Start With Who Will Wear the Garments
The right size run depends on who the clothing is for and how it will be used. A primary school order in Bloemfontein will need a different mix from a warehouse team in Welkom or a fun run in Parys, so we always start by asking about the group, ages and fit preference.
For schools, we usually work from age bands and sample sizes where possible. For staff uniforms, it helps to know if the fit should be neat, relaxed or layered over another shirt. For event shirts, the safest approach is often a wider spread of sizes, because attendees vary more than a fixed team does.
- Primary school learners: smaller sizes, with a few extra medium and large options
- High school groups: a wider spread from small to extra large
- Adult staff teams: match the fit to daily movement and work tasks
- Events: allow for mixed body types and late registrations
Use an Order Form That Collects Real Sizes
The most accurate way to build a size run is to collect each person’s size before production starts. A simple order sheet works well, especially when the organiser is managing a school class, sports squad or branch team across Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu or Hamilton.
If you are gathering sizes manually, ask each person to check an existing garment that fits well. For adults, a current T-shirt, golf shirt or hoodie is usually enough. For learners, confirm whether the garment should be worn on its own or over another layer. One missed measurement can throw off the whole run, so it is worth taking the extra minute.
- Ask for the size label from a garment that already fits well
- Confirm whether the item must fit loose or close to the body
- Separate men’s, ladies’ and unisex fits if the garment range allows it
- Keep a master list so changes are easy to track
How to Balance Small, Medium and Large Sizes
If you do not have exact counts yet, we can help you build a practical split. Many groups need more medium and large sizes than extra small or extra extra large, but the best mix depends on the people ordering. Staff uniforms for a retail team in Bethlehem will often differ from sportswear for a running club in Kroonstad, for example.
A balanced size run usually avoids over ordering the smallest sizes and leaving too few of the more common ones. For mixed groups, it is better to have a few extras in the most popular sizes than to run short and start swapping garments around after printing. That can slow down dispatch and complicate bagging, especially on larger orders.
We can also advise on whether to round up the number of larger sizes when the fit is more generous or the garment will be worn over another layer. For winter orders in the Free State, that small adjustment often makes a real difference.
School Orders Need Careful Size Planning
School apparel needs consistency, especially when the same item is being ordered for a full grade, house team or staff group. If the order is going to a school in Bloemfontein or Thaba Nchu, it is worth checking whether the garments must match existing stock, old house colours or a standard uniform policy.
For younger learners, sizes can vary quickly from one term to the next, so it helps to include a spare range. If the shirts are for an event day, sports afternoon or school trip, choose sizes that allow for movement and comfort. Learners need room to sit, run and play, not a tight fit that rides up or pulls at the seams.
- Allow for growth if the garments will be used through a full school year
- Check if the school prefers a tighter or looser fit
- Include a few extra garments in the most common learner sizes
- Confirm whether the item will be tucked in or worn loose
Staff Teams and Workwear Need Movement Room
Workwear should support the job, not get in the way of it. A team that moves boxes, serves customers or works outdoors in Hamilton, Botshabelo or Welkom may need a more relaxed fit than office-based staff. If the garment is being worn during long shifts, a little extra room at the chest and shoulders can improve comfort through the day.
When planning sizes for a staff order, tell us if the team includes both ladies and men’s fits, or if one unisex range is preferred. It also helps to mention whether the clothing will be worn over base layers, especially during colder months when early starts and load-shedding can make workplaces feel cooler than expected.
For repeat orders, we can use your previous size breakdown as a starting point and adjust it if the team has changed. That keeps future orders quicker and helps avoid guesswork.
What Happens If Sizes Are Mixed or Uncertain
If you are unsure about your size run, do not guess blindly. Send us the group details and we will help you work through it step by step. In many cases we can suggest a sensible split based on age, role and garment type, then refine it once you have partial numbers. It is better to plan once than reprint later because the sizes were off.
We also offer colour matching, artwork setup and size sorting, so the job can be packed in a way that makes distribution easier on arrival. For couriered orders across the Free State and nationwide, that saves time when the garments reach your office, school or event venue.
- Share the group type, age range and expected quantity
- Tell us if the fit must be standard, loose or layered
- Include any known sizes first, then we help fill the gaps
- Ask for size sorting and individual bagging if distribution will happen off-site
How to Send Us Your Size Run Details
Send your enquiry through the contact form on our contact page and include as much size information as you have. If you are in Bloemfontein, Hamilton, Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Welkom, Bethlehem, Kroonstad or Parys, we can work from your list and plan the order around your deadline.
The more detail you give, the easier it is to keep the process accurate. A simple list with names, sizes and garment type is usually enough. If you are still collecting sizes, say so in the note and we will guide you on the next step. We work with schools, businesses and event organisers, so we know that size planning is often part of a bigger schedule with limited time and a lot of moving parts.
