The Beginner’s Guide to Ordering Custom Apparel

Step 1: Know Your Purpose

First things first: what’s the apparel for? A church retreat might need tees, while a small business could go for polos. Consider:

• Who’s wearing it - kids, adults, or both?
• What’s the occasion - casual fun or more formal?
• How many do you need?

Getting clear on the purpose sets the tone for everything that follows.

Step 2: Choose Your Item

Here’s a quick rundown of beginner-friendly choices:

• T-Shirts: Affordable and flexible - great for most uses.
• Hoodies: Warm, stylish, and perfect for colder months.
• Hats: Small add-ons that add flair without breaking the bank.

For your first project, tees are a solid starting point - low cost and high impact.

Step 3: Create a Simple Design

Your design brings the whole thing to life. Keep it simple:

• Choose something meaningful - like a logo, phrase, or mascot.
• Limit colors: each color can add cost. Use halftones to add texture affordably.
• Standard sizes: 3.25–4.25” wide for chest logos, up to 10–12” for back prints.

Don’t overthink it - sketch it out or use a free tool like Canva to get started.

Step 4: Select a Fabric

Comfort is key. Here are your main options:

• Cotton: Soft and breathable - great for casual wear.
• Poly Blends: Durable and moisture-wicking - perfect for active use.
• Blends: Cotton-poly mixes offer a nice balance of feel and cost.

We often recommend blended tees - they're comfortable and budget-friendly.

Step 5: Place the Order

The final step is getting everything submitted:

• Upload your design: PNG is usually fine.
• Pick your sizes: Cover your range and add a few extras.
• Order in bulk: 10+ pieces usually gets better pricing.
• Proof it: Double-check your design before confirming.

Aim to order 4–6 weeks in advance to avoid rush fees and shipping stress.

Quick Tips for Newbies

• Start small - 10–20 pieces keeps it simple.
• Ask your printer questions - they’re here to help.
• Budget smart - $100 can go a long way with a basic design.

Starter Ideas

• Event Tee: Black shirt with white "Day One" text - bold and easy.
• Group Hoodie: Heather gray with a simple chest logo - clean and cozy.
• Fun Hat: Bright color with initials - fun and fast to produce.

Conclusion

Ordering custom apparel doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few simple steps - know your purpose, choose your item, design something simple, select the fabric, and place your order - you’re well on your way.

And if you get stuck? Reach out. We’re happy to walk you through it.

Whether it’s your first tee or your first bulk order, we’re here to help you make it happen.