Ordering custom t-shirts should be exciting, not stressful. But between choosing the right materials, finalizing your design, and figuring out sizes, it’s easy to slip up and end up with shirts that don’t match your vision. This guide breaks down the most common mistakes people make when designing and ordering their own custom apparel, so you can avoid the headaches and come out with gear you’ll actually want to wear.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the wrong fabric can make or break your custom shirt experience.
- Complex or unclear designs can result in blurry, unreadable prints.
- Sizing and fit matter more than you think—consider your audience's body types.
- Not all printing methods are created equal; know what you're getting.
- Rushing through the process often leads to costly regrets.
Why Custom T-Shirts Can Go So Wrong (and How to Get Them Right)
Custom t-shirts are more than just clothes; they’re walking billboards for your team, brand, or big idea. But if you rush through the process or skip the details, what should be a fun project can turn into a box full of shirts nobody wants to wear. Whether you’re ordering for a business, your volunteer team, or your next big event, here’s how to make sure your custom shirts are the real deal.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Fabric Details
Not all t-shirts are created equal. Cotton t-shirts are breathable and classic, but blends like tri-blend or polyester might work better depending on the occasion. Planning to hand these out at a sunny outdoor event? Go for lightweight cotton. Want them to hold up in the gym? Polyester might be your friend.
Pro Tip: Always check the fabric description. If it doesn’t say "soft" and "wearable," keep scrolling. High-quality products start with high-quality materials.
Mistake #2: Overcomplicating Your Shirt Design
We get it—you want to include your logo, a slogan, some artwork, and maybe even your dog’s face. But too much going on can make your shirt look cluttered. Plus, tiny details and wild fonts don’t print well, especially on darker fabric.
Keep it simple. Clear fonts, bold graphics, and contrast will make your t-shirt designs pop. And remember: what looks cool on screen doesn’t always translate well to fabric.
Mistake #3: Not Considering Different Body Types
When you're ordering for a team or event, it’s not just about your own shirt design. You’ve got to consider different body types and styles. A shirt that fits one person perfectly might not work for someone else.
Include variety. Offer unisex sizing, and consider options with different sleeve lengths or shirt shapes. This way, your whole team looks good and feels comfortable.
Mistake #4: Skipping the Printing Method Research
Screen printing, direct to garment, and embroidery are all valid printing methods, but they’re not one-size-fits-all.
Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Screen printing = vibrant colors and great for bulk.
- Direct to garment (DTG) = ideal for detailed artwork.
- Embroidery = best for clean, professional logos or uniform pieces.
Choosing the wrong printing method is one of the most common t-shirt ordering mistakes. If you’re not sure what works best for your shirt design and quantity, just ask; we’ve got you.
Mistake #5: Not Thinking About T Shirt Colors
Color combos are trickier than they look. A white logo on a pastel yellow shirt? Might disappear. A bold red print on a navy shirt? Might look muddy. Not every color combo will pop.
Preview everything. Use the design preview tool to see how your artwork will look on different shirt colors. When in doubt, go for contrast.
Mistake #6: Uploading Low-Quality Artwork or Images
We love a great graphic tee, but nothing ruins your vibe faster than a pixelated logo or stretched-out photo.
Pro Tip: Upload high-res files (300 DPI if possible). If you're using your own photos or logo, double-check how they scale.
Mistake #7: Forgetting About Final Design Details
Small tweaks can make a big difference. Are your fonts easy to read? Is your artwork centered? Does the layout feel clean and intentional?
Before you hit print, double-check your spacing, alignment, and sizing. Your final shirt design should reflect your brand or event, look polished, and feel like it was made on purpose (because it was).
Mistake #8: Ordering the Wrong Sizes
Ordering in bulk? Don’t just default to one size. People come in all shapes, and you want your custom apparel to fit well across the board.
Do this:
- Use past data (if you have it)
- Poll your team for preferred sizes
- Order a range that fits different body types
Mistake #9: Rushing to Order T Shirts Without Proofing
If you’ve ever hit “submit” and immediately screamed into the void because of a typo, this one’s for you.
Slow down. Review everything: colors, sizes, artwork, fonts, layout. Your shirt design deserves your full attention. Don’t skip the proof.
Mistake #10: Not Reviewing Shipping & Delivery Info
We hate to see it—your big event is Saturday, and your shirts arrive Monday. Delivery windows matter.
Check timelines. Build in padding for production and shipping. If you're working with tight deadlines, reach out to our customer service team for help. They're pros at this.
Mistake #11: Not Taking Advantage of Customization Tools
From fonts and logos to artwork placement and colors, your UberPrints dashboard gives you tons of tools to customize your shirt. Use them!
Make tweaks, test variations, and preview your own t-shirts in different styles. It’s all part of the fun and helps avoid ordering regrets.
Mistake #12: Choosing Style Over Comfort (or Vice Versa)
The best custom shirts balance style and feel. That bold graphic tee isn’t worth much if it feels like sandpaper.
Best practice: Choose soft cotton or blends, consider fit, and make sure your shirt can hold up through wear and wash.
Mistake #13: Skipping Customer Support When You’re Unsure
Designing your own custom t-shirts can be a blast, but don’t go it alone if you don’t have to. If you have questions about materials, printing, or the design process, our team is here to help.
Reach out. You can chat with us or email anytime. We're real humans, and we love t-shirts.
Mistake #14: Not Thinking About the Big Picture
Your shirt is part of your brand. So it’s not just about the design but the message, the feeling, and the vibe.
Make sure your shirt aligns with your brand personality and event vibe. Think about how it pairs with other clothes, what impression it gives, and how it’ll look in photos.
Mistake #15: Not Ordering a Sample
Want to be 100% sure your shirt is right before you print 500? Order a sample. It’s the ultimate way to catch issues with fit, print, and feel.
It’s a small step that can save you big.
Final Tips for T-Shirt Success
- Always preview your design
- Double-check the printing method and fabric
- Use contrast to make designs pop
- Don’t forget the power of soft, comfortable materials
- Ask for feedback if you’re unsure
Ready to Create Your Own Custom T-Shirts?
Now that you know what not to do, let’s help you get it right. Start designing your custom t-shirts now or reach out to our team if you have questions—we’re happy to help.
FAQ: Common Custom T-Shirt Questions
Q: What printing method is best for my design?
A: It depends! Screen printing is great for bold designs and bulk orders, DTG works well for detailed artwork and small runs, and embroidery is ideal for logos or designs that need a polished, professional look.
Q: Can I upload my own photos or logos?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure they’re high-resolution for the best print quality.
Q: How do I choose the right shirt size or style?
A: If you’re ordering for a group, go with unisex fits or collect sizes ahead of time. You can view detailed sizing info on each shirt's product page.
Q: How soon can I get my shirts?
A: Turnaround times vary depending on the printing method you choose. We’ll show you an estimated production and delivery range during checkout so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Q: What if I mess up my order?
A: Contact us ASAP. We’re humans too, and we’ll do our best to fix it!
Q: Can I design my own t shirts if I don’t have experience?
A: Totally! Our platform is easy to use, even if you’re new to custom apparel. Start with a template or upload your own shirt design.
Still have questions? Chat with our team or shoot us a message. We’re here to make sure your shirt design journey is fun, easy, and totally mistake-free.