Memorial Shirts: A Gentle Guide to Honoring Someone
By The Velocity Wear Team
Memorial shirts get close to three thousand searches a month in the US. They're worn at funerals, celebrations of life, balloon releases, memorial walks and anniversaries. For many families they become something to hold onto. If you're planning them now, here is some gentle, practical help.
Choosing a photo
Pick a photo where your loved one looks like themselves, relaxed and happy. It doesn't need to be formal. Use the highest-quality version you can find. A photo sent through a messaging app or screenshotted from social media is often compressed. If possible, ask the person who took it for the original file, or scan a printed photo at high resolution.
If the background is busy, the photo can usually be cropped or the background softened. Ask when you send it.
Wording
- Their name, as family knew them, including a nickname if it fits.
- Dates of birth and passing, often written as a sunrise and sunset.
- A short phrase: In Loving Memory, Forever in Our Hearts, Always With Us.
- A favorite saying, song lyric or verse that meant something to them.
Keep it short. A few meaningful words read better than a paragraph. And please have someone close to the family check spelling and dates before approving. It's a small step that matters a great deal.
Design and color
Many families choose white, black or gray shirts with a photo on the front. Others choose their loved one's favorite color, or the color associated with a cause, like a particular awareness ribbon. There's no wrong answer. Choose what feels like them.
Timing
Our production takes 10 to 15 working days after artwork approval, plus shipping. That's often too long for a funeral held within days. For services happening very soon, a local print shop that can turn shirts around in a day or two may be the kinder option. Our timeline works well for celebrations of life held later, memorial walks, anniversaries and fundraisers in their name.
Quantities
Our minimum is 20 per design with sizes mixed, including youth sizes. Collect sizes with a simple shared list. Order a few extras. People who couldn't attend often ask for one afterward.
Memorial fundraisers
Some families sell memorial shirts to help with funeral costs or to raise money for a charity close to their loved one's heart. If you do, say clearly where the money goes.
Including children
Children often find comfort in wearing a shirt that matches the rest of the family. Include youth sizes, and consider a simpler design for little ones if the photo feels heavy for them. Some families let the kids pick the shirt color.
Memorial walks and fundraisers
Families often organize a walk, run or fundraiser in a loved one's memory. Shirts help the community show support. Include the cause and event date alongside the tribute.
Keeping extras
Keep a few spare shirts for relatives who ask later.
Accessibility
Offer extended and youth sizes so everyone who wants to take part can.
When you're ready
You can preview a design in the design studio, or send us the photo and wording and we'll prepare a proof for you to review. See custom t-shirts. Take the time you need.
