One thing that has not changed over the years is the popularity of promotional T-shirts in the workplace. Whether it’s a team event, onboarding day, or a big product launch, you’ll often see employees wearing branded T-shirts with pride.
They are one of the best and most cost-effective ways to build team spirit and promote your company culture. Corporate companies across industries use them to make their mark both internally and externally.
And if you’re still figuring out when to gift them, let us help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the six best occasions to gift promotional T-shirts in the workplace, along with some popular types to consider.
Best Occasions to Gift Promotional T-Shirts in the Workplace
Below we have shared some of the most common and impactful occasions to gift promotional T-shirts in the workplace. These moments not only boost employee morale but also help reinforce your brand identity in a fun and meaningful way.
1. Employee Onboarding
This is one of the best times to gift a promotional T-shirt. It makes the new employee feel like part of the team from day one. The T-shirt can be included in the welcome kit along with other branded items like a notebook, water bottle, or ID card holder.
It sets a positive tone and reinforces your company culture. When they wear it on their first day or during their first week, it helps them blend in and feel confident in the new environment.
2. Team-Building Events
With your branded T-shirt, team-building activities instantly feel more cohesive and fun. Everyone looks and feels like part of the same crew. Whether it’s a sports day, hackathon, or an offbeat group activity, matching T-shirts bring energy and unity.
It also becomes a good photo opportunity that reflects your work culture. After the event, the T-shirt becomes a memory they take home, reminding them of the experience and the value of teamwork in your company.
3. Company Milestones or Anniversaries
You can gift premium branded T-shirts when celebrating big company milestones, like 5 years in business, hitting revenue targets, or major growth achievements.
Employees appreciate being part of such moments, and the T-shirt acts as a thank-you and a symbol of shared success. Choose a design that marks the occasion and highlights your journey. These shirts often turn into keepsakes that employees hold on to, especially if they’ve played a role in reaching that milestone.
4. Corporate Retreats or Offsites
During office trips or retreats, when everyone is outside the work environment, branded T-shirts help build a relaxed but united identity. Whether it’s a beach retreat, hill station trip, or strategy offsite, having everyone wear the same shirt creates a casual yet professional vibe.
It also makes group movement easy during travel. Many companies even design a unique T-shirt just for the retreat, which adds to the fun and becomes part of the trip’s memory.
5. Product Launches or Campaign Kickoffs
Another great way to create buzz around a new launch is by giving out campaign-specific T-shirts. When your team wears these shirts during a launch, it shows unity and belief in the product. It also makes internal teams feel involved and boosts confidence.
If the launch is being shared on social media or involves a client-facing event, these shirts also serve as low-cost branding tools. They turn your people into walking ambassadors of the new product or campaign.
6. Employee Appreciation Days
You can celebrate Employee Appreciation Days by gifting a high-quality branded T-shirt that says “Thank You” in your own way. It’s a simple gesture but goes a long way in making employees feel seen and valued.
Add a short message or a creative design that reflects your team spirit. Even better if you let them choose between a couple of design options. When employees wear them later, it quietly reflects that your company appreciates its people, not just with words but with thoughtful actions.
Different Types of T-Shirts for Corporate Gifting
Different events require different types and styles of T-shirts. A casual onboarding gift may not suit a formal retreat, and an event day tee will differ from a campaign launch one.
With the availability of various printing techniques and fabric options, you can choose the style that best matches the occasion and your brand image.
Here are some popular types of T-shirts used in corporate gifting:
- Simple Cotton T-Shirts with Logo Print
- Premium Polo T-Shirts with Embroidered Branding
- Colorful Event T-Shirts for Team Activities
- Dry-Fit or Sports T-Shirts for Outdoor Events
- Eco-Friendly Organic Bamboo T-Shirts
- Graphic T-Shirts for Product Launch Campaigns
- Custom Quote T-Shirts for Employee Appreciation
- Festive Theme-Based T-Shirts for Seasonal Celebrations
How Much It Would Cost to Gift Promotional T-Shirts?
Let us understand the cost with a simple example.
Suppose you are planning to gift 100 cotton T-shirts to your employees during an upcoming team event. If you choose a basic cotton T-shirt with single-color logo printing, the cost per T-shirt can range between ₹150 to ₹220 depending on the quality, quantity, and printing method. So, for 100 T-shirts, your total cost may fall between ₹15,000 to ₹22,000.
If you go for a higher quality polo T-shirt with embroidery, the cost can go up to ₹350–₹500 per piece.
Bulk orders usually bring better pricing, and vendors may also offer discounts on repeat orders or combos with packaging. Always check for fabric quality, stitching, and print durability before finalizing the vendor.
Conclusion
Employee engagement is an ongoing activity and not a one-time task. Small actions like gifting promotional T-shirts can make a big difference in building a positive workplace culture.
You will need to find the right moments, choose the right items, and make sure they reflect your brand values. And if you want to learn more about how to engage and appreciate your team in meaningful ways, check out our courses on employee engagement and workplace culture.
