It seems that everywhere you look these days, companies are trying to get your attention. Even if you’re trying to avoid it, it’s hard to ignore all the print ads, billboards, Internet pop-ups and TV commercials. You may not known it, but you’re exposed to more than 3,000 messages a day.

When it comes to getting and keeping your attention, one of the best ways for companies, especially promotional products companies, to do that is with T-shirts. Everywhere you look people are wearing T-shirts, with all manner of logos and messages on them. Surveys have shown that 85% of customers remembered advertisers who gave them an item of clothing.

Why are T-shirts so effective as a marketing tool? Here are five ways promotional products companies can use them effectively:

• Creativity: With custom design t-shirts, companies can get as creative as they want. With today’s technology, companies can make any design they want on a computer screen and print it on a screen printed T-shirt, laser engraved T-shirt or heat pressed T-shirt. Companies can go bright or dark, reserved or flashy, as traditional or as creative as they want to get their message to customers.
• They’re affordable: Custom design T-shirts are very affordable for big companies and small businesses alike. People tend to hang on to a promotional product for at least eight months and it tends to be even longer with T-shirts. It doesn’t matter the size of your company, if you give customers a quality item they can hang on to, they’re more likely to remember your company’s message or logo.
• Fast production: Another benefit of custom design T-shirts is they can be produced fast and easily. This makes them the perfect item to give away. Whether you’re rolling out a new product or you’re a new business trying to get your name out there, you can get custom designed T-shirts printed fast and any way you want them.
• Functionality: One of the cardinal rules of promotional products is to make sure you give away products customers have use for. Things like pencils and pens are easily grabbed up at trade shows, but they don’t tend to last long. Custom design T-shirts however can last a long time and people have a use for them. That doesn’t mean customers are parading your company’s shirt around town, but it means they’re more than likely to wear it, which means they’ll see your company’s message and logo quite often.
• Keeping up with trends and helping a brand: No matter who gets one your company’s t shirts, everyone wears them. That means your company can always stay on top of fashion trends. Giving away high quality shirts will help increase your company’s visibility, which means every time someone wears your shirt, they’re promoting your brand and what you stand for. Getting a logo or a message in front of people allows them to see it and gets people talking. Getting them talking might ultimately lead them to your company to do business.
• Long life: One of the best things about T-shirts is that they last a long time, even if you’ve got your favorites you wear every day. For your company, that means a customer has the potential to be wearing a shirt you gave away months or even years after having done so. When you think about all the things that fade and disappear all the time, the list adds up quick. Fortunately, T-shirts have staying power, which means your company’s message won’t fade.
• Unity: Whether it’s custom t shirts, embroidered hats or even hoodies, clothing can help create an atmosphere of unity among your company’s employees. Not only does this help increase your company’s visibility, but it lets your employees know that they’re part of a team and about the importance of working together.

By handing out T shirts, you company is increasing the chances of customers or potential customers seeing your company’s brand and message by giving them something they can hold, hang on to, wear and ultimately keep for a long time, all while continuing to keep your company in the back of their mind.