How long does it take to get a custom polo?

By Samantha O'Rourke

When you’re preparing for an event, tournament or team launch, timing matters as much as design. Understanding the production and delivery timeline for custom polos helps you order with confidence and avoid last-minute stress.

As part of our Custom Polo Shirts series, here’s what you need to know about how long it takes—and how to speed things up. And check out more articles on our blog to see why polos are part of the best promotional items to give away!

How long does it take to get a custom polo?

For most orders, the timeline ranges from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on order size, decoration method and how quickly you approve your artwork. For custom polo shirts with fast delivery, you can often choose styles eligible for rush service that can ship in days instead of weeks.

Key factors:

• Decoration method: Embroidery typically takes longer than printing, especially for intricate designs or high stitch counts.
• Stock availability: In-stock polos can move into production immediately; backordered items will add time.
• Proof approvals: Delays in approving your free e-proof push back the start of production.

Many polos are eligible for 24-hour rush production, meaning they can ship the next business day after art proof approval—a great option for tight deadlines. Customers regularly praise this timeliness:

“Great quality shirt and our typical "go to" for quick turn around items.”
— Silk Touch Performance Sport Polo - 24 hr product review provided by customer

What is a bulk order when it comes to polo shirts?

A bulk order is typically a wholesale purchase of dozens or hundreds of polos decorated in the same run. Ordering custom polos wholesale provides tiered price breaks, making each shirt more cost-effective, and it often speeds up the process since production is streamlined for one consistent style and design.

Advantages include:

• Volume discounts at multiple quantity tiers.
• Consistency in logo placement and decoration quality.
• The ability to mix sizes (and sometimes colors) while keeping the same logo set-up.

4imprint’s bulk-pricing tiers are clearly listed on each product page, so you can instantly see the savings for larger quantities. One customer who ordered polos in bulk said:

“I ordered this shirt for 200+ coworkers and have heard nothing but positive feedback. Everyone loves this shirt!”
— BLU-X-DRI Stain Release Performance Polo product review by customer

Does it take longer the first time you order custom polos?

First-time orders may take a few days longer because your logo needs to be digitized for embroidery or prepped for printing. That’s why your first order might lean toward the upper end of the delivery time range, while reorders can move much faster.

When you work with a custom apparel online store like 4imprint, you’ll receive a complimentary e-proof to approve before production begins. You also get free design assistance—whether you need help adjusting your logo for embroidery, adding text or creating new artwork from scratch. Once your design is on file, future orders skip this step—plus, set-up fees aren’t duplicated on exact reorders.

And when you find the perfect polo, as one customer noted, there’s no reason to shop anywhere else:

“We buy this same shirt every year for our golf course staff, just in a different color. They wear well and hold up great!”
— Cool & Dry Mesh Polo product review by customer

What factors can affect how long it takes to get a custom apparel order?

Several elements can shorten or extend your delivery time for custom polo shirts online in the USA:

• Order size: Larger runs can take longer unless they’re pre-scheduled in production.
• Design complexity: Large logos, multiple placements or intricate stitching require more production time.
• Decoration method: Embroidery can take longer than screen printing or full color. At 4imprint, they are both at five shipping days after art approval!
• Seasonal demand: Spring sports, summer events and year-end gifting can stretch production queues.
• Shipping method: Ground shipping vs. expedited services can make a big difference.

If you’re on a strict schedule, you can use 4imprint’s in-hand date guarantee to ensure your polos arrive exactly when you need them—or you get a refund. One buyer of polo shirts shared:

“As per usual great job and the timing was perfect”
— Gildan^® 6 oz. DryBlend^® Jersey Polo product review by customer

Ready to get your polos on time and on brand? Explore our collection of custom polos to find styles with the delivery options you need, then start your order today so your team is ready for the big day.

Samantha O'Rourke

Samantha O’Rourke is an experienced SEO digital analyst and copywriter with a decade of expertise in the promotional products industry. With a strong foundation in marketing and a keen eye for emerging e-commerce trends, she stays on top of what’s new and noteworthy in 4imprint’s product offerings. As a regular contributor to 4imprint’s blog, Samantha offers insights on how businesses can use promotional products to stand out, connect with their audiences and succeed in a crowded marketplace.