One of the most common questions we get: “What size shirts should I order?”
When you’re buying custom tees for a big group – whether it’s for your team, trade show, or giveaway – the goal is to cover as many people as possible without ending up with a pile of extras no one can wear.
Go-To Size Breakdown
Based on our years of experience and sales data, here’s the distribution we recommend for bulk orders:
Small – 15%
Medium – 30%
Large – 30%
XL – 20%
XXL – 5%
(Note: This calculator is just a strong starting point. It balances well across age, gender, and body types – but every event is different!)
When to Adjust Your Order
The “standard” breakdown won’t always be the best fit. Think about these factors before finalizing:
- Audience makeup. Are your attendees mostly men, women, kids, or a specific age group? Shift accordingly.
- Event type. A corporate conference leans different than a college giveaway or fitness event.
- Style of shirt. Slim-cut, oversized, or heavyweight shirts all fit differently depending on the brand. Ask us for a sample if you’re unsure!
- Trends. Fashion and fit preferences change. (Oversized, heavyweight tees are super in right now.)
- Historical data. If you’ve done this event before, let past orders guide the new one.
When in Doubt
Ask for sizes! But good news: we’ve helped you eliminate the dreaded size spreadsheet with tools like Perkstr. With a branded landing page, your recipients enter their own shipping info and select the right size. That means fewer bad guesses, fewer wasted shirts, and a lot more happy wearers. Phew.
If you’d rather not bother with sizes at all, then just choose swag that isn’t sized! Hats, tumblers, or totes guarantee a fit for everyone.
Our Favorite Tees
Looking for a crowd-pleasing tee? These are our go-tos for comfort, quality, and wearability:
- District® Very Important Tee®
Lightweight, soft, and built for all-day wear. A crowd-pleaser that works for just about any event. - Next Level Apparel® Heavyweight Tee
Boxy, oversized, and on-trend. Perfect if your group is into the streetwear vibe. - BELLA+CANVAS® Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee
That retail look and feel; super soft with a modern fit. - Comfort Colors® Heavyweight Ring Spun Tee
Soft-washed and broken-in from the start. Easy, relaxed, and effortlessly cool.
Getting the right t-shirt sizes for a large group is part art, part science. Start with the standard breakdown, then adjust with what you know.
Ready to order? Contact our team!
