T-Shirt Buying Guide: Sales Edition

Buying a T-shirt can be a fun and creative process, with a range of styles, colours, and materials to choose from. Whether you're looking for a simple, plain T-shirt or something more unique and expressive, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your purchase. Firstly, consider the type of material you prefer. Common materials include 100% cotton, tri-blend, or polyester, each offering different levels of comfort and durability. You may also want to pay attention to the fit, such as tight, slim, or relaxed, and the weight of the T-shirt, as these factors can affect your overall comfort and style.

Another aspect to think about is the printing method used on the T-shirt, especially if you're interested in custom designs. Screen printing, heat transfer, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing are some popular methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, durability, and complexity of designs. If you're environmentally conscious, you can also explore eco-friendly options offered by brands like Allmade and econscious.

Lastly, take advantage of the wide range of online stores and marketplaces that offer T-shirts for sale. These platforms often provide various styles, sizes, and designs to cater to different tastes and interests. By following these considerations, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect T-shirt that suits your needs and preferences.

T-shirt printing methods

There are several methods for printing designs on T-shirts, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common T-shirt printing methods:

• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: This method uses an inkjet printer to print designs directly onto the T-shirt fabric. It is ideal for complex designs and photographs, and can produce high-quality, full-colour prints. DTG is best suited for cotton T-shirts, and it may be costly for large batches due to the time required for printing each shirt.
• Screen Printing: This technique applies ink to the T-shirt using a mesh screen stencil. It is effective for producing vibrant and durable designs, and can be used on various fabrics. Screen printing is ideal for large quantities as it is simple to set up and use, but it may not be the best option for intricate designs with many colours.
• Dye Sublimation Printing: This method involves printing the design on a special heat transfer paper, which is then pressed onto the T-shirt using heat and pressure. Dye sublimation works best with synthetic fabrics like polyester, and produces vivid and durable prints. However, it is not suitable for cotton T-shirts as the ink will not bond properly.
• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Printing: HTV printing uses vinyl plastic-based sheets that are cut into the desired design and then heat-pressed onto the T-shirt. This method is suitable for simple, bold designs and is commonly used for sports jerseys and promotional items. HTV printing can be time-consuming due to the manual cutting process, and it may not be suitable for dark-coloured fabrics.
• Plastisol Transfer Printing: This is an indirect screen printing technique that uses a plastic-based transfer sheet. It is similar to screen printing but applies the ink to heat transfer paper instead of directly to the T-shirt. Plastisol transfer printing offers special effects like textures and glosses, and produces durable prints. However, it is not suitable for photographic images or large orders.
• Airbrushing: Airbrushing is a manual method that uses a small spray painting tool to apply the design to the T-shirt. It allows for artistic freedom and custom designs, but may not be suitable for intricate details or large orders due to the manual labour involved.
• Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing: DTF printing transfers designs from a special PET film to T-shirts using adhesive powder and heat. It works on various fabrics and offers bright and vibrant prints, but may leave a plasticky and shiny finish.
• CAD Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing: This method uses a computer-aided design (CAD) cutting machine to cut designs from heat transfer vinyl, which are then heat-pressed onto the T-shirt. It is commonly used for printing player numbers, names, and logos on sports jerseys. CAD heat transfer vinyl printing can be applied anywhere on the garment and works with any type of fabric, but it is limited to text-based designs and can be time-consuming due to the precise cutting process.
• Embroidery: Embroidery is a durable and sophisticated method for adding designs to T-shirts. It creates a more professional and timeless look compared to vinyl printing, but has strict design requirements and a limited colour palette. Embroidery is more expensive than other printing methods and is not suitable for detailed designs.

T-shirt design ideas

T-shirts have become a popular and reliable apparel choice for people of all ages. If you're looking for t-shirt design ideas, here are some tips and trends to get your creative juices flowing:

• Statement t-shirts: Use your t-shirt as a canvas to express your passions and beliefs. For example, you could create a design centred on animal rights or promoting sustainable practices.
• Funny t-shirts: Think of catchphrases, puns, or jokes that will put a smile on your face. For instance, play with words with a pun like "Mountains aren't just funny. They're hill areas."
• Animal prints: Put a spin on popular animal prints like leopard and zebra, or create a custom pattern like a cheetah print.
• Car-themed: Cars bring people together and form communities. You could design a t-shirt based on a specific model, similar characteristics, or the vehicle's country of origin.
• Vintage: Evoke a particular era with your design, such as the Roaring '20s or the '80s. Reflect the style you're going for in the patterns, colours, and typography.
• Collage: Mix and match parts of different images to create a quirky, original design. Use free online tools like BeFunky or paid software like Photoshop to layer photos, text, and illustrations.
• Optical illusions: Create a t-shirt design that plays with visual perception and makes people do a double-take.
• Comic strips: Comic book designs blend creative writing and illustrations. They can evoke popular illustrated books and graphic novels and make great gifts for teenagers who love reading comics.
• Minimalist nature-inspired designs: Explore designs that draw inspiration from nature, typography, geometry, and art. For example, a houseplant or flower design can make the most of plant-inspired trends.
• Uplifting messages: Sometimes, a simple uplifting message is all it takes to brighten someone's day. For instance, "You look good today" or "You got this".
• Coffee and tea lovers: Pay homage to the retro diner aesthetic with a fun graphic and big, bold fonts, like a joyous cup of coffee.
• Geometric patterns: Patterns add visual interest, and geometric shapes are easy and fun to experiment with. Try stylized geometric shapes and symmetry, or choose a pattern from a design maker.
• Art-inspired: Get creative with artistic twists on your designs, such as a watercolour cat illustration or bold paint strokes.

These ideas should help you create eye-catching and unique t-shirt designs that showcase your imagination and creativity.

T-shirt sizing

When shopping for T-shirts online, you will typically come across three body styles: Classic Fit, Pro-Fit, and Tall Fit. Each of these styles will have a different fit and body shape, so it is important to know your measurements before purchasing.

Classic Fit is the standard option, known for its boxy, heavyweight fabric, unique fit, and durable quality. The Tall Fit is designed for taller men who want extra length, and the Pro-Fit style is more narrow in the body and sleeves, sitting closer to the body.

To find the right size, it is recommended to measure one of your own T-shirts by laying it flat on a table and using a tape measure. Then, find the size that most closely matches your measurements.

T-shirt fabrics

When buying a T-shirt, it is important to consider the type of fabric it is made from. Different fabrics have different properties, such as weight, elasticity, and fibre composition, which can affect the comfort, durability, and appearance of the T-shirt. Here is an overview of some common T-shirt fabrics to help you make an informed choice:

Cotton

Cotton is a natural, soft, and breathable fabric that is comfortable to wear. It is often used in T-shirts due to its ability to absorb moisture and provide ventilation. Cotton T-shirts are usually machine washable and durable. They can be found in various colours and prints, making them a versatile option. Cotton is also a good choice for tie-dye projects as it takes dye well.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying. It is often used in activewear due to its moisture-wicking properties, which help keep the wearer cool and comfortable during workouts. Polyester T-shirts are also suitable for sublimation printing, a type of printing that dyes the fabric fibres. However, sublimation printing only works on light-coloured fabrics, as it does not show up on darker shades.

Rayon

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric made from natural materials such as wood pulp. It is known for its softness, breathability, and drapability, giving it a fluid and elegant appearance. Rayon T-shirts are comfortable and suitable for everyday wear. They can be found in various colours and prints, making them a versatile option.

Spandex (Elastane)

Spandex, also known as elastane, is a synthetic fabric known for its exceptional elasticity. It is often blended with other fibres, such as cotton or polyester, to add stretch and flexibility to the fabric. Spandex T-shirts are comfortable and form-fitting, making them ideal for activewear or as a base layer. They are also suitable for printing and dyeing.

Blended Fabrics

T-shirts made from blended fabrics, such as cotton-polyester blends or triblends (a blend of three fibres, usually cotton, polyester, and rayon), offer the benefits of multiple fabrics. These blends often result in T-shirts that are soft, durable, and wrinkle-resistant. They combine the breathability of natural fibres with the easy care and durability of synthetic fibres. Blended T-shirts are versatile and suitable for various occasions.

T-shirt colours

When it comes to T-shirt colours, the options are endless. From classic neutrals to trendy shades, there's a T-shirt colour for every style and occasion.

If you're looking for a versatile T-shirt that will go with anything, you can't go wrong with a classic white or black T-shirt. These colours are timeless and can be dressed up or down, making them a staple in anyone's wardrobe. Grey is another neutral shade that is often overlooked but can be just as versatile.

For those who want to add a pop of colour to their wardrobe, there are plenty of options to choose from. Red, blue, and yellow are all vibrant colours that can brighten up any outfit. If you're feeling adventurous, try out some of the unique colours offered by brands like Bella+Canvas and Gildan. Their T-shirts come in shades like sand, autumn, and heather, which can add an interesting twist to your look.

Don't forget that T-shirt colour can also be practical. For example, if you're looking for a T-shirt to wear on a sunny day, opt for a light colour like white or pastel shades to keep you cool. On the other hand, if you're looking for a T-shirt to wear in the great outdoors, consider choosing a shade that will be visible in natural surroundings, such as bright safety colours like orange or yellow.

Finally, when choosing a T-shirt colour, consider the occasion. For a casual look, any colour will do, but if you're looking for a T-shirt to wear to a more formal event, opt for elegant shades like monochrome or pastel colours. These colours will give your outfit a subtle touch of sophistication.

With so many T-shirt colours to choose from, you can express yourself and find the perfect shade to match your unique style.

Frequently asked questions