What to Consider When Ordering Custom Screen Printed Shirts for the First Time

Ordering custom screen printed shirts is a great way to promote your business, outfit your employees, or create something memorable for an upcoming event. However, if you have never ordered custom apparel before, you might not know where to start.

From choosing the right shirts to preparing your artwork and deciding how many to order, a little planning can make the process much easier.

Before placing your first order, here are a few important things to consider.

Think About How the Shirts Will Be Used

Before choosing a shirt style, consider who will be wearing the apparel and how often.

For example, employees working outdoors may need lightweight, breathable shirts, while retail employees might prefer polos or other professional-looking options. If you are ordering shirts for a fundraiser or community event, comfort and affordability may be your biggest priorities.

The right garment can make a big difference in how frequently people wear your custom apparel.

Choose the Right Fabric and Shirt Style

Not all T-shirts are made from the same materials. Cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics each have different characteristics that can affect comfort, appearance, and how the finished print feels.

Cotton is a popular option for everyday wear, while certain polyester and blended fabrics offer moisture-wicking properties or other performance features.

When exploring professional screen printing services, ask about available garment options and which materials work best for your project.

Make Sure Your Artwork Is Ready

Your logo or design is one of the most important parts of your order. Low-resolution images, overly detailed artwork, or incorrect file formats can make it harder to achieve the results you want.

Whenever possible, provide a high-quality version of your design, preferably in a vector format.

If you are unsure what type of file to submit, check out our guide on how to prepare your artwork for screen printing.

Consider Print Placement and Colors

Where you place your design can affect the overall appearance of your shirts.

Some popular options include:

  • Full-size designs on the front or back
  • Small logos on the left chest
  • Back prints with company information
  • Sleeve printing for additional branding

You should also think about how your ink colors will look against the garment color. A design that looks great on a white shirt may need adjustments to stand out on a darker fabric.

Plan Your Quantity and Timeline

Screen printing involves setup work, so the number of shirts you order can influence the price per garment. Larger orders often provide better value, especially when you need apparel for an entire team or organization.

It is also important to plan ahead. If you need shirts for a specific event or deadline, contact your screen printing provider early to allow enough time for artwork review, garment selection, and production.

Get Started With Professional Screen Printing

At Cornerstone Shirts and Graphics, we help businesses, organizations, and individuals bring their custom apparel ideas to life. Whether you already have a finished design or need guidance choosing the right shirts, our screen printing services can help you create apparel that looks great and represents your brand.

Serving Julian, Climax, Whitsett, and surrounding North Carolina communities, we are here to help make your first custom apparel order a success. Call us today at (336)685-4333 to discuss your project and request a quote.

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