A Complete Guide to Custom T-Shirt Printing
Welcome to our library of Custom T-Shirt Printing resources. There’s a lot to discuss and learn. We will break down all printing types, and explore the best practices of each. This first module covers a basic summary of custom garment printing.
1. What is Custom T-shirt Printing and how does it work?
Put simply, it’s the process of applying a design to a t-shirt. Unique designs, logos, images, or text are printed onto a t-shirt using techniques like screen printing, heat transfer, or direct-to-garment printing. Custom printing lets individuals and businesses create personalised apparel that reflects their brand or message.
To make a custom printed t-shirt, three basic ingredients are required - an idea, a garment, and some machinery.
2. What different methods are used in custom t-shirt printing?
There are a number of methods used in custom t-shirt printing, each with its own strengths and limitations. They are chosen based on factors like design complexity, fabric type, quantity and time or budget considerations. The most established custom print methods include;
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Inkjet print technology is used to apply ink directly to fabric. The process is similar to printing on paper
Screen Printing: Stencils (screen) are created for each colour in a design, and then ink is pushed through the screens onto the garment, one colour at a time
Vinyl Transfer: Designs are cut from vinyl sheets before negative spaces in the design are removed by hand. The transfer sheets are then heat-pressed onto the garment
Dye Sublimation: Transfer paper is printed with specialty sublimation inks, and transferred with heat to a range of materials including polyester and ceramic surfaces
Embroidery: Designs are stitched into fabric with industrial machinery and robust thread
3. How can I make sure my custom t-shirt prints are good quality?
There are countless garment and design combinations, using an array of different print methods, so results and longevity can vary. Here are some factors to consider when striving for quality custom-printed t-shirts.
Garment Quality: Using low-quality t-shirts will likely give a low-quality finish. Premium t-shirts for print will have a smooth and even surface, with minimal fibres visible.
Print Files: Using high-resolution raster images, or vector files, is the best first step to avoid blurred or pixelated prints.
Your Printer: For top quality, look for a supplier that uses reputable methods, and offers advice on how to improve the outcome of your prints. Some businesses are geared towards a quick turnaround and low price, while others will value craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Your Budget: You tend to get what you pay for in this area, so be prepared to invest.
Sampling: While not possible for every method, sampling can be a great way to make sure you’re happy with the outcome, and gives you a chance to adjust artwork or colours. It’s an advantage for you to know what you’re getting ahead of a large order, and it means your printer can start the job with confidence.
Aftercare: Closely follow washing and care instructions to maintain the print quality and maximise longevity. This includes advice on washing temperature, drying, and ironing.
4. What materials can be used for custom t-shirt printing?
The choice of material depends on the intended use, comfort level, print method, and personal preferences. Some popular fabric options for custom t-shirt printing include;
Cotton: The most common t-shirt fabric, and the most versatile in terms of print methods
Polyester: Polyester blends are great for activewear, and can be printed with vibrant results
Tri-blends: A blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon, designed to provide a soft and comfortable feel
Bamboo: Environmentally friendly with a soft feel, bamboo offers comfort and sustainability.
Linen: Linen offers breathability and a relaxed feel, and suits most print methods
Emerging: Materials like Hemp, Organic Cotton and Recycled Polyester are emerging as options as they offer good sustainability and printability.
Experimental: Some printers are willing to test on non-standard fabric types. Check with your supplier if you’re interested in trying something new.
5. How much does it cost to print custom t-shirts?
The cost of printing custom t-shirts varies based on factors like quantity, design, print method and shirt quality. As a guide, for a one-off custom t-shirt print prices range from AUD$25 to $45 per shirt. Costs lower per unit for larger orders.
6. What factors affect the cost of custom t-shirt printing?
Let's jump into the main factors affecting pricing for custom t-shirt printing.
Quantity: Bulk orders tend to lower the cost per shirt due to production efficiencies. Tasks can be batched up and optimised, and it often means the raw costs like ink and blank garments are lower. Consider ordering in larger quantities for better pricing.
Print Method: Different processes like screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG), and heat transfer have varying costs. Screen printing is cost-effective for large orders, while DTG is a good match for small print runs or intricate designs.
Garment Quality: Premium brands or specialty fabrics come with a higher price tag. Basic styles and materials are more budget friendly.
Design Complexity: The number of colours in your design will affect costs. Simplifying designs or reducing colours can help to reduce expenses.
Placement: The number of print placements on your garments has an impact. Some locations like sleeves or high-neck prints require more handling and may impact costs.
Turnarounds: Urgent orders may incur additional rush fees.
7. What is the minimum order for custom t-shirt printing?
The minimum order for custom t-shirt printing can vary depending on the print supplier you choose to work with. Some companies have no minimums and will allow you to order just one unique custom t-shirt. It's equally common for many companies to have a minimum order requirement, typically ranging from 10 to 25 shirts. Some suppliers may even require larger minimum orders, especially if they offer specialty printing techniques or if the design is complex.
Before considering an order, check with the print supplier about their minimum order requirements. At this stage you can check on pricing, turnaround time, and any other specific details you may need to know. Additionally, consider checking with multiple printing companies to compare their services and find the best option for your needs.
8. What is the lead time for custom t-shirt printing?
Turnaround times for custom t-shirt printing can vary based on a few factors
Design: The design complexity plays a significant part. Simple designs may have shorter lead times, while intricate designs that need more involved print methods could take longer.
Quantity: Larger orders tend to require more time for printing and processing.
Print Method: Different printing methods such as screen printing, Direct to Garment (DTG), or embroidery can impact lead times.
Supplier Capacity: The current workload of the printing company you use can also affect turnaround times, especially during peak seasons.
Dispatch and Shipping: Consider the extra time that may be needed to ship or receive the orders.
Some typical lead times are:
Small orders with simple designs: around 5-7 business days
Larger orders or those with complex designs: 2-4 weeks or more
Same or next-day orders might be accommodated for small runs but could incur additional fees.
9. Are custom t-shirt prints durable?
Yes, if you make them right and treat them right!
The durability of custom t-shirt prints depend on a few factors. The quality and type of print method makes a difference, as well as how the garment is cared for. Processes like screen printing and direct-to-garment printing tend to give long-lasting results compared to heat transfer. There are different types of inks available too, some are more resistant to wear and fading.
Proper care is important. It’s often recommended to hand wash custom prints inside out and in cold water. Drying in the shade and avoiding harsh detergents or bleach can also help improve print longevity.
10. What is the best file format for custom t-shirt printing?
The best file types for custom t-shirt printing are a vector file or a high quality raster file. Vector files have the extension .eps or .ai and are most often created in Adobe Illustrator. Vector files can be scaled to any size without losing resolution. Not all artwork can be created as a vector though. If your design is going to have lots of detail or texture, you’ll need to prepare a raster file. The best raster file for print is a .png file with a transparent background.
Tips for checking your print file before ordering custom t-shirts.
Zoom in to the image on your computer, roughly to the size you want to print it. If the image starts to look blurred or pixelated at that size, it may give a poor result. If it looks sharp, it should work well.
Send your files to a reputable print supplier, they can check the suitability for you and may offer solutions to improve it. Some companies that offer online print ordering have tools on their site to flag low-quality files.
11. Can I print on both sides of a t-shirt?
Absolutely. You can choose to print on the front or back of t-shirts, or both. There may be some limits on size or placement, depending on the print method you opt for, so check with your print supplier for specifications. It’s often possible to print on t-shirt sleeves too, or non-standard areas closer to the t-shirt seams.
12. What is the maximum number of colours for custom t-shirt printing?
The maximum number of colours for custom t-shirt printing may vary depending on the printing method used. For screen printing, the maximum number tends to range from 10 - 12 colours due to the complexity and cost involved in the process. Each colour is printed separately, so it creates more work, cost, and room for error. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing can accommodate a lot of colours more easily - up to full-colour printing - allowing for detailed designs with unlimited colour combinations.
13. How do I care for custom-printed t-shirts?
Care procedures for custom-printed t-shirts will depend on the print method used, as well as the garment fabric. Check the care instructions on your garment tag, and follow the advice given by your print supplier.
When in doubt, it’s safest to take a gentle approach. Turn the t-shirts inside out and hand wash them in cold water with a mild detergent. Dry garments in the shade, never tumble dry and avoid ironing.
14. What materials can be used for custom t-shirt printing?
The most common materials for custom t-shirt printing include:
Cotton
Polyester,
Cotton / Polyester blends
Specialty triblends
Each fabric type has different traits; cotton is breathable with a soft feel, polyester is durable with moisture-wicking properties, and blends can combine the benefits of both.
Eco-friendly options like organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester are gaining popularity due to their sustainability. The choice of material will depend on factors like comfort, printing technique compatibility, budget, and the intended use of the custom t-shirts.
15. What are the size options for custom t-shirt printing?
Garment size options for custom printing depend on the brand you choose. A typical size range for adult t-shirts is XS-2XL. Some brands or styles cater to a more diverse range of sizes. Youth or infant sizing varies for t-shirt brands too.
It’s best to start out knowing what range you need to have, and then compare styles accordingly. Be sure to consult sizing chart measurements as each brand is a little different, and can vary especially across regions. Your custom print supplier may be able to give advice on the best brands for you to use.