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A custom printed t-shirt is a shirt that’s been decorated with your own design, logo, text, or artwork using methods like screen printing, DTG, DTF, heat transfer, or embroidery. Unlike standard store-bought tees, custom prints are tailored to your needs, whether for branding, events, fashion, or personal wear. They let you showcase identity, promote a message, or create unique apparel that stands out.
Custom Printed Tees and Shirts Australia
Custom t-shirts are more than just everyday clothing – they’re a way to showcase your brand, celebrate an event, or simply wear something unique that reflects your personality. From businesses promoting their logos to mates wanting matching tees for a footy trip, customisation gives you endless options. But how do you actually customise a t-shirt and get results that stand out?
Below, we’ll walk you through the key steps and options so you can design a tee that ticks every box.
Step 1: Get Your Design Right
A great print starts with a great design. Before you think about shirts or printing, decide what you want your t-shirt to say.
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- Branding: Does the design reflect your logo, slogan, or message?
- Audience: Who’s wearing it, staff, customers, mates, or kids?
- Readability: Is your text clear and legible at a glance?
- Colours: Will your design contrast well with the t-shirt colour? (Light designs work best on dark shirts, and vice versa.)
If you don’t have a design, work with a professional designer or ask your printing company for design assistance. The right proportions, typography, and colour balance will ensure your tee looks sharp and professional.
Step 2: Plan Your Quantity and Budget
Before diving into printing, figure out how many shirts you need and how much you’re willing to spend.
- Small runs: Direct-to-garment (DTG) or vinyl transfers are cost-effective.
- Large runs: Screen printing is best, with bulk discounts bringing the cost per unit down.
- Price range: Expect $10–$30 per shirt for small runs, and as low as $5–$10 per shirt in bulk.
- Size range: Order a good spread of sizes (S–5XL) for inclusivity.
This step will also influence which printing method is best suited for your project.
Step 3: Choose the Right Fabric and Shirt Type
The base garment makes a big difference in comfort, durability, and print quality.
- Cotton: Soft, breathable, and great for vibrant prints.
- Poly-Cotton Blends: Durable, affordable, and popular for workwear.
- Polyester: Ideal for activewear and sports uniforms.
Also consider the cut and fit:
- Crew necks: The classic, versatile option.
- V-necks: A modern look.
- Women’s and fitted cuts: Better tailoring for comfort.
- Long-sleeves and singlets: Great for seasonal or specific uses.
Australian brands like AS Colour, JB’s Wear, Biz Collection, Sportage, and Syzmik offer reliable quality with plenty of styles and colours.
Step 4: Select Your Printing Method
Different printing methods suit different designs, budgets, and quantities.
- Screen Printing
Best for bulk orders with bold, vibrant colours. Affordable at scale and long-lasting. - Direct-to-Garment (DTG)
Perfect for small runs with detailed or photographic designs. Works best on cotton tees. - Heat Transfers & Vinyl
Great for names, numbers, and short runs. Produces a bold, slightly raised finish. - Embroidery
Adds a premium, professional finish, ideal for logos on polos, uniforms, or branded apparel.
Step 5: Find the Right Printer
Your printing company will make or break the final result, so choose wisely. Look for a provider that offers:
- A wide range of printing techniques.
- Sample options to review quality before committing.
- Flexible order sizes, from single tees to bulk runs.
- Eco-friendly inks and sustainable practices.
- Fast turnaround times with reliable delivery across Australia.
T-Shirt Plus combines industry expertise with local knowledge to deliver high-quality custom t-shirts that match your needs, whether you’re ordering one or one thousand.
Step 6: Prepare and Submit Your Files
When you’re ready to print, you’ll need to send your design files to the printer.
- Format: Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) are ideal. High-resolution PNGs can also work.
- Colour matching: Check with your printer on Pantone or CMYK colour requirements.
- Proofs: Always request a digital or physical proof before final approval.
This step ensures your final shirts look exactly as you expect, crisp, accurate, and ready to wear.
Step 7: Check Your Artwork
A professional printer should always send you a proof before production begins, especially for bulk orders. This could be a digital mock-up or a physical test print. Take this step seriously, it’s your last chance to make changes before the final run. Double-check spelling, numbers, colours, sizing, and placement. If you can, get a fresh set of eyes to review the proof as well, since small errors are easy to overlook.
Step 8: Get Your Custom-Printed Shirts Delivered!
Once your shirts are printed, it’s time for the fun part — picking them up or receiving delivery. Give the final product a thorough check to make sure everything meets your expectations. A good printer will appreciate your feedback, so let them know you’re happy with the outcome and consider leaving a review. Now you’re ready to enjoy your custom shirts and show them off with pride!
How Many Ways Can You Customise a T-Shirt?
Customising a t-shirt isn’t just about screen printing your logo across the chest. Today, there are loads of ways to add personality, texture, and style to your tees, from embroidery to puff prints. Whether you’re promoting your brand, designing merch, or just want a one-off for fun, here are 9 creative customisation ideas to explore.
1. Patches & Labels
Adding a patch or woven label gives your t-shirt a premium, streetwear-inspired look. You can place them on sleeves, hems, or even over pockets.
Tips:
- Stick to clean shirt colours to avoid clashing with the patch.
- Tone-on-tone patches look modern without being over the top.
- Perfect for small-batch merch and retail-style branding.
2. Embroidery
Embroidery adds texture and durability, making your design pop. From chest logos to sleeve initials, embroidery brings a polished finish.
Best for:
- Business logos and staff uniforms.
- Minimalistic designs with solid colours.
- Custom gift items that need to last.
3. Screen Printing
A classic for good reason. Screen printing delivers bold, vibrant colours and works especially well for large runs.
Why it works:
- Cost-effective for bulk orders.
- Long-lasting prints that can handle frequent washes.
- Great for logos, slogans, and simple artwork.
4. Visible Tags
Forget inside neck tags, external tags and labels are a trendy way to brand a tee. Think hem tags, sleeve tags, or collar tags that stand out.
Benefits:
- Adds a retail-style finish.
- Subtle branding without covering the whole shirt.
- Works well for fashion labels and merch drops.
5. Tie-Dye
Tie-dye never really went out of fashion. It’s colourful, unique, and works as a bold background for logos or prints.
Ideas:
- Use brand colours for a consistent look.
- Keep your print simple so it doesn’t clash with the dye.
- Perfect for youth events, sports teams, or lifestyle brands.
6. Colour Blocking
This technique uses contrasting panels or sections of fabric to create bold, segmented designs. It’s a great way to show off brand colours without overcomplicating the design.
Examples:
- Uni teams repping school colours.
- Streetwear labels creating one-off statement pieces.
7. Puff Print
Puff print adds dimension to your design with raised, textured ink. It’s eye-catching, tactile, and bang on trend.
Why use it:
- Makes simple text logos stand out.
- Adds variety if you’re tired of flat prints.
- Popular in streetwear and youth fashion.
8. Airbrushing
Airbrushed designs bring retro vibes and unique gradients. Each piece feels one-of-a-kind, making it ideal for bold statements.
Where it shines:
- Custom festival merch.
- Quirky, artistic brand drops.
- Limited-run designs.
9. Tone-on-Tone
Subtle yet stylish, tone-on-tone customisation uses a print or patch in the same colour family as the shirt. It’s understated but looks premium.
Perfect for:
- Corporate merch that needs to stay classy.
- Fashion-forward labels chasing a minimalist aesthetic.
- Everyday wear where you want branding without shouting.
Why Custom T-Shirts Are Worth It?
Custom t-shirts are worth it because of the following reasons:
- Branding & Promotion: A custom t-shirt acts as a walking billboard for your business, club, or cause. Every time it’s worn, your logo and message gain exposure, at the shops, in the gym, or even on social media. Compared to traditional advertising, branded tees are affordable, long-lasting, and connect directly with your audience.
- Special Events: From birthdays and bucks’ nights to reunions and charity fundraisers, custom t-shirts help bring people together. They create a sense of unity, serve as memorable keepsakes, and make group photos pop. For schools, sports clubs, and community events, they add that extra touch of fun and identity.
- Personal Expression: A custom tee gives you the freedom to wear what matters to you. Whether it’s a slogan, inside joke, or original artwork, customisation lets you showcase your personality. It’s about turning a basic garment into something meaningful and unique.
- Uniforms: For businesses, uniforms create a polished and professional image. Custom printed staff shirts not only make your team easy to identify but also build trust with customers. They help foster team spirit while ensuring consistency across your brand.
- At the end of the day: customisation offers flexibility and individuality you won’t find in off-the-rack clothing, making every shirt more than just apparel, but a statement.
What is the best file format for t shirt printing?
The best file format for t-shirt printing is a vector file such as AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS, or PDF. Vectors are scalable, meaning they keep sharp edges and clean lines no matter the size of the print. They’re ideal for logos, text-based designs, and artwork that needs to stay crisp and professional. Printers can also easily adjust colours and placement with vector files, making them the industry standard.
If you don’t have a vector version, a high-resolution PNG with a transparent background is the next best option. For photographic or detailed artwork, PNGs and TIFFs (at 300 DPI or higher) work well, but they don’t scale as cleanly as vectors. Always check with your printer, as each method (screen printing, DTG, embroidery) may have slightly different file requirements.
What are the available methods?
There are several popular methods available for custom t-shirt printing, each with its own strengths:
- Screen Printing: The most common method, great for bold colours and bulk orders. Durable and cost-effective at scale.
- Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing: A newer method where designs are printed onto a special film, then heat-pressed onto the shirt. Works on a wide range of fabrics and colours, with durable results.
- Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Works like an inkjet printer on fabric, perfect for detailed or photographic designs and small runs.
- Heat Transfers & Vinyl: Uses heat to apply designs or lettering. Ideal for names, numbers, and short runs.
- Embroidery: Adds a premium, textured finish for logos and text, often used on uniforms or polos.
- Sublimation Printing: Best for polyester garments, offering all-over, vibrant prints that don’t crack or peel.
- Puff & Specialty Inks: Adds raised or textured effects for a unique look, often used in fashion and streetwear.
What are the best colours of a t-shirt for customisation?
When it comes to custom t-shirt printing, the best colours depend on your design and the printing method, but some shades consistently work better than others:
- Neutrals (Black, White, Grey, Navy): These are timeless, versatile, and work well for almost any design. Black and navy give a sharp contrast for bright prints, while white is perfect for colourful or photographic designs. Grey tones (light or dark) are safe and flattering options.
- Bold Colours (Red, Royal Blue, Green): Strong, vibrant colours help designs stand out and are popular for sports, events, and branded uniforms.
- Soft/Muted Colours (Pastels, Beige, Earth Tones): Trending in fashion and lifestyle brands, these pair well with minimalistic designs or embroidery.
Pro tip: High-contrast combinations work best; for example, white ink on a black shirt, or dark ink on a light-coloured shirt. If you’re using DTG or sublimation, light-coloured tees give the best results, while screen printing works well on both light and dark bases.
What are the Best T-Shirt Materials for Customisation?
The best materials for customising t-shirts depend on the printing or embroidery method you’re using and the purpose of the shirt. Here are the top options:
- 100% Cotton: The most popular choice. Soft, breathable, and excellent for screen printing and DTG because it holds ink well and produces vibrant colours. Perfect for everyday wear, events, and fashion tees.
- Polyester: Lightweight, durable, and moisture-wicking, making it ideal for sportswear and sublimation printing. However, it doesn’t absorb DTG inks as well as cotton.
- Cotton-Poly Blends (e.g., 60/40 or 50/50): A great balance between comfort and durability. They resist shrinking, hold shape well, and work with multiple printing methods (screen printing, DTF, embroidery).
- Tri-Blends (Cotton, Polyester, Rayon): Super soft with a vintage look, popular for retail and lifestyle brands. Best for DTG, heat transfers, and embroidery, but not ideal for sublimation.
For business uniforms and promotional tees, cotton-poly blends are the most practical. For sports and activewear, polyester is unbeatable. For fashion and retail, cotton or tri-blends deliver the best feel and finish.
If you’re ready to showcase your ideas, T-Shirt Plus makes custom t-shirt printing simple, affordable, and high-quality. We offer a wide range of printing methods, from screen printing and DTG to embroidery and DTF, along with premium brands like AS Colour, Biz Collection, and JB’s Wear. Whether you need a single tee, uniforms for your team, or bulk merch for an event, our Aussie-based team will guide you through fabric choices, design placement, and print options to ensure you get a result that looks sharp and lasts.
