The custom apparel order checklist
Turn a loose idea into a useful brief, with the details the shop needs to review your project.
Ordering custom apparel brings several decisions together: what to decorate, how it should look, how many pieces you need, and when you need them. You can start before every detail is settled. The goal of a useful brief is to show what is decided, what is still open, and who will approve the final direction. Work through these steps before requesting a quote.
1. Define the purpose and the people
Explain what the apparel is for: a team, staff uniforms, an event, a merchandise release, or another project. That context helps frame product and decoration choices. Tell the shop whether the priority is a large visual statement, a restrained logo, personalization, or a particular texture or finish.
Choose one contact who can collect questions and confirm decisions. If a group is involved, gather their input before finalizing the brief. A shared reference image is helpful, especially when different people are using words such as bold, soft, or oversized to mean different things.
2. List products, quantities, and sizes
Separate each product style and color into its own line. A black tee and a gray sweatshirt may share a logo, but they are distinct parts of the order. Provide a size breakdown that adds up to the requested quantity. If sizes are still being collected, label the numbers as estimates.
Grizzly's screen printing minimum is 12 pieces. Discuss other methods and order requirements with the shop rather than applying that number to every service. If you plan to supply garments, share the specific product and fabric information before purchasing. Acceptance and suitability should be confirmed for the project.
- Product or style reference, garment color, and fabric information if known.
- Quantity in each size, total quantity, and any separate product groups.
- Whether you need help selecting products or already have garments in hand.
3. Map every decoration and variation
List the front, back, sleeves, or other intended locations separately. Connect each location with the correct artwork file and approximate size. State your preferred decoration method if you have one, or describe the finish you want. The shop can review the artwork and garment together before confirming an approach.
For personalized pieces, use one checked roster that pairs each name and number with a garment size. Keep capitalization, spelling, and punctuation exactly as intended. If several versions of a design are involved, name them clearly and show which products receive each version. This prevents a total quantity from hiding important variations.
5. Do one final review before sending
- Check that product and size totals agree with the requested order quantity.
- Match each artwork version to its product, color, and intended placement.
- Proofread personalization and identify the latest roster or artwork revision.
- Include the needed date, contact details, and any questions about undecided choices.
- Attach original artwork and any concept images to your email; the website brief does not attach those files automatically.
Ready to put the details in one place?
The project brief walks through your product, artwork direction, and contact details, then prepares an email draft for you to review and send.
Build your project brief
