Custom t-shirts are one of the most versatile branding tools out there. Whether you're outfitting a team, promoting an event, or launching merch for your business, a well-made custom tee gets your name out into the world every time someone puts it on.
But if you've never ordered custom shirts before, the process can feel overwhelming. Garment styles, ink colors, print locations, file formats — there's a lot to consider. Here are five things that will help you get a better result and a smoother experience.
1. Your Artwork Needs to Be Print-Ready
This is the number one thing that catches first-time customers off guard. The logo on your website and the logo on a t-shirt aren't always the same file. Screen printing requires high-resolution vector artwork — typically an .AI, .EPS, or high-res .PNG file.
If your logo was designed by a professional, you likely have vector files somewhere. If not, don't worry. A good print shop can often recreate your artwork or clean up what you have. Just know that starting with the right file saves time and avoids surprises.
2. Shirt Color Affects Your Design
The color of the shirt plays a bigger role than most people expect. A design that looks great on a white tee might need adjustments on a dark one. Printing on dark garments typically requires an extra base layer of white ink beneath your colors, which can slightly change how the finished product looks and feels.
When you're planning your order, think about how your brand colors interact with the shirt color. Your print shop should be able to show you mockups so you can see exactly how things will look before anything goes to press.
3. Quantity Matters More Than You Think
Screen printing has a setup process — each color in your design requires its own screen. That setup cost stays the same whether you're printing 24 shirts or 500. So the more you print, the lower your per-piece cost drops.
Most shops have a minimum order quantity (ours is typically 24 pieces). If you're on the fence about ordering a few extra, it's almost always worth it. The marginal cost of additional shirts is surprisingly low once the screens are made, and you'll be glad you have extras.
4. Not All T-Shirts Are Created Equal
The blank shirt you choose matters just as much as the print on it. A bargain-bin tee might save you a dollar per shirt, but it'll feel cheap — and people won't wear it. Nobody wants a stiff, boxy shirt sitting in the back of their closet.
Ask your printer about garment options. Tri-blends and ring-spun cotton offer a softer hand feel that people actually want to wear. Brands like Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and Comfort Colors have become popular for a reason. Spending a little more on the blank usually means your shirt gets a lot more wear — and that's the whole point.
5. Plan Ahead for Timelines
Rush orders happen, and most shops can accommodate them. But planning ahead gives you more options on garment availability, better pricing, and less stress all around.
A typical turnaround for a standard screen printing order is about two weeks from artwork approval to delivery. If you're ordering for a specific event or deadline, build in a buffer. Blank garment availability can fluctuate, especially for popular styles and sizes, and you don't want to be scrambling at the last minute.
The Easiest Way to Get Started
If this all sounds like a lot to keep track of, here's the good news: you don't have to figure it out alone. A great print shop walks you through every step — from choosing the right shirt to dialing in your artwork to hitting your deadline.
That's exactly what we do at Repla Prints. We've been helping businesses, schools, and organizations across the Atlanta area create custom apparel for over 40 years. Tell us what you need, and we'll handle the details.
Have a project in mind? Get a free quote or give us a call at (770) 423-0201.