TSR BLOG
The Utlimate How-to Guide for Family Christmas Tees!
Let's address the elephant in the room. Matching family Christmas shirts can be adorable or they can be absolutely cringeworthy. There's a very fine line between "aww, look at that cute family" and "yikes, who thought that was a good idea?"
The difference comes down to execution. Done right, custom family Christmas shirts create amazing memories, look great in photos, and actually get worn without complaint. Done wrong, you've got awkward forced smiles in photos and tees that never leave the drawer after Christmas Day.
The good news? You can absolutely nail matching family shirts without the cringe factor. You just need to know the rules.
Let's address the elephant in the room. Matching family Christmas shirts can be adorable or they can be absolutely cringeworthy. There's a very fine line between "aww, look at that cute family" and "yikes, who thought that was a good idea?"
The difference comes down to execution. Done right, custom family Christmas shirts create amazing memories, look great in photos, and actually get worn without complaint. Done wrong, you've got awkward forced smiles in photos and tees that never leave the drawer after Christmas Day.
The good news? You can absolutely nail matching family shirts without the cringe factor. You just need to know the rules.
It Solves The "What Do We Wear?" Problem
Christmas morning rolls around. Everyone's asking what they should wear for photos. Someone's in pyjamas, someone else is overdressed, the kids are already covered in chocolate. Custom matching Christmas shirts eliminate all that chaos. Everyone knows what they're wearing, everyone looks coordinated, problem solved.
Creates Actual Unity Without Trying Too Hard
There's something genuinely nice about the whole family rocking the same vibe. It's not about losing individuality, it's about being part of something together. Custom family shirts done well create that feeling without being heavy-handed about it.
Turns Family Traditions into wearable Keepsakes
Does your family have a yearly tradition like decorating gingerbread houses together or baking grandma’s famous gingerbread cookies together? Why not make it even more memorable by creating custom family shirts around that tradition? Design shirts that reference your unique family ritual and establish your own “club” with the year it started. It transforms an annual activity into something tangible you can wear and remember. Each year, you’re not just doing the tradition, you’re wearing the proof that you’re part of something special.
Makes Photos Actually Work
Ever tried to take a family photo where everyone's wearing different colours and patterns and nothing coordinates? It's visual chaos. Matching or coordinated custom Christmas tees create clean, cohesive photos that actually look intentional rather than thrown together.
Gives You Content For Years
"Remember that Christmas we all wore those ridiculous matching shirts?" becomes a story. The photos get brought out every year. It becomes part of your family's Christmas tradition. That's the good stuff.
Kids Actually Think It's Fun
Adults might be self-conscious about matching shirts, but kids? Kids think it's awesome. They love feeling like part of the team. They're proud to wear something that matches mum and dad. Don't underestimate the kid enthusiasm factor.
Rule 1: Coordinated Often Beats Identical
Instead of everyone wearing the exact same shirt, consider variations on a theme. Same colour palette, different designs. Same style, personalised text. Connected but not clones.
Examples of coordination:
This approach gives you the cohesive look without feeling like you're all wearing uniforms.
Rule 2: Funny Beats Overly Sentimental
Christmas shirts that try too hard to be emotional often land in cringe territory. Funny is safer. Self-aware humour works. Keep it light. Or come up with a new fun way to reference something sentimental.
Cringe territory: "The Most Blessed Family" with angels and excessive script fonts
Better approach: "The [Surname] Survival Squad: Christmas Edition"
See the difference? One takes itself too seriously. The other acknowledges that family Christmas is equal parts love and chaos.
Rule 3: Simple Designs Win
Busy designs with too much going on look chaotic, especially when multiplied across multiple people. Clean, simple designs photograph better and age better.
Keep it simple:
Think less is more. Your custom Christmas shirts don't need to do everything at once.
Rule 4: Quality Matters More Than You Think
Cheap, scratchy, ill-fitting shirts make everyone look bad and feel uncomfortable. Quality custom t-shirts in comfortable fabrics that fit properly make everyone look better and actually want to wear them.
People can tell the difference between a quality custom tee and a cheap promotional shirt. Invest in decent blanks. Your family will thank you.
Rule 5: Include Everyone's Input (Especially The Teens)
If your 14-year-old thinks the design is cringe, they're probably right. And they definitely won't wear it. Get feedback, especially from the most critical family members. Their input might save you from a design disaster.
Teens are the ultimate cringe detectors. Use that power for good.
Rule 6: Make It Age-Appropriate
What works for a 5-year-old doesn't work for a 35-year-old. Design with everyone in mind. The design should work across generations without anyone feeling like they're wearing something meant for a different age group.
Picture this: your family gathers every year to bake Christmas cookies together. Mum’s in charge of the recipes, Dad handles the frosting (with varying degrees of success), your younger child takes their job as official taste tester very seriously, and your teen reluctantly participates but secretly loves being the sprinkle executive.
Why not turn these real family roles into your custom Christmas shirt designs? It acknowledges everyone’s actual contribution, creates inside jokes, and makes the tradition feel even more official.
Example: The Milk and Cookies Club
(Check out our collection here)
Whatever your family tradition is (decorating the tree, building gingerbread houses, the annual Christmas morning pancake breakfast), you can create role-based shirts around it. It’s personal, it’s funny, and it celebrates what makes your family unique.
The Name Game
Each family member gets a shirt with their name and maybe a Christmas-themed descriptor or inside joke. Simple, personal, effective.
Examples:
Everyone feels special, everyone's included, it's personalised without being over the top.
The Role Assignment
Give each family member a "role" in the Christmas operations. It's funny, it acknowledges everyone's actual personality, and it creates a cohesive theme.
Examples:
The Subtle Matching
Same colour custom shirts, small coordinating design element (like a tiny Christmas graphic in the same spot on everyone), but otherwise clean and simple. Coordinated without being obviously matchy-matchy.
This works especially well for families who want the cohesive look but don't want it to be the main focus. It's a sophisticated matching.
The Funny Quote Variations
One Christmas saying broken up across multiple family members, so it only makes sense when you're all together.
Example across 4 shirts:
Or each person has a different funny Christmas quote but they all fit the same theme and aesthetic.
The Minimalist Approach
Simple text, clean font, maybe one small graphic. Same design for everyone but scaled appropriately for different sizes. No fuss, no frills, just clean and effective.
Examples:
Works for families who like the idea of matching but don't want anything too bold or busy.
The Coordinated Colour Story
Everyone in the same colour (or palette), but with different designs that suit their personality. The colour creates cohesion, the designs keep individuality.
Example: All in forest green shirts, but:
Same vibe, different execution for each person.
Getting sizing right across multiple family members with different ages and body types takes thought.
For Babies And Toddlers
Go one size up. They grow fast, and a slightly oversized tee is cute on little kids. Plus, you might want to use these custom Christmas shirts more than once as they grow.
For Primary School Kids
Current size usually works, but if they're between sizes or you're ordering early (November for December), consider sizing up. Kids grow unpredictably.
For Teens
Let them choose their own size and fit preference. Some want fitted, some want oversized, some want classic fit. Teen buy-in is worth accommodating their preferences.
For Adults
Offer multiple fit options if possible. Not everyone wants the same cut. Some prefer classic fit, some want fitted, some like oversized and relaxed. If you're ordering the same style for everyone, go with a unisex cut that works across body types.
When In Doubt
Size up rather than down. Slightly big is more comfortable and wearable than too tight. Plus, oversized is currently fashionable anyway.
Here’s where you can really make your family Christmas tradition special. Don’t stop at just custom t-shirts. Create an entire collection of matching items that suit your tradition or activity.
If your family tradition involves baking or cooking together, add custom embroidered aprons to the mix. Everyone gets their role on their shirt AND their apron. It’s practical, it looks amazing in photos, and it actually gets used throughout the year.
Consider adding accessories that family members can wear year-round. Custom caps with your family name or a subtle Christmas reference work for beach trips, sports events, or just everyday wear. They’re a reminder of your family connection without being overtly Christmas-themed for 11 months of the year.
The good news? Tee Shirt Republic now offers no minimum order custom embroidery, available on a range of items.
This means you can create that whole collection without having to order massive quantities. Want one embroidered apron for Mum and matching caps for the kids? No problem.
Embroidery adds a classy, premium touch that elevates your custom family items from “fun Christmas thing” to “quality keepsake.” The stitching lasts longer, looks more sophisticated, and gives your collection that elevated feel. Check out the embroidery options at teeshirtrepublic.com.au/page/embroidery-perth
Creating a whole collection around your family tradition turns a one-off Christmas outfit into a proper family uniform. And the best part? These pieces get used beyond Christmas Day, keeping that family connection alive all year long.
Not all colours are created equal for family photos and custom family shirts.
Safe Bets
White or cream: Classic, clean, photographs beautifully. Shows off designs well. Works in any setting.
Red: Obviously Christmas-appropriate, photographs rich and vibrant, looks intentional for the season.
Forest green or dark green: Festive without being too obvious, works well for outdoor photos, sophisticated.
Navy: Safe, flattering on most people, provides good contrast for designs, works year-round.
Black: Always a great option especially if you want your design to pop.
Trickier Options
Bright colours (neon, hot pink, etc): Can overwhelm in photos, fight with Christmas decor, not everyone feels comfortable in super bright colours.
Light pastels: Can photograph weirdly depending on lighting, show every stain (relevant with kids).
Consider Your Photo Background
If you're taking photos in front of your Christmas tree, think about how your custom shirt colours will work with your decorations. You don't want everyone disappearing into the background or clashing horribly.
Get your orders in as soon as possible to ensure you can get the apparel and accessories you want, with your preferred decoration method. This is especially important if you’re creating a whole collection with shirts, aprons, and embroidered items. Make sure you account for shipping time if you’re placing orders during december we recommend opting for pickup over delivery to avoid any postal service delays.
Standard Production: 4-14 Days
Available on all items and decoration methods. This is your best bet for having the widest selection of products and colours to choose from. We recommend placing your orders by Dec 14th to allow for stock arrival and production.
Come Up With A Great Idea At The Last Minute?
The good news is we have some rush order options on a range of items we keep in inventory. You can also elect to collect from our Osborne Park Showroom to ensure you avoid festive season delivery delays.
Rush Service: 2-3 Days
A selection of black and white garments kept in inventory, digital service only. Perfect if you're ordering mid December and need faster turnaround.
Same Day 24 Hour Service
A selection of black and white garments kept in inventory, digital service only. For absolute emergencies when you've left it until the last possible moment. Order by 2pm, collect the next day.
The key is knowing your timeline and planning accordingly. Standard production gives you the most options. Rush services save you when time is tight, but with more limited colour and product choices.
You've invested in custom family Christmas shirts. Get good photos.
Timing
Natural light is your friend. Shoot in the morning or late afternoon, not harsh midday sun. Indoor photos with good natural light from windows work well too.
Location
Somewhere that complements the shirts without competing with them. Plain backgrounds work. Nature settings work. Just avoid visual chaos.
Photographer
If you want everyone in the photo (you probably do), either:
Use a tripod and timer
Recruit someone to take photos
Hire a photographer if it's a big family gathering
Use your phone's portrait mode and multiple takes
Poses
Mix it up. Get the formal everyone-looking-at-camera shot, but also:
Candid laughing photos
Kids being kids (chaos photos are often the best)
Action shots (throwing leaves, running, whatever)
Close-ups of the shirts
Creative arrangements
The stiff formal photo is fine but the candid ones are usually the keepers.
Ready to create some matching family Christmas shirts without the cringe?
Step 1: Decide if you're going identical matching or coordinated styles
Step 2: Get everyone's input, especially the teens and tweens
Step 3: Design something simple, funny, and age-appropriate for everyone - get some inspiration from our new Christmas Collection. You can even use our design in one area and add your own customisation in another.
Step 4: Choose quality custom t-shirts in a style that suits each individual. Remember you don't have to be identical in style to match. AS Colour has a huge range of styles for Men, Women and Children with many colours available across all range. Browse all AS colour here
Step 5: Get everyone's sizes and check against sizing guides found on each product.
Step 6: Start Designing! Select your product and click the "customise design" button to open our free online design tools. You can use our library of free artwork or upload your own artwork files. *TIP* If you find a design you love in our Christmas Collection but want to put it on a different product you can also browse available options for that decoration inside the designer.
Step 7: Place your order and choose the "Before Christmas" option or one of the Rush services if you've left it until the last minute!
Step 8: Plan your photo opportunities
Step 9: Actually enjoy Christmas instead of stressing about the shirts
The shirts are meant to add to Christmas, not become the stressful focus. Keep perspective.
Matching family Christmas shirts aren't for everyone. Some families love them, some think they're ridiculous. Both are valid.
But if you're considering it, here's what makes them worth it:
They create a moment. Christmas is busy and chaotic and over in a flash. Custom family shirts make the day feel special and intentional. They give you photos you'll actually want to look at. They create traditions and memories.
Years later, you won't remember what you ate for Christmas lunch. You might not remember all the gifts. But you'll remember that year everyone wore the matching shirts and laughed at how silly/great it was.
That's the value. Not the shirts themselves, but what they represent and facilitate.
So go ahead. Design those custom Christmas shirts. Embrace the coordination. Take the photos. Create the memories. Just maybe run the design past your teenager first.
This is the sign of good custom family Christmas shirts: they get used beyond Christmas Day.
Keep Wearing Them
If the design isn't super specifically Christmas-focused, the custom tees can be everyday wear. Family gathering shirts, weekend wear, whatever. Use them.
Annual Tradition
Break them out every Christmas. Even better if you make new ones each year and compare photos across years. Watch the family grow and change.
Pass Them Down
Kids outgrow their shirts, pass them to younger cousins or siblings. The shirt gets more use, creates connection across the family.
Frame Them
If a particular year is special (first Christmas with a new baby, everyone together for the first time in years), frame the shirts or one representative shirt from the set. Memory preserved.
Repurpose Them
Cut them up and make a quilt or cushion covers. Crafty option that turns custom Christmas shirts into lasting keepsakes.
