Promotional tee shirts are a marketing staple. After supplying thousands of Australian organisations with tees, we have learnt a few things. Firstly, all companies in Australia have corporate merch tees. But not all tees are created equal. When ordering branded shirts for your next event, campaign, or giveaway, understanding the difference between cheap and premium promotional tee shirts can save you money, frustration, and brand reputation headaches.
We’ve seen everything—from tees with loose threads and stretched-out necklines to premium-quality shirts that look fresh after washing. This article breaks down the key physical differences between budget and high-end promo tees and helps you decide which option fits your needs.
Fabric Quality: The Foundation of Comfort and Durability
Cheap promotional tees typically use lower-grade cotton blends or thinner polyester fabrics. These shirts might feel scratchy or flimsy and quickly lose shape after a few washes. The biggest giveaway? Transparency. You’ll often notice after a few washes:
- Pilling or bobbling
- Fading colours
- Fabric thinning in high-friction areas
Premium custom tees, by contrast, use higher quality fabrics like combed cotton, ring-spun cotton, or heavy cotton blends. These materials offer:
- A softer, more comfortable feel on the skin
- Better colour retention and vibrancy
- Enhanced breathability and moisture management
- Long-lasting structure that holds shape and size
Tension around Bunched Necklines
A bunched neckline or bunched-up sleeves may indicate that you’re looking at a shirt where the stitching tension wasn’t correctly calibrated. This is a tell-tale sign of lower-quality manufacturing.
Premium promotional tees pay close attention to the following:
- Even reinforced stitching around necklines, hems, and sleeves
- Durable double-stitched seams that resist wear and tear
- Proper tension to avoid puckering or twisting of fabric
These factors enhance the shirt’s durability and contribute to a polished look.
Stitching & Construction: Where Quality Shows Up
Other tell-tale signs of a lower-quality tee shirt include loose threads that have not been trimmed off properly. The problem tends to start on the hem and underside of the shirt. The loose ends are unsightly but may also cause durability issues over time
Wash Resilience: Keeping Your Brand Looking New
One of the most significant hidden costs of cheap tees is how quickly they look worn out. Early fading, shrinking, or distortion means your brand’s logo and message suffer, potentially turning a positive impression into a negative one.
Premium tees are designed to withstand repeated washing without losing shape, colour, or comfort. They often feature:
- Pre-shrunk fabrics
- Colourfast dyes
- Fabric finishes that resist wrinkling and shrinking
This means your branded tees stay vibrant and crisp long after your event is over — keeping your message alive and your investment worthwhile.
When Are Cheap Promotional Tees the Right Choice?
Don’t write off budget tees entirely. We sell a lot of them. Why? They’re perfect for many things, including:
- One-off events or short-term promotions (of which there are many. Examples include Election printed tee shirts)
- Large crowds where you need volume at a low cost
- Situations where the shirt might only be worn a few times
- Informal giveaways or giveaways to kids and schools
In these cases, the low price point and decent baseline quality make them a smart, practical option. In some cases, the “only” option. Rest assured, even the cheap tee shirts we supply are ethically sourced.
When to Invest in Premium Promotional Tees?
Premium tees are worth the extra investment if your goal is to impress clients, reward staff, or build a consistent brand image. They:
- Deliver better first impressions with a higher-quality feel
- Hold up longer, increasing your brand’s exposure time
- Reflect on your commitment to quality and professionalism
- Reduce waste, as fewer shirts get discarded after one or two wears
Choosing the Right Tee for Your Campaign
Every promotional campaign has different needs. Whether it’s a budget-friendly giveaway or a long-term brand ambassador program, the key is to match quality with purpose.
At Cubic Promote, we offer a wide range of promo tee shirts—from affordable basics to premium cuts—all with reliable branding options and expert advice to help you choose what’s right for your audience.
Ready to Choose Your Promotional Tee?
Call us today at 1300 858 288 or explore our collection online at Cubic Promote. We’ll guide you through fabric choices, fits, and finishes that ensure your brand looks sharp—no matter your budget.
