Designing a custom t-shirt is exciting — but it's also easy to make costly mistakes if you don't approach it systematically. From technical requirements to aesthetic decisions, there's a surprising amount to think through before you hit "send to print." Here's a thorough checklist of everything you need to keep in mind.

1. Print Method Affects Design Choices:
Not every design works with every printing method. Screen printing is best for simple, bold designs with few colours. DTG and DTF handle photographic and complex multi-colour artwork. Embroidery requires designs to be simplified and converted to stitch paths. Before you design anything, confirm the printing method you'll use — it will dictate constraints on colour count, detail level, and minimum line thickness.

2. Colour Mode: RGB vs CMYK:
If you design in RGB (the mode your screen uses), your colours will look different when converted to CMYK for printing. Always design in CMYK from the start, or confirm with your printer whether they handle the conversion. Neon and ultra-bright RGB colours often print duller than expected — test with a sample print if colour accuracy is critical

3. Resolution and File Format
Your file needs to be at least 300 DPI at the intended print size. Anything lower will appear pixelated and blurry when printed. Vector files (SVG, AI, EPS) are infinitely scalable and preferred by most printers. Rasterised files (JPG, PNG) are acceptable if they're high resolution, but always avoid upscaling a small file — you can't add detail that isn't there

4. Font Legibility at Scale
Small, thin, or decorative fonts that look beautiful on screen can become completely illegible when printed on fabric, especially in smaller sizes. Test your design at actual print size. Bold, high-contrast type is almost always more legible — and more impactful — than delicate script at small print sizes.

5. Safe Zones and Bleed Areas
Every t-shirt has limits on where ink can go. The printable area varies by shirt size — a design that fits perfectly on an XL might bleed off the edges on a Small. Ask your custom t shirt near me studio for a template showing the safe print zone before you finalise your design. This is especially important for all-over prints and sleeve prints.

6. Garment Colour and Ink Compatibility
Your design colours must work with the garment colour. White and light-coloured inks require an underbase (a white ink layer) when printed on dark shirts — this adds cost and can slightly affect the feel of the print. Some printing methods can't print white ink at all. Dark ink on dark shirts simply won't show. Test colour combinations on a mockup before finalising.

7. Fabric Type and Printability
Not all fabrics print equally. 100% cotton is the gold standard for most printing methods. Polyester-heavy blends can cause dye migration (where the fabric colour bleeds into the print). Tri-blends have a heathered look that affects how colours appear. If you're working with performance fabrics or specialty materials, confirm your printer can handle them before ordering.

8. Design for the Correct Shirt Size
A design created for a standard fit shirt may look off on an oversized drop-shoulder tee. The print area, proportions, and placement all need to be reconsidered when switching silhouettes. If you're offering multiple sizes, get mockups for the smallest and largest to ensure the design works across the range.

9. Think About Washability and Longevity
Great prints should last. Ask your printer about their ink longevity, cure process, and washing recommendations. Water-based inks feel soft but require proper curing. Plastisol inks are more durable but feel heavier. DTF transfers can crack if not properly applied or if the garment is washed at too high a temperature. A custom t shirt near me provider worth trusting will be transparent about the lifespan of their prints.

10. Proofread EverythingTypos on a shirt are permanent — and expensive to reprint. Before sending any design to print, have at least two other people proofread all text. Check dates, names, URLs, and phone numbers twice. One missed letter on a batch of 200 shirts is a very expensive lesson.
Great custom t-shirts are the result of great planning. Keep this checklist handy for every future order and you'll save time, money, and stress every single time.