A Beginner Guide to Get Perfect Custom Logo Printed T-shirt

by Paramita Chowdhury Live for TODAY

If you are planning to buy a personalized t-shirt or even better, thinking of manufacturing it, then there are some key points that you might want to keep in mind. In this step-by step t-shirt logo printing guide, I will be telling you about the do’s and dont's of a perfect t-shirt printing. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Get a design:

You can’t print a t-shirt without a design. So First things first, in order to print custom Polo shirts, you need to find an attractive and meaningful logo or design. Make sure that the logo you choose tells something about your company. It should basically fit your brand. Keep in mind that your logo should match the color of your shirt. Like a dark color logo or design won’t look good with a dark blue or black shirt.

Step 2: Choose a fabric and shirt type:

Plain and simple. One of the most important fashion hacks is to be comfortable in what you wear.

In my opinion, it's best to go for 100% cotton. It’s useful, comfortable, economical and easier to wash. For a softer and more breathable substitute, try 50% cotton and 50% polyester. It’s the public favorite and often cheaper than pure cotton.

The sister step after selecting the correct fabric is to settle on a company logo t-shirt type.

Think about your audience before settling on the right t-shirt type. Think about which style and cut would your targeted group appreciate the most? Which color or fabric would they prefer? What should be the sleeve length? When in doubt, always go for the evergreen short sleeved, crew neck t-shirts. Opt for the most chosen colors like white, black, grey, yellow, blue or red.

Step 3: Choose your printing method:

Select your printing method wisely as it will further affect the differences in cost, appearance, time of production and material. Let’s discuss these details with the three important and most used printing techniques:

a) Screen Printing-

Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil. This printing technique can be done by both manually or machine.

Advantage: It is ideal for high print value and is flexible in terms of print material.

Disadvantage: A new screen is required for every change of color or design revision. Colorful designs end up being pricey.

b) Vinyl Graphics-

Branded shirts logo made with vinyl graphics are created through transfer printing. The difference of results between screen printing and vinyl graphic is that it feels bolder.

Advantage: It makes the T-shirt logo more bright in color and durable. It stands out the most.

Disadvantage: Just like screen printing, every additional change of color adds to the cost. Vinyl printing is not the best option for bulk orders.

c) Direct-To-Garment-

DTG printing is a process of printing on t-shirts or any other textile by using specific aqueous ink jet technology. This method sprays ink on the garment.

Advantage: In direct-to-garment method, you can print highly customizable designs with tricky designs and many colors. Make it colorful!

Disadvantage: This method works best for small batches. Dark colored textiles are a big ‘no’.

Step 4: Find a Printer:

Once you have settled on your design, fabric, shirt type and printing method, it’s time to find the right printer. You can choose a printer both locally and online. As you select the printer, always keep an eye on your deadline to make sure you have the order ready in time. After all no one likes to wait, right? Now, there are some factors that you might want to think about while purchasing the printer.

The printing methods they offer and how well do they work for your design.
Cost for plain t-shirts and printing t-shirts logo .
Time the printing process will need.
Very important, the t-shirts cut, fabric, sizes and color offered.

Step 5: Go grab your shirt!

Once your shirt has been printed, try it on and check if everything is according to your instruction. Inspect whether the size, fabric and print delivered is the exact same as you asked for. Ensure if you are satisfied with the outcome, and if yes, then thank the printer that worked so hard.