Team Uniform Checklist — How to Order Without Headaches

If you're the unlucky person tasked with "just ordering some t-shirts for the team," you already know it's never that simple. After hundreds of team uniform orders for Toronto sports clubs, schools, and corporate events, here's the prep work that prevents 90% of headaches.

1. Confirm sizes before you order

Send a sign-up sheet (Google Form or paper) before placing the order. Common mistake: ordering all M-L based on guesses, then needing 6 reprints for kids and one XXL. Include youth sizing if anyone under 13 is on the team.

2. Pick one garment, not three

It's tempting to let "everyone choose between hoodie and tee." That doubles your setup cost and triples coordination. Pick one base garment for the team look; offer hoodies as a separate optional add-on.

3. Name & number rules

If you want personalised backs, decide:

• Name placement — top or bottom of the back?
• Number size — 6", 8", or 10"?
• Font — block, varsity, or marker?
• Spelling — get every name confirmed in writing.

4. Two-week buffer

Standard turnaround for a 30-shirt order is 5-7 business days. But you also need time for:

• Proof approval (1-2 days)
• Shipping or pickup (1-2 days)
• One person being out of town when uniforms arrive (always happens)

So if you need uniforms ready for a tournament on the 20th, place the order by the 5th.

5. Use the live customizer for proof

Skip the "send a sketch, wait for a designer mockup" loop entirely. Build the actual design in our online customizer, share the screenshot with the team for approval, then check out. You'll see exactly what gets printed.

6. Don't forget the captain

For sports teams, captains usually get an extra "C" patch or different colour name. For corporate events, the CEO usually wants their title on the sleeve. Build these one-off variants into your order from day one — adding them after is expensive.