T-Shirt Printing: Everything You Need to Know in Simple Terms

Custom T-shirts are everywhere these days. You see them at concerts, on sports teams, in offices, and even at family reunions. But how exactly does that cool design get onto a shirt? That’s what we’re going to explain today – in the simplest way possible.

At Elixir Print, we’ve been helping people create perfect custom tees for years. Whether you need one special shirt or hundreds for your business, we make the process easy and stress-free. Let’s break down everything about T-shirt printing so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Why Do People Love Custom T-Shirts?

Custom printed shirts solve so many needs:

• Businesses use them for staff uniforms or promotional giveaways

• Events need them for weddings, parties, or team building

• Schools order them for sports teams or class trips

• Individuals create them to express personal style

• Charities print them for fundraising campaigns

The best part? A well-made custom tee lasts for years, carrying your message wherever it goes.

How T-Shirt Printing Works: The Main Methods

There are several ways to put designs on shirts, each with its own strengths:

Screen Printing: Best for Bulk Orders

This traditional method uses stencils (screens) to push ink onto fabric.
Great for simple designs with few colors
Most cost-effective for large quantities
Very durable prints that last wash after wash

DTG (Direct to Garment): Like a Printer for Fabric

Uses special inkjet technology to print directly on shirts.
Perfect for detailed, colorful designs
Works well for small orders (even just 1 shirt)
Can print photographs beautifully

Heat Transfer Vinyl: Cut and Press Designs

Vinyl material is cut into shapes then heat-pressed onto shirts.
Great for simple logos and text
Creates a slightly raised texture
Works on many fabric types

Embroidery: Stitched Elegance

Thread is sewn directly into the fabric.
Professional, high-end look
Ideal for logos on polo shirts
Extremely durable

At Elixir Print, we’ll help you choose the right method based on your design, budget, and how many shirts you need.

Designing Your Perfect Custom T-Shirt

Creating your design is the fun part! Here’s how to do it right:

1. Start with a clear idea – What’s the shirt’s purpose? Who will wear it?

2. Keep it simple – The best designs are easy to read from a distance

3. Choose colors wisely – Contrast makes designs pop (dark shirts need light ink)

4. Pick the right shirt – Consider fabric, fit, and color

Pro tip: If you’re not a designer, we can help! Our team can turn your idea into a print-ready design.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve seen it all, so learn from others’ mistakes:

 Making text too small (it won’t be readable)
Using low-quality images (they print blurry)
Forgetting to proofread (typos stay forever!)
Choosing the wrong printing method for the design

Why Choose Elixir Print for Your Order?

We stand out because:

 No minimum orders – Need just 1 shirt? No problem
Fast turnaround – Rush orders available
Quality guarantee – We don’t accept imperfect prints
Expert advice – We’ll help you make the best choices

Plus, we work with all types of customers – from big companies to someone making a gift for a friend.

Caring for Your Printed T-Shirts

Make your shirts last longer with these tips:

• Wash inside out in cold water

• Use mild detergent

• Hang dry or tumble dry on low

• Avoid ironing directly on prints

• Don’t use bleach

Proper care can make your printed shirts last for years!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many shirts should I order?
A: It depends! Screen printing becomes cheaper per shirt at about 25+. For smaller quantities, DTG is better.

Q: How long does printing take?
A: Most orders ship in 3-5 business days. Rush services are available.

Q: Can you help with the design?
A: Absolutely! Our designers can create or improve your artwork.

Q: What shirt brands do you use?
A: We work with top brands like Gildan, Fruit of the Loom, and more premium options.

Ready to Create Your Custom T-Shirts?

Now that you know all about T-shirt printing, it’s time to make yours! At Elixir Print, we make the process simple from start to finish.

Call us today at +44 (0)20 7193 7756 to discuss your project
Email your design to hello@elixirprint.co.uk for a quick quote
Visit https://elixirprint.co.uk to see examples of our work

Whether you need shirts tomorrow or are planning ahead, we’re here to help. Let’s create something amazing together!