6 Apparel Printing Tips
From t-shirts for a family reunion to hats with a company logo, today’s consumers will design custom merchandise for any occasion. These unique items are a great way to unite a group of people or gain brand recognition. The best part – you have full design control.
Having your logo or an image printed on apparel isn’t as simple as uploading an image. Creating something that people will enjoy and be proud to wear means making some difficult design choices. Even the simplest of designs can feel overwhelming without the proper guidance.
Today, we’re going to share our top tips for designing your custom-printed apparel. Follow this advice to ensure your apparel printing project is a huge success.
Size Matters
One of the biggest mistakes people make is setting their design to a standard size. In t-shirt printing, the standard size is very close to the maximum, which is too big for many designs.
It’s important to keep in mind the total surface area of the print. For example, t-shirts with front pockets have a different printable surface area than hoodies without pockets. Adult tees should have a larger chest print than youth tees.
Typography and Font
Font and typography are critical design elements that can make or break a design. Here are a few rules of thumb to remember.
- Carefully consider your line breaks, as they dictate how your message is read
- Using different fonts adds contrast to your design
- Avoid using large block lettering
- Important words should be bolder and toward the top
Keep it Simple
When it comes to apparel printing, simplicity is best. Busy designs tend to look cluttered and can be difficult to print.
Consider the Colors
Keep your shirt colors in mind when creating your design. Selecting the wrong color can alter the look and meaning of your design.
Fabric Matters
Don’t cut corners when it comes to fabric. Thinner fabrics can impact the final design. They tend to lay weirdly and feel bad against the skin.
Placement Matters
Print placement is necessary to orient the image on the printed material and can be critical for the overall design aesthetic.
T-shirts and apparel are huge marketing items for so many businesses. In fact, according to Statista, by 2026, the market volume for t-shirts will surpass 7,800 million pieces. Good printing on popular items is a great choice. Give us a call today for more information on apparel printing.
