Customizing T-Shirts: Matching Your Company's Colors

Designing a T-shirt for your company is a fun task that can help you build brand recognition and create a sense of cohesion among your employees. When designing a company T-shirt, it's important to consider the colour scheme, garment type, logo placement, message, and design.

One crucial aspect of designing a company T-shirt is choosing the right colours. This involves selecting colours that align with your brand identity and complement each other. You can consult a colour wheel or seek guidance from graphic designers who specialise in brand colour schemes. Additionally, consider the lighting conditions as certain colours may appear different on a computer screen compared to real life.

Another important consideration is the type of garment you want to use. Common options include T-shirts, polos, and button-up shirts, each offering varying levels of formality, comfort, and durability. You should also determine the purpose of the shirts, who will wear them, and the budget for each shirt.

The placement of your logo and any additional messages or designs is another key element. Typically, logos are placed on the left chest, with full-back designs also being popular for company T-shirts. It's essential to ensure that your logo and any accompanying text are legible and stand out against the shirt colour.

In summary, creating a company T-shirt involves careful consideration of colours, garment type, logo placement, and overall design to ensure that the final product accurately represents your brand and serves its intended purpose.

Choose a t-shirt colour that complements your company colours

Choosing a t-shirt colour that complements your company colours is a fun but tricky part of the design process. It's important to remember that lighting conditions can affect how colours appear, and computer screens often have filters that make colours seem more vibrant. When choosing a t-shirt colour, it's essential to consider the contrast between the shirt and ink colours to ensure your design stands out and is legible.

If you're looking for a simple, timeless, and versatile option, consider a navy blue t-shirt. This classic colour pairs well with a wide range of ink colours, including white, black, grey, and light blue. Navy blue is a flattering shade that suits various skin tones, making it a popular choice among shoppers.

For a bold and dramatic statement, combine a black t-shirt with yellow ink. These contrasting colours deliver a striking visual impact that captures attention. Black is also the most popular t-shirt colour, making it a safe yet interesting choice.

To create a harmonious, low-contrast, and minimalistic design, monochromatic colour schemes are a great option. For example, you could pair a light blue t-shirt with navy blue ink or a dark green t-shirt with white ink. These combinations create a calming and elegant aesthetic.

If you want to showcase intricate designs or delicate line work, opt for a white t-shirt with black ink or vice versa. This classic combination ensures that every detail of your design is easy to notice and provides a clean, simple look.

When choosing a t-shirt colour, it's also important to consider the emotions you want to evoke in your audience. For example, red is associated with excitement and passion, while blue evokes a sense of trustworthiness and reliability. Understanding colour psychology can help you select colours that align with your company's brand identity and the emotions you want to convey.

Additionally, be mindful of the seasonality of certain colours. Darker colours tend to be more popular in winter, while bright tones are typically favoured in summer, especially on tanned skin.

Remember, the key to a successful t-shirt design is finding the right balance between your company colours, the t-shirt colour, and the ink colour. By considering contrast, colour psychology, and seasonality, you can create a t-shirt that complements your company colours perfectly.

Select a garment type that fits your needs

Select a garment that fits your needs

The first choice is the most important one: the garment. It is what you and your team will wear to represent your business and, if they are uniforms, will be worn every day at work. Choose a garment that is appropriate, comfortable, and looks great.

There are three main types of company shirts: t-shirts, polos, and button-up/dress shirts. You have many options, including fabric type, which can make the choice seem daunting. To narrow it down, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the purpose of these shirts? (Uniform, promotional, casual attire, gift, etc.)
• Who will wear them? (Executives, middle management, labourers, etc.)
• How often will they be worn? (Every day, a single event, special occasions, etc.)
• Under what conditions? (Outdoors in the heat? Or temperature-controlled environments, etc.)
• What is the budget per shirt? (Can you afford to get premium quality, etc.)

The humble t-shirt is always a great option for something simple, casual, and inexpensive. It is also the top choice for tradespeople, labourers, and other hardworking employees. Nothing beats the comfort and durability of a classic short-sleeve tee, whether it's for plumbing, auto repair, waste management, or other dirty jobs. A t-shirt is also great for a more casual office environment, including working from home.

For construction, landscaping, events, and other outdoor jobs during the summer, choose a lightweight performance tee or cotton/poly blend, which will help regulate temperature and dry faster. Long sleeves can also help block harmful UV rays.

Next, we have the classic polo, a t-shirt with some extra class. Polos come in a variety of materials and cuts, and they all share a soft collar and a few front buttons for a professional, casual, and sporty look. Everyone looks great in a polo, and they pair well with jeans and slacks.

Our third category of company shirts is the long-sleeve button-up, the dressier side of business casual. A superb choice for executives, managers, office workers, or for customer-facing roles in retail, outside sales, customer service, restaurants, bars, and special events such as catering and photography.

When selecting a garment, it is essential to keep in mind the purpose, who will wear it, how often and under what conditions, as well as your budget. By answering these questions, you can determine the best choice that fits your needs and represents your company well.

Pick a printing method

There are several printing methods to choose from when it comes to printing company t-shirts. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing: This method uses an inkjet printer to apply the ink directly onto the t-shirt fabric. It is perfect for complex designs with multiple colours and is ideal for cotton t-shirts. DTG is more cost-effective for small batches since there are no setup costs. However, DTG prints tend to wash out over time and the printers are expensive.
• Screen printing: Screen printing involves applying ink to a t-shirt using a mesh screen stencil. This method is effective for producing vibrant and durable designs, and it works on various fabrics. It is better suited for designs with fewer colours. Screen printing is ideal for large quantities and is relatively simple to set up and use. However, it can be more expensive for smaller orders due to setup costs, and the ink tends to spill and get messy.
• Dye sublimation printing: This method uses a special printer to print the design in reverse on transfer paper, which is then pressed onto the t-shirt using heat and pressure. Dye sublimation works beautifully on synthetic fabrics like polyester but does not bond well with cotton. It is expensive compared to other options.
• Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) printing: HTV printing involves cutting designs from coloured vinyl sheets and then heat-pressing them onto the t-shirt. This method creates stiff designs and requires fabrics that can withstand the heating process. It is not suitable for dark backgrounds or large-scale production.
• Plastisol transfer printing: This is an indirect screen printing technique that uses a plastic-based transfer sheet to apply ink to t-shirts. 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 the designs are durable and resistant to fading and cracking. However, it cannot be used for photographic images or large orders.
• Airbrushing: Airbrushing is a manual printing method that uses a small spray painting tool to apply the design to the t-shirt. It allows for artistic freedom and custom, one-of-a-kind designs. However, airbrushed designs lack intricate detail and are not durable, making them unsuitable for large orders.
• Embroidery: Embroidery is a durable and sophisticated printing method that uses a sewing machine to create designs on t-shirts. It is more eco-friendly since it does not use dyes, but it has strict design requirements and a limited colour range. Embroidery is not suitable for detailed designs and has a smaller product range. It is also more expensive than other methods.

When choosing a printing method, consider the complexity of your design, the type of fabric, the order volume, and your budget. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so select the one that best aligns with your specific needs and requirements.

Design your logo

Designing a logo for your company T-shirts is an important step in building brand recognition and making your business stand out. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you create an effective and eye-catching logo:

Start with Your Brand:

Begin by considering what your company stands for and the image you want to project. If your company already has an established brand, think about how you can incorporate its key elements, such as colours, fonts, and any existing logos or symbols, into your T-shirt design.

Choose an Image or Icon:

Select an image or icon that represents the foundational spirit of your brand. This could be an illustration of a literal T-shirt, which is a simple and memorable option, especially if your company produces a lot of T-shirts with various graphics. Alternatively, you could choose something entirely different, like an animal mascot or a monogram, which is often used by fashion brands to captivate their audience.

Add Text and Details:

Include your company's name in a font that matches your brand's style. If you have a slogan or tagline, add that too. You can also include other details, such as the year your company was established or a short phrase that sums up your brand's values.

Consider Colour:

Colour is an important aspect of your logo design. You can either use your company's existing colour palette or choose a single colour for your logo to make it easier to apply to the T-shirts, especially if you plan to embroider the design.

Experiment with Templates:

Online platforms like Adobe Express, Canva, DesignEvo, and Hatchful offer free logo design templates that you can customise. These platforms provide a wide range of editable templates, allowing you to experiment with different outline shapes, backgrounds, colour schemes, and layouts.

Seek Inspiration:

If you're unsure where to start, look at other T-shirt logos for inspiration. You can also browse through the template libraries on the platforms mentioned above to get ideas and then customise your chosen template to make it unique to your brand.

Remember, your logo should be eye-catching, memorable, and reflective of your company's values and style. Take your time to experiment with different designs and don't be afraid to seek feedback from colleagues or friends before finalising your company T-shirt logo.

Order in bulk to save money

Ordering custom t-shirts in bulk is a great way to save money. Buying wholesale t-shirts is much more cost-effective than paying retail prices, and you can purchase dozens of apparel items at a fraction of the "normal" cost. The more items you buy, the more you save.

When buying in bulk, you can choose from a wide range of styles, colours, and sizes from all the leading manufacturers. You can even add your own designs. However, it can be a bit tricky to choose the right colour combinations. Sometimes, certain t-shirt/ink colour combinations look more vibrant on a computer screen than they do in real life. Computer screens often have filters to make colours appear more vibrant, and lighting in the lab is optimal, with no shadows or dim light.

When planning to order in bulk, it's important to first estimate how many shirts you need. Purchasing too many will result in wasting money, and knowing the quantity will help you shop around for the best deal. The price per piece is usually lower when buying in bulk, and the bigger the order, the greater the discount. For example, at ShirtMax, you save an additional 2% on orders over $250, 4% on orders over $500, 6% on orders over $750, 8% on orders over $1,000, and 15% on orders over $3,000.

It's also important to consider shipping costs, as some vendors offer low prices but charge a fortune for shipping. Choose a vendor that offers free shipping and handling, and be sure to check their customer service policies. Some vendors do not accept returns, which could result in being stuck with shirts that are the wrong colour or size. Additionally, pay attention to shipping policies, as some vendors offer low prices by shipping from overseas warehouses, which could result in longer delivery times.

Frequently asked questions