WHY SPEND MORE ON A SHIRT?
We are all consumers of different products, from the simplest basic item such as tomatoes, to a more complex task such as a house. But what makes you choose to buy tomatoes at Kshs.30 for 3 pieces from your mama mboga around the corner, or Kshs.80 a kilo from the grocery shops at the mall when you can get them at Kshs.20 a ‘gorogoro’ from wakulima market? Why spend 12 million on a house yet there are other cheaper options going from as little as 3 million? You would still have a roof over your head. Why would anyone want to spend more?
A shirt is not just a Shirt.
You can possibly give an answer to the above. But when it comes to corporate wear such as t-shirt and other garments we are often tempted to think inside the box. And one of the most misunderstood piece of cloth is the t-shirt especially that locally printed one. When you want to buy such garments it is advisable to first determine not only the final cost but also the value it will give you in the long run. The fact is that a t-shirt is not just a t-shirt. They come in various qualities and their value is determined by many factors such as quality of fabric, flattering fit, expert construction, and print work. 
Case for Frugality?
But let’s face it; it can seem expensive to pay for good quality custom printed shirt, as we all have a budget to adhere to. That is why for a number of organisations, the most common initial reaction is to spend as little as possible. After all, it’s hard to go wrong with frugality.
However, it’s even more expensive to pay for shirts that no one is going to wear (unless they are paid to). These are the shirts that some companies hand out for free, and are typically boxy, loose fitting, uncomfortable and unstylish. The end product is something that will be worn once then renegaded to a duster, used as night clothes, or donned when doing domestic work. Other people are known to accumulate these freebees at the boot of the car and given out to the villagers during Christmas. While this is noble, unless the purpose was to reach the villager, you may have just missed your mark. Of late naturalista sistas have found that they do a better towels in drying natural hair, so the list of your t-shirts just want up.
Creating A Good Impression
When you want your customers to choose to wear your garments, or staff to spend your entire work week wearing the same uniform, it makes more financial sense to invest in high-quality garments that are both durable and timelessly stylish.
The payoff of spending a few extra shillings on your apparel is an increase in your personal comfort and confidence, as well as net savings in both time and money. It also projects to the world an image of enhanced professionalism and self- confidence. Far from wasteful, an investment in what you wear to work goes a long way in maximizing your personal identity and comfort.
Do the Maths Before You Buy
So when it comes to branded shirts for your staff or customers, trying to save money by buying cheap garments will ultimately cost you more. Although it seems counterintuitive, making the choice to spend more on higher-priced clothing actually ends up saving you more money than if you were to purchase a cheap, low-quality garment.
