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Quick tips for ordering custom t-shirts
Over the years we have printed and embroidered all kinds of designs on t-shirts, polos, hoodies and sweaters. These tips help us both get the best result.
In short
Our four t-shirt ordering tips
- Choose black or whiteStock colours in our popular styles print fastest.
- Send clear artworkHigh resolution, with no big blocks of white or colour on coloured shirts.
- Use the online designerUpload your design there and place it at the right size.
- Wash at 30°CDo not iron the print or tumble dry.
1. Pick the right t-shirt for the job
Choosing a t-shirt is mostly a cost decision. Match the garment to how often it will be worn.
- Worn once? For a party or stag do, the basic t-shirt keeps costs down. White is cheapest to print, even in full colour.
- Everyday comfort? The Softstyle is our go-to: a fair price, around 150gsm, and it prints well in white or colours.
- Built to last? Premium t-shirts are thicker at around 180gsm (grams per square metre). They suit casual wear, light workwear, gifts and new brands.
- Our top pick? The Anthem organic t-shirt. It is only about 145gsm, but the cut and quality are great, and it prints well.
Compare all the options in which t-shirt is best, or browse our t-shirts.
2. Check your artwork before you order
This is the most important tip of all. We do our best with what we are given, but a thumbnail image will never print well at full size.
- Make your design 100% opacity, with no see-through areas
- Avoid very thin hairlines
- If it looks pixelated or blurry on screen, it will print that way
- A typical print is about 24cm wide and 36cm tall, so supply artwork that big at 150 dpi or more
- Use the garment colour in your design rather than a big white background on a coloured shirt
Big blocks of ink feel heavy, especially on hoodies and sweaters. Text and lines work well. We print with CMYK ink, so contact us first if you need bright neon colours. Read our full design guidelines.
3. Upload in the online designer
After you choose a garment, you can upload a full design or use the online designer. We recommend the designer, because you can still upload your file and place it at the right size.
If you upload a finished design without placing it, leave instructions in the order notes box at checkout. Our how to order guide walks through every step.
4. Plan for timing and aftercare
Getting it faster
We offer more garments than we keep in stock. A 2XL baseball tee with gold sleeves probably has to come from our supplier. White and black Softstyle t-shirts are always in stock, so they ship quickest.
In a hurry? Call 01275 840033 or email teepigprinting@gmail.com before you order online.
Looking after your t-shirt
Wash at 30°C. Higher temperatures and frequent washing wear the print faster. Avoid tumble drying, and do not iron over the print.
Tell us how we did
Every order passes our quality check before it leaves. We want you to be happy and to come back, so please tell us what you think.
Put the tips to work
Start designing your t-shirt now, or call us if you would like some advice first.