Designing T-Shirts: Choosing The Right Canvas Size With Sai

When designing a T-shirt, the canvas size and resolution are crucial factors in ensuring the final product is of high quality and meets customer expectations. The ideal canvas size depends on various factors, such as the type of garment, the size of the garment, the printing method, and the requirements of the print provider.

For example, T-shirts typically offer a larger printing area than hoodies since they usually don't have a front pocket. The size of the garment is also important, as larger sizes provide more space for printing. It's recommended to start designing for the median shirt size and then adjust accordingly for smaller and larger sizes.

In terms of resolution, a minimum of 300 dots per inch (DPI) is often suggested to ensure the design doesn't appear blurry or pixelated. Additionally, vector images are preferred as they can be scaled up or down without losing quality, whereas non-vector or raster images may become blurry when resized.

DPI and resolution

DPI, or dots per inch, is a measure of an image's resolution. It refers to the number of ink dots that can be printed in a square inch. A higher DPI results in a higher-quality print with finer details and smoother lines. The standard DPI for high-quality printing is 300 DPI, which produces sharp, crisp, and detailed images that appear smooth to the naked eye.

When designing a t-shirt, it is recommended to use a minimum DPI of 300 to ensure the best possible quality. Some sources suggest that a higher DPI of 600 can be used for extra sharpness, especially if there is fine detail in the design. However, it is important to note that a higher DPI will result in a larger file size.

The optimal DPI for t-shirt printing can vary depending on the type of ink, the substrate being printed on, and the type of screen used. For example, if the substrate has a rough texture, a lower DPI may be more suitable to avoid ink bleed and maintain sharpness. On the other hand, a higher DPI can be used on a smooth surface to achieve greater detail.

To avoid losing any detail in the printing process, it is recommended to design the artwork at a larger size than required and then scale it down if needed. This provides some wiggle room for adjustments and ensures that the final print is not pixelated. For example, a design with dimensions of 16" x 9" at 300 DPI would result in a canvas size of 4800 x 2700 pixels, which is larger than the standard dimensions of 3000 x 3000 pixels suggested for t-shirt designs.

When designing for different t-shirt sizes, it is generally recommended to use the same artwork size for all sizes. However, for high-quality clothing, it may be necessary to use different canvas sizes for very small and very large sizes (e.g., XS and XXL) as clothing sizes do not expand proportionally. It is important to consider the target audience and the printer's specifications when determining the optimal canvas size for a t-shirt design.

Design placement

The placement of your design is crucial to the overall look of the T-shirt and can be the difference between a sharp, eye-catching design and a chaotic mess. The location of the design will determine its noticeability and standout appeal, which are essential for reflecting your brand's message.

• Center chest: This is a safe option for front-facing designs as it presents well with logos and artistic pieces. It is usually placed about four inches below the collar and extends over the top half of the chest. The average size range is 8” tall and wide for adult garments but can vary between 6”-10” depending on the design.
• Left chest: This is the industry standard for logo placement and is usually placed three inches from the top and centred proportionally between the sleeve and collar. Keep the design simple and avoid too much detail. The average size range is 2.5″-5” tall and wide.
• Full front: This is a versatile option capable of accommodating various print sizes. It is placed three to four inches below the collar and can extend from the chest down to the length of the shirt. The average size range is 10”-12” wide and 10”-14” tall. However, this placement may create breathability issues, especially with screen printing.
• Oversize front: This option is suitable for larger adult T-shirts and can extend to the bottom hem of the shirt. The average size range is 12”-15” wide and 14”-16” tall. However, this placement is more prone to negative side effects like sweat spots due to the extra ink required.
• Back collar/upper back: This placement is best for branding or secondary logos/slogans. It is usually placed one to four inches from the base of the neck collar and covers the shoulder-blade region. The average size range is 1”-3” for smaller designs and 10”-14” wide and 1”-6” tall for larger designs.
• Full back: This placement provides ample space for intricate designs and is often used for sports jerseys or band merchandise. It is placed three to four inches from the collar and can extend to the bottom of the shirt. The average size range is 10”-14” wide and 6”-15” tall.
• Sleeve: This placement provides a visible location for a logo or branding without overshadowing the primary design. It is usually placed one to three inches above the sleeve hem and can be on either the left or right sleeve. The average size range is 1”-4” wide and tall.

When placing a logo on a T-shirt, the left chest is a traditional choice, symbolising the logo's importance. In contrast, the centre chest suits a more casual style and is perfect for more extensive, intricate logos. For text designs, the centre chest is also the best option for maximum impact and visibility.

File formats

The best file type for printing is a vector file. Vector files are the highest-quality image format and will always produce the best possible result. Vector file types include AI, EPS, and PDF. Vector files are defined by mathematical points, and the key feature that makes them so valuable for printing is that they are infinitely scalable. You can resize the image as much as you like without losing quality. Vector files also tend to be much smaller in file size than raster graphics.

If you are using Adobe Illustrator, the native file type is AI. If you are using Adobe Photoshop, you can save your file as an EPS.

Raster files can also be great, but they should be high-resolution with minimal compression to get the best results. Raster files are made of pixels, and the more pixels, the better. The resolution of web images is typically 72 dpi, but for printing, you should aim for at least 200 dpi at full size.

• JPEG: designed to encode photographs, ideal for rich colours and gradients, but it does use compression, so there is some data loss every time you save it.
• TIFF: excellent compression, popular among photographers and graphic designers for retaining high quality.
• PSD: Adobe Photoshop's native format, extremely popular.

If you are exporting a logo made in vector format, you can export it as an EPS, AI, PDF, or PNG file.

Image size

When it comes to designing a T-shirt, there are several factors to consider to ensure that your image size is correct.

Firstly, the type of garment is important. T-shirts usually have a larger area for printing since they don't typically have a front pocket. The size of the garment is also key; the bigger the size, the more space there will be for printing. The printable area for most men's and women's T-shirts begins 3" below the collar, and for smaller sizes, this area begins 2" to 2.5" below. The maximum printing area for the front and back of a T-shirt is typically 12" x 16".

The type of printing you choose will also impact the image size. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is popular but is limited to certain areas on the garment because it requires a flat space. Other printing methods include screen printing, heat transfer, and dye sublimation. If you opt for dye sublimation, you can print all over the garment, but this method is more expensive.

It's crucial to be aware of the requirements of your print provider. Each provider may have different workflows, equipment, and product quality standards. They may also have different file requirements, with some accepting JPEG, SVG, and PNG formats, while others may only accept JPEGs or PNGs.

The image resolution is another vital aspect. A resolution of 300 DPI is generally recommended, although some providers will accept lower resolutions. If you're using a non-vector image, keep in mind that altering the size can affect the DPI, and increasing the size may result in a blurry or pixelated image. Vector images, on the other hand, can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality.

When it comes to the placement of your design, you have several options, including the left chest, front chest, full front, back collar, upper back, vertical left or right, full back, and sleeve. The size of your image will depend on the placement you choose. For example, a left-chest design is typically 3" to 4" wide, while a full-front design usually measures 12" x 16".

Lastly, it's a good idea to generate a mockup of your design on the T-shirt to ensure that the sizing and placement are correct.

Printing methods

When it comes to printing methods, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common printing methods for T-shirts:

Screen Printing

Screen printing is one of the most popular and widely used printing methods for T-shirts, especially when printing in bulk. It involves using screens to apply ink directly to the T-shirts through a mesh. This method produces high-quality and long-lasting artwork. While it can be cost-effective, it is best suited for designs with fewer colours as each colour requires a separate screen. Screen printing is also a good option if you want to print on various materials such as cotton, polyester, or rayon.

Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing is similar to printing on paper, but instead, the T-shirt is inserted into the DTG printer and sprayed with ink to create the design. This method is ideal for smaller orders and complex designs. However, it is designed for cotton use only and is not suitable for 100% polyester shirts. DTG printers can be very costly, ranging from $5,000 to $500,000.

Dye-Sublimation Printing

Dye-sublimation printing, also known as sublimation, is a newer printing method that has gained popularity in recent years. This process involves printing the design on special sublimation paper, which is then heat-pressed onto the T-shirt. The dye on the paper turns into a gas and embeds itself into the fabric, resulting in a durable and smooth print. Sublimation is perfect for complicated designs and is relatively inexpensive to start, costing around $500 for the necessary equipment. However, it is limited to fabrics containing at least 65% polyester, and lighter colours are preferred for the best results.

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing is similar to sublimation printing but is not gaining popularity at the same rate. It involves printing the design on special heat transfer paper and then heat-pressing it onto the T-shirt. This method allows for any colour combination and complicated design. Heat transfer printing is inexpensive, costing around $500 to start. However, the print quality is lower than other methods, and the design may crack or fade over time.

CAD Cut Vinyl

CAD Cut Vinyl is a unique printing method that does not use ink. Instead, a design is created on a computer program, which is then cut by a machine from solid-coloured vinyl sheets. The cut vinyl is then heat-pressed onto the T-shirt. This method is fast and works on various materials, but it is limited to single-colour designs, and the vinyl can be stiff and uncomfortable for the wearer.

Other Methods

In addition to the above, there are several other printing methods available, such as inkjet/laser iron-on transfer, plastisol transfers, discharge printing, and embroidery. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best method for you will depend on your specific needs, such as cost, colour selection, compatible materials, production speed, and print quality.

Frequently asked questions