepared. Train them on how to handle customer inquiries, complaints, and transactions. And if you can, bring in some extra staff to help with the increased traffic.

Promote, Promote, Promote

Promote your Black Friday deals early and often. The key to success is always starting early. Use social media, email marketing, and even good old-fashioned flyers and posters to let people know what you’ve got going on. The more people know about possible savings, the better your results will be.

Get Your Systems in Order

Make sure your point-of-sale system is up and running smoothly and that your employees know how to use it. You don’t want any hiccups on Black Friday, so take care of this ahead of time. Offer additional support to seasonal employees who might not be as experienced as your year-round staff.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Things can and will always go wrong, no matter how well you plan. It’s vital to have a backup plan for power outages, website crashes, or any other unforeseen issues that could arise. By being prepared, you can minimize the impact of any problems that may arise and keep your business running smoothly.


How to Prepare for Cyber Monday

As a business owner, you know that preparing for Cyber Monday can be a bit of a daunting task. There’s so much to do and so little time!

Here are a few of our top tips for preparing your business for Cyber Monday:

Plan Ahead

Cyber Monday is a very busy shopping day, so it’s essential to plan ahead. First, test your site’s performance to make sure it can handle the influx of visitors on Cyber Monday. If your site isn’t built to manage heavy traffic, it could crash (and that would be a disaster!) Also, double-check that your inventory is well-stocked.

Get Your Marketing Strategy Going

Have a solid marketing plan available to ensure that you’re reaching your target audience. You’ll also want to ensure you have a solid plan for promoting your deals and driving traffic to your website on Cyber Monday.

Make Sure Your Fulfillment is Ready

Cyber Monday is a big day for online retailers when it comes to shipping. If you aren’t equipped with enough staff or resources to handle the increased volume of orders, you could end up with some upset customers.

Offer Daring Discounts + Deals

People love a daring deal, so offer discounts and deals on your products and services. This will help entice people to shop with you on Cyber Monday. Just be sure that your discounts are actually good deals, or you’ll risk losing customers to your competitors.

Promote Your Business

Use social media, email marketing, and all other marketing channels to promote your business and let people know about your Cyber Monday deals. Make sure your marketing is clear. You want it to highlight the best aspects of your business.

Make Sure Your Customer Service Team is On Point

With all of the traffic and activity on your website, you’re bound to get some customer service inquiries. You’ll want to ensure your team is ready and available to help customers with any questions or concerns they may have on Cyber Monday. Be prepared with a team of people who can handle these inquiries quickly and efficiently.

Have Plan B and Plan C Ready to Go

Things happen. And sometimes, these things are beyond your control. That’s why it’s always good to have a backup plan (or two). Then, if something does go wrong, you’ll be ready to move on to the next plan.


black friday cyber monday

Want More BFCM Tips?

Download our free guide to make this your best BFCM weekend yet! Learn how to:

  • Set BFCM Goals
  • Know the Psychology Behind BFCM Shopping
  • Assess Your Inventory
  • Plan Your Promotions
  • Create a BFCM Marketing Plan
  • Personalize Your Campaign Messaging
  • Audit Your Website
  • Make Sure Your BFCM Deal is Front and Center
  • Optimize Your Product Pages
  • Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly
  • Prep Your Customer Service Team


Need Inventory for BFCM?

We can help! At Scrappy Apparel, we offer lightning-quick turnaround times that never miss the mark. If you order now, your inventory will be ready to go for the BFCM rush. Let’s begin your project:

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custom screen printed t-shirts

8 Ways to Sell Custom Screen Printed T-Shirts

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As a custom apparel manufacturer, one question we often hear is, “Can you make money from selling t-shirts?” The answer is a resounding “YES!”

T-shirts are always in style. They are comfortable and affordable. They’re also a great way to show off your personality. People from all walks of life love ’em!

If you decide to start selling t-shirts, you can earn a small profit off each unit you sell. If you sell thousands of units, you can make a very sizable income.

But where (and how) will you sell these shirts after you manufacture them? Today, we’re going to look at eight different sales channels that have been proven to be effective for selling custom screen printed t-shirts.

Check these out:

1. Sell Though Your Own Ecommerce Store

Online retail is one of the most popular ways to sell t-shirts. You can set up your own ecommerce store using a platform like Shopify or WooCommerce. Then, you can customize your website to match your brand and start selling t-shirts in no time.

Running your own ecommerce store gives you complete control over your brand, pricing, and marketing. It’s also relatively easy to get started and doesn’t require a large investment. Many ecommerce platforms offer very affordable plans, and the other costs of starting an online store (like hosting, domain names, etc.) are relatively low as well.

The downside of selling online is that you’ll have to invest time and money into driving traffic to your store. You’ll need an A1 marketing game plan. You’ll also need to handle shipping and customer service.

But if you can master online marketing and offer excellent customer service, selling t-shirts through your own store can be extremely profitable.

2. Sell on a Third-Party Marketplace

If you don’t want to deal with setting up and maintaining your own ecommerce store, you can sell your t-shirts on a third-party marketplace like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy.

Online marketplaces often have user-friendly processes for setting up online stores and selling apparel. They also drive a lot of traffic to their sites, so you’ll get exposure to new potential customers. Marketplace algorithms are designed to showcase products that are selling well, so if your t-shirts start taking off, you could get a nice boost in traffic (and sales!)

One of the main benefits of selling on a marketplace is that you don’t have to worry (as much) about driving traffic to your store. The marketplace will help you gain exposure for your products. However, you may need to have your own marketing strategy to take your sales to the next level.

The marketplace will handle customer service and shipping, which will free you up to focus on other areas of your business. If you’re an artist at heart, or just don’t want to deal with the hassles of owning an online store, selling on a marketplace could be a great option for you.

But here’s the catch: you’ll have to pay fees to the marketplace for each sale you make. These fees can cut into your profits, so be sure to factor them in when you’re setting your prices.

P.S. Each marketplace is different, so make sure you read each one’s fee structure carefully!

3. Sell at Local Events

Local events are a great way to sell t-shirts and connect with potential customers in your community. You can sell at farmer’s markets, craft fairs, music festivals, and more.

One of the awesome aspects of selling at local events is that you can meet your customers face-to-face. This is a great opportunity to get feedback about your products and build relationships with customers. Make sure you have a stack of business cards ready to hand out to your new connections!

You’ll need to factor in the cost of renting a booth or table at the event. And depending on the size and location of the event, you may need to pay for travel and lodging expenses as well. But if you choose your events wisely, selling at them can be a smart way to attract new customers and grow your business.

The right event will have attendees who match your target customer demographic. Do your research to make sure you’re selling at events that will attract your ideal buyer.

4. Sell to Local Retailers

Selling to local retailers is another option for selling your t-shirts. You could approach brick-and-mortar stores in your area and see if they’re interested in carrying your line. Or you could contact online retailers that sell products similar to yours.

But why work with local retailers? Because they can do the marketing for you. When customers walk into their store or browse their website, your t-shirts will be right there in front of them. And if the retailer has a good reputation, customers will trust their judgment and be more likely to buy from them.

Of course, selling to retailers means giving up some control over your brand. And you’ll need to be comfortable with the fact that your products will be marked up so the retailer can make a profit. But if you choose the right retailers, selling to them could be a great way to grow your business.

5. Sell Through a Distributor

If you’re interested in selling your t-shirts to retailers but don’t want to deal with the hassle of marketing and selling to them yourself, you can work with a distributor. A distributor is a middleman who will market and sell your products to retailers on your behalf.

Selling t-shirts through a distributor can be a great way to get your products in front of more potential customers. And since they’re the ones doing the selling, you won’t have to worry about building relationships with retailers or haggling over price.

However, you will have to give up a percentage of each sale to the distributor. And there’s always the risk that they won’t do an excellent job marketing and selling your products. If you go this route, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable distributor.

So, how do you connect with distributors, anyway? Start by searching online for t-shirt distributors in your area. You can also attend trade shows and other events where distributors are likely to be in attendance. Once you’ve found a few possibilities, reach out and introduce yourself.

6. Sell Wholesale

Another option for selling your t-shirts is to sell them wholesale. This means selling them in bulk to retailers, businesses, or other customers who want to buy them in large quantities.

You can find wholesale customers by searching online or networking with other businesses in your industry. Once you’ve found a potential buyer, you’ll need to negotiate a price and delivery date.

Selling wholesale can be a great way to increase your sales and reach new customers. Since you’ll be selling in bulk, you’ll usually get a discount on the shirts themselves.

However, selling wholesale requires that you have enough inventory on hand to meet the demands of your customers. And you’ll need to find a way to store and ship your products safely and securely. If you’re not careful, selling wholesale can quickly become a logistical nightmare. If you’re prepared for it, it can be an excellent way to grow your business.

7. Sell on Social Media

With social media platforms integrating shopping features into their platforms, selling on social media has become easier than ever. For example, you can set up a shop on Instagram and start selling your t-shirts to your followers.

People already use social media to discover new products. If you have an apparel brand, it’s a natural fit to sell your products on social media. You can use social media to promote your brand and reach new customers who might not find you otherwise.

Plus, selling on social media is usually free or very low cost. And you can set up a shop in just a few minutes. If you’re not already selling on social media, it’s definitely worth considering.

8. Sell in Your Own Brick-And-Mortar Store

If you have the space and the resources, selling in your own brick-and-mortar store is a great option. This way, you’ll have complete control over your brand and how your products are presented to customers.

Of course, opening a physical store requires a significant investment of time and money. You’ll need to find a good location, build out your space, and stock it with inventory. You’ll need to hire staff and deal with the day-to-day logistics of running a store.

Running a store is a full-time job. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. But if you’re up for the challenge, selling in your own brick-and-mortar store can be a great way to grow your business.

screen printing

How to Make Your Sales Channels Work Together

Now that you know all the different ways you can sell your t-shirts, it’s time to start considering how to integrate them.

The key is to create a sales strategy that takes advantage of the strengths of each channel while mitigating the weaknesses. For example, if you’re selling online, you might use social media to drive traffic to your website. Or if you’re selling wholesale, you could use your brick-and-mortar store as a way to showcase your products to potential buyers.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The best sales strategy for you will depend on your specific business and goals. But there are a few general tips you can follow to make sure your sales channels work together effectively.

Keep Your Branding Consistent

When customers see your t-shirts in different places, you want them to instantly recognize that it’s your product. That means keeping your branding consistent across all your sales channels.

Use the same logo, colors, fonts, and style across all your channels. This way, people will instantly recognize your brand no matter where they see it.

Promote Your Other Sales Channels

Don’t be afraid to promote your other sales channels to customers. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, make sure you mention it on your website. And if you’re selling online, let people know they can also find your products in stores.

The more places people can buy your t-shirts, the better. Promote all your channels and make it easy for customers to buy from you no matter where they are.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology can help you manage your inventory, track your sales, and automate some of the more tedious parts of running a business. There are lots of great tools out there to help you streamline your operations.

For example, if you’re selling online and in stores, you’ll need a way to keep your inventory updated in both places. You don’t want to oversell or undersell your products. Look for a inventory management system that can help you keep track of your inventory in real-time, no matter where it’s located.

Focus on the Customer Experience

At the end of the day, it’s all about the customer. No matter what sales channels you’re using, make sure you’re focused on providing the best possible customer experience.

Your goal should be to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for people to buy your t-shirts. If you can do that, you’ll be well on your way to success.

Need Shirts to Sell? Work With Scrappy Apparel!

At Scrappy Apparel, we specialize in custom t-shirt printing. We are an online custom apparel manufacturer that offers free shipping on all orders, fast turnaround times, and no hidden fees.

To us, custom apparel is an art. We use the latest printing technology and luxury-level materials to produce custom t-shirts that are truly one-of-a-kind. Our team of skilled apparel experts will work with you to bring your vision to life.

If you’re looking for a partner to help you grow your t-shirt business, we’d love to work with you.

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vintage t-shirt

How Vintage T-Shirts Became a Status Symbol

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Vintage shirts have come a long way in the past few years. They’ve gone from being tossed into the donation pile to being scavenged at thrift stores and resold for triple the price. The wild part is that people are dying to pay that price tag to get their hands on a vintage tee.

So, what caused this rise in popularity?

Who brought vintage t-shirts back in style, and how did they become trendy again?

There’s just something about a vintage t-shirt that is the epitome of cool. It could be because it’s been around for decades and has a bit of history behind it. (Some vintage tees could be older than you or me!)

Maybe vintage shirts are cool because they’re the physical embodiment of pop culture history. Whatever the reason, vintage t-shirts are definitely having a moment in the fashion world.

We’re going to investigate this new craze for vintage t-shirts and see how they became a status symbol.


The History of Vintage T-Shirts

Buckle up because this is one fascinating story.

The first t-shirts were created in the early 1900s. They were initially designed as undershirts to layer underneath other clothing.

T-shirts gained popularity in the 1920s when they transitioned into standalone clothing items. They became prevalent during the Great Depression since they were cheap, easy to wear, and could keep people warm.

During the 1950s, t-shirts became a symbol of teenage rebellion. Icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando wore them frequently. T-shirts became even more popular in the 1960s when the hippie movement adopted them.

But in the ’70s, t-shirts reached sky-high popularity. From rock stars to movie stars, celebrities made t-shirts a fashion staple.


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How Did Vintage T-Shirts Rise Back Into Popularity?

Fast forward to 2022.

Vintage t-shirts are all the rage these days. But how did they make such a comeback?

The vintage tee comeback started in the early 2000s when celebrities like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake started rocking them on… you guessed it! The red carpet.

This sparked a renewed interest in vintage fashion and, of course, vintage t-shirts. Today, fashionistas and celebrities alike covet vintage t-shirts. They offer a unique style you can’t find in today’s mass-produced fashion. Because they’re from a different era, they have a certain cool factor that is very appealing.

It’s also because people are now more interested in wearing clothes with a story behind them. Vintage t-shirts often have cool retro designs or logos, which can be a great way to show your personality or make a statement.

And we can’t forget about social media. Vintage t-shirts are easy to wear, and the exclusivity of an authentic vintage piece is sure to get people talking online. With the rise of fashion trends like sneakers and streetwear on our favorite social media platforms, vintage t-shirts have become a staple in people’s closets.


How Does Fast Fashion Relate to This?

Simply put, fast fashion is a term used to describe clothing that is quickly manufactured to replicate current fashion trends. Then, the clothing items are often quickly disposed of to make way for the next trend.

At first, this might sound like a good thing. Who doesn’t love a new wardrobe every season? But the reality is that fast fashion has a devastating effect on our environment. Younger generations are especially aware of the impact of fast fashion on our planet.

(BTW, you can check out our blog to learn more about best practices for eco-friendly t-shirt printing and the different options we offer at Scrappy Apparel to help you reduce your footprint.)

Vintage t-shirts are the perfect way to combat fast fashion. While fast fashion brands churn out new collections at lightning speed, vintage t-shirt lovers take their time to find that one perfect shirt. And when they do find it, they wear it with pride, knowing that it’s unique and has a story.

Vintage t-shirts are also more sustainable than fast fashion. Because they’re made of higher quality materials and built to last, vintage t-shirts don’t end up in a landfill as quickly as their fast fashion counterparts. So when you wear a vintage t-shirt, you can feel good knowing that you’re helping the environment.


How to Take Advantage of Vintage T-Shirt Popularity

It isn’t an easy thing to get your hands on vintage t-shirts without having to pay much more to a reseller. However, what if we shared a way you could make custom shirts with the same vintage appeal?

If you’re looking for a vintage-style t-shirt, discharge screen printing is the way to go. This printing method gives t-shirts an old-school look and can replicate the appearance of a vintage or retro shirt with the right design.

About Discharge Screen Printing

Discharge screen printing removes color from the fabric of the shirt itself rather than adding ink on top of the fabric like traditional screen printing.

This method is often used on dark garments because it is very effective at lightening dark fabrics.

For example, if you wanted to print a white design on a black t-shirt, you could use discharge screen printing to remove the black color from the areas where you want your design to be printed.

Boom. The result is a vintage-looking t-shirt with your design printed on it.


Vintage-Style T-Shirts the Scrappy Way

Hit us up if you want to amp up your inventory with some vintage-style t-shirts! With over 16 years in the apparel industry, we can help you make the right decisions for your project based on your custom apparel goals.

On top of that, we offer:

  • Free shipping on all orders
  • Free folding and polybagging with all orders
  • An awesome private labeling program
  • A variety of printing techniques, inks, and fabrics to choose from
  • A responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable customer support team

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