What a size list should capture
A size list does more than ask for small, medium or large. It should tell you exactly who needs what, in what quantity, and whether the garment is for men, ladies or youth. For schools and sports clubs in particular, clear sizes prevent shortages on issue day and cut down on exchanges after printing.
At Screen Spectrum in Umbilo, Durban we use size lists to plan screen printing and digital print runs for T-shirts, caps, banners and signage work. When the sizes are clear from the start, artwork checking, test printing and production move faster, even on mixed orders for different age groups.
- Customer or group name
- Contact person and delivery area
- Item type, like T-shirt, hoodie, cap or event shirt
- Size range needed
- Quantity per size
- Colour choice and print position
- Deadline or event date
Simple template you can copy and use
Keep the form plain and easy to read. If the group is large, split the list by class, team or department. That way, the person placing the order can check each line before it comes to us for screen making, colour separation and print setup.
A useful working template looks like this:
- Group name:
- Contact person:
- Item:
- Sizes needed:
- Quantity per size:
- Garment colour:
- Print colour:
- Special notes:
For example, a school order may include 20 youth medium, 30 youth large and 10 adult extra large. A club order might need 15 small, 25 medium and 12 large, with a few 2XL pieces for officials. If the order includes caps or mixed garments, list those separately so nothing gets missed.
How to collect sizes from a team or class
The best method is to let each person choose from a printed size chart or sample garments before the final count is sent through. This avoids guesswork, especially with fitting differences between cotton T-shirts, polycotton shirts and heavier winter wear. In Durban’s humidity, fabric can feel different from one supplier to the next, so a proper check is worth it.
Use a short deadline and one person to sign off the final list. That stops late changes and double entries. If your group is spread across Pinetown, Westville, Berea or Durban Central, ask the coordinator to collect the details in one place before submitting.
- Show sizes on a table or spreadsheet
- Use one code for each item type
- Confirm youth and adult sizes separately
- Ask for spelling of names if personalisation is needed
- Mark any urgent pieces clearly
Size lists for schools, clubs and businesses
Different clients need different levels of detail. Schools often need class lists with age-based sizing, while clubs may need sizes by squad or committee role. Businesses usually want a neater distribution, with staff names and quantities tied to departments or branches.
For KZN schools and organisations, a size list also helps when orders are being couriered nationwide. If a parcel leaves Umbilo for Ballito, Pietermaritzburg or Amanzimtoti, the packing team must know exactly which sizes are inside each bundle. That makes issuing far easier on arrival.
- Schools: class, grade, learner name and size
- Clubs: team, player name, size and number
- Businesses: department, staff name, size and delivery point
- Events: role, size and whether printing is front, back or both
Mistakes that slow down production
The most common error is mixing sizes and quantities in the same line without a clear total. Another problem is using general wording like big or medium-ish, which creates confusion when screens are being prepared and garments are being packed. A missing quantity can delay the whole run.
Also check whether the garment is unisex, ladies or youth fit. A small in one cut may not match a small in another. If the order is for a coastal venue or outdoor event, mention it, because the finish and print method may need to suit heat, moisture and long wear. It sounds simple but it saves a lot of back and forth later.
- Do not rely on memory alone
- Do not merge different item types into one line
- Do not leave print positions unclear
- Do not send a list before it has been checked by one person
Send your size list with confidence
Once your list is complete, use the enquiry form on our contact page and attach or paste the details there. Our team in Umbilo can then check the artwork, confirm the print method and plan the production run. We work with KZN schools, clubs and businesses, with courier delivery available nationwide.
Screen Spectrum has handled size-based orders since 2008, with in-house stencil and screen making for runs of any size. From the first count to final dispatch, the goal is to keep the order tidy, accurate and ready for issue without extra delays.
- Have one contact person approve the final list
- Include the delivery area and deadline
- Note any special sizing requests before production starts
- Keep a copy of the submitted list for your records
