Sandie recently had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with the Emirates Golf Federation for the UAE Cup. We wanted to create something special, a piece that wasn't just merchandise, but a keepsake for the event and something players would want to wear again and again.
Being a one-woman brand, people often see the finished product but miss the messy, time-consuming, and rewarding process that happens in between. So, I documented exactly what it took to get 160 custom hoodies from a sketch on my iPad to the stack of boxes ready for the players.
Here is the journey of the Sandie x UAE Cup Hoodie.
1. Graphic Design Ideation & Creation
It all starts with a blank canvas. We went through a series of designs to find one that truly represented the nature of the event. We landed on a graphic featuring the map of the UAE, integrated with golf elements like the flag and course landscape. The goal was a clean design that felt exclusive.
2. Drafting Mock-Ups & Producing Samples
Before we commit to 160 pieces, visualization is key. I drafted mock-ups to see the piece before sampling or production. Once the physical samples arrived, we were able to make changes and finally settle on the final colors and designs.
3. Creating Custom Paper Products
This is personally one of my favorite parts. It’s creative and allows me to do something completely different just for this event. Designing the custom "UAE Cup Exclusive" labels and Sandie branding adds that extra layer of polish to the final product.
4. Bulk Production Arrives
Then, the big shipment arrives. Unboxing 160 hoodies is where the work truly starts.
5. Hoodie Quality Control
This is the most time-consuming part of it all: ensuring each piece is flawless. We ended up having 10 pieces that neck tags needed to be fixed. This is quite typical with an order this large.
6. Adding Hang Tags
Once the hoodies passed inspection, I individually added our hang tags to each hoodie. This part really feels like the process is coming to life—it's the "bow tie" on the production, if you will.
7. Refold Hoodies
Probably my least favorite part—it feels like doing the laundry! But this part is important so all pieces are folded in uniform.
8. Fold Boxes & Tissue Paper
We typically package in poly bags, but given the size of this order, we felt a box was a better unboxing experience. Man, was it time-consuming (lessons were learned), but it looked great.
9. Place Hoodies in Box
We secured the tissue paper with a custom Sandie sticker. It really is all in the details ;)
10. Final Touches
All our Sandie orders get a personalized message, and this order was no different. I included a "Welcome to the Sandie Club" card with a note for the players. It’s these small, human touches that define a small brand.
11. ... & Done!
160 hoodies - designed, produced, and packaged. Seeing the final stack of boxes was a huge relief. Not too bad for a 1 (wo)man brand.
Join the Sandie Club
While this specific design was an exclusive for the UAE Cup, the same love and attention to detail go into everything we make. If you want to experience the quality for yourself (and officially join the Sandie Club), explore our current collection of hoodies available in the shop now. Your new favorite piece is waiting for you!