Custom t-shirt printing is no doubt an exciting service to try out, but it’s easy to rush into the process – especially if you’re working against a deadline or just can’t wait to see your designs come to life. However, taking the time to properly go over some of the key considerations before ordering and making thoughtful decisions is crucial to ensure your final product looks just as amazing as you envision.
Whether you’re planning to create custom shirts for your personal wardrobe, a corporate event, or a special occasion, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could derail your project. This guide will help you steer clear of the most frequent mistakes and ensure your custom tees turn out perfectly.
1. Don’t just compare the costs
When ordering custom t-shirts in bulk, it’s tempting to choose the business offering the cheapest rates. While sticking to a budget is important, opting for the lowest price often means compromising on quality. After all the effort you’ve put into designing your custom-made t-shirts, don’t let cost be the sole deciding factor.
Instead, research thoroughly. Check customer reviews and evaluate the quality of materials, printing methods, and other details like turnaround times and customer support. A slightly higher price for better quality can make all the difference in achieving a professional, long-lasting result.
2. Wrong fitting
Standard sizes don’t always work for everyone, and overlooking this can lead to poorly fitting t-shirts that fail to represent your vision. For corporate events or team uniforms, ill-fitting shirts can look unprofessional and tarnish your business’s image.
Before placing an order, take the time to gather size information from your team or audience. Ask for precise measurements to ensure everyone receives a perfect fit. Whether you’re ordering t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, or other apparel, proper sizing is essential for comfort and presentation. A well-fitted shirt not only looks better but also boosts confidence and professionalism.
3. Poorly timed order
Picture this: you’ve meticulously planned every detail for an event, only to have your custom t-shirts arrive late – or worse, incomplete. It’s a logistical nightmare that can derail your plans and leave you scrambling for alternatives.
To avoid such scenarios, place your order well in advance. This allows extra time for unforeseen delays, errors, or adjustments. A proactive approach ensures you have your custom t-shirts ready when you need them, with plenty of time to address any issues that might arise. Early planning is key to a stress-free experience and a successful event.
4. Bad lighting in images
Poor lighting in your images can result in dull, unappealing prints where colours fail to stand out. Before uploading your design, take care to properly adjust brightness, sharpness, and contrast to ensure vibrant, eye-catching results. Properly lit and well-contrasted images tend to print more vividly and enhance the overall aesthetic of your t-shirt.
5. Using low-quality graphics
Low-quality graphics can ruin your custom t-shirts, resulting in blurry, pixelated, or unprofessional-looking prints. Always use high-resolution images to ensure sharp, clear designs.
Another common mistake is neglecting to remove unwanted backgrounds. Graphics with visible solid backgrounds can appear like stickers rather than seamless prints, giving an amateur vibe. Finally, always check the required file format and size for your design to avoid compatibility issues and ensure optimal print quality.
6. Misspelled text
Misspelled text is a surprisingly common mistake in t-shirt printing, often due to rushing or oversight. Whether you’re printing logos, initials, or slogans, double-check (or triple-check!) the spelling carefully. Better yet, have a colleague or friend review it to catch any errors you might have missed. Attention to detail at this stage is crucial, as correcting mistakes after printing is costly and difficult.
7. Poor choice of typography
Typography plays a crucial role in both the aesthetics and readability of your design. Common mistakes include using too many fonts, hard-to-read typefaces, or inconsistent spacing between letters and lines. Fonts that look good on screen may not translate well to print, and excessive use of capital letters can come across as overwhelming or unprofessional.
Tips to avoid typography mistakes:
- Stick to one or two complementary fonts for a clean, cohesive look.
- Choose fonts that are legible in various sizes.
- Use capitalised text sparingly for short, impactful phrases.
- Ensure text height is at least 1/10th of the design diameter for clarity.
- Test your typography at the actual size it will be printed to ensure readability.
Conclusion
Custom t-shirt printing can be an exciting process, but avoiding common pitfalls is key to achieving the results you envision. From choosing quality materials and high-resolution graphics to double-checking text and planning ahead, attention to detail makes all the difference. By steering clear of these mistakes, you’ll ensure your custom t-shirts are not only stylish and professional but also a true reflection of your creativity and purpose.
If you’re looking for reliable and professional t-shirt printing services in Singapore, look no further than Direct T Shirt. Established in 1995, Direct T Shirt has evolved into a one-stop solution for all your t-shirt printing needs. With in-house silkscreen and heat transfer printing, Direct T Shirt guarantees fast, high-quality results for our loyal customers. Let us bring your custom t-shirt ideas to life with unparalleled expertise and efficiency.
