The most effective custom shirt is one people want to wear. Whether you’re selling merchandise, promoting your business, or bringing a group together, a few thoughtful choices can make a big difference.

Make your message easy to read.

View your design from several feet away. If your logo or message needs to be noticed quickly, use clear lettering, strong shapes, and details that hold up at a distance.

Think about how the print will feel.

Large, solid areas of ink can create a heavier feel and reduce breathability. Open space within the artwork can help keep a design comfortable without sacrificing impact.

Keep it simple—or plan for the detail.

Simple designs often make a strong impression, but detailed illustrations and photographic images can also produce excellent results. We’ll help determine the right printing approach for your artwork.

Design for fabric.

Fabric has texture, movement, and a different surface than paper or a computer screen. Fine lines, small lettering, gradients, and colors may need adjustments to reproduce well on a garment.

Choose garment and ink colors together.

Strong contrast makes a design stand out, while similar shades create a subtle, tonal look. Consider the effect you want before choosing your shirt and print colors.

Use halftones thoughtfully.

Halftones use small dots to create shading, gradients, and the appearance of additional tones. They can add depth and sometimes reduce the number of ink colors needed, but they produce a different look than solid ink.

Know your audience.

Choose artwork, wording, and apparel that fit the people who will wear them. A successful retail design may take a different approach than a staff uniform, school shirt, or event giveaway.

Give your design a clear purpose.

Decide what matters most: your brand, an illustration, an event, or a message. Build the design around that priority and keep supporting information readable without overcrowding it.

Explore placement.

A left-chest logo, sleeve detail, oversized back print, or unexpected placement can give your apparel personality. We’ll help you choose locations that work with the garment and your budget.

Start with a garment people will enjoy wearing.

Fit, fabric, weight, and available sizes matter just as much as the artwork. We’ll help you select apparel that suits your audience, intended use, and price point.

Have an idea? Let’s talk it through. We can review your artwork and recommend ways to get the best result before production begins.

A little planning helps everything run smoothly. Most orders require approximately two weeks after invoice & artwork approval. Share your deadline early so we can plan around it and let you know what’s possible.

Tell us when you need your order in hand.

If your merchandise is for an event, trip, or launch, give us the date you need to receive it, not just the event date. Allow time for shipping and any preparation you’ll need to do afterward.

Send your artwork early.

Getting your artwork to us at the beginning gives us time to review it, make any necessary adjustments, and prepare your proof. If you need design help, let us know so we can include that in the schedule.

Finalize garment styles, colors, sizes, and quantities.

We need your complete selections before ordering your garments. Finalizing these details early gives us time to confirm availability, receive the products, and address any supplier issues.

Review your proof and invoice promptly.

Check your artwork, spelling, print locations, garment details, and quantities carefully. Your approvals allow us to move forward with purchasing and production. Changes after approval may affect the price or completion date.

Keep feedback clear and together.

When requesting revisions, describe each change as specifically as possible. If several people are reviewing the project, send one combined list of feedback to help reduce extra rounds of proofs.

Be open to production recommendations.

We may suggest adjustments to artwork, sizing, or placement to help your design print well. Small differences between an on-screen proof and a finished garment are normal, and exact placement can vary slightly during production.

Let us know when plans change.

Changes to artwork, products, or quantities can affect the schedule. Tell us as soon as possible, and we’ll explain the options and any impact on your deadline.

Working with a tight deadline? Ask us.

Rush orders can often be accommodated depending on garment availability, project requirements, and our production schedule. When we can accommodate a shorter turnaround without an additional charge, we’re happy to do so.

Have a deadline in mind? Tell us when you request your quote so we can help you plan.

Getting great custom apparel doesn’t have to mean stretching your budget. A few thoughtful choices about garments, artwork, and quantities can help you get more value from your order.

Order more at one time.

Screenprinting requires setup for each production run. Combining your needs into one larger order generally lowers the cost per shirt compared with placing several smaller orders. Consider upcoming events, new employees, or merchandise needs when planning quantities.

Consider white or light-colored garments.

White shirts are often less expensive than comparable colored shirts. Light garments can also simplify printing because some designs won’t require the additional layer of ink needed to make colors stand out on dark fabric.

Use fewer ink colors.

Each additional screenprinted color adds setup and production work. A strong one- or two-color design can make a big impression while keeping costs down. Our designers can help simplify your artwork without losing its character.

Choose one print location.

Every additional print location adds production steps and cost. A well-designed front or back print can deliver your message effectively on its own.

Choose a budget-friendly garment.

Basic cotton tees are often among the most affordable options and work well for screenprinting. We’ll help you compare styles and find a balance of price, comfort, and durability that suits your project.

Talk to us before investing in artwork.

You don’t need a finished design to get started. Bring us your idea, and we’ll help you find an approach that works for both printing and your budget. Many straightforward designs can be created at no additional charge; we’ll explain any artwork costs upfront.

Use our standard ink colors.

Choosing from our standard ink colors helps avoid custom color-matching charges. If your brand requires a specific Pantone color, we can discuss matching options and any additional cost.  We have over 120 standard colors.

Share your budget early.

Knowing your target price helps us recommend the right garments, quantities, and print options from the start. We can explain which changes will make the biggest difference to your total.

Have a project and a budget in mind? Let’s find the best combination for you.