Custom T-Shirts: Design Your Own Shirt With Ease

There are several companies that allow you to customize a t-shirt. These include UberPrints, Custom Ink, Same Day Tees, BlueCotton, and Canva. Each company offers a range of customization options, including different colors, styles, and printing methods. Some companies also offer bulk discounts and fast shipping options.

Online T-shirt printing companies

There are many online T-shirt printing companies that allow you to design and print your own T-shirts. These companies offer a range of services, from basic T-shirt printing to more complex customisation options, and often provide access to design tools and templates to help you create your desired T-shirt.

Custom Ink, for example, is a popular online T-shirt printing company that offers a range of customisation options, including screen printing, direct-to-garment digital printing, and custom embroidery. They offer a wide selection of T-shirt brands, such as Nike, Champion, and Gildan, and provide exclusive artwork and fonts for customers to use in their designs. Custom Ink also has a Group Order Form feature, making it easy to order shirts for a group while collecting sizes and payments.

Another company, UberPrints, provides an industry-leading Design Studio that allows you to upload logos, add free graphics, and utilise templates. They offer a range of styles, including basic, premium soft, and no-minimum custom T-shirts, with prices starting at $7.74 for 50 pieces.

Canva is another online platform that allows you to design and print custom T-shirts. They offer a crew-neck cut with short sleeves in adult, toddler, and youth fits, and a wide range of classic colours and sizes. Canva uses sustainable and eco-conscious Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing with certified Safe-for-Children inks, ensuring a vibrant and high-quality finish.

Same Day Tees is an online T-shirt printing company that specialises in custom corporate attire and apparel. They work with well-known brands like Nike, Hanes, and Carhartt, offering a range of products such as button-downs, polo shirts, umbrellas, and tote bags. Same Day Tees also provides same-day shipping, ensuring that your custom apparel is promptly delivered for time-sensitive events.

Printful is another online platform that enables you to design and print custom T-shirts with no minimum order requirements. They offer a free Design Maker tool, premium-quality T-shirts, and embroidery options to elevate your printed T-shirts. Printful has received positive reviews for their quick delivery, good quality prints, and excellent customer service.

T-shirt printing methods

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

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing uses a special printer to spray water-based inks directly onto the T-shirt fabric. This method is ideal for printing complex designs with multiple colours onto cotton T-shirts. It can be used for single shirts or small print runs, and the results are highly durable. However, DTG printing is more expensive for bulk orders and not as suitable for polyester T-shirts.

Screen Printing

Screen printing, also known as silkscreen printing, applies ink to T-shirts through a mesh that is partly blocked by a stencil. This method works best for simple designs with a small number of colours and large quantities of orders. Screen printing is cost-effective and fast but has limited colour options and a lower level of detail and resolution.

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing involves printing ink onto transfer paper, which is then applied to the T-shirt with a heat press. This method typically produces raised, plastic-like, and durable designs. There are several subtypes of heat transfer printing, including direct-to-film (DTF) printing and dye sublimation or all-over printing (AOP).

Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

DTF printing is a heat transfer method that combines water-based inks with a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film transfer sheet. The design is printed onto the PET film and then applied to the T-shirt using adhesive powders and a heat press. DTF printing offers unlimited colour options and is compatible with both natural and synthetic fabrics. However, it results in a less natural feel and is a slower printing process.

Dye Sublimation or All-Over Printing (AOP)

Dye sublimation is a heat transfer method that uses dye-based inks and vapour blending. When the transfer paper is heated, the ink transforms into a gas that merges with the fabric fibres, creating a durable print. This method is ideal for synthetic fibres and all-over prints but is incompatible with natural fabrics and white base shirts.

Vinyl Printing

Vinyl printing involves cutting a design from a vinyl sheet and using a heat press to apply it to the T-shirt. This method is commonly used for sports team jerseys and lettering-based designs. It is compatible with most fabrics and produces a sleek, raised design. However, it is a lengthier process and not suitable for complex designs.

Plastisol Transfer Printing

Plastisol transfer printing combines screen printing and heat transfer methods. Inks are applied to a transfer sheet using a silkscreen stencil, and then the sheet is applied to the T-shirt with a heat press. This method can achieve special finishes like glosses and textures but is not suitable for bulk orders as each shirt requires its own printed transfer sheet.

T-shirt styles

T-shirts come in a wide variety of styles, allowing for creativity and flexibility in your wardrobe. Here are some of the most popular T-shirt styles:

Crewneck or Classic T-Shirt

The most famous of T-shirt styles, crew necks, also known as classic T-shirts, feature a round circular neck that provides excellent flexibility and a comfortable fit. They are easy to wear and can be paired with various outfits. Crew necks work well for individuals with long and narrow faces and slightly sloped shoulders.

V-neck T-shirts

V-necks are T-shirts with a neckline in the shape of the letter "V". These T-shirts help slim down your physique and are a popular choice for people with rounder faces. V-necks are commonly paired with an unbuttoned shirt to hide the neckline. They have become a staple for both men and women, serving as both an undergarment and a standalone piece.

Y-neck or Henley T-shirts

Y-necks, more commonly known as Henley T-shirts, are a mix of crew and V-neck designs. They feature a few buttons running down the 'V' area of the T-shirt and can have short or long sleeves. Henley T-shirts complement various body types and can accentuate features to create a toned and slim appearance.

Polo T-shirts

Polo shirts have a stand-up collar and a button placket, with a design that is similar for both men and women. Polo T-shirts offer a more sophisticated yet comfortable option for warm weather and semi-formal occasions. Athletes often wear polos for games to maintain a neat and relaxed look.

Scoop Neck T-shirts

Scoop necks are similar to crew necks, but with a larger, wider neckline that hangs slightly below the collarbone. This style can be tricky as wearing the wrong size can lead to a fashion disaster. When worn correctly, a scoop neck gives a more casual and rugged appearance compared to other necklines.

Raglan Sleeve T-shirts

Raglan sleeves, also known as baseball T-shirts, feature a diagonal seam from the underarm to the collarbone instead of the traditional straight seam. This style provides a greater range of motion and is particularly popular among baseball players. Raglan T-shirts often have contrasting colour sleeves, giving them a sporty and casual look.

Long Sleeve T-shirts

Long sleeve T-shirts offer the same comfort and casual feel as short-sleeve T-shirts but with full arm coverage. They are commonly worn during colder seasons and can also be layered beneath knitwear, sweaters, or jackets.

These are just a few examples of the many T-shirt styles available. Each style offers a unique look and feel, catering to different tastes, occasions, and fashion preferences.

T-shirt colours

When it comes to T-shirt colours, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on your preferences and the purpose of the shirt. If you're looking for a classic look, colours like white, black, navy, grey, and red are always popular choices. These colours are usually available in most regions, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

If you want to add a bit more variety to your wardrobe or create a unique design, there are also other colours to consider. For example, royal blue, charcoal, and off-white are less traditional but still versatile options. You can also opt for more vibrant and colourful choices, such as vintage pigment cement, yellow pinstripe, or even colours with custom crystal appliqués.

The weight of the T-shirt fabric can also be a factor in choosing the colour. Lighter weight T-shirts tend to be ideal for promotional purposes and are usually available in basic colours. Mid-weight T-shirts, on the other hand, offer a wider range of colours to choose from and are loved by printers and decorators for their versatility. Heavy-weight T-shirts also come in a variety of colours and styles, providing a looser fit.

When designing a custom T-shirt, it's important to consider the colour of the shirt as it will impact the overall design and purpose. For example, if you're creating T-shirts for a group or event, choosing a colour that stands out and complements your design can be ideal. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subtle and classic look, opting for neutral colours like white or black can be a better choice.

Additionally, the cost of custom T-shirts can sometimes be affected by the colour you choose. For screen-printed orders, using fewer colours in your design can often result in cost savings. Therefore, when creating a custom T-shirt on a budget, consider opting for a basic T-shirt colour and focusing on other design elements to make your shirt unique.

T-shirt printing costs

Quantity

The number of shirts ordered is one of the most significant factors affecting the cost per shirt. Most printing companies offer discounted prices for bulk orders. For example, a single custom t-shirt from UberPrints costs $14.99, whereas an order of 50 shirts starts at $10.97 each. Similarly, Custom Ink's pricing structure is based on the number of shirts ordered, with a higher quantity resulting in a lower price per shirt.

Fabric Type

The type of fabric used for the t-shirts also impacts the overall cost. Cotton is often the most cost-effective option, especially when ordering in bulk, and is popular for everyday wear. Polyester, on the other hand, tends to be slightly more expensive due to its moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for sports teams or active events. Blended fabrics, such as cotton/poly blends and tri-blends, can offer a balance between comfort and durability but usually come at a higher price.

Number of Colours

The number of colours used in the design can also affect the cost of printing. Each additional colour typically incurs extra charges, especially with screen printing, where each colour requires a separate screen setup. Therefore, it is essential to consider the number of colours in the design to keep costs down.

Printing Method

The chosen printing method, such as screen printing or digital printing, can also impact the overall cost. Screen printing is often the more cost-effective option for larger quantities due to its initial setup costs, while digital printing is more practical for smaller orders or designs with multiple colours.

Additional Factors

Other factors that can influence the cost of t-shirt printing include the complexity of the design, the size of the print, the number of print locations, and any add-on services or custom embellishments like embroidery.

In summary, the cost of custom t-shirt printing depends on various factors, and it is essential to consider these elements when planning a t-shirt printing project to ensure it stays within the desired budget.

Frequently asked questions