Custom T-shirt printing guide: methods, fabrics and design tips
Screen printing suits larger quantities of simple designs, direct-to-garment suits detailed full-color designs in small runs, and heat transfer is flexible for names, numbers and custom one-offs.
Custom T-shirts and apparel are a great way to promote a business, outfit a team or celebrate an event. The right printing method depends on the design, the fabric and the quantity.
Screen printing
Ink is pushed through a stencil, one color at a time. It produces bold, durable results and becomes efficient for larger quantities of designs with a limited number of colors.
Direct-to-garment (DTG)
The design is printed directly onto the fabric by a specialized printer, similar to how an inkjet prints on paper. It handles detailed, full-color artwork and is practical for small runs.
Heat transfer
The design is printed on a special material and applied with heat. It is flexible for names, numbers and personalized pieces, and works on many types of items.
Fabric matters
Cotton and cotton blends are the most common for printing, and some fabrics suit specific methods better than others. Tell us your garment and use so we can recommend the right approach.
Artwork tips
Vector logos print cleanest. For photos, use 300 DPI at the final size. Keep the number of colors limited for screen printing, and remember that the design should look good against the color of the shirt.
- Send vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) when possible.
- Tell us the garment color and the placement of the print.
- Ask for a mockup before production.
Match the method to your design and quantity, send clean artwork and review a mockup before production.
Discount Printing Team
Frequently asked questions
What file do I need for T-shirt printing?
Vector files (AI, EPS or PDF) are best. High-resolution PNG files also work for many designs.
Can you print one T-shirt?
Some methods, such as direct-to-garment or heat transfer, are practical for very small quantities. Ask us about your project.
Do you print on caps and bags?
Yes. We offer custom printing on clothing, caps and bags. Contact us for details.
Need printing for your project?
Tell us what you need and we will prepare a no-obligation quote. Call (954) 709-8309, email sales@discountprintinggroup.com or send us a message. You can also visit our shop at 1249 Stirling Rd Store #10, Dania Beach, FL 33004.
Ready to start your order?
Get a no-obligation quote from our print shop in Dania Beach.