Custom T-Shirt Printing: Where To Get It Done?

There are many companies that offer custom T-shirt printing services, allowing you to design and print T-shirts for your team, company, or any occasion. Some popular options include VistaPrint, Custom Ink, ooShirts, and BlueCotton, each offering a range of styles, colours, and printing techniques. These companies provide online design tools and often feature galleries of templates to choose from. They also offer different shipping options and have varying minimum order requirements, so it's important to explore each platform to find the one that best suits your needs.

Online T-shirt printing companies

There are many online T-shirt printing companies that offer a range of services to help you design and print your T-shirts. Some companies offer custom T-shirt printing, allowing you to upload your own designs, while others provide pre-designed options that you can customise. Here is a list of some popular online T-shirt printing companies:

Custom Ink

Custom Ink is one of the most well-known companies for custom T-shirt printing, known for its high quality standards and extensive online catalog. They offer live chat, long business hours, and friendly customer support. Custom Ink provides all-inclusive pricing, but their prices tend to be on the higher end.

Broken Arrow Wear

Broken Arrow Wear is a custom T-shirt printing company that has been in business for over 30 years. They offer state-of-the-art printing and embroidery equipment, and their online design tool has a vast collection of clipart and design ideas. Broken Arrow Wear provides free custom artwork with your order and specialises in custom logo design and revision.

Uberprints

Uberprints is a good option if you want to design your T-shirt yourself. They have a nice-sized online catalog, including options for pets. However, their prices are higher than some other companies, and you must use their online designer.

Discount Mugs

Discount Mugs is a good choice if you're looking for small promotional items to go along with your T-shirt order. They offer mugs, pens, toys, and other typical promotional products. Their online pricing grid makes it easy to see the cost differences between printing methods and quantities. However, they do not appear to offer custom artwork services.

VistaPrint

VistaPrint is a well-known online retailer that offers T-shirt printing services in addition to their specialty in paper product printing. They provide a decent selection of clipart and print quality, but their T-shirt design tool has fewer features compared to other sites. VistaPrint is a good option if you also want to order business cards, stationery, or other paper products.

Printful

Printful is a good option if you need your T-shirts printed quickly, with a turnaround time of 2 to 7 days. They offer a range of helpful features to design your shirt, including a mockup generator to preview your designs before placing an order. Printful has affordable prices and integrates with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy.

Underground Printing

Underground Printing offers custom T-shirt design and printing services with no minimum order requirements. They have experienced designers who can help you create unique designs for your business, organisation, or event. Underground Printing also has 30 store locations for in-person service and is licensed to print branded collegiate apparel for over 200 colleges and universities.

In-store T-shirt printing companies

If you're looking for an in-store T-shirt printing company, there are several options available. Here are some companies that offer T-shirt printing services with physical stores:

• Vistaprint: They have a simple interface that allows users to create T-shirt designs quickly and efficiently. Vistaprint offers a range of customisation options, including different sleeve lengths and the ability to add your logo or choose from a variety of templates. They have physical stores where you can discuss your requirements with their team.
• Underground Printing: This company provides T-shirt printing services for bulk orders and individual shirts. They have a user-friendly website and offer embroidery services in addition to T-shirt printing. They have physical stores where you can discuss your requirements and place your order.
• 24 Hour Tees: Specialising in rush order printing, 24 Hour Tees can complete orders in as little as 24 hours. They offer high-quality custom printing for bulk orders, with no minimum order quantity. The company has been in business for over nine years and provides free national shipping within the continental USA for orders of 100 items or more.
• Allied Shirts: With Allied Shirts, you can find budget-friendly options for T-shirt printing. They offer a price match guarantee and have a variety of templates to choose from. Allied Shirts provides free shipping on all full-price orders.
• Local print shops: Depending on your location, there may be local print shops in your area that offer T-shirt printing services. These shops often have in-store design tools and can provide assistance with your T-shirt design. It's worth searching for "T-shirt printing near me" to find options in your vicinity.

T-shirt printing methods

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

• Screen Printing: This is one of the most popular and widely-used printing methods, especially for bulk printing. It involves using screens to apply ink directly to the T-shirts through mesh screens. Screen printing is cost-effective and produces high-quality, long-lasting artwork. However, it can be messy, requires a lot of space, and has a steep learning curve. It is also limited in terms of colour selection and artwork placement.
• Heat Transfer Printing: This method involves printing a design on special heat transfer paper and then heat-pressing it onto the T-shirt. It is compatible with most materials and creates almost no mess. However, it may not be as durable as other methods, and the print may crack or fade over time.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: DTG printing uses inkjet technology to print high-quality, full-colour, photographic prints directly onto T-shirts. It is suitable for complex designs with many colours and small orders (1-5 T-shirts). DTG printing machines are compact and inject ink directly into the fabric, making the print almost invisible. However, DTG printers are expensive and designed primarily for printing on 100% cotton T-shirts.
• Dye-Sublimation Printing: This is a variation of heat transfer printing that works by digitally printing graphics and then heating them to transfer the dye onto T-shirts. The dye turns into gas when heated and becomes part of the material, resulting in a durable and soft print. However, it only works with polyblend-based T-shirts and can be expensive.
• Plastisol Transfers: This method is similar to screen printing but involves printing the artwork on plastisol transfer paper and then heat-pressing it onto the T-shirt. It produces high-quality prints similar to screen printing and allows for a variety of placements on the T-shirt. However, it can be expensive for large quantity runs, and the prints may crack and wash out if not done correctly.
• CAD-Cut Heat Transfer Vinyl Printing: This method uses a machine to cut out designs and letters on coloured vinyl, which are then heat-pressed onto the T-shirt. It is ideal for small orders (1-3 colours) and can be applied anywhere on the T-shirt. However, it is time-consuming and not suitable for complex designs.

T-shirt printing costs

Number of T-shirts

The number of T-shirts you want to print will impact the price per shirt. Generally, the more T-shirts you order, the lower the price per shirt will be. This is because bulk printing can save on costs such as setup fees and labour. For example, an order of twenty T-shirts may cost around $18 per shirt, while an order of 100 T-shirts may cost around $9 per shirt.

T-shirt Type and Fabric

The type of T-shirt and the fabric it is made from will also affect the printing cost. Standard cotton T-shirts are usually the most affordable option, with prices starting around $7-$10 per shirt for bulk orders. More expensive fabrics, such as tri-blend T-shirts, can cost $9-$13 or more per shirt.

Size

The size of the T-shirt can also impact the price, with extended sizes (2XL-3XL) typically costing more than standard sizes (XS-XL). This is because larger sizes require more material and may take up more printing space.

Printing Method

The printing method you choose will also influence the cost. Screen printing is generally more cost-effective for large orders with simple designs, while digital printing is better for smaller orders or more intricate designs. Digital printing can be more expensive due to its detailed nature.

Brand

The brand of the T-shirt can also impact the price. Well-known brands, such as Nike, tend to have a higher price point compared to lesser-known brands, such as Gildan or Tultex. For example, a Nike T-shirt is unlikely to cost less than $20, while a Gildan T-shirt can cost under $10.

Add-on Services

Additional services, such as custom tag printing, hem tags, foil printing, folding, and polybagging, can also increase the cost of your order. These add-ons can range from $0.30 to $4 per shirt, depending on the service.

When considering the cost of T-shirt printing, it is important to factor in all these variables. Additionally, some companies may offer deals or discounts, so it is worth shopping around to find the best price for your specific needs.

T-shirt printing design

T-shirt printing and design is a fun and creative process that can be used to promote your business, celebrate an event, or simply express yourself! Here are some tips and ideas to get you started on your T-shirt design journey:

Know Your Purpose:

Before you begin designing, consider the purpose of your T-shirt. Are you creating it for a specific event, like a party or conference? Do you want to promote a band or business? Or are you designing a shirt for a sports team or school club? Knowing the purpose will help determine the style and message of your design.

Choose Your Style:

Select a T-shirt style that aligns with your purpose. For example, if you're creating a shirt for a startup or business, consider a design that showcases your brand personality through creative illustrations or imagery instead of a sales pitch. If it's for a sports team, try reimagining the logo or using equipment-inspired imagery.

Play with Typography:

Experiment with different fonts to convey the desired mood or theme. For instance, a vintage or retro-inspired font can lend a classic or nostalgic feel to your design. Bold and geometric fonts can make a statement, while handwritten or script fonts add a personal touch.

Get Creative with Graphics:

Graphic tees are a popular way to showcase artwork and unique designs. Think about the placement and shape of your graphics. Organic, round shapes often look more natural and appealing than sharp squares or rectangles. Don't be afraid to utilise the entire shirt—front, back, and sides—as your canvas.

Consider Colour:

The colour of your T-shirt can enhance your design and elevate your overall look. Choose colours that complement your design and brand, or opt for popular colours like black, white, or neutral tones that are versatile and widely appealing.

Add Personalisation:

Personalisation can make your T-shirt design more special and meaningful. Consider adding names, numbers, or other custom elements to your design, especially if you're creating shirts for a team or group.

Find the Right Platform:

There are many online platforms, such as VistaPrint and Custom Ink, that offer T-shirt design and printing services. These sites often provide design templates, clipart, and fonts to help you create your ideal T-shirt.

Remember, the key to a great T-shirt design is creativity, originality, and a clear message or purpose. Whether you're designing for a business, event, or personal expression, let your imagination flow and have fun with the process!

Frequently asked questions