Custom T-Shirts: Single Orders, Where To Get Them Done

Whether you're looking to create a uniform for your team, design a gift for a loved one, or simply want to treat yourself, custom T-shirts are a great way to showcase your unique style and personality. With advancements in technology, it's now easier than ever to design and order custom T-shirts online, with many companies offering the option to create a single custom T-shirt with no minimum order requirements. You can upload your own design or logo, or choose from a variety of templates, clipart, and fonts to create a one-of-a-kind T-shirt that's sure to turn heads.

Online t-shirt printing services

There are many online t-shirt printing services that allow you to design and print your own t-shirts. Some of the popular ones are:

• Custom Ink: They offer an extensive range of t-shirts with no limits on product selection or quantity. You can design and print your own t-shirts for your team, school, company, or any other occasion. They also have a Group Order Form to make ordering shirts for a group easier.
• UberPrints: They offer no minimum custom t-shirts with digitally printed t-shirts made using state-of-the-art technology, providing fast delivery, unlimited ink colours, and no minimum order. They also have an industry-leading Design Studio that allows you to upload logos, add free graphics, and use templates.
• DesignAShirt: They offer no order minimums and a wide range of customisation options, including short sleeves, long sleeves, and tank tops. They also have a Design Studio that allows you to customise your shirt from scratch or use a template.
• Printful: They offer a free Design Maker tool to create custom t-shirt designs and sell them online. They have a wide range of t-shirt models and styles to choose from, and they provide round-the-clock customer support.
• Underground Printing: They have a Design Studio that makes it easy to design t-shirts online. They also offer experienced custom apparel designers for businesses, organisations, or events, with no minimums.

These online t-shirt printing services provide various features, such as no minimum order requirements, fast delivery, customisation options, and design tools to help you create your desired t-shirt.

T-shirt printing methods

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

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 screen. This process can be done by machine or by hand. The design is printed onto a thin mesh or screen, and then placed on the shirt where the ink is pushed through, usually with a squeegee. The more colours in a design, the more screens needed, which can be time-consuming and costly. Screen printing is compatible with most fabrics and produces vivid and bright colours, but it can be messy and requires a lot of space.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

DTG printing is an inkjet technology that prints high-quality, full-colour, photographic prints directly onto a T-shirt. It is suitable for designs that are too complex for other printing techniques, such as screen printing. DTG printing machines have a large colour mixing potential and can print even the tiniest details. This method is best for printing small quantities (1-5 T-shirts) as it requires very little prep work. However, DTG printers are designed to print only on 100% cotton T-shirts, and the colours may wash out over time.

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat transfer printing involves printing a design on special heat transfer paper and then using a heat press machine to apply it to the T-shirt. This method works on different materials and fabrics, creates minimal mess, and needs less maintenance compared to other methods. There are several variations of heat transfer printing, including dye-sublimation printing and CAD-cut heat transfer vinyl printing.

Dye-Sublimation Printing

Dye-sublimation printing is a popular variation of heat transfer printing. The ink is heated and turns into a gas, which is then absorbed into the T-shirt fabric. This method produces durable, soft, and breathable prints that will not fade, crack, peel, or deteriorate. However, it only works with polyblend-based T-shirts and can be expensive.

CAD-Cut Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing

This method uses a machine to cut out designs and letters on pieces of coloured vinyl, which are then applied to the T-shirt with a heat press. It is ideal for small orders (1-3 colours) and can be applied to all kinds of fabrics. However, it can be time-consuming to cut and weed the vinyl, and it is only suitable for simple graphics.

Plastisol Transfers

Plastisol transfers are similar to screen printing but the artwork is first printed on transfer paper and then heat-pressed onto the T-shirt. This method allows for high-quality prints and can be used for a variety of placements on the T-shirt. However, it can be expensive for large quantities and the prints may crack and wash out if not done properly.

T-shirt styles

T-shirts come in a variety of styles, each catering to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the most popular T-shirt styles:

Crew Neck

The most famous of T-shirt styles, crew necks, also known as classic T-shirts, have a round circular neck that provides excellent flexibility and fits comfortably on the body, giving a toned appearance. They are easy to wear and can work well with many different outfits. Crew necks are commonly crafted from soft and breathable fabrics like cotton or cotton blends.

V-Neck

V-necks are T-shirts where the neck is shaped like the letter "V". These T-shirts work well to slim down your physique and are a popular choice for people with rounder face shapes. V-necks are often worn as undergarments or as standalone pieces. In women's clothing, V-neck T-shirts can be dressed up or down—for a night out, they look great with a blazer and skirt, or they can be a staple of your athleisure collection for day-time comfort.

Y-Neck/Henley Collar

Y-necks, also known as Henley T-shirts, are a mix of crew neck and V-neck designs. The Henley name comes from the fact that these shirts were the traditional uniforms of rowers from the English town of Henley-on-Thames. Most Y-necks will come with buttons that run down the 'V' area of the T-shirt, and they can be worn as short or long sleeves. Henley collar T-shirts blend the casualness of a T-shirt with a slight touch of formality, and their cotton composition makes them easy to dress up or down.

Scoop Neck

Scoop necks are similar to crew neck T-shirts, but the round neckline is bigger and hangs slightly below the collarbone. The scoop neck can be tricky because wearing the wrong size can lead to a fashion disaster. If worn correctly, a scoop neck gives off a more casual and rugged look compared to other necklines.

Raglan Sleeve

Raglan sleeves can also be categorized as long sleeve T-shirts and are sometimes known as baseball players' T-shirts. The sleeves are attached to the T-shirt using a diagonal seam rather than the traditional straight seam, giving the Raglan T-shirt its distinctive look. Raglan T-shirts are named after British Army Officer Lord Raglan, who wore a coat with a sleeve cut so that he could have a greater range of arm movement to use his sword in battle. Today, Raglan styles are especially popular in sweatshirts, which are made softer with organic cotton.

Long Sleeve

Long sleeve T-shirts have their sleeves extended to cover the entire arm up to the wrist. These shirts combine the casual and comfortable feel of a T-shirt with the full covering of a business/dress shirt. They are commonly worn in the Fall and Winter seasons, but high-quality cotton long sleeve T-shirts can also be a great way to beat the heat in the summer. Men and women can wear long sleeve T-shirts for casual, dating, and even professional occasions.

T-shirt materials

T-shirts are usually made from natural or synthetic materials, or a blend of the two. Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and linen are breathable and comfortable, whereas synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex are known for their durability.

Cotton

Cotton is the most popular material for T-shirts. It is soft, breathable, and strikes a balance between cost and comfort. Cotton is also the best fabric for printing on, as it holds colour well and suits high-resolution designs. However, it wrinkles easily and often shrinks in the wash. Combed cotton is made from pre-treated fibres that produce a softer, more durable fabric, but it is more expensive. Organic cotton is another option that is more environmentally friendly but also more costly.

Polyester

Polyester is the second most popular material for T-shirts. It is notable for its resistance to shrinking, fading, or stretching, which means that polyester T-shirts have a long lifespan. Polyester is also stretchy and gives a T-shirt more give. It dries quickly, doesn't need careful washing, and holds printed designs well. However, it can feel coarse and is typically non-biodegradable.

Blends

A blend of cotton and polyester combines the benefits of both materials. Most cotton/polyester blends are soft and wrinkle-resistant. Rayon can also be added to the blend to make the fabric even softer and more lightweight. Other blends include cotton/spandex, which is more elastic and wrinkle-resistant than cotton alone, and rayon/polyester, which is much more comfortable.

T-shirt care

If you're looking to get a single T-shirt made, there are several online services that can help you design and print your own T-shirt without a minimum order requirement. These include UberPrints, DesignAShirt, and Custom Ink.

Now, here are some tips for T-shirt care:

Washing

• Wash your T-shirts only when necessary. This will reduce your carbon footprint and improve the longevity of your T-shirts.
• Wash like colours together to prevent colour leaching.
• Wash white T-shirts separately from other colours to prevent them from becoming dull.
• Wash cotton T-shirts separately from harsher items like denim or clothing with loose metal zips and studs, as these might damage the cotton.
• Turn coloured T-shirts inside out before washing to help preserve the shade.
• Wash your T-shirts at 30-40°C to prevent shrinking and to reduce energy consumption.
• Use the correct amount of detergent. Too little will not give a proper clean, while too much can trap dirt and odours into the fabric.
• Wash similar fabrics together to optimise your washing results.
• Wash 100% cotton T-shirts at around 30°C to avoid shrinkage. Darker colours can usually be washed completely cold.

Drying

• Avoid using a tumble dryer, as this can degrade the fabric, cause shrinkage, yellowing, and bobbling, and is very energy-intensive.
• Hang your T-shirts on a washing line or rail to air dry.
• Avoid direct sunlight when drying to reduce unwanted fading of colours.
• Gently stretch or shake your T-shirts when taking them out of the washing machine to minimise creasing.

Storing

• Store your T-shirts folded and lying on a flat surface or shelf, or in a drawer, out of direct sunlight.
• If you prefer to hang your T-shirts, use wide hangers so their weight is evenly distributed, and insert the hanger from the bottom to avoid over-stretching the neckline.

Stain Removal

• Treat stains as soon as they occur. Natural materials like cotton absorb liquids, so the faster you start removing the stain, the easier it will be.
• Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove excess liquid.
• Add some mild soap or detergent to the stain and gently work it in.
• Alternatively, apply a paste made from baking soda and water to the stain, let it dry, then brush off the baking soda.
• For stubborn stains, use a commercial stain remover, but avoid bleach-based products for coloured cotton garments.

Frequently asked questions