Finding the right promotional T-shirt is not just a question of budget. Whether it’s fabric quality, comfort, durability or visual impact, there are a number of criteria to consider to make the right choice. And with an ever-increasing range on the market, it’s easy to get lost.

To make your job easier, we have analysed five of the leading brands in the world of promotional textiles – Roly, Gildan, Kariban, Sol’s and Anvil. Each of these brands has its own strong points, whether in terms of quality, style or price.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable design for a quick event or a premium t-shirt that will improve your image in the long run, this guide will help you understand it all.

To find the T-shirt that’s right for you, follow our ranking of the best options on the market!

First and foremost, why give away a promotional T-shirt?

Among the many promotional products available, the T-shirt has a special place. Unlike traditional items such as pens, key rings or mugs, they are visible, useful and have a long-term marketing impact.

The promotional T-shirt is a mobile medium. When worn, your message is spread in a wide variety of places: on the street, at events, in the workplace, etc. It’s a form of mobile advertising that’s much more visible than a cup on your desk or a pen forgotten in a drawer.
The T-shirt offers a huge range of customisation options, such as logo, message, creative visuals, etc. You can use all of this to enhance your brand recognition. Smaller items, on the other hand, limit the space available and therefore the impact of the message.
From a perception point of view, a gift of clothing is often better perceived. It is seen as a valuable, useful and sometimes even fashionable gift. It creates a stronger bond with its recipient, whereas a simple keyring can quickly seem trivial.
A quality T-shirt has a long life. Wearing it repeatedly will give you an interesting return on your investment. Many other items, although affordable, are quickly forgotten or discarded.

Promotional T-shirts for women — Promotional T-shirts are more than clothing, as they represent your brand wherever they appear and every photo becomes an advertisement with value

Promotional T-shirts are distinguished by combining visibility, commitment and brand image. It’s not just a medium, but also an independent vector of identity.

Some essential criteria for choosing a promotional T-shirt

The choice of a promotional T-shirt should not be left to chance, as it represents your brand image and must be attractive to the user and convey your message effectively. The following are the key factors to consider when making the right choice.

Fabric quality

A T-shirt that is comfortable to wear and durable will be more appreciated and used more often. Choose 100% cotton or a cotton/polyester blend to combine comfort and durability. The weight of the fabric is also important, as a lightweight T-shirt (150-160 gsm) will be suitable for summer events, while a thicker model (180 gsm or more) will provide more durability.

Fit and style

A well-fitting T-shirt will appeal to a wider audience. You can choose a unisex cut or offer fitting designs for both men and women, of course! Also consider options such as round or V-neck and short or long sleeves, depending on the intended use.

Printing technique

The choice of brand has a direct impact on the visibility and durability of the logo. It is therefore advisable to use an appropriate printing technique. Screen printing, for example, is ideal for long-lasting and cost-effective printing in large quantities, while embroidery offers a better-quality finish but is more expensive.

Promotional T-shirts in different colors — Promotional T-shirts only shine with the right printing technique, as high-quality printing or embroidery ensures long-lasting brand recognition

Smart choice of colours

A T-shirt with little contrast or unappealing colors can diminish its visual effect. Make sure that the colour of the fabric matches the colour of the logo so that it is easy to read. You should also be wary of colours that are too bright, which may not be suitable for all types of audience.

Ecological footprint

More and more companies are choosing T-shirts made from organic cotton or recycled materials. This creates an environmentally responsible image and can be beneficial for your communication. Check the certifications (OEKO-TEX, GOTS) to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards.

A closer look at the best promotional T-shirt brands

There are many options in the promotional textiles market, but some brands stand out for their quality, variety and commitment. Here’s an overview of the most popular references for a high-performance promotional T-shirt.

Roly – reference type for all budgets

The Roly brand has established itself as a major player in the world of promotional textiles, particularly because it is able to offer products to suit all needs and budget constraints. Whether you are looking for a low-cost T-shirt for intimate activities or a more sophisticated model for professional use or events, Roly has a diverse catalogue to meet all needs.

From ultra-competitive basic products to elegant technical pieces, Roly perfectly combines affordability and quality. The Spanish brand does not limit itself to a simple basic range, but relies on textile innovation and excellent command of the quality/price ratio to appeal to a wide audience: associations, companies, event organisers and retailers.

Roly promotional T-shirts offer a modern look and a wide selection of colors for all occasions from events to everyday wear

Its trump card? A collection designed to enhance every project., quelle que soit sa taille. Contemporary cuts, precision craftsmanship and a wide range of colours allow for optimum customisation, making each Roly T-shirt as unique as the message it conveys. At Roly, visual impact is matched by efficient use of resources. A trusted reference for those who want to combine visual communication and cost control.

Gildan – the promotional textile you can’t live without

Gildan, renowned in the world of promotional clothing, is a safe choice for those looking for a durable and affordable T-shirt. Its catalogue offers products in cotton, polyester blends and technical fabrics. Gildan T-shirts are often praised for their print quality and durability.

But the real strength of Gildan is that it can adapt to all kinds of scenarios. Each design becomes the ideal medium to promote a brand, a message or a cause. With a wide range of cuts including unisex, fitted, children’s and weight-specific, and a wide range of colours, it’s easy to create a collection that reflects your image.

Gildan promotional T-shirts — The combination of comfort, durability and ethical production puts Gildan at the top of the choice for every brand

Gildan is also committed to a responsible approach, using ethical production processes and certified materials. This concern for the environment and working conditions gives the brand added legitimacy in a world where transparency and accountability have become essential criteria.

Wearing a Gildan T-shirt is much more than a simple promotional campaign: it means choosing a garment that follows you, looks like you and commits to you.

Kariban – elegance and diversity of style

Kariban is the brand to consider when it comes to combining comfort and sophistication. It is based on quality fabrics and meticulous workmanship, ideal for high-end advertising campaigns. With modern cuts and trendy colours, the Kariban is particularly suitable for companies that want to create a stylish and professional image.

But Kariban is much more than a textile brand; it is a vision of style where diversity is an integral part of every piece. Whether it’s dressing a dynamic team or creating bespoke corporate wear, the brand excels in being able to adapt to all identities while maintaining a signature look that is both elegant and sophisticated. Far from rigid rules, Kariban offers collections that evolve with trends without forgetting the essentials: the well-being of those who wear them. In this way, Kariban’s garments become true vehicles of communication, promoting image and connection.

Sophisticated cuts and comfortable fabrics ensure that Kariban promotional T-shirts reflect professionalism and a modern character

Kariban embodies the subtle balance between classic and innovative, sober and bold. An inspiring brand for those who want to affirm their difference with elegance without compromising on quality.

Sol’s – innovations in personalised textiles

Sol’s doesn’t just follow trends, it creates them. At the crossroads of design, performance and ethics, the French brand is redefining personalised textiles with a sustainable vision. By favouring responsible materials such as organic cotton and recycled fibres, it proves that style and conscience can go hand in hand. Each piece is designed to last, both in the craftsmanship and in the durability of the prints, so that the messages it conveys are visible for a long time to come.

Sol’s is also an uncompromising concept: from timeless basics to more technical pieces, the brand meets every need, whether for events, corporate wear or young designers’ associations. With a wide range of sizes, colours and cuts, everyone can find the ideal garment to assert their identity.

Sol's promotional T-shirts — With excellent materials and a modern design, Sol’s promotional T-shirts communicate more than just the company name, they express values and style

With a controlled, transparent and certified production chain, Sol’s invites companies to make a different commitment. Sol’s has become more than just a textile supplier, it has become a responsible communication partner.

Anvil – a modern, ethical concept

The Anvil brand is dedicated to responsible manufacturing and contemporary design. Its T-shirts, often made from organic or Fairtrade cotton, are synonymous with well-being and sustainability. A smart choice for brands that care about their ecological and social impact. In addition to the quality of the textiles, Anvil T-shirts have also become real spokespeople. They express the values of a new generation of companies: transparent, committed and demanding. Thanks to their clean cut and timeless colour palette, these garments can be adapted to any visual identity while maintaining a casual elegance.

High-quality T-shirt review for printing – Anvil 980

Anvil is part of an ethical trend; each piece embodies the desire to rethink promotional fashion, long associated with disposability, in favour of useful, long-lasting garments that increase value. To wear an Anvil T-shirt is to affirm a fairer vision of an ecologically responsible world in which communication includes the choice of respectful materials and fair-trade channels.

If you choose one of these brands, you can be sure to get a promotional T-shirt that combines aesthetics, comfort and visibility for your advertising message.

Which personalisation technique for which type of fabric?

The choice of personalisation technique is crucial in ensuring the durability and aesthetics of the label. Depending on the type of fabric used, some methods are more advantageous than others.

First of all, screen printing is an economical and very durable option. This method ensures excellent durability and vibrant colours. It is ideal for large print runs and works well on classic cotton T-shirts such as those offered by Gildan or Roly. This technique works very well on medium to heavy fabrics, but is less effective on technical or very light fabrics.
When it comes to images with high detail or colour gradients, digital transmission is a versatile solution. It works well on synthetic and lightweight fabrics such as those used in some of the Sol’s and Kariban series. However, it generally does not wash as well as screen printing.
If you want a more prestigious look, embroidery is the way to go. It provides an elegant and professional finish that is ideal for thick, high-quality cotton T-shirts such as the Kariban or Anvil T-shirts. But beware: it is more expensive and can distort fine fabrics.
Sublimation is recommended for 100% polyester fabrics. It allows the ink to be incorporated directly into the fibres, ensuring a result without bulges and cracks. This is the ideal solution for technical or sports shirts that are often used for events or outdoor activities. However, it is not compatible with cotton.

Promotional T-shirts — By choosing the appropriate personalization according to the material, you achieve a superior look and durability of your promotional T-shirt in every situation

By adapting the right printing technique to the type of textile, you can increase the visual quality and durability of your promotional T-shirt.

Some tips on how to take care of your personalised T-shirt

If you want to keep your promotional T-shirt in good condition for as long as possible, a few simple steps can make a big difference. It’s not about changing habits, it’s about a few good reflexes, because good maintenance always attracts more visibility.

Gentle washing for a happy T-shirt

Remember to turn the T-shirt inside out before putting it in the washing machine. This will protect the printed patterns. Select a 30°C wash cycle with no excessive spinning. Avoid using strong detergents or bleaching agents, which can alter colors and prints.

Air drying is always a win

The tumble dryer is the sworn enemy of printed T-shirts. Dry flat or on a rack in the shade. Direct sunlight can dull the colours over time. This gentle method preserves the fabric and the visual appearance of the garment.

Strike with iron, but not just any old way

If the shirt is wrinkled, iron it on a medium setting, always on the inside, so as not to damage the pattern. Do not iron directly on the print. To be on the safe side, place a light cloth between the iron and the T-shirt.

With these simple tips, your T-shirt will stay fresh, clean and effective for a longer period.

Conclusion

The diversity of the market means we can rely on brands that are recognised for their reliability and quality. Each has its own strengths, depending on the objectives and the audience. For example, there is the Roly brand, which offers excellent value for money, perfect for large campaigns with a controlled budget, and the Gildan brand, which is safe, versatile and reliable. Kariban, on the other hand, is aimed at brands looking for elegance and precision finishes. Sol’s innovates with fabrics designed to be customised, while Anvil’s focuses on ethics and modernity.

The choice of brand should therefore not be random. In short, there is no universal “best” brand, only the one that fits your communication strategy. Take the time to compare, test and, above all, consider the experience of those who will wear your T-shirt.