Top Custom Apparel Picks for Summer Events in Minnesota

by mike ritter

As the sun warms up Minnesota, outdoor gatherings—festivals, fairs, corporate picnics, reunions, and charity runs—are back in full swing. Whether you’re hosting a family reunion at a cabin on Lake Vermilion, selling merch at St. Paul’s Art Crawl, outfitting a local nonprofit, or organizing branded swag for the Minnesota State Fair, custom apparel makes a powerful statement. Here's a roundup of the best options—along with why CHUX Print in St. Louis Park is your go‑to Minnesota‑based provider.

1. Lightweight Crew‑Neck Tees: Breathable and Bold

For hot days, nothing beats a soft, breathable crew‑neck tee. Brands like Next Level and Bella + Canvas—both available through CHUX Print—offer lightweight blends that hold vibrant ink and resist shrinkage 
Best pick: A simple white or heather gray tee with a bold one‑ or two‑color printed logo or illustration. Ideal for vendors at fairs like the Minnesota State Fair or small business events at Minneapolis lakeside parks.

2. Performance Polo Shirts: Stylish Functionality

For company picnics or event staff uniforms, moisture‑wicking performance polos deliver polished professionalism. Ask CHUX about custom polo options in polyester blends with screen‑printing or embroidery. They can match precise Pantone colors—and support garment and ink choices for a sharp, uniform look.

3. Bold Hoodies & Light Jackets: For Chilly Evenings

Summer nights in northern Minnesota can get brisk—think Boundary Waters canoe camps after sunset, or late‑evening street fairs in Duluth. A mid‑weight hoodie or lightweight zip jacket featuring event logos works great. CHUX Print handles both screen printing and embroidery on hoodies, sweatshirts, and even hats or bags. These also make memorable souvenirs.

4. Tote Bags & Promotional Wearables

Festivals, trade shows, outdoor markets—you’ll often want branded swag beyond tees. CHUX supports screen‑printing on tote bags, hats, and even tech accessories. A printed canvas tote or cap keeps your brand visible long after the event is over, perfect for giving away at seasonal events like the Twin Cities Pride parade or the Uptown Art Fair.

Why Choose CHUX Print: The Minnesota Advantage

✅ Local Expertise & Personal Service

CHUX Print is located in St. Louis Park (address: 3316 Gorham Ave, St. Louis Park, MN) and prides itself on being a fully local, full‑service design + print partner. Clients can come in person to feel garment samples, review proofs, and ensure color accuracy—something that web‑only printers can’t match.

✅ Flexible Customization & Turnaround

With a minimum order of just 12 garments, CHUX enables small groups, nonprofits, or boutique events to get custom print jobs affordably. They offer screen‑printing, embroidery, even design assistance if you don’t have final artwork ready. Typical production time is 7–10 business days—though they can often accelerate orders for rush jobs, for an added fee.

✅ Material Selection & Pantone Matching

CHUX doesn’t limit you to cheaply sourced blanks—they stock premium brands (Next Level, Bella Canvas, Independent Trading Co.), and can source nearly any blank apparel you ask for. They support Pantone color matching to ensure your exact brand color comes through in ink.

Best Custom Apparel Picks for Minnesota Summer Events

Here’s a quick table of top picks by event type:

Event Type Recommended Apparel Why It Works
Festival or Street Fair Lightweight crew‑neck tee Breathable, bold graphics, great for crowd‑friendly branding
Corporate Picnic / Staff Gear Performance polo Moisture‑wicking, polished, easy to brand and team match
Charity Run / 5K Fundraiser Technical tee or tank Dry‑fit materials, comfortable for athletic wear
Evening or Hill‑country Event Hoodie or zip‑jacket Mid‑weight warmth when temperatures dip
Vendor or Merch Booth Tote bags, hats, bandanas Versatile promo items that extend brand visibility post‑event

Design Tips for Summer Apparel in Minnesota

  1. Choose light colors: Light‑colored fabrics stay cooler in sun. Use bold inks or white ink to stand out.

  2. Simplify graphics: One‑ or two‑color artwork prints crisp, washes well, and cuts costs.

  3. Be event‑smart: For Minnesotan themes, think outdoor motifs—lakes, northern lights, summer festivals, pine trees—or timely seasonal messaging.

  4. Maximize branding: Add sleeve prints (e.g. sponsor names), back prints, or hem tags to extend exposure across a crowd.

Sample Scenarios

  • Minnesota cabin family reunion: Soft tri‑blend tees in pastel shades with matching custom illustration on front and family name + year on back. Apparel from Bella Canvas via CHUX.

  • Local charity 5K: Dry‑fit tanks or t‑shirts in bright neon with race logo and sponsor sleeves—printed with CHUX’s durable inks.

  • Artist merch at Minneapolis Art Fair: Black or heather tee with white ink graphic, plus branded tote bags—printed locally at CHUX for fast delivery.

Ordering with CHUX Print: What You Need to Know

  1. Artwork Prep: If you can provide vector (.ai, .eps, or high‑resolution PDF), great. If not, CHUX can assist—just ask and inquire about design rates.

  2. Minimums & Pricing: At least 12 pieces per design, with pricing tiers at 12, 25, 50, 100, and up. More quantity tends to reduce per‑item cost.

  3. Turnaround Time: Standard lead is about 7–10 business days from approval; rush service is often possible with additional fees.

  4. Pickup or Shipping: CHUX offers local pickup (will call hours Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM) or shipping to your event site or elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota summer events deserve apparel that resonates—light, vibrant, and locally made. CHUX Print delivers flexibility, quality, and local service whether you're ordering 12 shirts or 200. From soft Bella Canvas tees perfect for lake days to branded tote bags for festivals or dry‑fits for charity runs, CHUX helps bring your vision to life.

Ready to make your custom apparel shine at summer events across Minnesota? Get in touch with CHUXPrint to start the design process today, and experience the difference of working with a trusted local print partner. 

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