Looking For Custom T-Shirt Printing? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know

Getting custom gear made should be the highlight of your week. Whether you are launching a brand, decking out your team, or just want a one-off shirt that says exactly what you’re thinking, the process should be smooth.

At So Boss, we see a lot of people dive into the world of custom t-shirt printing without a map. It can get confusing fast. Do you need screen printing? Is DTG better? Why does your logo look blurry?

We are here to clear the air. I’m Paolo, and I’ve seen every mistake in the book. My goal is to make sure you don’t make them. We want you to love your gear.

Design. Print. Profit.

Here are the 10 things you absolutely need to know before you hit that order button.

1. Which Printing Method Do You Actually Need?

Are you confused by the jargon? Most people are.

The "best" way to print a shirt depends entirely on what you are trying to achieve. There is no one-size-fits-all.

• DTG (Direct to Garment): This is like a giant inkjet printer for clothes. It’s perfect for detailed, multi-colour designs and small runs. If you want one shirt with a photo of your dog on it, this is the way to go. (And yes, we offer same-day dispatch for DTG).

• Screen Printing: This is the gold standard for bulk orders. It involves pushing ink through a mesh screen. It’s durable, vibrant, and cost-effective when you’re ordering 20+ items. If you are looking for screen printing in Australia, this is your best bet for longevity.

• DTF (Direct to Film): This is the new kid on the block. We print your design onto a special film and then heat-press it onto the garment. It’s incredibly versatile and works on almost any fabric.

2. Your Artwork Quality Is Everything

Have you ever seen a shirt where the logo looks like it was made of Lego bricks?

That is the result of low-resolution artwork. When it comes to custom t-shirt printing, your file needs to be high resolution. We recommend at least 300 DPI (Dots Per Inch).

If you take a tiny image from a website and try to blow it up to fit the chest of a 3XL hoodie, it will look terrible. We want your gear to look professional.

Start with a vector file (AI, EPS, or PDF) if possible. If you only have a PNG, make sure it’s big and has a transparent background.

Check. Double-check. Triple-check.

3. CMYK vs. RGB: Don't Let Your Colors Shift

Why does the shirt look different than your screen?

Your computer monitor displays colors in RGB (Red, Green, Blue). Printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). Some bright, neon colors you see on a screen simply cannot be recreated perfectly with ink on fabric.

If you are serious about your brand, design your artwork in CMYK mode from the start. This prevents any nasty surprises when your box of shirts arrives. We want the color you expect to be the color you get.

4. Picking the Right Fabric

Not all shirts are created equal.

If you are looking for a premium feel, 100% combed cotton is the way to go. It’s soft, breathable, and holds ink beautifully. For athletic wear, you might want a polyester blend that wicks away sweat.

At So Boss, we love working with AS Colour garments. They are the benchmark for quality in the Australian market. They hold their shape, they don’t shrink after one wash, and they provide a perfect "canvas" for your designs.

5. Custom Hoodies in Australia: What to Know

Looking for custom hoodies in Australia?

Hoodies are a different beast than t-shirts. The fabric is thicker, and you have to deal with pockets and zippers. When designing for a hoodie, keep the "kangaroo pocket" in mind. You can't print a massive vertical design down the front if there’s a pocket in the way (unless you want to print over the seam, which can get messy).

Hoodies are also heavier, which affects shipping costs. We recommend choosing a high-quality fleece that won’t pill. If you’re in a colder part of the country, like Melbourne, a heavy-weight hoodie is a must-have for your merch line.

6. Same-Day Printing: How Fast Is Too Fast?

Do you need it yesterday?

We understand that sometimes things happen. You’ve got an event, a last-minute gift, or a sudden spark of inspiration. For those moments, we offer same-day custom t-shirts.

Important: Same-day dispatch is strictly for DTG (Direct to Garment) printing. Because there are no screens to make or complex setups, we can get these out the door fast.

Screen printing and DTF take a bit longer. If you need speed, stick to DTG.

Order. Print. Ship.

7. Strategic Design Placement

Where should the logo go?

The most common spot is the "Left Chest" or a "Large Center Front" print. But don't be afraid to get creative.

• Nape of the neck: Great for a subtle branding touch.

• Sleeve prints: Perfect for custom hoodies.

• Lower back: Unexpected and trendy.

Just remember: the more locations you print, the higher the cost. If you are on a budget, stick to one solid location that makes an impact.

8. Quantity and Your Bottom Line

How many do you actually need?

If you only need 1 to 5 shirts, "Print on Demand" (DTG) is your friend. There are no setup fees, so you only pay for the shirt and the print.

However, if you are looking for 50 shirts for a construction crew or a gym, bulk custom t-shirts via screen printing will save you a fortune. The more you buy, the cheaper each individual shirt becomes.

Think big. Save big.

9. Avoid the "Costly Mistakes"

We see the same errors over and over again. Small text that is unreadable. Low-contrast colors (like navy print on a black shirt). Placing a logo too high or too low.

We’ve actually written a whole guide on 7 mistakes you’re making with custom t-shirt printing.

The biggest one? Not asking for help. If you aren't sure if your design will work, just ask us. We’d rather spend five minutes helping you fix a file than have you unhappy with the final product.

10. Location Matters for Shipping

Are you worried about where we are located?

We are based in Brisbane, but we ship all over the country. Many people think they need to find a printer in their specific suburb to get things fast.

The truth? Our Brisbane hub is often faster than local printers in Sydney or Melbourne because our systems are built for speed and efficiency. Whether you need custom t-shirt printing in Newcastle or workwear in Melbourne, we’ve got the logistics sorted.

Summary: Ready to Print?

Custom t-shirt printing doesn't have to be a headache. By choosing the right method, ensuring your artwork is high-res, and picking quality garments like AS Colour, you are already ahead of the game.

At So Boss, we make the complex simple. We want to be your partner in creating awesome apparel that people actually want to wear.

• Need it fast? Go DTG.

• Need it in bulk? Go Screen Printing.

• Need it on anything? Go DTF.

Ready to start? Let’s get to work.

Create. Order. Relax.

If you have any questions about your specific project, don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to make sure you look like a boss.

Stay Boss, Paolo