T-Shirt Guide
T-Shirt Fit
Relaxed Fit T-Shirts:
Relaxed fit t-shirts are slightly baggier than a normal fit, providing comfort and stretch. They are offered in a variety of styles and colors. This is the most common fit for t-shirts offered in online marketplaces.
Fitted T-Shirts:
Fitted t-shirts provide a tighter fit that hugs the waist. Our fitted t-shirts are available for both men and women, and can be worn at the gym or with a pair of shorts for a casual day out.
Semi-Fitted T-Shirts:
Semi-fitted t-shirts are tighter than relaxed fit, but looser than our fitted tees. They offer more room and are breathable, but still provide some shape.
Slim Fit T-Shirts:
Slim fit t-shirts sit close on the body, creating a silhouette. These are mostly recommended for casual wear and not athletic activities.
T-Shirt Weight
First of all, let’s make sure we understand how garment weight is measured. Fabric weight is measured in ounces per square yard, or oz/yd2.
Lightweight
Typically, under 4.0 oz. Lightweight t-shirts are more breathable than midweight and heavyweight shirts. The feel is softer and they are well suited for warmer climates.
Midweight
4.5 oz. to 5.5 oz. 5.5 oz. is the most common weight for t-shirts. Midweight -t-shirts provide a balance for changing climates with a mix of comfort and durability.
Heavyweight
6.0 oz. or greater. Heavyweight t-shirts provide the highest level of durability and likely a better choice for cold climates.
T-Shirt Necklines
There are eight different t-shirt neckline options you may see while shopping for a t-shirt– crewneck, v-neck, deep v-neck, henley, hooded, off shoulder, ringer, and scoop neck. The most popular, classic t-shirt neckline offered on the in online marketplaces is the crewneck t-shirt featuring a round neckline that can be worn with layers if desired. Another popular option is our v-neck t-shirt featuring a stylish v neckline shape.
T-Shirt Sleeve Lengths
Short Sleeve T-Shirts:
Short sleeve t-shirts are the most popular and affordable sleeve length option. They are available in all materials and fits, as well as a large variety of colors.
¾ Sleeve T-Shirts:
¾ sleeve length t-shirts give off that casual, everyday look. Many are available in the Raglan style, featuring colored sleeves.
Long Sleeve T-Shirts:
Consider long sleeve t-shirts if you plan on creating your custom t-shirts for the colder months.
Imprint Methods
Screen Printing
Screen printing is cost-effective, durable, and great if a large imprinting size is needed. Colors and designs will print clear and crisp since the ink is applied directly through a tiny mesh onto the shirt! Consider screen printing as an imprint method for bulk orders or if you have bright or solid color logos.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
Direct to garment printing uses inkjet technology and digitally transfers the design on the shirt, which creates a soft feel on all t-shirts. It works best on 100% cotton material and is great for full color logos.
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer works by fusing the artwork into the shirt, resulting in high quality prints. There are several different types of heat transfers with varying levels of quality and use cases. Heat transfers can be created from vinyl which works well for sports garments or single color, simple prints. Plastisol ink transfers use the same process as screen printing though the ink is pressed onto transfer paper and later heat pressed to the garment. Finally, there are inkjet printer transfers available which is more of a DIY printing solution. Inkjet prints usually yield a result hat is lower quality than professional options and do not last as long.
Embroidery
Embroidery is when the image or logo is translated into a design using thread, creating a textured look and feel. This works best with solid color logos but doesn’t work as well with displaying fine detail and small text. Keep in mind that Embroidery is on the heavy side for t-shirts, so it is recommended to embroider a heavyweight tee.
Dye Sublimation
Dye sublimation can only be used on polyester materials and is done by printing a special ink onto the transfer paper, applying that paper to a substrate and then applying heat and pressure to the material. This results in a soft print and works best on a large imprint area and light-colored fabrics.
Laser Engraving
For laser engraving, a laser printer is used to melt the surface of the fabric, creating a durable and long-lasting imprint that cannot be removed. Note that this is only available for specific materials.
Deboss
Debossing is a process where a metal die of your design is created and pressed into the shirt. Although colorless, this leaves a 3-dimensional unique look. Note that this is only available for specific materials.
Puff Printing/ HXD Printing
Puff printing gives a 3D feel to your design, since the puff additive in the ink will expand once heat is applied. This gives a unique look and feel to your shirts. However, it doesn’t work well for designs with minute details.