Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Custom T-Shirt Printing

Custom t-shirt printing is a fantastic way to showcase creativity, promote your brand, or bring a team together with matching apparel. But if you’re not careful, mistakes during the ordering process can lead to costly errors and disappointment. Whether you’re designing shirts for a business, a school event, or just for fun, it’s essential to get the details right.

This guide will help you navigate the most common pitfalls in custom t-shirt printing, so you can create designs you’ll be proud to wear or share.

Skipping Research on Printing Methods

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is choosing a random printing method without understanding its benefits and limitations. Different techniques work best for different designs and purposes. The three most common methods are:

• Screen Printing: Best for bulk orders and simple designs. It uses stencils and layers of ink, producing durable and vibrant prints.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Ideal for small orders and designs with a lot of detail or color gradients. It works like a printer for fabric.
• Heat Transfer/Vinyl: Great for text-based or single-piece orders. However, it’s less durable for long-term use.

Choosing the wrong method could result in subpar prints. For instance, selecting screen printing for a design with intricate gradients might not yield the expected result. Always discuss your design needs with the printer to determine the right method.

Neglecting to Understand Fabric Options

Not all fabrics are created equal, and the type of material you choose can greatly impact the final product. The most common fabrics for custom t-shirts include:

• Cotton (100%): Soft, breathable, and durable, but it can shrink if not pre-shrunk.
• Polyester (100%): Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and less likely to wrinkle or shrink.
• Cotton-Polyester Blends: Offer the best of both worlds and are often more affordable.

For example, if you’re ordering shirts for a sports team, a 100% polyester fabric may be better suited for sweat-control. Neglecting to match your fabric choice to the shirt’s intended use can leave you with items that don’t perform as expected.

Designing Without Considering Placement

Poor design placement can ruin a great concept. Two of the most frequent errors include:

• Incorrect Sizing: A logo or design that’s too big or too small will look awkward.
• Bad Positioning: Printing too high, too low, or misaligned on the shirt can make it unwearable.

Before you finalize, review a mock-up or sample to ensure your design is the correct size and perfectly positioned. Printers often provide digital proofs for approval—don’t skip this step!

Using Low-Quality Images

Resolution matters. Using low-quality images will result in blurry or pixelated prints, which can make your t-shirts look unprofessional. When designing your shirts, ensure that all images and graphics are at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). This resolution ensures crisp, clean prints.

Avoid using images copied from the internet, as most are low-resolution and may not meet printing standards. If you’re unsure, consult with your printer—they’ll usually specify the required file format and resolution.

Misjudging Color Accuracy

What you see on your computer screen might not be what you get on the final product. Colors can look different depending on the screen and lighting. This issue is especially common if you’re using RGB (screen colors) instead of CMYK (print colors).

To ensure accurate results:

• Work in CMYK color mode when designing.
• Ask your printer for a color chart or proof to preview how the colors will appear on fabric.

If color matching is crucial (e.g., for branding), clarify your expectations with the printer beforehand.

Failing to Order Samples

Ordering in bulk without seeing a sample is a risky move. Even when everything looks perfect on paper, the final product might not meet your expectations. A test print allows you to evaluate the quality, design placement, and overall look of the t-shirts before committing to a larger order.

While samples often involve an additional cost, they can save you from costly reprints.

Overlooking Minimum Order Requirements and Turnaround Times

Different companies have varying order policies. Failing to understand these could lead to unnecessary stress. For instance:

• Some printers require a minimum order (e.g., 50 shirts for screen printing).
• Turnaround times can vary depending on the order size and complexity. Rush orders may come with additional fees.

If you need your t-shirts for a specific event, communicate your deadline clearly to avoid delays.

Ignoring Budget Constraints

Custom t-shirt printing costs can add up quickly if you don’t plan ahead. Factors that influence pricing include:

• The number of colors in your design (more colors often mean higher costs).
• The type of printing method used.
• The quality of the t-shirt material.

Set a budget and get a detailed cost estimate upfront. Balancing quality and affordability is essential to avoiding overspending.

Forgetting About Post-Production Care

Once your order is complete, how you care for your custom t-shirts matters. Provide proper washing and care instructions to your team, customers, or whoever will wear them. Common tips include:

• Wash inside out to protect the print.
• Use colder water to prevent fading or shrinkage.
• Avoid harsh detergents or bleach.

These small steps can extend the longevity of your shirts and keep your designs looking fresh.

Not Communicating Clearly With the Printer

Last but not least, good communication with your chosen t-shirt printing provider can’t be overstated. Many mistakes are due to miscommunication about design files, colors, sizes, or deadlines.

To avoid this:

• Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.
• Provide all required details upfront (e.g., sizes, design files, instructions).
• Confirm all aspects of the order in writing before production begins.

Get It Right the First Time

Ordering custom t-shirts doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By avoiding these common mistakes and working closely with a trusted printing provider, you can ensure your designs come out exactly as you imagined.

If you’re ready to place your order, take a moment to double-check the details using our tips. Your perfect custom t-shirts are just a few steps away!