Fifth Column T-Shirts

09/07/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sodge, founder of Fifth Column.

Sodge started Fifth Column in 1977 and built not just a printing company, but a community of customers, colleagues, artists and friends. His creativity, kindness and passion shaped everything Fifth Column became.

Cat has put together a tribute celebrating his life, his work and the many memories shared along the way.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of his journey.

My beloved parter in life, Sodge, a founding member of Fifth Column, died in May aged 68.

After being kicked out of school in 1976, Sodge’s Dad told him to get a job, and he did. After working in kitchens, hospitals and some disastrous painting and decorating, he landed a job printing T shirts and posters in Lotts Road.

Here he met Robin, the company designer. Their meeting coincided with the explosion of Punk, and in true “ do it yourself” punk spirit, they set up their own print shop and started Fifth Column, with their friends Chris and Pedro.

With a £200 loan they hired two floors in a terraced house on Kilburn High Road, bought the minimum of equipment (light box, screens, squeegees, inks) and began producing T shirts inspired by the music scene they were relishing at night. Soon they were producing shirts for all the main punk bands, the Jam, The Clash, X Ray Specs and many others .

Back in those days everything was done by hand. The film positives to make the screens were cut with ruby film and pasted together with tape. The shirts were carded up so they wouldn’t move and were hand printed with water based ink. Each colour had to air dry, and the next colour had to be registered by eye. The shirts would then be cured at the local laundrette. Sometimes there was a strange smell on Kilburn High Road! However labour intensive the process, this didn’t stop Fifth Column producing ambitious multi coloured designs, often printing over the neck and sometime total coverage of the shirt.

In the 70s there weren’t any formal merchandise contracts with the bands, and Sodge and his colleagues would often print the shirts the day before a gig and then deliver them in person and get to see the s

10/03/2026

Best blank sustainable sweatpants

Here at Fifth Column, organic t-shirt printing is one of our specialities. But, we print and embroider a lot more than tees and the organic, sustainable speciality stretches across all of it. As a consequence, we constantly monitor what’s out there in terms of sustainable garments and merchandise for customisation. A while back we took a close look at plain jog pants designed to be decorated. Specifically, those with organic cotton content from certified wholesale suppliers. What follows is a selection of some of the best organic joggers for printing and embroidery currently available in the UK market – updated for 2026.

Before getting into our best organic sweatpants, we ought to mention the vaguely incredible rise of joggers. What we know as sweat pants first appeared in the 1920s, made by Le Coq Sportif. Although originally intended for athletic pursuits, their usage has become far more widespread. You could say virtually universal, a staple for your casual wardrobe. Whether that be streetwear fashion or comfy kicking back gear. And even suitable for certain working situations. Incidentally, there are numerous terms for them. For example, joggers, jogging pants, sweatpants, track pants, tracksuit bottoms and loungewear. Whatever they’re called, we’re very familiar with the organic ones.

16/02/2026

We’ve been testing some new styles. 🧢 The AS Colour Class Cord Rope Cap (1185) and Surf Cotton Camo Cap (1119C)
Both now available with our embroidered logo. Two very different vibes. Which one are you on?

19/01/2026

Stanley Stella Spring Summer 2026
Here’s some good news, sure to inspire your printing and embroidery projects for the coming year. Stanley Stella SS26 has landed. Their Spring Summer 2026 collection includes a number of themes that will strike a cord with anyone interested in top quality, sustainable blank clothing. And, of course, a selection of exciting new products. There’s a firm focus on eco-friendly fabrics allied to ranges that have the broad appeal with which Stanley Stella have become synonymous. Beyond that, it also features an increasingly strong catalogue for corporate and business customers. So, let’s jump in and take a look at what Stanley Stella offers for you in the months to come.

Check out Stanley Stella SS26 - the Spring Summer 2026 collection available now at Fifth Column for premium quality printing and embroidery.

05/01/2026

Printed with LOVE.
Literally.