Start with how the T-shirt will be used

Before choosing a style, think about who will be wearing it and what they’ll be doing in it.

A T-shirt for a one-off event may have different priorities from staff uniforms, a clothing brand or merchandise that customers will wear regularly.

Think about whether you need:

• an everyday promotional or event T-shirt
• a premium retail-style garment
• a durable shirt for work or staff uniforms
• a lightweight shirt for sport or active use
• a style suitable for selling as merchandise

Cotton or polyester?

Fabric composition is one of the most important things to consider because it can affect both the feel of the garment and the printing method we use.

High-cotton T-shirts are a great choice for everyday wear and are particularly well suited to DTG printing. They generally feel soft and comfortable and allow the ink to print directly into the fabric.

Polyester and blended T-shirts can be better for sportswear, activewear or situations where quick-drying fabric is useful. DTF printing is often a better option for these fabrics.

Consider the weight of the fabric

T-shirt fabric weight is usually measured in GSM (grams per square metre). A lower GSM generally means a lighter garment, while a higher GSM gives the shirt a heavier, more substantial feel.

GSM alone doesn’t determine quality. The type of cotton, construction, fit and finish of the garment are also important.

Choose the right fit

T-shirts can vary considerably in shape even when the size on the label is the same.

Depending on the style, you may see regular, classic, slim, relaxed or oversized fits. If you're ordering for a group, a versatile regular or relaxed fit can make sizing easier across a range of people.

Always check the size chart for the particular garment rather than relying on the size you normally wear. Garment measurements can vary between brands and styles.

Think about your printing method

Your artwork and garment fabric help determine which printing method will give you the best result.

• DTG printing is ideal for high-cotton garments and detailed, full-colour artwork.
• DTF printing works across a wider variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester and blends.
• Screen printing is a good option for larger runs of the same design, particularly artwork with a smaller number of solid colours.

If you're unsure, you don't need to work this out yourself. We can help determine the most suitable printing method for your garment, artwork and quantity.

Does T-shirt colour matter?

Yes. The colour of the garment forms the background for your design, so it can change how the finished artwork looks.

Think about contrast between your artwork and the shirt colour. A dark design may disappear on a dark garment, while very light artwork can be difficult to see on a pale shirt.

If colour is important to your brand, remember that garment colours can also vary between brands and styles.

Which T-shirt brands are available?

Digitees offers a large range of T-shirts from leading clothing suppliers including AS Colour, JB’s Wear, Biz Collection, Cloke, C-Force and Aussie Pacific.

The best option depends on your budget, preferred fit, fabric, colour range and how the finished T-shirt will be used.

Should I order a sample first?

If you're planning a larger order and haven't used a particular garment before, ordering a sample can be a useful way to check the fit, fabric, colour and overall feel before committing to the full order.

This can be particularly useful for uniforms, events, teams and merchandise where several people will be wearing the same style.

So which T-shirt should I choose?

There isn't one T-shirt that's best for every custom printing job.

For most orders, start by deciding how the shirt will be used, the type of fit you want and your budget. Then consider fabric and printing requirements.

Digitees has options ranging from affordable everyday T-shirts through to premium heavyweight styles, workwear and performance garments, so you can choose a shirt that suits both your design and the people wearing it.