Ordering piping sweaters: how to go about it without the stress

Ordering leadership sweaters: how to handle it without the stress

The idea is always easy to come by. At the first leadership meeting, someone shouts, "We need sweaters this year," and everyone nods. Then the real work begins: who collects the sizes, which design do we choose, who pays for what, and by when do we need to order to have them in time for the leadership weekend?

Below, we outline how to go about it as smoothly as possible. If you are looking for design inspiration first, read our ten ideas for group sweaters.

1. Agree on who is in charge of the order

One person, not five. Someone who collects the sizes, sends over the design, gives approval, and collects the money. A group order with three contact persons almost always faces delays because everyone assumes someone else has already replied.

2. Choose the type of garment first

A sweater is something you wear from September to May, so for most teams, that is the logical choice. But there is more:

• Group sweaters: the classic, warm enough for an evening around the campfire.
• Fleece sweaters: softer, warmer, and just a bit more special.
• Half-zip sweaters: sporty and just formal enough to wear over a shirt at a party.
• Sherpa gilets: for teams who already have sweaters and want something different.
• Caps: fun as a little extra or for summer camp.

3. Embroidery or printing?

Both are possible, starting from ten items. A rule of thumb:

Choose embroidery for a logo on the chest, a name or totem on the sleeve, or a short text. Embroidery lasts for years, even after a camp full of mud. It also looks a bit more premium.

Choose printing for a large design on the back, many colors, or a drawing with gradients. This is often faster and more cost-effective than embroidery.

Many teams combine the two: a small embroidered logo on the front, a large print on the back. Not sure? Send us your design and we will honestly tell you what works best.

4. Make it personal: names and totems

The difference between a regular group sweater and a leadership sweater you’re still wearing ten years later? Your own name or totem on it. This can be placed on the sleeve, the back, or small under the logo. When ordering, you provide the name for each person.

Does someone want another copy after their leadership year? A sweater with a totem name can also be ordered individually.

5. Collect sizes the smart way

Create one shared document with each person's name, size, and potentially totem. Let everyone fill it in themselves and set a deadline. And most importantly: tell those who are unsure to check their size against a sweater they already own, not just by guess. Once the order is placed, we cannot change sizes, as each item is made specifically for you.

6. Count back from your deadline

Count on one to three weeks from the moment the design is approved. Do you want to wear the sweaters at the leadership weekend or the first big event? Count back at least four weeks to allow time for collecting sizes and approving the design. In this article, you can read exactly where that time goes.

7. Arrange payment in advance

Have everyone pay before you order, not after. Chasing money from twenty leaders in June is no one's favorite task. Some teams contribute a portion from the group treasury or find a local sponsor who gets a small logo on their sleeve in return.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum order quantity? Group orders are possible from ten items, both for embroidery and printing.

Can we combine different sizes and names in one order? Yes, that is exactly the point. You provide the size and name for each person.

We don't have a logo in a digital file. Is that a problem? No. Send what you have, even a photo of an old sweater. We will convert it into an embroidery file.

Can we order more later for new leaders? Yes. Let us know; for repeat orders, the setup cost for the embroidery file may be partially waived.

Ready to get started? View all our clothing for groups.