Your T-Shirt Printing Guide to Decoration Styles, Fabrics, and Design
T-Shirt Printing 101: The Best Decoration, Fabric, and Styling Options for Your Next Shirt
By LogoSportswear | Updated on August 1, 2023
Navigating the ins and outs of T-shirt printing can be overwhelming for a first-time customer, especially if you're buying multiple pieces. It takes experience to see which decoration method, fabric, and design works best for your needs.
Luckily, we can arm you with the right T-shirt knowledge to see which choices will make your shirt stand out in terms of design and quality. Read on to learn about the factors that play into T-shirt printing such as the decoration styles, available fabrics, and other design considerations.
The Pros and Cons of Different T-Shirt Printing Methods
The printing method used to decorate a T-shirt largely depends on the fabric, but this choice may also be influenced by the garment's brand, style, and color. Each printing method has advantages and disadvantages to consider for the final look of your T-shirt.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is the most popular method of custom T-shirt printing. In this stencil-based technique, each color used on the artwork has a corresponding mesh screen and the ink is applied onto the T-shirt one color after another. Since the inks used in screen printing are thicker in consistency than those used in other printing styles, your T-shirt design lasts longer and appears more vibrant. Check out the pros and cons of screen printing below to see if this decoration style works for you:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective for large quantities of a simple T-shirt design | Requires a minimum quantity for orders |
| Colors register vividly and the print lasts for years | Since each color requires a screen, it's normally used on designs with fewer colors and simpler designs |
Digital Printing
This decoration style is recommended for T-shirt orders in small quantities. The cost per piece can be more expensive than screen printing, but it's worth the investment if you need a higher-quality resolution print for your T-shirt. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this T-shirt printing technique to see if the added cost is worth it:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Recommended for designs with various colors and intricate details | Only suited for cotton-rich fabrics |
| Accurately prints high-resolution photos or images | Not recommended for T-shirt designs with a large, solid white section |
Embroidery
Embroidery recreates a three-dimensional, handstitched look. It makes colors pop on rich threads and give the shirt a soft, textured feel. This decoration option is recommended for thicker fabrics. See if this is the best option for your T-shirt based on the following factors:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Embroidery is the most durable decoration method | Because pricing is based on the stitch count, bigger designs will cost more |
| It gives the design a distinct 3D look and a unique texture | Since threads are used instead of ink, small details on the artwork may not be stitched completely |
| Embroidery can withstand multiple washes and retains its sleek appearance over time | Not recommended for larger designs as these would make the garment heavier |
Sublimated Printing
The sublimated printing method is only available for 100% polyester garments. Because it's exclusively done on sweat-wicking material, it's the go-to decoration method for T-shirts worn when doing intense sports or when exercising. To make a more informed choice, explore how this decoration style can work for your order and learn some of its downsides:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sublimation is suited for detailed, vibrant, and full-color designs or photographic prints | Only allowed for printing on white T-shirts |
| The ink is infused into the fabric which means the design becomes part of the shirt making it durable enough to last a long time | Applicable only to 100% polyester garments; sublimation inks don't stick to fabrics like cotton |
Match the Right Fabric With Your Preferred T-Shirt Printing Method
Several factors play into choosing the best fabric for your custom T-shirts. First, you need to determine the purpose of the shirt. Will your customers or team use them as casual wear, wear them to outdoor events, or use them while working out? Will they wear them frequently? The T-shirts you'll design must match your customer's lifestyle so you can deliver what their routine demands. When you've answered these questions, you can determine which fabric fares best in terms fit, comfort, and durability.
- Cotton is the most popular lightweight fabric and is the favored choice for casual, everyday outfits. This material is soft, and its breathability keeps the customer cool especially on hot days.
- Polyester is the go-to material for athletic wear as it wicks moisture away, immediately drying off sweat to keep the wearer comfortable. This fabric is perfect for shirts worn to marathons, fitness events, and summer activities held in outdoor venues.
- Blends such as cotton with polyester combine the advantages of both materials into one shirt. Cotton keeps the fabric breathable and soft while polyester gives it a better performance with moisture-wicking features.
- Tri-blend fabrics comprise the benefits of cotton, polyester, and rayon making them exceptionally soft and lightweight. These are ideal for screen printing, and they feel soft on the skin, whether worn casually or as activewear.
A Few More Important T-Shirt Printing Tips
You can create an awesome logo design easily once you decide on the best fabric and printing technique for your next T-shirt. But before you dive into the details, ask yourself: who will wear the T-shirts you'll be designing? And if you're expanding to a new market, who are the customers you're targeting with your new design? As you answer these questions, you can finalize the best colors, concepts, and other elements that you'd want to stand out on your T-shirt.
Here are a few more points to remember when planning and executing the T-shirt printing design:
- Focus on essential details but keep the entire design simple.
- Create a mockup to see how the logo will appear on the T-shirt.
- Review how the T-shirt's color will complement the colors used on your artwork.
- Make sure the T-shirt design appeals to your target market. Do your research!
- If you are uploading a file to our Online Designer, make sure to upload your design in any of the following preferred formats:
- AI
- EPS
- PNG
Start Customizing Your T-Shirts Today
Now that you've learned the different T-shirt printing options and fabrics, you'll see that you can create your own style with LogoSportswear. LogoSportswear specializes in digital printing on apparel including T-shirts, jackets, and workwear that are perfect for team uniforms, event giveaways, and gifts. We also offer embroidery a sleeker impression of your logo on the garment.
Check out the T-shirts available and see how your design would look like on your selected style. If you prefer styles from reputable brands, check out the activewear available from Adidas, Nike, Sport-Tek, and Badger. But if you want to prioritize the comfort of customers or employees, especially if it's a garment that would be worn all day, you can personalize designs on shirts from Gildan, Bella + Canvas, Champion, and Hanes.