Matching Christmas Family Shirts for Big Family Gatherings
By The Velocity Wear Team
Christmas family shirts get about fifty-four hundred US searches a month in season. Big families gathering at grandma's for the holidays love a matching shirt for the photo. For families of twenty or more, custom shirts in one order are the easiest way to get everyone in the same design.
Is our minimum right for you?
Our minimum is 20 per design. That suits extended families, family reunions at Christmas, and groups of families celebrating together. Small households are better served by a no-minimum print shop.
Design ideas
- Family surname with Christmas and the year.
- Roles: Head Elf, Cookie Taster, Grandpa Claus.
- A reindeer lineup with each person's name.
- A classic plaid-inspired print.
- The family's hometown with a holiday graphic.
Tees or long sleeves or sweatshirts?
In cold states, a sweatshirt or long sleeve tee gets worn more. In Florida or Texas, a tee is fine. Some families order a tee for the photo and wear it over pajamas.
Sizing every age
Collect sizes from each household with one shared form, including baby, youth and adult sizes. Size up for kids.
Deadlines
Production takes 10 to 15 working days after artwork approval, plus shipping. Approve artwork by early November to be safe, and ship to one address in time to hand out before the gathering.
Money
Decide who pays. Many families split per household. Collect through a payment app before ordering.
Photo tips
Take the photo early in the day, before wrapping paper chaos. Natural light by a window beats the overhead light. Include the dog.
Mistakes to avoid
- 1Starting in December.
- 2Guessing kids' sizes.
- 3Shipping to multiple addresses late.
- 4Misspelling a relative's name.
Quick checklist
- Twenty or more family members?
- Sizes collected per household?
- Artwork approved by early November?
- Payment collected?
- Names proofread?
Design ideas that work for all ages
Family designs need to work for toddlers and grandparents alike. Simple, bold graphics like a string of lights with each family member as a bulb, a gingerbread lineup, or a classic holiday typographic design appeal to every age. Avoid in-jokes that only adults will get if the shirts are for young children too.
Pajama-style and long sleeve options
Many families wear matching shirts with pajama pants on Christmas morning. A soft long sleeve tee or crewneck suits this, and it's more comfortable for kids opening presents. If the gathering is a Christmas Eve dinner, a tee under a sweater or cardigan can still show in photos.
Shipping to one address
Have shirts shipped to the host or one organizer, then hand them out when everyone arrives, or mail to households in early December if the family is spread out. Budget extra time for December shipping. If family members are traveling, remind them to pack their shirt.
Including extended family and friends
Holiday gatherings often include partners, family friends and new babies. Order a few extras in common sizes and a couple of baby sizes. It avoids the awkward moment when someone is left out of the photo.
Making it a tradition
Some families order a new design every year with the year printed on the sleeve, building a collection. Others keep one design and reorder for new family members. Either way, save the artwork file and your size list for next year.
Pets in the photo
The family dog almost always ends up in the Christmas photo. Our range doesn't include pet apparel, but a matching bandana or a festive collar from a pet store completes the look without fuss.
Get started
See custom t-shirts, the design studio and our family reunion shirts guide.
