Custom t-shirts are a great way to promote your brand, share a message, or create a matching outfits for events or special occasions.
But, you should also be aware of the common mistakes that can ruin the product which will waste your time and money.
Paying attention to small details which can make a big difference in how your t-shirts look and feel.
From picking the right fabric to choosing the right printing method, each step matters.

Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when printing custom t-shirts, along with some helpful tips to get the best results.

1. Choosing the Wrong Fabric

Why it’s a mistake:

Not all fabrics work well with all printing methods. Some materials don’t hold ink properly, while others may shrink or distort the design after washing.

What to do instead:

• Cotton is the most popular choice for t-shirts. It works well with screen printing, heat transfers, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
• Polyester is great for sublimation printing but may not work well with some heat transfer methods.
• Blends (like cotton-poly mixes) offer comfort and durability, but always test the printing method first.

Always know the fabric type before choosing your printing technique. If you’re unsure, ask your printer for recommendations.

2. Using Low-Quality Artwork

Why it’s a mistake:

Poor-quality images or low-resolution files can lead to blurry, pixelated, or off-color prints. Your t-shirt might look unprofessional or different from your original design.

What to do instead:

• Use high-resolution files (at least 300 DPI).
• Save your design in a vector format like AI, SVG, or PDF when possible. Vector files can be resized without losing quality.
• Avoid using compressed images (like small JPEGs from the internet) unless they are high quality.

If you’re not a designer, consider hiring one or using online design tools that provide high-res downloads.

3. Poor Placement of the Design

Why it’s a mistake:

Even if your design is perfect, poor placement can ruin the look. A design that’s too high, too low, or off-center will not look professional or flattering on the shirt.

What to do instead:

• Follow standard placement guidelines. For front chest designs, start about 2–3 inches below the collar.
• Use mockups to visualize how your design will appear when worn.
• If you’re printing for multiple sizes, make sure the design is scaled or adjusted appropriately. A design that looks great on a small shirt may look tiny on an XL shirt.

Working with an experienced printer can help ensure proper placement every time.

4. Overlooking Color Matching

Why it’s a mistake:

Colors may appear different on screens, paper, and fabric. Not paying attention to color matching can result in shirts that don’t look the way you expected.

What to do instead:

• Request Pantone color matching if exact colors are important for branding.
• Understand that colors can look slightly different on different fabrics.
• Always ask for a sample print or proof before a full production run, especially if you are printing large quantities.

Communicate clearly with your printer about your expectations and provide specific color codes if needed.

5. Ignoring Print Method Limitations

Why it’s a mistake:

Each printing method has its strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the wrong method for your design or shirt material can result in poor quality, fading, or high costs.

What to do instead:

Learn the basics of the most common t-shirt printing methods:

• Screen printing: Best for large quantities and simple designs with few colors.
• Heat transfer (vinyl or transfer paper): Good for small orders and custom names/numbers.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG): Great for detailed designs and small batches.
• Sublimation: Ideal for polyester fabrics and all-over prints.

Ask your printer which method they recommend based on your design, fabric, and budget.

Final Thoughts

Printing custom t-shirts requires careful planning. By avoiding these five common mistakes you can get the best products of your need.

If you’re new to t-shirt printing, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional printer. They can guide you through the process and help bring your vision to life.

Start with a clear idea, prepare your design correctly, and choose quality materials. That’s the formula for a custom t-shirt printing.