From Idea to Merch: The Process of Creating Custom Event Apparel with SOLLY AND CO

April 7, 2025

Event Merch, Simplified – We Print. You Shine.

When it comes to creating festival and event merchandise, the process can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. At SOLLY AND CO, we make it easy, fast, and hassle-free to bring your vision to life. Whether you're designing t-shirts for a music festival, hoodies for a corporate event, or tote bags for a promo activation, our streamlined process ensures your merch is event-ready, on time, and on point.

Here’s how we take your idea from concept to creation.

Step 1: Define Your Vision & Goals 🎯

Before diving into the design process, it’s important to know:
✅ What type of merch do you need? (T-shirts, hoodies, totes, etc.)
✅ Who is it for? (Attendees, VIPs, sponsors, staff?)
✅ What’s the purpose? (Brand visibility, resale, promotional giveaways?)

Pro Tip: If you're unsure, we can help recommend best-selling event merch that aligns with your audience and goals.

Step 2: Choose the Right Apparel & Printing Method 👕

At SOLLY AND CO, we offer a wide range of premium apparel sourced from top Australian suppliers. Here’s what to consider when selecting your merch:

✅ Fabric & Fit – Cotton for comfort? Polyester for durability? A unisex or fitted cut?
✅ Printing Method – We currently offer DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing and are exploring DTG (Direct-to-Garment) and embroidery options.
✅ Bulk Ordering Discounts – Orders of 10+ pieces qualify for reduced pricing.

Pro Tip: Opt for high-quality apparel that people actually want to wear—your merch should be stylish, not just promotional.

Step 3: Design & Branding 🎨

Your merch isn’t just clothing—it’s a branding tool. A great design makes all the difference in whether attendees will wear your merch beyond the event.

🔹 High-Impact Logos & Graphics – Ensure your design is bold and clear.
🔹 Strategic Print Placement – Front, back, sleeve, pocket—placement matters!
🔹 Event-Specific Branding – Include the event date, slogan, or location for exclusivity.

Need help with your design? While we don’t offer full design services, we can assist with basic upscaling and formatting to ensure your artwork prints perfectly.

Step 4: Production & Quality Check 🏭

Once your design is finalised, we move into production. Our printing process ensures sharp, vibrant, and long-lasting designs.

✅ DTF Printing – Crisp, high-detail prints that are flexible and durable.
✅ DTG Printing (Coming Soon!) – Direct-to-garment for soft, full-colour prints.
✅ Quality Control – We inspect every item to ensure it meets our high standards before shipping.

Step 5: Delivery & Distribution 🚚

We know timing is everything for events, so we keep our turnaround times fast and reliable.

📦 Small orders (10-50 pieces): 7 business days
📦 Larger orders (50+ pieces): 10-14 business days

Once printed, we package and ship your order Australia-wide. If you need bulk distribution or event drop-shipping, let us know, and we can help streamline the process.

Step 6: Event Day & Beyond 🎟️

Your merch is now ready to go! But the impact doesn’t stop at the event—when attendees wear their merch afterward, it extends your brand’s reach and visibility.

✅ Encourage attendees to share photos of their merch on social media.
✅ Use event hashtags to track engagement.
✅ Offer limited-edition designs for VIPs or future collectors.