The whole idea of creating a customized shirt is cool and it is. Getting the right design and quality printing done can really make an impact, looking at your next shirts whether it be business, community, your sports team and even a bumping crew outing can attribute to letting your voice be heard in a loud way. However, before you go all in with different fonts, colors, and catchy sayings, you should consider well several facts that will make the process of custom apparel printing more fun, intelligent, and efficient.
At Perfect Print 313, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals and businesses turn simple ideas into standout shirts. Our team has seen it all from last-minute designs for family reunions to high-volume brand apparel orders. The one thing that always makes the difference? Preparation. Knowing what goes into a great custom shirt helps ensure your finished product looks exactly the way you want.
If you’re considering custom apparel printing, here’s everything you need to know before designing your shirt.
Understand Your Purpose
Before jumping into design mode, ask yourself why you’re printing shirts in the first place. Your purpose will influence every design decision from colors and fonts to placement and style.
Are you promoting your brand? Then your logo and brand colors need to stand out.
Is it for a one-time event like a wedding or bachelorette party? Then the focus might be more fun and personal.
Are you creating uniforms for your staff? Then clarity, consistency, and comfort matter most.
Once you’re clear on the purpose, it becomes much easier to make confident design choices that reflect your goal.
Pick the Right Shirt Style
Not all t-shirts are created equal. When it comes to custom apparel, the shirt itself plays a big role in the overall look and feel. Do you want a classic unisex fit? A fitted style? Long-sleeve or short? Lightweight cotton or performance fabric?
Here are a few popular options:
- 100% Cotton: Soft, breathable, and perfect for casual or everyday wear.
- Cotton/Poly Blends: A mix that adds durability and reduces shrinkage.
- Performance Fabrics: Great for activewear or team uniforms.
Also consider the neckline (crew vs. v-neck), sleeve length, and available colors. If you’re printing for a large group, try to choose a style that fits a variety of body types comfortably.
Focus on Design Simplicity
When it comes to shirt design, less is often more. A clean, simple layout is easier to read and more visually impactful, especially from a distance. Overloading your shirt with too many elements can make it look cluttered and confusing.
Stick to one or two main design elements like a logo and a slogan, or an image with a short message. Use fonts that are easy to read, and avoid too many different typefaces in one design.
At Perfect Print 313, we help clients refine their ideas into clear, professional designs that work well on apparel. If you’re unsure how your idea will look on a shirt, our design team can provide mockups and suggestions to make sure it hits the mark.
Choose the Right Print Colors
Color can make or break your custom shirt. You want your design to pop against the fabric, not fade into the background. When choosing print colors, contrast is key.
For example:
- Dark ink looks great on light shirts (black on white, navy on gray)
- Light ink stands out on dark shirts (white on black, yellow on navy)
- Bright ink can add energy, but be careful with readability
Also, keep in mind that different materials absorb ink differently. A color that looks vibrant on your screen may look slightly different once printed, depending on the fabric and print method.
To ensure the best results, work with a print partner who understands how to match digital designs with real-life printing. We at Perfect Print 313 make sure your print colors are carefully selected and tested for visual impact and accuracy.
Understand Print Placement
You might think design placement is obvious, but it’s one of the most overlooked parts of the process. A design that’s too high, too low, or off-center can make even the best graphic look awkward.
The most common placements are:
- Full Front Center: Most popular for logos, messages, or large artwork.
- Left Chest: Often used for subtle branding or uniforms.
- Back Print: Great for event names, larger graphics, or promotional designs.
- Sleeve Prints: Perfect for logos or short text.
Before you finalize your design, decide where it will be placed and how it will look at actual scale. Your printer should be able to provide a digital mockup to help visualize it on the shirt.
Know Your Quantity and Budget
The number of shirts you need can significantly affect your pricing. Most custom printers offer bulk discounts, so ordering more can bring down the cost per shirt. Think about how many people will need one, whether you want extras for future use, or if it makes sense to sell them later.
Also, be upfront about your budget. A simple one-color design on a standard tee will cost less than a multi-color print on a premium shirt. Knowing your price range helps your print shop recommend the best options that fit both your goals and wallet.
Consider Branding Consistency
If you’re designing shirts for your business, it’s essential to maintain consistency with your existing branding. Use your exact logo, match your brand colors, and stick to fonts and styles that reflect your business personality.
Custom apparel is an extension of your brand, so it should align with everything else people associate with your business from your website and packaging to your social media presence.
A well-designed shirt boosts brand recognition and trust, especially when worn in public or at events. At Perfect Print 313, we work closely with business owners to make sure every shirt we print reinforces their brand identity.
Plan Ahead for Turnaround Time
Custom apparel printing takes time. From finalizing the design to printing, curing, and packing, it’s not something you want to leave to the last minute. If you need shirts for a specific date, make sure you communicate your timeline early.
Turnaround time depends on factors like:
- Quantity of shirts
- Complexity of the design
- Type of print method (screen print, heat transfer, direct-to-garment)
- Availability of apparel stock
Give yourself a buffer, especially if you’re ordering for events or holidays.
Final Thoughts
Designing custom apparel isn’t just about printing a logo on a shirt, it’s about bringing your vision to life in a way that people want to wear. Whether you’re creating shirts for your team, launching a product, or celebrating a special moment, taking time to plan your design and work with a trusted print partner makes all the difference.
At Perfect Print 313, we help turn ideas into custom apparel that looks good, feels great, and gets your message across. With high-quality materials, expert design support, and fast, reliable service, we’re proud to be the creative partner businesses and individuals trust for their printing needs. Your shirt tells a story. Let’s make sure it’s one worth sharing.