Lead time — when to order
Rule of thumb: 4-6 weeks before the event. That sounds generous but is realistic. Breakdown:
- 1 week for briefing, logo files and mock-up approval
- 1 week to collect sizes from the team — the last person always replies at the last minute
- 2-3 weeks of production, depending on the printing method and quantity
- 1 week buffer for complaints, express reorders and shipping to the venue
For very tight deadlines (under 3 weeks) we offer express — surcharge 100-300 euros. More on this in our minimum quantity guide.
Crew sizes — from 8 to 50 people
Typical crew sizes we produce daily:
- 8-15 people: Tech start-ups, small agencies, sales teams. One model in two cuts (men/women) is usually enough.
- 15-30 people: Classic trade show booths with hosts, demo team and logistics.
- 30-50 people: Major events such as concert festivals, city marathon crews, pharma congresses with multiple product stands.
Above 50 pieces screen printing almost always pays off — the unit price drops considerably and durability is excellent for multi-day events.
Combine multiple models
A pure t-shirt order often looks too casual. A three-tier model has proven its worth:
- Polo for booth staff and consultation — looks more professional, buttons up
- T-shirt for set-up and logistics crew — more breathable, more robust
- Cap or beanie as an additional branding element — particularly useful at outdoor events
Polos are usually finished with embroidery (more premium), t-shirts often with screen printing or digital printing. Caps as a rule with embroidery.
Mock-up approval — no shortcut
Before we produce, you send the logo (preferably as vector SVG or PDF), we build a digital mock-up, you approve. Proofread the mock-up with two pairs of eyes. Check:
- Brand name and tagline spelled correctly
- Logo size in proportion (too small looks cheap, too large looks cheap)
- Position (left chest 8-10 cm height, back print 25-30 cm)
- Colour — Pantone reference matched with your corporate design
Typos in printed wear are irreversible after production. A first wash before the event is mandatory — see care of printed shirts.
Logistics — shipping straight to the venue
You don't have to ship the crew wear to the office and lug it to the event. We deliver directly to:
- Crew hotel (address with reservation name)
- Booth address on the trade show floor (hall, stand number)
- Logistics warehouse of the event organiser
- Private address of a key contact
Shipping tip: choose a delivery date at least 2 working days before event start — if anything is delayed, you have a buffer. For important orders we ship with express tracking and proof of receipt.
Backup pieces — the invisible insurance
Always plan 5-10% reserve in M and L. Reasons:
- A team member spills coffee on day one — swap available
- A late joiner from sales shows up unannounced
- A size was wrong — swap on the spot
- You need a shirt for an important client gift
Reserve shirts are cheap compared to the cost of running short on site.
Use cases — how others do it
Use case 1 — Pharma congress, Berlin, 24 people. Stanley/Stella polo in navy with embroidered logo (left chest). Print on two laundry tags for personalisation (first name). Delivery 5 days before congress to hotel.
Use case 2 — IT trade show, Munich, 16 people. Stanley/Stella Creator t-shirt in black, logo on chest plus URL on back (screen printing). Caps in black with embroidered logo. Direct shipment to booth address.
Use case 3 — Sport event, Hamburg, 42 people. B&C functional t-shirt, sublimation print with sponsor logos on chest and back. Including streamer bibs for helpers. Multi-day event — 6 reserve pieces.
Use case 4 — City marathon crew, 35 people. Hi-vis vests printed "Helper", t-shirt underneath with sponsor branding. Volume discount via screen printing.
Use case 5 — Product roadshow, 12 people, 5 cities. Modular kit per person: 2 polos, 1 hoodie, 1 cap. 60 finishing operations in total. Embroidery for premium look.
Use case 6 — Concert festival helpers, 50 people. Fruit of the Loom t-shirt in neon yellow, "STAFF" print plus organiser logo. Mandatory marking — logistics handled by organiser.
Ready for your event appearance?
Request crew wear → · Open configurator →