How to Use Custom T-Shirts to Expand Your Brand

We offer all styles and sizes of custom T-shirts — perfect for your brand merch, employee gifts, uniforms, or retail sales. Our shirts use soft, durable fabrics. You print any logo or design freely on them.

Free Mockup Samples

We offer free t-shirts mockups before production to help you visualize the final product.

Completely Customizable

Display your brand’s story with a fully customized t-shirts

Low moq

Start small – our  custom  t-shirts manufacturer services support low MOQ from just 50pcs.

Four Steps to Learn How to Customize Your T-shirt!

Different brands have different fabric requirements, and the choice of fabric plays a crucial role in both customer repurchase rates and how often they choose to wear the T-shirt again.

1.Choose the Right T-shirt Fabric

Fabric TypeCompositionFeatures
100% CottonPure CottonSoft, breathable, skin-friendly.
Cotton + SpandexCotton + SpandexStretchy, flexible, snug fit.
Cotton + PolyesterCotton + PolyesterDurable, wrinkle-resistant, quick-dry.
Cotton + LinenCotton + LinenLight, airy, moisture-wicking.
Cotton + TencelCotton + Tencel LyocellSilky, eco-friendly, breathable.
Cotton + SilkCotton + Natural SilkLightweight, smooth, slightly glossy.
Mercerized CottonTreated CottonSmooth surface, rich color, stronger fiber.
Double Mercerized CottonTwice-Treated CottonExtra glossy, premium feel, great shape retention.

(1)Common Fabric Tips

Common T-Shirt Material: 100% Cotton

T-shirts are commonly made from 100% cotton, a natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly material. It is often used by streetwear and premium brands that have higher production standards. Cotton T-shirts offer a softer and more comfortable feel, and the fabric quickly absorbs sweat from the skin. It is skin-friendly, safe, and has strong color absorption, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting dyeing that resists fading.

However, there are certain limitations when it comes to printing on cotton T-shirts. Typically, the print area is restricted to fixed positions on the front chest and back.

(2)Common Fabric Tips

Modal PoT-Shirt Materiallyester

Modal polyester fabric is durable, resistant to deformation and fading, and offers better breathability than pure cotton. It absorbs little moisture and dries quickly. Although it has a lower cost-performance ratio, it allows for unrestricted printing, including full-surface prints. This material is ideal for bulk production under time constraints and limited budgets, making it well-suited for fast-paced sports events and large-scale promotional activities.

2.Choose the right fabric weight!!

Common T-Shirt Weights:

120–140g: Ultra-light and breathable, ideal for summer wear but tends to be see-through. 160–180g: The most common weight — moderate thickness, breathable yet structured, perfect for spring and summer. 200g and above: Thicker and more structured, suitable for autumn and winter or as inner layers.

Buying Tips:

For everyday wear, choose 160–180g—comfortable and resistant to deformation. 200–300g: Lightweight, suitable for spring, autumn, or indoor wear. 320–400g: Standard thickness, good warmth retention, ideal for outerwear in autumn and winter. 400g and above: Extra thick, perfect for cold winters or colder regions. Buying Tips: For autumn and winter, go for 320g and above for warmth without bulkiness.

3. Choose the Right T-shirt Printing Method

Printing MethodFeaturesProsConsBest For
Screen PrintingUses stencil and mesh screen to apply inkBright, durable prints; cost-effective for bulk ordersNot ideal for photo-level detail; high setup cost for small runsBulk orders, solid color logos, cotton fabrics
Heat TransferTransfers design via heat pressGreat for complex or photo designs; flexible for small runsMay crack or peel with time; not very breathablePolyester blends, small quantity, photo prints
EmbroideryStitched design with embroidery threadPremium, textured look; very long-lastingLimited detail; higher cost; not ideal for large logosUniforms, premium branding, thicker fabrics
DTG (Digital Printing)Direct inkjet printing on fabricFull color, high detail; no setup cost for small batchesLess durable than screen print; works best only on cottonOne-off custom shirts, full-color designs, cotton fabrics

(1)Screen Printing t-shirt

Screen printing is suitable for small quantities, but due to its technical setup, it’s most effective and economical for bulk orders.
It offers the highest color saturation among all printing methods, making designs look bold and vivid.

This technique works best on 100% cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, providing excellent durability, abrasion resistance, and long-lasting color even after many washes.

Because of the setup process, the recommended minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 50 pieces.
However, for large volumes, the unit cost is very low, making screen printing a top choice for:

  • Work T-shirts

  • Promotional event T-shirts

  • Large-scale sports events and team uniforms

Let us help you test a special cut designsend your idea now.

(2)DTG (Direct to Garment) printing

DTG (Direct to Garment) printing achieves color effects that other methods can’t.
It supports full-color designs, gradients, illustrations, and photo-level printing with high detail and vibrant results.

The ink directly penetrates the fabric fibers, leaving a soft and smooth finish that feels natural to the touch.
Prints are sharp, realistic, and ideal for detailed artwork.

There’s no need for screens or setup — designs are printed directly from digital files, making it perfect for complex or customized graphics.

This printing method works best on 100% cotton T-shirts, making DTG the go-to choice for cotton fabric printing.

(3)Screen Printing for Custom T-Shirts: Bold Colors, Bulk Savings, and Durable Results

 Screen printing is one of the most popular and time-tested methods for custom T-shirt printing, especially when it comes to bulk orders. While it’s possible to use screen printing for small quantities, it’s most cost-effective for high-volume production due to the setup involved.

This method delivers exceptional color saturation, making your designs appear bold, vibrant, and eye-catching—ideal for logos, slogans, and high-impact graphics.

Best Suited For:

  • 100% cotton or cotton-blend T-shirts

  • Work uniforms

  • Promotional event giveaways

  • Sports teams and large-scale events

Screen printing offers excellent durability, wash resistance, and abrasion protection, ensuring your custom apparel lasts through frequent use and laundering.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 50 pieces
Thanks to low unit costs in large runs, screen printing remains a top choice for bulk T-shirt printing.

Have a custom cut or unique idea?
Send us your design — our team can help test and optimize your layout for screen printing.

(4)What Is Embroidery Printing? Benefits, Materials & Best Use Cases

Embroidery printing is a premium customization method that uses needle and thread to stitch designs directly onto fabric, creating raised, textured patterns. Unlike flat ink printing methods, embroidery offers a 3D look and tactile quality, making designs more vivid and durable. This technique is especially effective for floral motifs, animal graphics, and logos that benefit from a layered, dimensional finish.

Embroidery typically uses high-quality threads such as cotton, silk, or polyester, making it a top choice for high-end apparel, custom uniforms, and luxury home textiles. The result is not only visually impressive but also long-lasting and resistant to fading.

However, embroidery is more costly than standard printing due to its complex process, whether machine or hand-stitched. It’s not ideal for complex or photo-realistic designs, such as pixel-based images or fine gradients. Instead, it’s best for clean, simple patterns with clear outlines—like brand logos, badges, or monograms.

4. Choose the right printing position.

PositionVisual EffectUse CaseNotes
Chest CenterMain focal point; bold and eye-catching.Brand logo, slogans, main graphics.≤15×15cm; 5cm below collar.
Left/Right ChestSmall, subtle; pocket-style placement.Uniforms, teamwear, minimal branding.≤8×8cm; left chest preferred.
Back CenterLarge, central visual on back.Events, streetwear, statement pieces.≤20×30cm; ensure wash durability.
Back Below CollarHigh back, easy to notice from behind.Festivals, fashion brands.≤20×30cm; check fabric comfort.
Back WaistLow back, discreet but stylish.Minimalist, designer collections.≤12×15cm; may be covered when bending.
Sleeves (Bicep/Cuff)Detail prints; vertical (bicep), circular (cuff).Sportswear, detailed fashion accents.Bicep: 25–30cm; cuff: align with seams.

(1 )Common T-Shirt Printing Positions & Fabric Compatibility – What You Need to Know

 When customizing T-shirts, the most common printing positions include the front chest, back center, and left/right chest areas. However, choosing the right printing position also depends on the fabric type and the printing method used.

Most fabric types support standard print areas as shown in typical layouts. However, Modal and polyester fabrics stand out—they are the only materials that support full digital sublimation printing, allowing for all-over print designs. This is made possible only when matched with specific printing techniques like heat transfer or sublimation.

For all other materials (such as cotton or cotton blends), there are natural limitations in ink compatibility, print coverage, and production time. These materials typically support screen printing, embroidery, or heat transfer in fixed areas only.

Our Recommendation:
We always provide customization suggestions based on your specific design requirements, ensuring the best balance between visual impact, production efficiency, and cost.

Custom Gifts Ordering Process

Ordering custom gifts from us is easy. With just six steps, you will get the best products for your products.

Get a Quote

We provide free quotes based on your  Custom requirements. Click the “Request a Quote” button and make your request.

Request Sample

After getting a quote, we recommend that you order samples to ensure that custom gifts fit your products.

Place Your Order

After guaranteeing that the samples fit your products, place your order in liaison with the sales team.

Start Production

We commence production once your order is confirmed. Please process your payment using the methods provided to you upon requesting a quote.

Quality Inspection

After finishing production, our quality assurance team cross-checks all packages before shipping to ensure they meet all your expectations.

Shipping

Shipping is done using your chosen method. If you need expedited shipping, please inform our sales team beforehand.

Help when you need it,every step of the way.

From design help to product advice, our team is herso you can create with confidence

Get Started with Boce Today!

Contact us today, and our team will respond promptly. We are always dedicated to meeting your expectations and exceeding the m. Fill out the form now!

Get free samples

Need Help?

Ask for Free Quote

Free Standard Samples can be provided for you to check the quality.