Ad Idea Asking for Employee Sizes Is Awkward (Here’s the Fun, Modern Fix)

Ad Idea Asking for Employee Sizes Is Awkward (Here’s the Fun, Modern Fix)

Few things can take the excitement out of company swag faster than one simple request:

“Hi team! Please reply with your shirt and hoodie sizes.”

It sounds harmless. It’s well-intentioned. But the moment that message goes out, the energy shifts. People hesitate. They overthink. Some ignore it altogether. Others reply with uncertainty because sizing is never consistent across brands.

Because yes — asking for employee sizes is awkward.

What should be a fun culture-building moment ends up feeling oddly personal, inconvenient, and a little uncomfortable. The good news is that there’s a smarter way to do it, and it completely removes the awkward size-collecting step.

Why Asking for Employee Sizes Is Awkward (Even When You Mean Well)

Swag should be simple. But collecting sizes creates friction for a few very real reasons.

1. It feels personal

Sizing is tied to body image for many people. Even if it’s “just for a hoodie,” some employees would rather not share that information at work.

2. People don’t always know their size

A medium in one hoodie might feel like a large in another. Employees are often guessing, which increases the chances of wrong sizes and waste.

3. It turns a perk into a task

Instead of feeling like a gift, it becomes another form to fill out or message to respond to. That’s the opposite of what swag should be.

4. It creates awkward follow-ups

The employees who don’t respond become a second project. Suddenly someone is tracking down hoodie sizes like it’s a deadline.

Swag is meant to build culture, not create spreadsheets.

The Real Issue: Traditional Swag Ordering Is Built Backward

Most swag programs still work like this:

  • collect sizes upfront

  • order in bulk

  • distribute later

  • deal with leftovers, wrong sizes, and extra inventory

That process puts all the pressure on employees to provide accurate sizes and puts all the risk on the company if the sizing is wrong or the items are unwanted.

And if your team is remote or hybrid, shipping adds another layer of complexity.

The truth is, traditional swag ordering isn’t designed for today’s modern workplace.

The Better Ad Idea: Stop Asking for Sizes and Let Employees Choose

Here’s the simple change that makes everything easier:

Instead of asking employees for their sizes, give them access to a store where they choose their own swag and size.

That’s exactly what Merchloop makes possible.

With an on-demand employee swag store, employees receive a link and a credit, then select the item they want in the size that fits them best. No size question required.

No spreadsheets
No guessing
No follow-ups
No awkwardness

Just a smooth swag experience that feels modern and thoughtful.

How Merchloop Solves the “Awkward Size Question” Completely

Employees choose their size privately

No one has to share sizing details with HR, a manager, or a group thread. Employees pick what they want on their own, just like shopping anywhere else.

Everything is decorated and fulfilled on demand

Merchloop produces and ships items as they are ordered, so you don’t need to place a bulk order or store leftover boxes of merch.

You only pay for what gets ordered

Instead of paying for 100 hoodies and hoping they get used, you pay only for what employees actually select.

Swag becomes more exciting

When employees choose the style and size themselves, they’re more likely to love it, wear it, and feel genuinely connected to the brand.

It’s easier for the company and better for the employee.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Imagine sending swag to 100 employees.

The old way:

  1. Collect sizes

  2. Follow up with non-responders

  3. Place a bulk order

  4. Distribute or ship

  5. Deal with wrong sizes and extras

  6. Store leftover inventory

  7. Hope people wear it

The Merchloop way:

  1. Launch an employee store

  2. Share a link and give employees credit

  3. Employees choose items and select their size

  4. Merchloop decorates and ships directly

  5. Everyone gets the right fit

  6. No leftovers, no stress

It’s faster, cleaner, and much more employee-friendly.

Why This Ad Idea Works So Well

“Avoid awkward size questions” is more than a convenience. It’s a great campaign angle because it’s relatable, specific, and emotionally real.

Most people have experienced that uncomfortable moment where they’re asked to share their size at work. This messaging:

  • calls out a common pain point

  • validates the frustration

  • offers a clear solution

  • positions your company as modern and thoughtful

It also aligns with major workplace trends like:

  • personalization

  • inclusivity

  • remote-friendly employee experiences

  • eliminating unnecessary admin work

Employees want perks that feel effortless. This delivers exactly that.

Ways to Use This Ad Idea in Your Next Campaign

Here are a few strong ways to bring the idea to life in marketing and internal messaging.

Email subject lines

  • “Stop asking employees for sizes.”

  • “Swag should not be awkward.”

  • “Everyone gets the right fit. No size collecting required.”

  • “No spreadsheets. No follow-ups. Just swag.”

Social ad copy

“Company swag should be fun, not a size survey. Merchloop lets employees choose what they want in the size they want, privately and easily.”

Internal message to employees

“We launched a new company swag store. Pick what you want and choose the size that fits you best. No size collection needed.”

This positions swag as a perk, not a project.

Final Thoughts: Make Swag Exciting Again

Swag should feel like a gift, not an assignment.

If your current process involves collecting sizes through forms, spreadsheets, or follow-ups, the experience becomes awkward before it even begins.

Merchloop removes that friction by letting employees choose what they want and select their own size privately. It’s an easy, modern solution that boosts engagement, reduces waste, and makes the entire swag experience more enjoyable.

The next time a swag drop is on the calendar, skip the size spreadsheet.

Give employees choice, and give your team swag they’ll actually love wearing.

Merchloop's Mission

Merchloop helps organizations Simplify Branded Moments by eliminating the work behind merch programs. With our fully managed swag stores, companies can celebrate people and milestones without dealing with production, inventory, or shipping.

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