We love our military members and being a part of this military family, but many of us know that feeling when we get to a new unit and on day 1 are presented with the current unit “swag” only to find it a bit…lacking in the visual and possibly flattering, categories. Over the years, we have each stepped up to revamp our squadron apparel offerings with so much success in the popularity of designs as well as the incredible opportunity to bring in some good money to the unit’s booster club!
What is the key to our success? We are proud to introduce you to Houndstooth Press, a southern-based, small business that prides themselves on exceptional custom designs & apparel. Houndstooth Press is located in Northwest Arkansas where Jen grew up. Our partnership was truly a moment that showed us just how small of a world the military can be. The Houndstooth Press COO, Anna, is the sister of a WAF. Through that connection, in 2019 she reached out to us to start a collab for our first giveback line. After a successful launch, we realized how valuable it was to have the perspective of a civilian (read: not creatively bound to designs in the shape of a patch….) when it came to revamping our units’ apparel designs. But it doesn’t stop there, the quality of product offerings that Houndstooth Press has is truly unmatched. We have heard it before, “we don’t need that, we can just make our own on Vistaprint.” We are sorry to say this but we may explode if we have to pay $25 for another t-shirt that shrinks worse than that $7.99 Forever21 top you bought for the first day of school back in the day. We are talking high-quality, pre-shrunk, and ON-TREND styles. Clothing pieces that rival high-end brands like Lululemon.
After 4 years of working with them on multiple brand lines as well as multiple different unit lines, we are seriously their biggest fans.
Okay, but why are we telling you about this?
Because Houndstooth Press is now offering a Military Referral Program! So if you refer another military unit to Houndstooth Press, your ENTIRE unit will get a discount! Check out the breakdown below:
How does it work?
Houndstooth Press has a dedicated member of their staff that works directly one-on-one with all the military accounts. Her name is Hanna Colvin, and she is extremely helpful and easy to work with! You can reach her by email at [email protected] or text/call 479-420-3801.
What you need.
Send Hanna, any inspiration or specifics you may have for your design. Include your squadron’s patch, a landmark that is known to your squadron members, specific colors, and/or information on your local area.
If you are unsure on where to even start with a design, their team will work with you to create something unique and will resonate with your entire squadron!
If you have a preference on the garment brand, be sure to let Hanna know! We use Comfort Colors for most of the t-shirts we have done with Houndstooth Press! (Our personal favorite from our flying squadron was a design with the squadron plane as the stripes in the American Flag.)
What about pricing?
Once you have finalized your design, you will determine pricing if you have not already given that information to Hanna at the beginning. You can make your orders in two ways:
(1) Order in Bulk.
This means you will collect all of the quantities and sizes from your buyers and place one order. The invoice will be created and sent to you for payment. The order will ship “in bulk” to the address you provide. You will then make arrangements for buyers to pick up their orders from you.
(2) Order Individually Online.
This means that Houndstooth Press will create an online order link for your organization to purchase individual items online. Buyers have the option to ship their order directly to them for a shipping fee based on their location, or to the order organizer for free. A “pass out” is included in the box with the items that ship directly to you so you know who to pass out to.
What is the minimum to place an order?
Houndstooth Press has a minimum order of 36 on all of their apparel items. Promotional items such as stickers, keychains, etc. have higher minimum quantities, so be sure to ask Hanna!
What is the turnaround time?
Faster than you think! The production time after the order is placed (or the online link expires) is 5-8 business days. Embroidery items take a bit longer to produce, but are typically in hand in under 2 weeks.
Will it ship to an APO or FPO?
Absolutely! Houndstooth Press is ready to ship anywhere!
How can I raise money?
If your unit has a lot of funds to invest, they can buy in bulk to sell later.
For online orders, items can be marked up (up to $5.00 per item) and the profit made will be donated to your non-profit of choice. For you to be able to markup items, you must be able to provide a Tax ID for a 501C3. Once Houndstooth Press receives your non-profit information they will set up your link and begin the sale!
If this is our legacy, improving unit swag military-wide, then so be it!
Below is a personal statement from Hanna, Houndstooth Press’ personal military sales rep:
Meet Hanna
When I began working at Houndstooth Press 3 years ago, WAFs had just finished their first merch launch. It was a huge success! I have been fortunate enough to witness the increased interest in custom merch from military groups over the years.
Something that I truly believe is that a custom t-shirt can bring you the feeling of inclusion & allow you to feel as though you are a part of something larger than yourself. Whether it is the ones on duty or the supportive family, a t-shirt can bring you pride.
I have been so lucky to be given the opportunity to work closely with so many military personnel and their families. It brings me great joy to be a small part of uplifting and giving back to the ones that sacrifice so much!
I look forward to working with you all soon!
A Note from Houndstooth Press:
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve your squadron and contribute to its legacy. It is through collaborations like these that we are reminded of the incredible impact the military community has on our nation, and we are truly privileged to be a part of it.
At Houndstooth Press, we understand the importance of creating custom merchandise that truly represents the spirit, values, and identity of military squadrons. We take great pride in our ability to design and produce sensational custom merchandise that not only captures the essence of your squadron but also instills a sense of pride and camaraderie among your members.
We greatly value the trust you have placed in us to be your preferred provider of custom merchandise. It is our utmost priority to exceed your expectations and deliver solutions that not only meet your requirements but also celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of your squadron.
Once again, we extend our deepest appreciation for your continued partnership. We look forward to working closely with you to create exceptional custom merchandise that reflects the pride, unity, and excellence of your military squadron.
Should you have any questions, requests, or ideas for future projects, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide dedicated support and ensure your satisfaction.
Thank you for entrusting us with your custom merchandise needs!
The Houndstooth Press Team
