If you’re interested in how to start a screen printing business, you’re entering a field that’s gained a lot of traction in the past few years. Customers love getting items like white T-shirts or wholesale hoodies screen printed with their favorite pop art, symbols and personalized content. Whether it’s for proud parents or to celebrate school spirit, we break down how to get your screen printing business off the ground!

Source: Andrey_Popov/shutterstock.com

Complete Your Order Fulfillment With Our White T-Shirts

Is It Hard to Start a Screen Printing Business?

Starting a screen printing business can seem challenging at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s simply a matter of staying on track. In general, there are three main steps to starting your own screen printing business: researching and planning your company, finding a location and hiring employees. Preparing yourself for these challenges is the most important step when it comes to launching any new business venture. You need to have realistic expectations and be ready to face challenges head-on.

Do Your Due Diligence with Research and Planning

When you start a screen printing business, research and planning are two very important steps.

To start your research, think about what type of screen printing business you want to start. For example, if you want to focus on T-shirt printing, you can decide if you want to print full-color graphics on one side of a shirt or full-bleed graphics that cover both sides.

Because you can print on many different types of materials with screen printing, you should think about how many options you want to start with for your business. Think about the quality of the materials that you want to focus on and how much the costs for those materials will affect your bottom line.

Once you get your research and planning out of the way, you’ll be able to dig into how much the business is going to cost you.

Load up on Our Wholesale Hoodies

Prep Your Finances

Screen printing takes lots of upfront capital because you usually need to buy the equipment before you start making money. You’ll need to hire employees if you want to scale your business quickly, so you’ll want to save up as much money as possible beforehand in order to hire them. You can’t wait until you turn a profit to pay the people who are helping you recognize your dreams!

You’ll also need to set up your insurance to cover expenses in case of worker injuries. It may take a while before you turn a profit, so you need to be able to know that you can cover your expenses until then. You can use online tools, such as the various start-up cost calculators, to get an idea of the costs associated with starting a business.

Source: Jirapong Manustrong/shutterstock.com

Choose a Location

When you start a business, you’ll want to find a location where you can easily conduct your business. When settling on your location, keep the following tips in mind:

• A space large enough to store all your equipment, bulk T-shirts supply, hoodies and anything else you need to store.
• Have plenty of room for employees to work and move about.
• A place where you can receive shipments of printed items.
• Because you’ll be working with chemicals and other dangerous materials, you’ll need a well-ventilated space.
• Find a good shipping company that can help you keep costs low if you’re going to be shipping to customers worldwide or globally.

Hire Employees

When you are ready to scale your business, you’ll need to hire employees. Before you hire anyone, you and your business partners must determine clear tasks for each new hire. For example, if you want to focus on printing custom bags and promotional items for businesses, you may want to hire employees to help with the printing and shipping process while hiring others to focus on the actual printing.

Source: NDAB Creativity/shutterstock.com

Now You’re Ready to Get Started

Figuring out how to start a screen printing business will take some time, but it can be a lucrative business if you do your prep work ahead of time. Whatever your plan, the Adair Group is ready with what you need to get the process going!

The post How to Start a Screen Printing Business first appeared on The Adair Group.

The humble t-shirt can be found in just about every person’s wardrobe. It’s the ultimate clothing staple, and when it comes to versatility, nothing else can compare. A t-shirt can be worn on its own or as a base layer. It can be dressed up or dressed down, and the list goes on and on.

Though tees are simple garments, they are not all created equally. They come in a vast assortment of sizes, colors, and styles, and they can also be made from many different materials. Keep in mind, too, that different manufacturers employ different techniques when making shirts.

Because there are so many variables, finding t-shirts that offer the perfect blend of comfort, style, and durability can be tricky. Whether you are shopping for shirts to add to your own personal wardrobe or looking for ones that you can customize and sell at your retail establishment, quality is important. If you don’t know exactly what you are looking for, though, actually identifying a high-quality garment can be challenging.

The good news?

Finding quality t-shirts doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it’s quite easy once you know what to look for. So, what makes a good quality t-shirt? We’ll explain in this buying guide. Let’s get started.

Use

Before you start shopping for the perfect t-shirts, you need to determine what “perfect” means to you. If you are looking for simple tees to layer underneath your work uniform, your idea of “perfect” may vary significantly from the needs of someone who is looking to choose high-quality t-shirts for screen printing.

Spend some time thinking about how you will be using your t-shirts. If you are shopping for yourself or your family, this should be relatively easy. If you are shopping for products to customize and sell, though, there are additional factors to take into consideration. In addition to thinking about how you will use the shirts (for screen printing, embroidery, etc.), you need to consider how your customers will use them. You may have different requirements if you plan on screen printing shirts for your own fashion brand than if you are screen printing tops for sports teams, volunteer groups, etc.

Determining how the shirts will be used will ultimately make it much easier to determine which features will be most important to you in a high-quality t-shirt.

Material

The material is, of course, the foundation of any garment. If you buy a t-shirt that is made from poor quality fabric, it’s going to be uncomfortable, fall apart after just a few washes, or otherwise not live up to your demands or expectations.

Cotton is widely considered one of the best options for t-shirts because it is soft, breathable, and durable. If you are shopping for shirts that you hope will become your (or your customer’s) favorites, you can’t go wrong with cotton. Ringspun cotton comes with a slightly higher price tag, but it is the softest of the soft and is a favorite in the fashion world.

Synthetic fibers – like polyester – may be a good option, too, depending on your needs. While polyester doesn’t breathe like cotton, it does an exceptional job of wicking moisture away from your skin that allows it to evaporate quickly. For this reason, it is a common choice for t-shirts worn during vigorous physical activity. Another great thing about polyester is that it doesn’t wrinkle as cotton does. This makes it easy to care for and great for travel since you don’t have to worry about ironing.

If you are looking for t-shirts that offer maximum versatility and the best features of both natural and synthetic fibers, consider shopping for cotton-polyester blend tees. Cotton-poly blend fabric is, as the name suggests, composed of both cotton and polyester. It combines the softness and comfort of cotton with the moisture-wicking and anti-wrinkle capabilities of polyester and is a perfect option when you are looking for quality, comfort, convenience, and durability.

For additional information about the various materials that are commonly used to make tees, check out our t-shirt fabric guide.

Construction

You can learn a lot about the quality of shirts based on our guide to t-shirt fabric and the information listed above. While the material used does play a huge role in the overall quality of a t-shirt, it certainly isn’t the only factor you need to take into consideration. How the fabric is put together to form a t-shirt is important, too.

T-shirts with poor construction may not fit properly, or they may not be able to withstand regular use. There are a few specific things to look out for when it comes to assessing the overall construction quality of a t-shirt.

For starters, take a close look at the seams. The fabric around them should be smooth – not puckered or gathered. If there is puckering, then there is too much tension on the stitches. In addition to creating an undesirable appearance, stitches with too much tension are likely to break during normal wear.

Also, pay attention to the positioning of the seams. Shoulder and side seams should be straight and shouldn’t move forward or drop. Incorrect positioning affects fit and drape and can make garments uncomfortable to wear.

Lastly, examine the raw edges. A high-quality tee will have a neat finish on both the inside and the outside. Raw edges should be fully covered, and all seams should be overlocked. If they aren’t, the edges may begin to fray after just a few washes.

Color

When you purchase wholesale t-shirts, you might assume that all of the shirts you buy will be the exact same color. That isn’t always true, though, especially if you choose brands that don’t prioritize quality. The fabric used to make t-shirts comes in massive rolls, and sometimes, there can be hue variations. In addition, different dye lots can result in rolls of fabric not all being identical in color. Most higher-end brands – like Hanes and Fruit of the Loom – strive to keep their colors consistent. If you choose a lower-quality brand, though, you may end up with tees that are not all the same color.

If you are shopping for t-shirts online and need a specific color to be precise, it’s best to avoid factory seconds. Irregulars are usually safe, though, as they only have minor issues that are often not even detectable by the human eye. When you are shopping for shirts in person, make sure the sleeves match the bodies of the shirts, and make sure they are all identical. Also, pay close attention to details like ribbing, where color control tends to be especially difficult.

Brand

We touched a bit on the importance of choosing a high-quality brand in the last section, but we’d like to dive a bit deeper into why choosing the right brand is important. When it comes to t-shirts, the brand is much more than just a name. In many cases, it is the difference between a high-quality t-shirt that you and/or your customers will love and one that will get shoved to the back of your closet, gather dust on a store shelf, or fall apart quickly after purchase.

When you choose short sleeve t-shirts from a brand like Gildan, Anvil, Rabbit Skins, etc., you are buying from a company that is committed to quality and customer satisfaction. These industry-leading brands have perfected the art of creating wardrobe basics that are stylish, comfortable, durable, and affordable, so you can rest assured knowing that the products you buy from them will meet your needs and expectations.

Keep in mind, too, that buying from trusted brands is also an ethical choice. Most – if not all – of the leading brands have embraced social and environmental responsibility initiatives. They are committed to doing their part to reduce their harmful impact on the environment, ensure safe and fair work environments for their employees around the world, and give back to the communities in which they operate. In other words, you will be able to sleep peacefully at night knowing that you are doing business with companies that care about people and the planet.

Price

Price is always a factor when shopping. When you are looking for garments, though, it’s hard not to feel concerned that you will have to sacrifice quality in order to get a good deal. Fortunately, that isn’t necessarily true – especially when you buy in wholesale quantities.

When you are shopping on a limited budget, buying wholesale is a great way to get the shirts you need at a price you can afford. Even shirts from the leading brands mentioned above can be found at surprisingly low prices when you purchase larger quantities.

Also, remember that buying “wholesale” doesn’t necessarily have to mean buying hundreds of the same garment at one time. While prices typically are lowest when buying huge quantities, you can score some amazing deals even when buying as few as a dozen shirts. Because of this, buying wholesale is an accessible option for small businesses or individuals looking to fill their closets with cost-effective staples.

Buying Experience

Trying to find the perfect t-shirts that match your needs and your budget can undeniably be tricky. Working with the right seller makes the process much easier. When you buy from a trusted wholesaler – such as The Adair Group – you can rest assured knowing that you are getting quality products at competitive prices. Keep in mind, too, that reputable sellers will work with you to help you find the garments you need. They will also be there to lend a hand if you have a problem and have return policies in case you order items that don’t meet your expectations.

When you are shopping online, look for websites that feature sharp photos and clear descriptions of their products. Sites that list quality specifications are the best because they ensure that you know exactly what you are buying before you even add the item to your online shopping cart.

Your personal buying experience really does make a huge difference when it comes to purchasing high-quality shirts. It is much easier to find the products you need when you work with reputable sellers who are committed to ensuring positive buying experiences for their customers. You can also order online without worry when you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are buying from a company with a fair and generous return policy.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are shopping for shirts to fill your closet or to customize and sell, quality is extremely important. T-shirts can be made from a number of different fabrics and in countless styles, colors, sizes, etc. They are also available from a multitude of brands and manufacturers.

When you are trying to get a great deal on shirts without sacrificing quality, choosing wholesale t-shirts from trusted brands is always a good option. When shopping, pay close attention to fabric content, measurements, and quality to ensure that you are buying products that will be well-suited to your needs. And when ordering online, choose a trusted wholesaler – like The Adair Group – to ensure that the company will be there to help if there is any type of problem.

Finding t-shirts that offer the perfect blend of style, comfort, durability, and affordability can be challenging. With a bit of patience and perseverance, though, it is possible to find the garments you need at prices you can afford. Shop our website today to discover a wide range of quality t-shirts from leading brands at the lowest prices in the industry.

The post Buying Guide: What Makes a Good Quality T-Shirt?  first appeared on The Adair Group.

The bulk t-shirts you invest in can have a huge impact on the overall success of your business. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose high-quality t-shirts for screen printing.

Start with the Right Fabric

T-shirts can be made from several different types of fabric. When you are shopping for ones to use for screen printing, you need to buy ones that will absorb the ink well. Shirts made from cotton tends to work best. It soaks up the ink well, so it’s possible to get a vibrant, detailed print. If you want your shirts to last, ringspun cotton is a great option. Ringspun cotton costs more than regular cotton, but it is more durable and feels amazing against the skin.

Shirts made from cotton/poly blends and polyester are sometimes used for screen printing, but they can be a bit more difficult to work with. Synthetic fibers don’t absorb the ink as well as natural cotton fibers, so ink migration can be a real problem.

To learn more about the various fabrics t-shirts can be made from, check out our guide to t-shirt fabric. This guide will help you better determine which shirts are best suited to your specific needs.

Consider Fit and Style

Once you’ve chosen a fabric that will work well with the screen printing process, you need to be mindful of the fit and style of the shirts you ultimately buy. After all, the garments you create won’t sell if they are not stylish or if they don’t fit your customers well.

Consider stocking up on shirts for men and women in several different sizes, styles and fits. Unisex shirts are a solid investment, too, as they are more form-fitting than the average man’s shirt but not as fitted as a woman’s. When buying bulk t-shirts, stick mostly to timeless styles, like crewnecks and V-necks. It doesn’t hurt to purchase some of the styles that are currently on-trend, but focusing mostly on timeless pieces ensures that you won’t end up with a bunch of garments that you are unable to sell.

Choose Trusted Brands

When you’re trying to find affordable t-shirts to use in your business, you may be tempted to buy the cheapest ones you come across. Sometimes, that works out. In most cases, though, you get what you pay for. If you are buying dirt cheap shirts from an unknown brand, you could end up with low-quality apparel that is virtually unsellable.

To be sure that you are getting the best blank t-shirts for screen printing, stick with trusted name brands. Believe it or not, when you buy from a wholesaler, you can get great deals on trusted brands like Anvil, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom and more. When you choose such well-known brands, you can rest assured knowing that you are investing in high-quality products. And when your customer sees that you are selling garments from those brands, they will feel more confident when purchasing your merchandise.

Do Test Prints

Once you think you have decided what shirts to use in your business, request samples and do test prints. Many wholesalers will let you buy in smaller quantities at first to ensure that the shirts you buy will work for your intended purpose.

Run test prints to see how the shirts you chose react to your ink, press and curing process. It’s smart to wear your test shirts a few times, too, and run them through the washer and dryer. This is the only way to find out how well they will hold up to normal wear and tear.

Conclusion

When you screen print shirts for a living, you need to invest in high-quality shirts that will accept the ink well. You also need to make sure that you have products that your customers will love and will be able to enjoy for a long time. Sticking with well-known name brands and choosing time-tested styles, fabrics and colors is a good way to ensure success in your screen printing business.

The post How to Choose High-Quality T-Shirts for Screen Printing first appeared on The Adair Group.

While you may be tempted to go shopping and buy the cheapest items that fit the dress code, you can make your money go a lot further by building a capsule wardrobe. If you’re not familiar with the concept of a “capsule wardrobe,” creating one basically means purchasing individual clothing items that can all be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. From a budgetary standpoint, this is much more efficient than purchasing pieces to make specific outfits. When you build a wardrobe capsule, you can wear the same t-shirt, for example, in several different outfits rather than just one.

If the thought of building a work capsule wardrobe sounds great, keep reading to learn how to do it on a budget!

Keep It Simple

When you’re trying to fill your closet with garments that you can mix and match to create multiple looks, keeping things simple is key. Start by choosing a color palette and then stock up on timeless staples like t-shirts, dress pants, blazers or cardigans, sweaters, blouses, etc. It works best to stick with a neutral color palette. This way, you can be sure that every garment you own will work with everything else in your closet.

Stick with timeless pieces that you will be able to wear for several seasons. Trends are constantly changing, so if you are trying to be the trendiest person in the office, you’ll end up spending a lot more money than necessary. Sticking with timeless classics is much easier on your budget.

Determine How Much You Actually Need

One of the hard things about building a new wardrobe is figuring how much clothing you actually need. It’s easy to go overboard, but with a capsule wardrobe, you don’t need as many pieces as you probably think. A good capsule wardrobe for a woman should include three or four blouses and/or t-shirts, two or three pairs of pants, one or two skirts, two or three blazers or cardigans, two or three pairs of shoes and a few pieces of jewelry and handbags to work with various outfits.

Keep in mind, though, that this is just a general guideline. If you never wear skirts, you might want to consider skipping them and adding a few extra pairs of pants to your wardrobe. Always consider your personal tastes and the dress code when determining exactly what you need to add to your wardrobe.

Shop Smart

When shopping for tops, there is no reason to buy them from a department store at full price. For things like blouses, blazers, cardigans and sweaters, check out discount stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. For basics like t-shirts, buy from a wholesaler, such as The Adair Group, rather than a retail store. When you know how to style a t-shirt for the office, you can create all sorts of stylish looks using wholesale tees that cost a fraction of what you could expect to pay at a department store. Whether you’re shopping for short-sleeve tees to wear under a blazer or you need long-sleeve t-shirts for layering, buying the basics from a wholesaler is a great way to stretch a tight budget.

There are shopping apps that can help you save money on clothes, too. If you’re looking for name-brand goods, try using Poshmark or ThreadUP. Both of these apps allow people to sell their old clothing at prices that are well below retail. If you need some extra cash to build your wardrobe, you can try selling some of your old garments, too! If you plan on shopping online, try using the Honey browser extension, which automatically applies coupons to your shopping cart.

Conclusion

Building a wardrobe for work doesn’t have to be difficult. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. By building a work capsule wardrobe, you can fill your closet with plenty of options that are appropriate for work without breaking the bank.

The post How to Build a Work Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget first appeared on The Adair Group.

Whether you are looking to fill your own closet with brand-new shirts, searching for shirts to use for your organization or stocking up on tees for your business, one thing is for certain: There are a lot of options to choose from. While the most obvious choices you have to make involve color, style and size, there is something else that is equally important, though many people overlook it.

The fabric your t-shirts are made from matters just as much as the size and style. Unfortunately, though, it is something that a lot of people don’t really take into consideration or, at the very least, don’t pay as much attention to as they should. Whether you are shopping for yourself or for a business or organization, fabric makes a huge difference in terms of comfort, how easy the shirt is to care for and how well it works for things like screen printing. Certain materials are also better suited to some activities than others.

Each fabric type has its own pros and cons, and everyone has their own personal favorites. If you are shopping for blank t-shirts, this guide will help you choose shirts that are made from the fabric that best suits your needs.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Tees

Before we dive into the pros and cons of various types of fabrics, it’s important to make sure you have a clear idea of what you need. Taking a few things into consideration will give you a better idea of what qualities you should look for when buying t-shirts.

For starters, are you shopping for yourself, or are you buying t-shirts for a business or organization? If you are shopping for yourself, figuring out the right fabric could be as simple as checking the tags on your current shirts and buying new ones that are made from the same material. It’s a bit trickier, though, if you are shopping for others. Since everyone has different preferences, you need to find a fabric that will appeal to most people.

Also, think about when and how the shirt will be worn. If the shirts you buy are being used as giveaway items for a business or organization, you don’t necessarily need to buy ones that are appropriate for, say, wearing during an athletic event. Likewise, if you are looking for new t-shirts to wear when you go on your daily run, you will want to look for performance fabrics that will help keep you dry rather than absorbent ones that will weigh you down.

Think about color. While most fabrics come in a wide range of colors, your options could be limited if you choose certain specialty fabrics. If you are in need of a specific color to match a company’s branding, the colors of a school or team, etc., you’ll want to make sure to choose a fabric that is available in that color. Or, if the color is not available, you’ll want to find a fabric that can be easily dyed to the appropriate color.

If you are looking for blank shirts that you can customize by screen printing or with vinyl transfers, you’ll need a fabric that works well for these applications. Some fabrics work much better for these applications than others, so it’s important to choose one that is well-suited to your needs.

You might also want to consider the season during which the shirt will be worn, if relevant. This is important if, for example, you’re looking for shirts for your team to wear during summertime sporting events. When you choose the fabric based on the season, you’ll want to consider things like moisture-wicking properties, breathability, etc.

Lastly, think about comfort and durability. One of the great things about t-shirts is that they are comfortable and easy to wear and care for. Whether you are shopping for yourself or someone else, it is important to choose tees that are made from fabric that feels great against the skin and will hold up to frequent wear. Few things are worse than an uncomfortable t-shirt or a comfortable one that falls apart after just a few washes!

T-Shirt Fabric Options

While some options are more common than others, t-shirts can be made from a wide range of fabrics. Here are some of the most popular t-shirt materials and their pros and cons.

Cotton

Cotton t-shirts are, by far, the most common and popular option. This natural fiber feels great against the skin and is used to make the soft, lightweight tops that just about everyone loves. Cotton is ideal for casual, everyday wear. It’s important to note, though, that there are a few different types of cotton:

• Ringspun cotton is soft and durable. It is named for the process that is used to make it in which fibers are continuously spun, twisted and thinned to create incredibly long, soft strands.
• Combed cotton is made by eliminating short strands of the fiber and combing the remaining fibers straight. This results in a smooth, strong fabric that is one of the best materials for screen printing t-shirts.
• Pima cotton is the highest-quality cotton available. It has extra-long fibers that ensure softness, and it is durable. It is also one of the most expensive options.
• Organic cotton uses cotton that is grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. It is an environmentally friendly option that is soft and comfortable but costs more than regular cotton.

Cotton is a popular choice because it is a natural, renewable resource. It is soft, breathable and feels great against even the most sensitive skin. Manufacturing a 100 percent cotton t-shirt also requires fewer chemicals than manufacturing one made from synthetic materials, so shirts made from this material are regarded as a more environmentally friendly option, especially if you go with organic.

The downside is that cotton shirts can be more expensive than ones made from synthetic materials. And while a 100 percent ringspun cotton t-shirt feels great during normal wear, it’s not the best option when you plan on engaging in intense physical activity. Cotton is highly absorbent but doesn’t allow moisture to evaporate quickly. If you wear this fabric during an intense workout, it will quickly become weighed down by your perspiration and take a long time to dry.

Polyester

When you need a fabric that’s more appropriate for athletic wear, polyester is a good choice. Unlike cotton, polyester wicks moisture away from the skin and dries quickly, helping the wearer stay cool and comfortable. This synthetic fabric is also extremely durable and holds its shape without stretching.

Keep in mind, though, that polyester isn’t a particularly breathable material. A 100 percent polyester t-shirt will do a great job of pulling sweat away from your skin, but it may make you sweat more than a shirt made from another material simply because it doesn’t breathe. If you are concerned about your wardrobe’s environmental impact, it’s also important to note that polyester requires a lot of natural resources and chemicals to manufacture. And once it has reached the end of its lifespan, it takes a long time to break down in landfills and can leach chemicals into the environment.

Cotton/Polyester Blend

Shirts made from a cotton/polyester blend are great because they provide all of the benefits of both of these materials without the drawbacks. A 50 percent cotton/50 percent polyester t-shirt combines the softness and breathability of cotton with the wrinkle-resistance, durability and moisture-wicking properties of polyester. While 50/50 blends are the most common option, you can find cotton/poly blends in different percentages.

This fabric is an excellent choice that is suitable for virtually all applications. It is well-suited to screen printing and other customization methods, too. Cotton/poly blend t-shirts are appropriate for year-round wear and are, by far, one of the most versatile options. If you are searching for a t-shirt material with universal appeal, one that is made from a blend of cotton and polyester is likely your best bet.

Linen

Linen is made from the flax plant and features a textured weave. It is lightweight and exceptionally breathable. It also does a great job of wicking moisture away from the skin and drying quickly, so it’s great for summer wear. It is not one of the most popular fabrics for t-shirts, though, because it tends to wrinkle easily. Linen shirts look great when they are properly cared for, but they aren’t necessarily the best option for casual wear.

Rayon

Rayon is a man-made fiber that is often used in athletic wear. Made from cotton, plants and trees, it is a silky, breathable fabric with a lovely drape. It’s also absorbent and accepts dye well. It wrinkles easily, though, so it isn’t used as frequently as polyester. It also tends to break down faster than many of the other fabrics on this list.

This fabric is, however, one of the components of tri-blend shirts, which usually consist of 50 percent polyester, 25 percent cotton and 25 percent rayon, though the exact percentages can vary. Tri-blend shirts are incredibly soft and work well for screen printing. Make note, though, that they tend to have a dappled appearance as opposed to the solid coloration of other materials.

Which T-Shirts Are Best?

When you are in the market for t-shirts, the options can be overwhelming. Keep in mind, though, that there isn’t necessarily one option that is “best” in all situations. It largely comes down to taking the time to understand various fabrics and their properties so that you can choose one that is well-suited to your particular needs.

If you are looking for the best material for screen printing t-shirts that will mostly be worn casually, cotton is a great option. If, however, you need shirts that will withstand a lot of wear and tear or help keep athletes cool and dry, you may want to consider polyester or a cotton/poly blend. Linen or rayon could be good options, too, depending on your specific needs.

When buying t-shirts online, you don’t have the luxury of feeling them with your own hands to determine their softness. By learning about the properties of different fabrics, though, you can gain a pretty solid understanding of which ones will feel best against the skin. When softness and comfort are your top priorities, though, ringspun cotton or tri-blend shirts are always a solid bet.

Conclusion

It’s easy to think that all t-shirts are virtually the same, but that simply is not the case. In addition to coming in a never-ending array of styles, sizes and colors, they can also be made from a wide range of materials. In fact, they can be made from virtually any type of fabric. The ones mentioned in this article are the most common, though.

If you are in the market for new blank t-shirts for yourself or for a business or organization, considering your exact needs is an important first step in ensuring that you purchase the right ones. Take the time to review the information listed above when shopping to guarantee that the shirts you ultimately purchase will be perfectly suited to your needs.

At The Adair Group, we carry a wide range of t-shirts made from several popular fabrics. Whether you are looking for all-natural organic cotton tees, synthetic polyester shirts or something in between, we have exactly what you need. When shopping, keep comfort and durability in mind, and you will be well on your way to ordering your new favorite t-shirt!

The post The Ultimate Guide to T-Shirt Fabric first appeared on The Adair Group.

Capsule wardrobes are, by nature, simple. They tend to consist of fewer pieces than most traditional wardrobes, and all of those pieces are carefully chosen to work well with each other. Shopping for this type of wardrobe is much more cost-effective than buying individual outfits. It also simplifies your life and allows you to have plenty of looks to choose from without ever facing the “I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear” dilemma.

Building a new wardrobe sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. If your closet is in serious need of an overhaul and you don’t have a lot of money to spend, keep reading to learn how to build a capsule wardrobe on a budget.

Take Stock of What You Have

Cleaning out your closet certainly isn’t the most fun part of building a new wardrobe, but it’s important. You need to figure out what you already have and can keep. Start by sorting your clothes, shoes and accessories into three piles: Keep, donate and throw away. Keep things that are in good condition, fit well and visually match each other. The goal is to reduce the number of items you have and keep only the pieces that can be matched with other pieces you own to make several outfits.

Identify What You Need

Once you’ve sorted through what you have, you’ll be able to figure out what you need easily. If you have tons of solid colored t-shirts but very few pairs of pants, for example, you know that you’ll need to focus on bottoms when you go shopping.

Come up with ideas for a few specific outfits and write down what you would need to buy to make them work. Keep in mind that the items in a capsule wardrobe should be easy to mix and match to create outfits for work, running errands, nights out and everything in between.

Use the list you’ve created to come up with a rough idea of how many pieces of each type of clothing you’ll need. The average capsule wardrobe has between 25 and 50 pieces overall, including accessories. When you are working with a limited budget, it’s usually easier to stick to the smaller end of the spectrum.

Shop for the Basics

When you are ready to start shopping, buy the basics first. To save money on the simple pieces that you need the most of, consider ordering from a wholesaler. Stock up on must-have wholesale apparel basics, like t-shirts, tank tops and underwear. Garments like wholesale t-shirts are extremely affordable, and they are versatile enough to use in a wide range of outfits. Buying them first means that you will have a large part of your wardrobe built before you start shopping for more costly items.

Buy the Rest of Your Clothes

Once you have your shirts and underwear figured out, it’s time to start shopping for bottoms. A good capsule wardrobe includes things like dress pants and skirts for work, as well as jeans and other casual garments for day-to-day wear. Depending on the dress code where you work, though, you may be able to get away with choosing pieces, like dress jeans, that do double duty.

Now is also the time to shop for blazers, cardigans, dresses, etc. Just make sure that the ones you choose work well with the other pieces in your wardrobe so that you don’t need to buy separate ones for each outfit.

When money is tight, consider shopping for clothing at a local thrift store. You can score some great deals on nearly new clothing. If thrifting isn’t quite your style, you can also save big by keeping an eye out for store specials. Buying clothing on sale takes a bit of planning, but doing so can really stretch a tight budget.

Once you’ve bought all of the clothes you need, you can use any remaining money to purchase shoes and accessories. Like your clothes, your shoes and accessories should be simple ones that work with several different outfits rather than statement pieces that only work with one look.

Building a capsule wardrobe may seem overwhelming, but it’s actually much simpler than managing a traditional wardrobe. With the tips listed above, you can simplify your life by building a capsule wardrobe that won’t break the bank.

The post How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget first appeared on The Adair Group.

When you are building your fall wardrobe, there are certain items that you just have to have. Comfy jeans, hooded sweatshirts and stylish boots are a few of the most common must-haves. One wardrobe item that many people fail to consider, though, is a simple long-sleeve t-shirt. Though often overlooked, long-sleeve t-shirts are essential for your fall wardrobe for several reasons.

They’re Perfect for Layering

After a long summer spent wearing as little as possible in order to stay cool, fall provides an opportunity to wrap yourself up in several cozy layers. Layering is a great way to add some extra warmth on a chilly autumn morning without having to worry about getting too warm later in the day. And long-sleeve t-shirts are perfect for layering because you can wear them in so many different ways.

One great way to layer a long-sleeve t-shirt this fall is by wearing it under a vest. Whether you prefer the look of a puffy vest or something a bit more streamlined, this style is universally flattering and appropriate in a wide range of situations. If you are looking for a bit more warmth, consider wearing a long-sleeve tee under a cardigan. Go with a long, chunky cardi for the ultimate comfy style, or choose one that’s shorter and more form-fitting for a stylish business casual outfit.

You can also layer long-sleeve tees under hooded sweatshirts, jackets and sweaters. Or, if you prefer, you can even wear them as an outer layer over the top of a t-shirt or tank. When it comes to the most versatile layering pieces available, long-sleeve t-shirts win hands down!

They’re Super Comfortable

Just about everyone has at least one favorite t-shirt that they enjoy lounging around in or wearing while running errands or hanging out. Chances are, your favorite is one of the short-sleeved variety, but a long-sleeve tee can be just as comfortable!

When you choose a cotton long-sleeve t-shirt, you can wrap your arms and torso in a fabric that is soft and feels great against your skin. T-shirts of all types are designed to stretch and move with you, and ones with long sleeves are no exception.

They’re Stylish

T-shirts of any kind never really go out of style. While they were once reserved for wear as undergarments, they are now accepted in most situations. When properly styled, they are even appropriate in most work environments.

Keep in mind, too, that long-sleeve t-shirts come in a wide range of styles. There are the loose, boxy ones that are ideal for wearing when you are lounging on the sofa, checking out a football game or running errands. But there are also more form-fitting styles that are more appropriate for “dressier” occasions. If you are heading to the office, for example, you can wear a fitted long-sleeve t-shirt with a nice skirt or pair of dress pants. When you prepare for fall with wholesale long-sleeve t-shirts, you can stock up on plenty of different styles and colors to ensure that you have one that is appropriate for every occasion.

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for wardrobe staples for fall, you can’t go wrong with long-sleeve t-shirts. They are versatile enough for virtually any situation, and they come in all sorts of fall-friendly colors. These shirts are great for layering, they are incredibly comfortable, they’re affordable and they never go out of style.

Whether your fall mostly involves going to work and taking care of errands around town or you are planning on going apple picking, enjoying fall festivals or watching football games with friends and family, you can stay comfortable and look great by wearing long-sleeve t-shirts.

Here at The Adair Group, we have all of the long-sleeve tees you need for autumn. Check out our full selection today and you are sure to find ones that you love!

The post 3 Reasons Why Long-Sleeve T-Shirts Are Essential for Your Fall Wardrobe first appeared on The Adair Group.

Whether you are an online seller or the owner of a brick-and-mortar clothing boutique, you are up against a lot of competition. There are a lot of heavy hitters in the fashion industry (Amazon is on track to become the top U.S. retailer of apparel by the end of this year) and making a name for yourself and building a sustainable strategy is no easy task. 

When it comes to building a successful fashion business, you need to know how to source your products inexpensively, sell them quickly and build a loyal fanbase of customers who love your brand and the products you sell. In the fashion industry, sourcing inexpensive products typically means purchasing either wholesale or private label clothing. 

If you have spent any time researching how to find clothing to sell in your brick-and-mortar or online store, you’ve likely wondered what the differences are between wholesale clothing and private label clothing–and which one is best suited to your business. In this post, we will be discussing some key differences that you need to know to help you better assess which option is right for you. Keep reading to learn more! 

What Is Wholesale Clothing? 

Let’s start off with the basics. Wholesale clothing is, in short, apparel that is sold in bulk quantities at a cost that is lower than retail pricing. Wholesalers sell bulk clothing to retailers who then resell the items individually at higher prices. For many clothing store owners, buying wholesale is a good way to get the products they need at prices they can afford. 

Benefits of Wholesale Clothing for Retailers

When you choose to stock your online or physical shop with wholesale clothing, you will have access to huge catalogs of products that are already being sold in other businesses. You’ll be able to order the best-selling wholesale t-shirts for kids, the most popular plain hooded sweatshirts and the hottest wholesale polos on the market. If you already have a feel for the styles and colors that are selling best, you can order them from a wholesaler to meet your customers’ expectations. 

Ordering from a trusted wholesaler is fast, too. Wholesalers like The Adair Group offer fast shipping, so you’ll be able to get products on your shelves quickly. All you need to do is place and pay for your order and wait for it to arrive. Since the products have already been manufactured, the wholesaler just needs to box them up and ship them to you. 

The ordering process is also simple. You simply need to go online, fill up your shopping cart and complete the checkout process. You’ll be able to choose the styles, colors and sizes you need without worrying about meeting with someone, figuring out measurements or coming up with designs. You can order the products you need in a matter of minutes and know that they will be shipped to your business promptly. 

Finding the right wholesaler does take a bit of time and effort, but once you have partnered with a trusted supplier, you can build a long-term relationship. As a business owner, you are always going to need new apparel for your store. You’ll need to replace items that have sold out and keep up with the trends from season to season. Partnering with a trusted supplier means that you will always know exactly where to turn when you are in need of new merchandise for your online or brick-and-mortar store. 

What Is Private Label Clothing? 

When you fill your shop with private label clothing, you are working directly with a manufacturer rather than a wholesaler. The clothing may be produced by a well-known manufacturer, but it will be labeled with your own private label. 

Benefits of Private Label Clothing

The main benefit of private label clothing is that it enables you to stock your fashion boutique or website with clothing that has been designed and manufactured specifically for your business. Rather than having a tag with the logo of another brand, it will have your company’s brand. You also have full control over things like garment styles, colors, etc. and have the ability to have pieces created for your shop that buyers will not be able to find anywhere else. 

Key Differences Between Wholesale and Private Label Clothing

As you can see, both wholesale and private label clothing have their own benefits. Understanding their key differences is vital when it comes to deciding which option is right for your business. 

Cost Differences

Both wholesale and private label garments are sold at prices that are lower than retail, so either option is good in terms of buying apparel on a budget. Buying private label clothing may be less expensive upfront in some instances because it involves buying directly from the manufacturer rather than purchasing through a wholesaler. Keep in mind, though, that in order to get a great deal on clothing directly from the manufacturer, you will need to purchase massive quantities. If you just need 20 shirts in a particular style for a single store, it may be cheaper to purchase them from a wholesaler that has low minimum order quantities. 

Also, even if you do save money by purchasing private label clothing, you’ll likely have to spend a significant amount to market and spread awareness about your brand. Wholesale clothing from trusted brands tends to sell itself simply because people are already familiar with it. Buying wholesale apparel tends to be a safer investment, especially for newer business owners. And while buying private label clothing may look more cost-effective at first glance, doing so will likely end up costing you more in the long run. 

Quality Differences

When you buy wholesale clothing from a well-known brand, you already know what type of quality to expect. While many wholesalers do sell factory seconds, you can usually choose to purchase only first-quality garments. When you do, you can be relatively certain of the quality that you will receive. Many of the wholesalers who sell factory seconds take great pride in ensuring that their products only have problems that are so insignificant that they cannot be detected by the naked eye. Choosing these products can be a great way to get high-quality–though not perfect–merchandise at a reasonable price.

Working with a manufacturer to have your own private label clothing produced can be tricky. If you work with a well-known and respected brand, quality should not be a major concern. Doing so can be costly, though. When you opt to work with a less expensive manufacturer, the quality may suffer. To make matters worse, you may have very little idea of what the quality will be like until after you have paid for and received your order. You could end up with a lot of poor-quality garments on your hands that you are unable to sell. 

Control Differences

Having private label clothing manufactured gives you a greater deal of control than buying wholesale clothing. You get to choose fabrics, colors, cuts, styles and more. You can choose to add designs and other features to create garments that customers will not find anywhere other than your store. This can be both good and bad. On the positive side, your garments are unique. On the negative side, however, you run the risk of having products designed that consumers simply don’t like. The garments available from wholesalers are tried-and-true styles that you can purchase with confidence and know that customers will love them. 

Keep in mind, though, that you can customize wholesale clothing, too. You can have it screen printed, add your own iron-on vinyl decals, embroider it, tie-dye it… The options are virtually limitless. The great thing about customizing wholesale clothing yourself is that you can create pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. When you add hand embroidery, tie-dye a shirt or even use it to create something entirely new, you are doing something that a large-scale manufacturer cannot. You are infusing individuality into every single piece of clothing you create and stocking your shop with unique creations that customers will love. Customizing clothing on your own takes a considerable amount of time, but it grants you a great deal of control over the quality and appearance of the products you sell. 

Wholesale vs. Private Label Clothing: Which Is Better? 

When it comes to purchasing clothing to sell in your online or brick-and-mortar store, there is no right or wrong answer. Both wholesale and private label clothing have benefits and drawbacks. In the end, it largely comes down to your own personal preferences. When you are just getting started, though, and don’t have a lot of money to spend, stocking your shelves with wholesale clothing could be the more cost-effective option. Doing so is also a good way for established businesses to keep their racks and shelves filled with high-quality products and quickly replenish their stock as needed.

Keep in mind, too, that there is nothing wrong with investing in both wholesale and private label apparel. In doing so, you give yourself the ability to sell products from trusted brands to earn money while you work on building your own brand. You can stock up on basics–like plain white t-shirts and wholesale polos in various colors–from wholesale companies and have unique and on-trend items custom-made with your own private label. This is a great way to embrace the best of both worlds and create a firm foundation as a fashion retailer. 

Buying from a wholesaler can also help you make good buying decisions. Nearly every wholesale catalog has a “bestsellers” section that you can use to determine which products are most likely to sell in your shop. This takes some of the guesswork out of launching a retail clothing store and eliminates the risk of having garments designed that no one likes–other than you. 

The Bottom Line

The fashion industry is highly competitive, and if you want to be successful, you need to know how to stock your store with products that your customers will love without spending a fortune. When buying apparel on a budget, both wholesale and private label clothing are valid options. For people who are newer to the industry, however, working with wholesalers tends to be the better choice. Doing so is affordable, easy and enables you to sell products from trusted brands that customers are already familiar with. Wholesale clothing is an excellent choice for established businesses, too. It’s a great way to fill your racks with on-trend styles as well as classic wardrobe staples that never go out of style. It also enables you to provide your customers with products from the brands that they already know and trust. 

If you are in the market for wholesale clothing for your business, we can help. At The Adair Group, we carry a wide range of wholesale apparel from top brands for men, women and kids. We strive to sell high-quality products at the lowest prices in the industry, and we would be more than happy to help with your wholesale apparel needs. Browse our selection today or reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

The post Wholesale vs. Private Label Clothing: 3 Differences You Need to Know first appeared on The Adair Group.

If you are looking for a great deal on clothing, though, shopping for irregulars could be a great way to save money and find clothing that you enjoy wearing. The name may make you shy away from these garments, but there is nothing major “wrong” with them. In fact, they just aren’t quite as perfect as the manufacturer would like them to be. Keep reading to learn more about what irregular t-shirts are and why they are great investments!

The Real Meaning of Irregular

Companies that manufacture large quantities of t-shirts–such as Anvil–inspect the products they make and assign grades. These industry heavy hitters have high-quality standards and, unfortunately, not every t-shirt that comes off the manufacturing line meets those standards.

Clothing that looks perfect is considered “first quality.” It is the best of the best and it is sold at the highest possible price. Irregular clothing is simply a step down from first quality clothing. It includes garments with problems like slightly uneven hems, minor color variations or incorrect tags. In many instances, however, irregulars contain manufacturing mistakes that are so minor that they cannot even be detected by the naked eye.

When brands manufacture products that fall into the “irregular” category, they sell them to wholesalers at discounted rates. While the imperfections are incredibly small, they can lower the price significantly. Wholesalers buy them at incredibly low prices and then pass them along to customers at great deals.

Benefits of Buying Irregular T-Shirts

The primary benefit of buying irregular t-shirts is obvious–doing so can save you a lot of money. Irregulars cost just a fraction of what you would expect to pay for first quality garments, so they are a great way to fill your kids’ closets for back-to-school, stock your undershirt drawer or have plenty of shirts for your next tie-dye party.

Some of the other benefits are less obvious. The fast fashion industry has a huge impact on the environment, despite the efforts of many leading manufacturers to lower their carbon footprints and operate more efficiently. Mistakes in large-scale manufacturing are unavoidable and, if people refuse to purchase clothing that is less than perfect, it will eventually end up in landfills. By purchasing irregular t-shirts, you are doing your part to minimize the environmental impact of the fast fashion industry.

Wholesale shirts can be solid investments for business owners and organizations, too. Rather than paying full price for t-shirts that you plan on customizing, consider buying high-quality irregulars from a trusted wholesaler, such as The Adair Group. These shirts work just as well as the base for your screen printed or embroidered designs and they are perfect for projects, too. Because they only have slight imperfections, it is unlikely that anyone will even notice that there is anything “wrong” with them.

The Bottom Line

Many consumers shy away from irregular clothing because they fear that it will have manufacturing mistakes that make it unwearable. In reality, though, irregular t-shirts are just a step down from first-quality shirts. They do contain mistakes, but they are often so minor that they cannot be detected by the naked eye. Or they have mistakes that have no impact on quality, such as the wrong color or wrong size tag. Irregular t-shirts are still absolutely wearable and there is no real reason to avoid them.

Irregular clothing is sold at much lower prices than first-quality garments, so they are an excellent option when you are trying to save money. Whether you want to outfit your family for less, don’t want to spend a lot of money on undershirts or work clothes or you are looking for cheap t-shirts to use for a project, irregular t-shirts are a great option.

At The Adair Group, we sell irregulars that are of the highest quality. Check out our current selection to find the irregular t-shirts that will perfectly suit your needs.

The post What Is an Irregular T-Shirt? Everything You Need to Know first appeared on The Adair Group.

When you’re in the market for inexpensive t-shirts, close-outs can be a dream come true. Before you take the plunge, though, it’s important to understand exactly what the phrase means. So, what are close-out t-shirts? Keep reading to find out!

Demystifying Close-Outs

When the companies that manufacture t-shirts decide to stop producing and offering garments in a certain color or style, there are typically a lot of products left over. Since the company no longer technically offers the item, it cannot be sold as a current item. In order to keep old products from taking up space in warehouses and factories, the companies look for buyers who are willing to purchase them in large quantities at extremely low prices. This practice is known as offering factory close-outs. The manufacturer essentially “closes out” the product line by selling it at a steep discount.

Close-Outs Aren’t Factory Seconds

One mistake that many people make is assuming that close-out products do not have the same quality as first-run merchandise. This is not true. If a t-shirt does meet the manufacturer’s quality standards, it is sold as irregular or as a factory second or reject. The term “close-out” does not refer to quality. Close-out shirts are first-quality products that are being sold at steep discounts to make way for new styles, colors, etc.

Close-outs come from all of the leading brands. Alstyle, Gildan, Anvil, Fruit of the Loom and countless other reputable companies sell off their old merchandise at discount prices so they can constantly create new products for their customers.

Why Buy Close-Outs?

Buying close-out clothing from a wholesaler like The Adair Group is an excellent way to save money. Whether you are a single parent looking to dress your kids without breaking the bank, you’re looking for affordable blank shirts to customize for your employees or you are thinking about starting a business selling custom t-shirts, buying close-outs enables you to get the shirts you need at a price you can afford.

When you buy close-outs, you also don’t have to be concerned about quality. Irregulars and factory seconds tend to have small imperfections that could be problematic if you were to try to resell them. With close-out shirts, however, you can rest assured knowing that you are purchasing top-quality products and the most affordable prices possible.

Shopping for close-out shirts is good for the planet, too. If consumers don’t buy them from wholesalers, then wholesalers will not purchase them from manufacturers. And if manufacturers are unable to sell off their old products, they sometimes end up sending them to landfills. After all, they have to go somewhere even if no one is willing to buy them. Buying close-out clothing keeps discontinued colors and styles out of landfills, which can have a positive impact on the environment.

Conclusion

Close-out t-shirts are great for everyone. They allow businesses to move old merchandise, make money and start work on new product lines. They also enable wholesalers, like The Adair Group, to get great deals on products that they can sell to their own customers for a profit. Consumers are able to purchase the clothing they need at a fraction of the regular retail price–and those great deals help keep unwanted clothing out of landfills.

At The Adair Group, we source our close-out t-shirts directly from the manufacturer rather than working with a third party. This allows us to secure the best possible deals while ensuring that the close-outs we buy are of the highest quality.

If you are looking for a great deal on tees, close-outs are a great option. Most are just as stylish as the pieces that are currently being produced by manufacturers, but they cost significantly less. Whether you are trying to outfit your family or you’re looking for affordable shirts to start a business, close-out tees are a great investment!

The post What Are Close-Out T-Shirts? first appeared on The Adair Group.