General Discussion Triathlon Talk » RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt Rss Feed  
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2012-03-16 11:07 AM
in reply to: #4098214

Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

Excellent feedback; keep it coming! This has been super helpful to hear. And if you have more ugly shirt designs you want to load up, I did enjoy the last one posted or if you want to load a super awesome one up there too! It is cool to see what people are doing, good, bad or ugly. Thanks so much!



2012-03-16 11:10 AM
in reply to: #4098214

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Extreme Veteran
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5002525
Carrollton, TX
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

Echoing some of the earlier comments:

- attractive logos

- attractive colors

- lightweight, high quality material

 

I have a finisher's shirt from a local half that is school bus yellow, with a big pink star and the word "FINISHER" above the star.  It's horrific.  I would have rather paid $5-10 less for the race fee.

I wear my shirts unless they are absolutely awful, and unfortunately, I have a 50-50 split of good tees vs. awful ones.  I prefer tech tees, as I will wear those around town too, whereas a cotton tee will never be worn in training.

2012-03-16 11:10 AM
in reply to: #4098214

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Champion
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Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
It’s funny, but not surprising that there are so many contradictory responses here. Proof that you can’t please everyone, but thanks for asking.

Generally I prefer tech tees and I tend to wear them more often than my cotton tees. I have three cotton tees that I wear—two from Rev3, and one from IM70.3 Rhode Island. The rest of my cotton tees, without exception, are used for cleaning my bikes.
My tech tees, both long and short sleeve, get used in pretty regular rotation.

In terms of the design, simpler is usually better. Keep the sponsors’ logos on the back if you have to have them at all. I don’t like walking around feeling like a billboard.

It’s hard to go wrong with a black t-shirt.
2012-03-16 11:50 AM
in reply to: #4098214


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Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

Black would be preference on color.

Tie Die or something bright to run in might be acceptable as well.

White would be last color choice.

I like getting shirts so I telling my wife she can't throw them out even if they are from the 80's and 90's.

Name of race on left chest on front, only thing on front.  On back if your sponsers want to advertise I think you should ask them to be creative and not use the standard logo. 

2012-03-16 12:51 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Veteran
214
100100
, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

I have two favourite styles:

1. a long-sleeve cotton shirt that I can wear with jeans, etc.  Something in a nice colour and without too many ads and logos, or

2. a tech shirt that I can work out in.  Use a quality brand name, not the cheap polyester ones.  Some small tasteful logos, as I find that the printing defeats the wicking ability of the tech fabric.  And NO PRINTING OVER THE NIPPLES.  That's the only thing that ever causes me to chafe.

2012-03-16 12:51 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Regular
98
252525
Farmington Hills
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
Absolutely Quality tech t-shirt, preferrably short sleeves, BUT absolutely longer in the body. The ones that feel like they show my midriff go straight in the bin!


2012-03-16 12:52 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Extreme Veteran
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West Michigan
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

It's been interesting reading all the responses.  I'd say IMO, if the RD wants to advertise their race via shirts, it depends on which "group" of people they're targeting.  For those who prefer tech shirts (myself included), it's mainly because we train in them.  Therefore the "audience" being marketed to via shirts are athletes if the RD chooses tech shirts.

If the RD wants to advertise their race via their shirts and they choose cotton (horrible workout option), chances are they figure the shirt will be worn "around town" and therefore the RD is probably targeting a general audience, potentially "couch to 5K."

I've done many races where they give a crappy cotton t-shirt and I just throw them in a storage tub so one-day maybe I'll have a quilt made with them....

2012-03-16 9:22 PM
in reply to: #4098242

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Regular
65
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Tucson,AZ,USA,Earth,Orion Arm,Milky Way Galaxy
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

spjon25 - 2012-03-15 5:02 PM Definitely carry XXL sizes

x2

I would add no cotton, and use quality material that wicks away moisture. 

The tech tees are nice since they are very good on a run or casual bike ride. Lastly, nothing too flashy. A logo to be flashy is okay, ut for an entire shirt to scream out...that is another story. Hope this helps

OTOH, I wear "too flashy" hi viz shirts on bike rides given their inherent safety value.

Also, it's nobody's fault but mine, but white shirts seem to get readily stained.

2012-03-16 10:42 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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New user
205
100100
Athens, GA
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

It's been said before but bears repeating - women's cut as an option, assuming tech shirts. Even the "best" "fitting" tech shirts I've gotten in "unisex" sizing are good for short runs at best - for longer runs there are invariably seams somewhere in the underarm area that chafe. 

If you do cotton, the design (or accomplishment) has to be pretty awesome for me to wear it around town, usually they just go into the sleep-shirt drawer.

2012-03-17 10:05 AM
in reply to: #4098214

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Veteran
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Omaha, NE
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
I've got lots of race shirts, most don't fit(some too big some too small), some too ugly so I don't wear most. Men and women like different colors, so having a choice of 2 colors would be great! Also sleeveless (all I wear in the summer). Depending on the race, I like funny sayings. We have a Beer and Bagel race here and the shirts say "I'm a drinker with a running problem". Finally something different is good---socks, visor, bike jersey, etc. , or if I could get a youth size shirt instead, that said "my mommy did...", I would LOVE it. Not for everyone, but I'm always looking for ways to get my kids more involved 'in the experience'.
2012-03-17 12:47 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Master
1887
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Loveland, Ohio
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

Please. No cotton Ts. That's like having moved to CDs in the early 90s and then your parents go and buy you the new album that you wanted for Christmas - on tape!

I was part of organizing an inaugural (please don't call it first annual, there is no such a thing) 5K last year. People loved that we were offering Tech-Ts. Really put the race up a notch. I never wear the cotton race Ts.

Please offer women's sizes - and, yes, make sure they're long enough.

White is fine with me. Just don't order a gross color like mustard yellow.

Give the racer the option of not buying a T-shirt for a lower registration price.

People typically expect a T-shirt. If you're going to replace it with something else, it must have the same "a-ha" worth. I don't know if a visor does that.

Logo placement or size doesn't bother me.

Best of luck to you.



2012-03-17 1:02 PM
in reply to: #4098260

Regular
198
100252525
WI
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
bradaskins - 2012-03-15 5:13 PM

My favorite race shirts are:

  • long sleeve 100% cotton (nice heavy tee)
  • long sleeve tech tees (not cheap material)
  • short sleeve cotton (nice heavy tee)
  • short sleeve tech tees  (not cheap material)

In that order

Never ever white, ever!



That's funny because my list would be in the almost opposite order. If it's cotton, I don't want it. Tech shirts only, preferably short sleeve, as long as it's decent quality (soft, not scratchy fabric). Also, I'd prefer lighter colors since these become my workout shirts. Hi-visibility yellow/green or just plain white.

Edit: Offering the option of not paying for a shirt and lowering the price of the event by $5 is nice, too. Makes organizing everything a little more complex, but racers who don't like the shirt (or don't need any more shirts) may appreciate it.

Edited by GBarrett 2012-03-17 1:05 PM
2012-03-17 2:13 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Expert
2373
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Floriduh
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

Agree with above:

- Good quality tech shirt (find myself wearing them more than cotton nowadays)

- Not white (get grody looking), colors other than black would be good

- Tasteful front design (keep it modest, huge billboards are not appreciated)

- OK with back advertisements, these guys pay for this (I got no problem with free market capitalism and (maybe) help keep registration fees lower)

2012-03-19 11:37 AM
in reply to: #4098214


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Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

Prefer good quality tech tees in any color but white.  By good, I mean I like the Brooks brand tees I've received in a couple races but hate two off-brand, cheap tech tees I've received recently.  If not a decent brand, I'd rather the race fee be cheaper and no shirt or increase the fee to cover a nice quality shirt.

I'm ok with cotton t-shirts for short, cheaper races so long as the colors are "normal".  Last year I received one cotton T that I could best describe as pink-orange-red mixed together.  I also received an orange tie-dyed that sucked too.

2012-03-19 12:02 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Master
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Denison Texas
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

Since the OP asked IN not on I offer this suggestion:





(429472_301590273237347_141553642574345_845728_614342948_n.jpg)



Attachments
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429472_301590273237347_141553642574345_845728_614342948_n.jpg (52KB - 30 downloads)
2012-03-19 12:28 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Extreme Veteran
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Greenwood, South Carolina
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
momineam - 2012-03-15 4:37 PM

I am a race director looking for some feedback on what you want in a race t-shirt. 
Most triathlons and duathlons give them away, but I want to hear from you, the racer, on what you like in your race t-shirt. 


Tell me about your favorite race t-shirt? Do you have one that you really like? My favorite shirt is white with a design from a local artist.


Do you wear them or do they end up in a drawer or the donation pile? I wear all of my shirts.  I find them cool and comfortable.


Do you want a tech tee/performance tee for training or do you prefer a cotton t-shirt you can wear out on the town? I like the Tech tee for the keeping cool.


What do you like in terms of color, design or style? White


Any ideas, thoughts, photos, or insights will help. 
Thank you!



2012-03-19 3:38 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Veteran
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Salt Lake City
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
Oh and one more thing...do a spell check.  I've only done one race so far, and the shirt (a nice womens cut tech tee that I like) and medal both say "triathalon."
2012-03-20 1:02 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Member
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Toronto-ish
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
Please keep the front clean, one small logo in the upper chest is ok. If you need to plaster a big logo somewhere the back is better. 
2012-03-20 1:46 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Member
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The Heeb, UT
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt

I used to love tech fabrics - now, not so much.  After a few years of races, I now have a closet full of shirts for running, but have to go out to the store to pick up something for casual wear around town.

Beyond that, make sure that the design changes year over year, that when possible, the graphics are sublimated (instead of screen printed) - nothing worse than logo sweat, and that (again, if possible) there is distinction between the different events (sprint/oly/half).

 

SYJ

2012-03-20 3:02 PM
in reply to: #4098214

Member
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Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
I also like when races give you a discount if you opt out of the T-shirt.  I often want to opt out b/c the sizing rarely fits me regardless of the type of shirt, so maybe I'd not be such a fan of that option if the sizing worked for me LOL.  So, I agree with others, offer Mens and Women's sizes to include (at least in women's) XS.   I hate paying for my portion of a race shirt that I never wear other than to bed b/c they are always too big.  
2012-03-20 3:10 PM
in reply to: #4098214

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Veteran
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Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Subject: RE: RD wants to know what you want in a race t-shirt
momineam - 2012-03-15 5:37 PM

I am a race director looking for some feedback on what you want in a race t-shirt. 
Most triathlons and duathlons give them away, but I want to hear from you, the racer, on what you like in your race t-shirt. 
Tell me about your favorite race t-shirt? Do you have one that you really like? 
Do you wear them or do they end up in a drawer or the donation pile? 
Do you want a tech tee/performance tee for training or do you prefer a cotton t-shirt you can wear out on the town? 
What do you like in terms of color, design or style? 
Any ideas, thoughts, photos, or insights will help. 
Thank you!

One that I can actually wear would be awesome, my wife however has a great collection of shirts !! i have not worn L or XL since college !! larger sizes for us CLYDES !!! please !!! Thanks ..

 



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