When you work for a screen printing company, t-shirts become business. Thousands of t-shirts come in, they get printed, and they go out. The turnaround is quick enough that at times you forget what you are doing and why it’s important. But recently I was cleaning out my closet and I came across a t-shirt from my childhood that reminded me how one t-shirt really can make a difference.
This particular t-shirt was a gift from my father when I was little after a business trip to California. At the time, it was BIG on me and I probably only wore it as a nightgown. And even though it is pink, my least favorite color to wear, it became my favorite t-shirt. The t-shirt itself is nothing impressive. It is stained with a faded graphic on front, and it doesn’t fit well enough for me to ever wear in public again. But every time I come across it while filling my donation box, I never give it up.
I continued to wear it for years. For a while it was strictly an at-home shirt, but by high school I wore it like any other fashionable shirt. Kids at school complimented me on it and one had the audacity to ask if she could borrow it! I distinctly remember every time I wore it all of the sudden my little sister wanted to wear it too. About this time I started going the thrift store almost every weekend to see if I could find other t-shirts I liked as much as my pink California t-shirt. I found some other great t-shirts over the years, but none have as many great memories as my California t-shirt.
The revelation hit me when I was sitting in my closet holding that t-shirt. For every printed t-shirt I own—no matter how old—I have at least one specific memory that goes along with it. The funny thing is that I can barely remember where a lot of the clothes in my closet came from, much less have a memory of when or where I wore them, even though they are clearly well-worn.
This reflection has reminded me that one product really can make a difference. Whether it is custom printed apparel, a unique or handy promotional product, we are simply an avenue to orchestrate creation of moments and memories for people, events, and brands to be remembered for a life time.
Yes, it is absolutely right that t-shirts can bring difference and create one.
When you think about it, it’s surprising how one simple and seemingly inconsequential item can do that. But when you use a t-shirt purposely with real intent behind it, it is possible!