The Ultimate Guide to Custom Church Shirts

Custom church shirts have a way of doing more than we expect.

Yes, they help identify teams. Yes, they create a unified look on Sundays and at events. But when they are done well, they also carry your message beyond the walls of your church and into everyday life.

That is the real opportunity.

At Sunday Cool, we partner with ministries of every size to create shirts people genuinely enjoy wearing. If your church is thinking about placing an order, here is what helps the process go smoothly and what makes the biggest difference long term.

Discover how to order custom church shirts your people will actually wear. Explore templates, custom designs, Promo Items, and more.

The Ultimate Guide to Custom Church Shirts

Why Church Shirts Still Matter

A thoughtful church shirt quietly supports your ministry in ways that go beyond a single event.

The right shirt can:

  • Create unity across your teams
  • Help guests quickly identify leaders
  • Reinforce your church’s message
  • Build excitement around events
  • Extend your reach into the community

When someone chooses to wear your church shirt during the week, your message travels with them. That kind of visibility is hard to replicate any other way.

Start With Something People Want to Wear

Before diving into artwork or quantities, it helps to focus on wearability.

Many churches have learned that if a shirt feels stiff or heavy, it rarely becomes part of someone’s regular rotation. That is why Sunday Cool’s Signature Super-Soft Tee has become a go-to for many ministries.

The premium cotton blend keeps the shirt lightweight and comfortable enough for everyday wear, not just Sunday mornings.

Pairing your shirts with Super-Soft Ink helps the printed design stay smooth and breathable instead of thick or rubbery. The result is a shirt that feels soft from the first wear and stays that way.

Comfort may seem like a small detail, but it often determines whether your shirts get worn once or worn often.

Looking for a Specific Name Brand? Just Ask!

Every church has its preferences when it comes to apparel. Some teams love a certain fit. Others already have a favorite brand their group reaches for every time.

If your church has a brand in mind, Sunday Cool can source it. We regularly work with trusted favorites like Comfort Colors, Bella + Canvas, and other popular options churches already know and love.

Whether you start with our Signature Super-Soft Tee or have something specific in mind, our goal is simple. We want your church to end up in apparel that fits your culture, your comfort standards, and the way your people actually like to wear their shirts.

A Huge Library of Templates, Ready When You Are

One of the biggest advantages churches have today is speed. You do not have to start from scratch unless you want to.

Sunday Cool offers a large library of Customizable Design Templates designed to meet a wide range of ministry needs. Whether your church is preparing for:

There is likely a strong starting point already built and ready to personalize.

Templates help churches move faster while still ending up with something that feels thoughtful and current. For many teams, this is the easiest path from idea to approved artwork.

Prefer to Upload Your Own Artwork? You Can

Some churches already have established branding or a design prepared internally. That works too.

Many ministries simply upload their finished artwork and work with the Sunday Cool team to prepare it for print. This is especially helpful when:

  • Your church has a design team
  • You are following national church branding
  • You have event-specific artwork
  • You want full creative control

The goal is flexibility. Whether you start with a template, upload your own art, or work with our in-house artists, the process should fit your team, not the other way around.

Go Fully Custom With Our In-House Artists

For churches looking for something one-of-a-kind, Sunday Cool’s talented in-house artists regularly create fully custom designs from scratch.

This route is especially helpful when:

  • You are launching a new ministry
  • You want a completely original look
  • You have an idea but need help bringing it to life
  • Your event calls for something unique

Having access to experienced church-focused designers can remove a lot of guesswork from the creative process.

Think Beyond the Shirt

Many churches today are expanding their approach to include coordinated Promo Items, sometimes referred to as promotional items, that support their overall ministry experience.

These pieces work especially well for:

  • Welcome gifts
  • Volunteer appreciation
  • Event bundles
  • Conference takeaways
  • First-time guest kits

Popular options include:

  • Stickers
  • Waterbottles
  • Hats
  • Tote Bags
  • And other fully customizable items

When planned together, shirts and promotional items help create a more cohesive and memorable experience for your church community.

Give Yourself Margin in the Timeline

One of the most common slowdowns churches face is simply gathering sizes and final approvals.

Starting early always helps, especially when multiple ministries or leaders are involved in the decision.

Sunday Cool offers a 72-hour turnaround after art approval, which helps many churches stay flexible once everything is finalized.

A little margin up front often makes the entire process feel much smoother.

Ready to Create Custom Church Shirts?

Custom church shirts are at their best when they feel comfortable, look thoughtful, and are easy for your team to coordinate.

When the process is simple and the product is something people genuinely enjoy wearing, your message naturally travels further.

👉 Ready to Get Started?
Start your custom order here:
https://www.sundaycool.com/dashboard?navKey=getStarted

People Also Ask

What makes custom church shirts successful?

The most effective church shirts combine comfort, clear design, and everyday wearability. Soft fabrics paired with breathable printing tend to perform best across most ministries.

Can I use my own church design?

Yes. Many churches upload their own artwork, start with Customizable Design Templates, or work with Sunday Cool’s in-house artists to create something fully custom.

What promotional items pair well with church shirts?

Popular choices include Stickers, Waterbottles, Tote Bags, WootHoops, and Hats. These promotional items help create cohesive welcome gifts, volunteer kits, and event bundles.

How quickly can custom church shirts be produced?

Sunday Cool offers a 72-hour turnaround after art approval, which helps churches stay flexible during planning.

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Oversized Boxy Tee vs. Signature Tee: What’s the Difference in Fit?

Compare the fit and feel of our Signature Tee and Oversized Boxy Tee with real model examples to find the style that fits you best.

When it comes to finding the perfect fit, we know one size (or style) definitely does not fit all.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Oversized Boxy Tee—a completely different fit from our classic Signature Super-Soft Tee you already know and love.

If you’re wondering “What’s the difference?” or “Which one should I order?”—you’re in the right place.

Let’s break it down 👇

Signature Super-Soft Tee vs. Oversized Boxy Tee: Quick Overview

Signature Super-Soft Tee

  • Classic, everyday fit
  • Slightly tailored through the body
  • True-to-size feel
  • Great for a clean, standard look

Oversized Boxy Tee

  • Relaxed, roomy fit
  • Wider through the chest and sleeves
  • Shorter, boxier silhouette
  • Designed for that laid-back, oversized feel

Fit Comparison on Real People

Size Medium Comparison (Model: 5'7")

The difference here is all about shape and drape.

👉 If you like a clean, fitted look: go Signature Super-Soft Tee
👉 If you want relaxed and trendy: go Oversized Boxy Tee

Size Large Comparison (Model: 6'1")

Size X-Large Comparison (Model: 6'1")

For taller builds, both tees offer great options depending on your style.

👉 Go Signature Super-Soft Tee for a classic fit
👉 Go Oversized Boxy Tee for a looser, more breathable feel

Size Charts

Signature Super-Soft Tee Size Guide

S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Width 18" 20" 22" 24" 26" 28"
Length 28" 29" 30" 31" 32" 33"

Oversized Boxy Tee Size Guide

S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Width 20 1/2" 22" 23 1/2" 25" 26 1/2" 28"
Length 27 1/4" 28 1/4" 29 1/4" 30 1/4" 31 1/4" 32 1/4"

Final Thoughts

Both tees are great—it just depends on the look you’re going for.

If your vibe is clean and classic, the Signature Super-Soft Tee is your go-to.
If you're leaning relaxed, bold, and a little oversized, the Oversize Boxy Tee is calling your name.

Ready to Start Your Next Order?

If you are planning shirts for camp, church, or any summer event, this is a solid place to start.

👉 Ready to Get Started?
Start your custom order HERE

Summer Camp Shirt Ideas Campers Will Actually Love

Explore creative summer camp shirt ideas using customizable templates, specialty inks, and designs your campers will want to wear all year.

Vintage Camp Badge

There is something timeless about a classic camp badge.

These designs usually include elements like trees, mountains, or camp icons with a structured layout that feels clean and established.

They work especially well for:

  • Traditional summer camps
  • Multi-year programs
  • Camps that want a legacy feel

👉 Featured Template: CA 2506

Bold Type That Says It All

Sometimes the strongest design is simply a few words done really well.

Big, clean typography with your camp name, theme, or verse creates a look that feels modern and easy to wear anywhere.

This style works best when the message is clear and the layout does the heavy lifting.

👉 Example Design: SR 2044

Retro Done Right

Retro-inspired designs are having a moment, and they fit camp perfectly.

Think warm tones, vintage fonts, and throwback layouts that feel fun without trying too hard. These are the kinds of shirts students actually keep wearing.

👉 Try This One: SR 2510

Nature-Inspired Graphics

Camp and nature go hand in hand.

Designs that incorporate sunsets, forests, waves, or mountains help visually tie the shirt back to the experience itself.

This direction works especially well for outdoor-focused camps or locations with a strong setting.

👉 Featured Template: CA 2503

Scripture-Led Designs

For many churches, the most meaningful shirts are rooted in Scripture.

Whether it is a full verse or a short phrase, these designs carry the message of camp beyond the week itself. The key is keeping it readable and wearable.

👉 Example Design: SR 2506

Clean and Minimal

Not every camp shirt needs to be loud.

Some of the most worn designs are the simplest ones. Subtle graphics, clean layouts, and intentional spacing often lead to shirts that feel more versatile.

👉 Try This One: FA 2408

Specialty Ink That Changes Everything

If you want something campers talk about all week, this is it.

With our Sun Reveal Ink and our Water Reveal Ink, your design becomes interactive:

  • Sun Reveal Ink reacts in sunlight
  • Water Reveal Ink activates when wet

These are perfect for outdoor games, pool time, water days, and even baptism celebrations during camp.

It turns your shirt into part of the experience, not just something you wear.

👉 Featured Template: WR 2201 and SUR 2302

Designs Built Around Your Theme

Every camp has a theme. The best shirts bring that theme to life without overcomplicating it.

Whether it is something bold or something simple, a strong layout paired with the right words creates a shirt that feels intentional and memorable.

👉 Example Design: SR 2315

Start With a Template (and Make It Yours)

The easiest way to get started is not from a blank page.

With our Customizable Design Templates, your team can:

  • Choose a design that fits your camp
  • Customize text, colors, and details
  • Work with our in-house artists if needed
  • Approve and move forward quickly

It is all built to take pressure off your team while still giving you something that feels thoughtful and well-designed.

Ready to Create Your Summer Camp Shirts?

The best camp shirts are the ones campers keep wearing.

When the design is strong, the message is clear, and the shirt feels great, it becomes more than just merch. It becomes part of the memory.

👉 Ready to Get Started?
Start your custom order HERE

People Also Ask

What makes a good summer camp shirt?

The best camp shirts combine a clear design, comfortable fabric, and a style campers actually want to wear beyond the week.

Should we design camp shirts from scratch?

Not necessarily. Many churches start with Customizable Design Templates and personalize them to save time while still getting a strong design.

What are popular summer camp shirt styles?

Vintage badges, bold typography, retro designs, and nature-inspired graphics are some of the most popular styles right now.

Can camp shirts be interactive?

Yes. Specialty inks like Sun Reveal Ink and Water Reveal Ink create interactive designs that respond to sunlight or water.

Sunday Cool Stock Inks

Water based ink is the point between here and heaven. Paired with our Super Soft Tees, the nonexistent feel of our Water based ink is magical and sure to be the talk of the town with you and your group.

Water based ink is the point between here and heaven. Paired with our Super Soft Tees, the nonexistent feel of our Water based ink is magical and sure to be the talk of the town with you and your group.

Here at Sunday Cool, we inventory 66 different ink colors! These colors were curated based off of customer popularity and diversity. You can view those stock ink colors below.

During the ordering process, you can reference this page to view all of our stocked ink colors. You’ll also be served up a choice of our stock inks when you submit your Art Request Form.

But what if none of the Sunday Cool Stock Inks match my design or logo? Nothing to fear! We can Pantone Match your ink to whatever code you’re needing to a 90% accuracy. 

There are a few requirements to qualify for a Pantone Match on your project:

  • Stick to our Super Soft Signature line of apparel.
  • The garment color you choose must discharge vibrantly, not vintage. If you need help determining which of our inventory items discharge at which rates, check out our blog post entitled Waterbased Print Results.
  • Your order must include 144 units or more. 

Additionally, we charge $25/match! This means if we need to match 2 ink colors to a specific code, it’ll be a $50 charge.

But how do I know which code to send you? Great question! Your organization might have a branding guide including all relevant codes and colors that set your group apart. OR you could send in your logo and ask us! Our talented Art Staff can color match the logo and tell you the code! We work often in the Pantone and HEX libraries!

As always, if you have any questions regarding our inks & matching guides, please reach out to a Sunday Cool Concierge member using the dot icon in the corner of your screen.