The Complete Guide to Custom Apparel
New to custom apparel? This guide walks you through every step — from picking products and a decoration method to preparing your artwork and approving a mockup.
Step 1 — Choose your products
Start with the garments that fit your goal. The most popular choices are:
- T-shirts — the everyday workhorse for teams, events and merch. Shop custom t-shirts.
- Polos — a professional look for staff and golf. Custom polos.
- Hoodies & sweatshirts — cozy and high-perceived-value. Custom hoodies.
- Hats & caps, jackets and bags round out a full branded program.
Step 2 — Pick a decoration method
How your design is applied affects the look, durability and price:
- Screen printing — best value for larger runs of t-shirts and hoodies. Learn more.
- Embroidery — a premium, durable, stitched finish for polos, caps and jackets. Learn more.
- DTG & DTF printing — full-color, photo-quality detail with no minimums. DTG · DTF.
- Heat transfer — perfect for names, numbers and small runs. Learn more.
Not sure which to pick? Our embroidery vs. screen printing guide breaks down when to use each.
Step 3 — Choose your brand & blank
The blank garment matters as much as the print. A few favorites:
- Gildan — dependable value for events and bulk orders.
- Bella+Canvas — soft, retail-fit tees everyone asks for.
- Comfort Colors — garment-dyed, vintage feel.
- Carhartt, Port Authority & Sport-Tek — workwear, corporate and performance staples.
Step 4 — Prepare your artwork
For the cleanest results, send vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) whenever possible. If you only have a logo from a website or a photo, send it anyway — we can often recreate or clean it up. Outline your fonts and let us know exact brand colors.
Step 5 — Get a mockup and order
Tell us your product, quantity and deadline and we’ll send a free digital proof, usually the same business day. There’s no minimum — order a single piece or a thousand — and same-day rush is available when your date is tight.
Ready to start? Tell us what you need and we’ll send pricing and a free digital mockup — usually the same business day. Get a free quote →
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order?
No. We have no minimums — you can order a single custom piece or a large bulk run, with the same care either way.
How long does an order take?
Standard turnaround is typically a few business days after proof approval, and same-day rush is available for time-sensitive orders. We’ll confirm your exact date on your quote.
What file formats do you accept?
Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG) are ideal. We also accept high-resolution PNG or JPG, and can help recreate logos when needed.
Can I see what it will look like first?
Yes — we send a free digital mockup before you pay, so you can approve placement, size and colors.
Ready to see your design on a shirt?
Get a free mockup and quote today — no minimums, no pressure, no surprises. Just great custom apparel, fast.