Edition Two: Tees and polos – a complete guide for decorated apparel

  Ralawise  •  12 March 2026 

Let’s be honest – you wouldn’t be alone in thinking that the world of tees and polos can feel overwhelming. Hundreds of styles. Dozens of brands. Fabrics you’ve never heard of. Fits that kind of sound the same but definitely aren’t. Decoration methods that might work really well or might be completely off the mark.

If you’re new to the industry, it’s a lot to take in; and, even if you’ve been around a while but are looking to get a little more tee- and polo-focused, things can still feel a little intimidating.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

We’ve got your back – and then some…

Understanding styles, fits, fabrics and decoration methods

There are thousands of tees and polos on the market. Lightweight, midweight, heavyweight. Ringspun cotton, polycotton, polyester. Relaxed fit, regular fit, slim fit, oversized. And that’s before you even start thinking about colours, decoration or which brands your customers actually want.

The good news? It’s exactly this inherent complexity that also makes tees and polos such a brilliant business opportunity. The sheer variety means there’s always a perfect product for every market, every client, every brief.

You just need to know where to look.

Turning variety into business opportunity

By understanding how different fabrics, fits and decoration methods perform, decorators can match the right product to the right client, turning complexity into consistent business opportunities.

Ralawise expertise – helping you choose the right tees and polos for your clients

On your side, at your side, every step of the way, we’re anything but simply a distributor or seller. Product-first, we live and breathe this business, day in, day out. With 40+ years’ experience, a matchless reputation for stellar support and a crack team of industry experts at your service, we know exactly what it takes to help you succeed.

From which fabrics print best to which embroider beautifully; from which fits work well in corporate environments to swanky new streetwear styles – we know the brands that deliver consistently and we’re quick to spot the new arrivals worth getting worked up about.

And that knowledge? It’s yours for the asking.

Popular tee and polo options for every market

Looking for a place to start? The SX701 t-shirt is an industry favourite – 180gsm organic cotton with an exceptionally smooth printing surface and a colour palette that keeps pace with trends. Pair it with the SX264 polo for a coordinated range that covers casual and smart-casual in one hit.

And if your clients want variety in fit? Build Your Brand offers everything from oversized and boxy to cropped and classic – same fabric family, multiple silhouettes.

Whether you’re trying to work out which tee suits a particular type of decoration, need advice on building a new range or simply want an impartial, informed opinion before placing an order – we’re here.

Marketing and sales support to boost your decoration business

Support at Ralawise goes far beyond recommending the right garment. We’ve a world of free marketing assets to help you sell; educational resources to build your product knowledge; trend guidance to keep you ahead of the curve.

Need professional imagery for your website or a pitch deck? It’s in the Resource Hub – high-res product shots and lifestyle photography, all free to download and use. Social media templates? Email campaigns? Web banners? All there, all ready to customise with your branding. It’s like having your own creative agency on retainer… but without the retainer.

Want fabric specs, size charts, care instructions, accreditation logos? You’ve got it. Everything you need. All in one place. Ready when you need them.

Prefer to see products IRL before committing? Our showroom door is always open. Want to talk through a tricky brief with someone who’s been in your shoes? Pick up the phone. Our sales team has decades of experience across every sector – they’ve run print shops, managed client demands, navigated tight deadlines. They get it. They see you.

And have you seen Visionnaire? Spectacular! Our fantastic seasonal guide to what’s moving, what’s emerging and what your clients will be asking for next. Inspiration doesn’t get any more inspirational than that.

Stock shifters? Not a chance. We’re ALL about providing you with the advice, guidance and assets you need to grow with confidence.

Your go-to team for tee and polo success

Yes, it can be intimidating – and you’d be forgiven for feeling a little unsure, surrounded by options, doing your best to decide which path to take. Ralawise are here to help – your go-to team. Here to show exactly where you need to go and what you need to do next.

We’ve already helped thousands of decorators locate their bearings in this industry. From first-time buyers placing their very first order to established businesses looking to break into new styles or sectors. The expertise is here. The support is here. The products are here.

Take our hand… and we’ll help you make that next step.

Getting started with tees and polos – guides and resources for new decorators

If you’re still finding your feet, our Why T-Shirts and Polos Remain the Foundation of the Decorated Apparel Industry edition covers why tees and polos are the perfect foundation for any apparel business. And if you’re ready to take the plunge, check out our Business in a Box guide for practical advice on getting your decoration business off the ground.

Whatever stage you’re at, we’re ready when you are.

👉 Explore tees and polos at Ralawise