The fit of a shirt is crucial, especially when building a fashion brand. Bella+Canvas and American Apparel (AA) are popular choices for printing, each with its own fit characteristics. While Bella+Canvas offers a more standard fit, AA shirts tend to shrink after washing. This shrinkage can impact sizing recommendations for customers. For instance, an AA #2001 might require sizing up to an XXL to achieve the desired fit after washing. Understanding these nuances is key to ensuring customer satisfaction.
Experience with selling printed shirts reveals common size preferences. Men’s Large and XL in AA’s 2001 and Ladies Medium and Large in the AA 2201 are frequently purchased sizes. While these sizes represent the majority of sales, offering a full size range, including XXL and XXXL, caters to a broader customer base. Having a variety of sizes available ensures there’s an option for everyone.
The origin of the shirts is another factor to consider. There’s a growing preference for USA-made products. While not a requirement, opting for American-made shirts can be a strong selling point. Consumers are often willing to pay a slightly higher price for domestically produced goods. This willingness reflects a growing awareness and appreciation for supporting local businesses and American manufacturing. A small price increase for a USA-made shirt can often be justified by the perceived value and quality.
Pricing strategies should align with the target market and brand positioning. Offering competitive pricing while maintaining profitability is crucial. Selling a higher volume of shirts with a slightly lower profit margin can be more advantageous than selling fewer shirts at a higher price point. Market research suggests that customers are more likely to purchase a $23 shirt compared to a $33 shirt, even with a minimal difference in quality.
