How to Print on T Shirts: A Practical Guide for Beginners & Clothing Brands

Custom t shirts are one of the easiest products to start with when building a clothing brand. They are timeless, versatile, and universally loved. Whether you're experimenting with your first DIY print at home or planning production with a professional apparel manufacturer, understanding the basics will save you time, money, and frustration.

This guide explains everything in a simple, practical way — without complicated jargon — so you can confidently produce high-quality printed t shirts.

1. Why Learning T Shirt Printing Matters Today

For brand owners, knowing how t shirt printing works is more than a technical skill — it’s a business advantage. Even if you're outsourcing production, understanding the process helps you communicate your expectations clearly.

For example, in our own production facility, different printing setups require specific fabrics and treatments. If you want to see how a real garment factory operates, you can take a look here:
View our factory: https://www.doven-garments.com/aboutus.html

When you understand printing basics, you avoid misunderstandings with suppliers and achieve more consistent results.

2. The Fabric of Your T Shirts Matters More Than You Think

Your print is only as good as the fabric under it. Poor fabric choices lead to cracking, fading, peeling, or washed-out colors.

Here’s a quick overview:

• 100% Cotton – Best for most printing methods.

• Polyester – Required for sublimation.

• Cotton/Poly Blends – A balanced option but not perfect for all methods.

If you’re searching for reliable t shirt blanks to print on, you can explore options here:
Browse t shirt products: https://www.doven-garments.com/products.html

Choosing the right fabric at the start is one of the easiest ways to improve print quality.

3. Preparing Your T Shirts Before Printing

This often overlooked step makes a big difference. Before printing:

• Remove lint

• Ensure the shirt is completely dry

• Smooth wrinkles

• Pre-wash shirts that may shrink

It only takes a minute but prevents many common printing problems.

4. Choosing the Right Printing Method (With Comparison Table)

Different printing methods serve different goals. If you're unsure which method suits your brand, our team can advise you based on your design and budget:
Custom apparel services: https://www.doven-garments.com/createyourproducts.html

Here’s a clear comparison of common printing methods:

5. Screen Printing: The Industry Workhorse

You’ve seen screen-printed shirts everywhere — band tees, sports merchandise, event apparel.

Pros

• Long-lasting

• Vibrant, solid colors

• Very cost-effective for large orders

Cons

• Not ideal for small batches

• Multi-color designs require separate screens

For brands planning higher volumes, screen printing remains a top choice.

6. HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl): Ideal for Beginners

HTV is easy to learn and doesn’t require expensive equipment.

Pros

• Perfect for names, numbers, and simple logos

• Affordable

• Minimal setup

Cons

• Vinyl can crack over time

• Not suitable for large detailed prints

Great for beginners or small custom orders.

7. DTG: Direct-to-Garment Printing for Detailed Art

DTG is like a professional inkjet printer for apparel.

Strengths

• Handles complex designs

• Good color accuracy

• No setup time

Weaknesses

• Works best on 100% cotton

• More expensive per piece

Ideal for small drops, artistic brands, and print-on-demand.

8. DTF: The Fast-Rising Favorite for Clothing Brands

DTF (Direct-to-Film) combines flexibility with durability.

Why brands love it

• Works on any fabric

• No pretreatment needed

• Very crisp detail

DTF is becoming the top choice for new apparel brands.

9. Sublimation: Best for Polyester T Shirts

Sublimation bonds dye into the fibers, resulting in:

• Extremely vibrant colors

• Zero cracking or peeling

• Great for sportswear

But it requires polyester shirts — not cotton.

10. Designing Artwork That Actually Prints Well

Good design practice avoids many printing issues.

Tips:

• Use high-resolution artwork

• Avoid tiny details for screen printing or HTV

• Ensure strong color contrast

• Use PNG with transparent background

If you need artwork preparation or file adjustment, we offer design support here:
Product development & design: https://www.doven-garments.com/createyourproducts.html

Proper preparation prevents costly reprints.

11. Tools You’ll Need to Get Started

Depending on the method, tools may include:

Essentials

• Heat press

• Cutting machine (for HTV)

• Printer (DTG, DTF, or Sublimation)

• High-quality blanks

Helpful extras

• Teflon sheet

• Lint roller

• Heat-resistant tape

• Pretreatment solution (DTG)

You don’t need high-end equipment when starting — build gradually.

12. A Simple Step-by-Step Workflow to Follow

If you prefer professional printing instead of DIY, you can send your artwork to our production team here:
See our factory workflow: https://www.doven-garments.com/aboutus.html

But if you're printing at home:

1. Choose your printing method

2. Prepare your design

3. Pre-press the t shirt

4. Print or cut the design

5. Press with correct temperature & pressure

6. Inspect your final result

It’s straightforward once you get the hang of it.

13. How to Keep Printed T Shirts Looking New

Care instructions matter:

• Wash inside out

• Cold wash

• Avoid harsh detergents

• Air dry when possible

• Don’t iron directly on the print

Providing customers with proper care instructions increases product lifespan.

14. Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

Most beginners struggle with:

• Choosing the wrong fabric

• Using low pressure during pressing

• Forgetting to mirror HTV designs

• Not following temperature guidelines

• Buying poor-quality blanks

Avoid these, and you’ll instantly see better results.

15. Final Thoughts — Ready to Bring Your T Shirt Ideas to Life?

Whether you’re printing at home or planning full-scale production, the method you choose should match your design, budget, and long-term brand strategy.

If you want a reliable apparel manufacturer to handle printing, sampling, and bulk orders, our team is ready to help:
Contact us anytime: https://www.doven-garments.com/contactus.html

We support clothing brands from concept to shipment — no matter your experience level.

16. FAQ Section

Q1: What’s the easiest printing method for beginners?

HTV and DTF are the most beginner-friendly.

Q2: What’s the most durable method?

Sublimation and high-quality screen printing.

Q3: Can I print on dark t shirts?

Yes — use DTF, DTG (with pretreatment), HTV, or screen printing.

Q4: Which method is best for clothing brands?

DTF for versatility; screen printing for bulk; DTG for detailed designs.

Q5: Where can I order custom printed t shirts?

You can start here:
Custom Apparel Production Services: https://www.doven-garments.com/createyourproducts.html