How to design a shirt: A step-by-step tutorial

Designing custom t-shirts is a rewarding and creative process, whether you're aiming to start a business, promote an event, or craft personalized gifts. Custom t-shirts offer unique benefits, including promotional visibility, brand awareness, and personal expression. 

In this step-by-step guide, we will discuss the process of designing a shirt; covering everything from how to define your goals and establish a budget to selecting the perfect printing method and choosing the ideal t-shirt style. 

With practical insights and tips for both beginners and experienced designers, this guide will be a key resource for you to easily bring your creative visions to life.

• Understand the goals of your t-shirt design project to align the entire design and production process with your objectives.

• Carefully determine the budget for design, materials, printing, and distribution to ensure a cost-effective project.

• Select an appropriate t-shirt printing method—such as silk screen, vinyl cutting, or direct-to-garment printing—based on your design needs and production volume.

• Develop a strong design concept, considering elements like fabric type, t-shirt weight, fit, cut, color scheme, and typography to create visually appealing shirts.

• To ensure the highest quality for your custom t-shirts, use digital mockups, gather feedback, prepare print-ready files, and order samples before finalizing production and distribution.

Whether you're new to t-shirt design or have some experience under your belt, we'll break down the design process into clear steps to help you get through each stage meticulously.

1. Determine your goals

To design a T-shirt, it’s essential to know the goal behind the product, as they directly influence your creative decisions and production choices. Whether you aim for promotional, branding, fundraising, or personal use, these goals will help tailor your design to convey the intended message effectively. 

For instance, a promotional t-shirt might prioritize logo prominence, whereas a fundraising t-shirt could focus on an impactful slogan. Knowing your objectives ensures that the design, budget, and printing method align, resulting in a cohesive and effective final product.

2. Establish a budget

Several factors affect the cost of designing and producing t-shirts, including design complexity, materials, printing method, and distribution. To allocate your budget wisely, first estimate design costs, whether for software or hiring a designer. Then, choose quality materials within your budget.

Factor in printing method costs —such as screen printing or direct-to-garment —and plan for distribution expenses, whether shipping or retail. Setting a realistic budget helps prevent overspending, ensuring your project remains profitable.

3. Select a t-shirt printing method

It’s time to think about how to get your graphic design onto the t-shirts. Choosing the appropriate printing process for your t-shirts is essential, so we’ve gathered the most common printing options and analyzed their strengths and shortcomings.

Silk screen printing

Screen printing presses ink through a mesh t-shirt design stencil onto fabric. It offers vivid colors but works best for simple and limited colors, as intricate designs require multiple set-ups and screens that increase print costs. Designers must offset the high set-up costs of screen printing through bulk orders. 

Vinyl cutting

Vinyl cutting involves cutting designs out of colored vinyl sheets, which are then heat-pressed onto the t-shirt. This versatile method works well for creating sharp, vibrant designs, particularly for smaller orders or personalized items. 

The pros of vinyl cutting include durability, a vibrant range of colors, and the opportunity for optimization. Noteworthy cons include the limitation of adding intricate designs when cut from vinyl and color limitations. 

Vinyl cuts are the preferred printing method for personalized gifts and for small businesses that need to fulfill low-quantity, high-quality orders without the complexities of bulk printing processes. They also work well for specialty merchandise.

Direct-to-garment printing

Direct-to-garment printing is a digital process that applies specialized ink directly onto the fabric. It’s ideal for creating high-quality, detailed designs - and best of all, it has no color limitations. T-shirts created with direct-to-garment printing offer a soft fabric finish, as the process is compatible with cotton t-shirts. Print designs are also more durable with this method, as the ink penetrates the t-shirt’s fibers. This method is ideal for small runs and on-demand printing.

By working with Gelato to print your shirts, you’ll have a trusted, reputable, direct to garment print on demand service on your side.

4. Define your t-shirt design concept

A t-shirt design concept is the foundational idea or theme that drives the overall design of your shirt. The creative vision encapsulates what your t-shirt will communicate, whether it's a bold statement, a playful image, or a logo. This concept is significant because it serves as the blueprint for your design.

Some methods for brainstorming designs include mind mapping, where you start with a central idea and branch out with related themes and concepts, sketching, and researching trends.

Now, aligning your design concept with your goals and target audience is crucial for success. If your goal is promotional, focus on branding elements that highlight your business. For personal or fundraising t-shirts, emphasize the cause or theme that will connect emotionally with supporters, and so on.

5. Choose your t-shirt

Choosing the right t-shirt is a crucial step in the design process. Whether it’s the t-shirt fabric, weight, fit, or cut, each aspect plays a role in creating a t-shirt that stands out and aligns with your goals.

Fabric

Most t-shirt sellers select cotton, polyester, or a blend of both for their material base. Remember: your chosen print process may limit your options here. For example, avoid using dye sublimation with a cotton t-shirt or a dark shirt color. 

Cotton is soft, comfortable, and durable but prone to shrinkage and fading with repeated washings. If your niche involves eco-conscious customers, partnering with Gelato allows you to offer t-shirts made with 100% certified organic ring-spun cotton. This unique fabric is grown naturally without chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or genetic modification. 

Polyester is better at retaining its size and color over time but tends to pill and hold odors. Because it’s not as breathable as natural fabrics, it can make wearers uncomfortable in hot weather.

Blended fabrics combine the benefits of both materials but are often more expensive to source. They can also present a quality control challenge and require special care to keep them in good shape.

Weight

The fashion industry segments t-shirts into weights based on the thickness of the fabric. Lightweight t-shirts are soft, breathable, and comfortable. They’re ideal for outdoor activities, workouts, or layering with other garments, but the lightness of the fabric can cause designs to wear out more quickly. 

Midweight t-shirts offer a good balance of durability and comfort and are less susceptible to shrinking and wrinkling than lightweight shirts. Heavyweight t-shirts provide maximum durability but are best suited for workwear and cooler weather.

Fit

Slim-fit t-shirts are generally snug and tend to be popular with younger demographics. Regular-fit t-shirts have a classic feel that is suitable for a variety of body types. Relaxed-fit t-shirts offer more room in the chest and waist area and are preferred by older buyers primarily concerned with comfort.

Cut

Understanding the different cuts available can help you choose the one that best fits your design concept and appeals to your target audience. Here are some common t-shirt cuts to consider:

• Crewneck t-shirts are a classic cut with a round neckline that sits close to the base of the neck. These t-shirts are versatile and can accommodate a wide variety of designs.

• V-neck t-shirts have a neckline forming a “V” shape, with its point sitting lower than a crewneck. It’s a stylish choice but may not work well with all designs.

• Ringer t-shirts are similar to crewnecks but feature contrasting colors on the collar and sleeve cuts, which can lend a retro appearance. This can be a good choice if you want to experiment with multiple dimensions of color.

6. Brainstorm ideas

Brainstorming sessions are very helpful when you need to develop t-shirt design concepts. One effective method is mind mapping. Grab a piece of paper or use a digital tool to jot down all the ideas that come to mind.

Next, indulge in sketching. Whether you prefer traditional pencil and paper or a digital drawing tablet, sketching allows you to quickly translate your thoughts into tangible designs. 

It's also beneficial to research current trends. Explore design platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, or Behance to see what's popular in the t-shirt world. 

Above all, prioritize creativity and originality during brainstorming. Authentic designs resonate more with customers and set your t-shirts apart from the competition. 

7. Choose a color scheme

A finalized custom t-shirt design communicates a message or evokes a feeling in the viewer through your creative choices, especially the color scheme.

When selecting your color scheme, consider the mood or message you want to convey. Different colors evoke varied emotions — for instance, blue often symbolizes trust and calm, while red can evoke excitement or urgency. It's beneficial to align your choices with the feelings or messages you want your t-shirt to project. If your design is for a brand, integrate the brand’s color palette to ensure consistency in branding. 

It’s okay to incorporate multiple colors into your design, but try to focus on one primary color with a few accents that complement each other. This will ensure your t-shirt colors complement each other without clashing or overwhelming viewers.

Your t-shirt’s fabric color is also important, as the printing colors will look substantially different against various backgrounds.

Consider whether a darker shade might make the ink colors pop or if there’s a fabric color that might complement - or clash - with the design’s colors for an exciting effect.

8. Select fonts and typography

Different font styles, like serif, sans-serif, script, and display, significantly impact design aesthetics. Serif fonts offer a classic, timeless look, while sans-serif fonts provide a modern and clean appearance. 

Script fonts convey elegance, and display fonts capture attention with unique characteristics. Font legibility is also crucial as it influences how easily viewers can read and understand the text. Clear, readable type enhances communication and viewer perception. 

Use as few fonts as possible if your shirt design requires text. Multiple fonts on your t-shirt design can make it difficult for the viewer to focus and absorb your message, so stick with simple font choices to keep things simple and concise.

You can use Gelato+ to experiment with different fonts, placements, and text sizes. The fonts you choose should prioritize readability until you’re experienced enough with the rules of good t-shirt design to know when to break them.

9. Create the design

With your printing colors in mind, it’s time to move on to graphic design. 

Hire a professional designer

If designing a t-shirt isn’t something you feel equipped to do, consider contracting an experienced t-shirt designer. Letting someone with proven design skills take your concepts from ideas to final designs can help you craft t-shirts that stand out. Finding the right designer is a worthwhile investment in your business that often pays for itself.

Do it yourself

Whether you’ve already got design skills or want to try designing t-shirts on your own before hiring someone, start drawing out your t-ideas to see what you can come up with. Your graphics might be illustrations, abstract visuals, or a fresh take on a classic logo - let your inspiration drive you to find the right vibe for your creation.

Gelato+ offers access to millions of stock images, graphics, and fonts. Consider using Gelato's Design Maker - a powerful, intuitive tool that offers all the features you need to bring your t-shirt design ideas to life. 

Here’s why Gelato’s Design Maker stands out: 

• Ease of use: The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced designers.

• A vast library of assets: Gain access to millions of stock images, graphics, and fonts to elevate your designs.

• Real-time preview: Instantly see how your designs will look on various t-shirt styles and colors.

• Customization: You can easily tweak designs, experiment with different font placements, and adjust colors to perfectly suit your vision.

• Integration with print on demand: Effortlessly move from design to production, leveraging Gelato’s global network to fulfill orders on demand.

10. Consider design placement

Proper design placement is essential, and the right choice varies depending on the goal of your shirt. Common design placement areas on a shirt include the front, back, and sleeves. Each area offers different visibility and appeal; for instance, front designs are often the focal point, making them ideal for logos or primary graphics. Back designs work well for detailed or larger visuals, while sleeve prints add subtle, stylish elements. 

When deciding on placement, consider factors like the shirt's fabric, design complexity, and intended audience. Balance is key; ensure the design complements the shirt's cut and fit to enhance overall appeal and wearability.

11. Create digital mockups

Digital mockups are essential as they provide a realistic preview of your t-shirt design, ensuring that colors, placements, and overall aesthetics align before committing to print. This step helps avoid costly mistakes and gives you the confidence that the final product will meet your expectations. With Gelato's mockup generator, you can effortlessly create precise visualizations.

Once your t-shirt design concepts are finalized, utilize Gelato's mockup generator to preview your design across numerous digital mock-ups, allowing you to assess how it might look with various placements.

Gelato simplifies the process of visualizing shirt designs on models of different body types. It helps you adjust your design and logo placement to cater to a broad spectrum of sizes and fits, thereby expanding your potential market.

12. Gather feedback on your designs

Once you’re confident about your design, it’s time to get feedback! Honest feedback from friends, family, and colleagues is often as easy as a quick text.

Leveraging your social media channels is another priority. Engaging directly with your audience can help to collect valuable feedback on the designs your followers like to wear. Post a survey link or a poll on your social profiles or put together a series of posts showcasing your designs and asking for comments. 

An important note when sharing on social media (or anywhere online, for that matter): watermark your images so that your t-shirt designs are copyright-protected.

13. Prepare files for printing

Ensuring your design files are print-ready is key for producing high-quality t-shirts. Properly prepared files prevent issues like blurry images, incorrect colors, or misaligned prints, ensuring your vision comes to life exactly as intended. 

The resolution needs to be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure your design remains sharp and clear. Vector files (like AI or EPS) must be used for graphics and logos, while high-resolution raster files (like PNG or TIFF) are great for detailed images and photos.

To meet the printer’s requirements, you must use the CMYK color profile instead of RGB, as it's optimized for print. Include a bleed area (typically 1/8 inch) around your design to avoid any white edges appearing on the final product, and clearly name and organize your layers in the design file to simplify the printer’s job and reduce the risk of errors.

14. Order samples

Once your mockups look good, order samples from your chosen supplier. This is your chance to make sure you’re satisfied with all the design elements of the shirt and how they look on the shirt vs. on a computer screen.

When evaluating t-shirt samples, examine the print quality closely. Look for issues like misalignment, blurring, or color discrepancies. Run your fingers over the print to check the texture; it should blend easily with the fabric without feeling overly stiff or peeling at the edges.

Assess the fabric quality by considering its feel, weight, and durability. Check for any inconsistencies in color, stitching flaws, or material weaknesses. Wash and dry the sample to see how it holds up after laundering—this can reveal possible shrinkage, fading, or print wear.

If you’re satisfied, use your samples to take photos for your store. High quality images are one of the most significant factors in whether people buy your t-shirts, so hire a professional if necessary. 

15. Produce and distribute your custom t-shirts

After finalizing your design, work with a trusted print on demand service such as Gelato to create custom t-shirts. Start by ordering a sample before moving on to mass production.

You can sell your shirts online through ecommerce platforms, at events or trade shows, and in retail stores. Make sure to check samples for accurate printing, fabric quality, and durability to maintain high standards. Focus on customer satisfaction by communicating clearly, delivering on time, and providing excellent service.

The time is now! Enhance your t-shirt design process with Gelato’s print on demand solutions and personalized features.

With Gelato, you can easily create, print, and distribute custom t-shirts globally. Our user-friendly Personalization Studio allows creators to experiment with various design elements, ensuring your vision comes to life perfectly.

Enjoy benefits like no upfront costs, high-quality prints, and rapid shipping worldwide. Experience smooth integration with your online store and effortlessly manage your amazing t-shirt designs.

Sign up for Gelato today and choose a subscription plan that suits your needs, unlocking unlimited creative potential for your custom t-shirt business.

What programs do shirt designers use?

Shirt designers often use programs like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Photoshop for their versatility in creating intricate designs, vector graphics, and image editing. For beginners or those preferring user-friendly options, Canva and Gelato+ provide accessible tools and templates to help bring your design ideas to life.

What is the easiest app for creating custom t-shirt designs?

Designing a custom t-shirt doesn’t have to be difficult! Gelato's intuitive design tools and on-demand production allow brands and businesses to effortlessly create unique shirts. Whether for personal use, promotions, or starting a business, Gelato simplifies the process from brainstorming to distribution.

What is the best method for t-shirt printing?

The best t-shirt printing method depends on your design's complexity and order size. Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing excels for intricate designs with unlimited colors. Screen printing is cost-effective for simple bulk orders. Vinyl cutting is ideal for durable, high-quality graphics in limited colors.

Do you need a special printer to make t-shirts?

Yes, creating custom t-shirts typically requires a professional printer. Methods like direct-to-garment (DTG) printing use specialized inkjet printers, while screen printing necessitates screens and a printing press. Gelato offers on-demand printing services, providing professional results without needing your own equipment.