Every business reaches a moment when it’s time to design a company t-shirt. Whether you’re creating custom t-shirts for employees, coming up with giveaways for an event, or selling branded apparel, custom shirts make your business look legit, ooze professionalism, and create a sense of unity within the team. And without a doubt – custom-designed tees look fantastic!
Why it’s worth having a company shirt design
Business t-shirts are great for marketing. Imagine adding your brand name or logo to your team’s t-shirt design. Potential customers will notice your brand wherever your employees go, and the shirt will serve as a great conversation starter. This way, you can pass on information to possible new clients without directly approaching them.
Placing your business logo on a shirt will boost your recognition and brand identity. Every company is unique – using your logo and company colors on apparel will help you stand out in the crowd and showcase your individuality.
If you’re thinking of creating custom t-shirts for your employees, they’ll also help foster team spirit and inspire loyalty. Not to mention that your team will look really professional when donning a neatly designed company t-shirt.
Read this article to find out what you need to consider when designing a company shirt and get ideas for your final designs.
Where do I start with company shirt ideas?
We’ve established that company shirts are an excellent idea for any team, but where to start? Luckily, Printify offers a wide range of shirt options for you to make even your wildest design ideas come to life.
Our product catalog has everything you need, whether you’re looking to create a custom tee, a custom long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, or even a hoodie. Let’s have a look at the available options so that you can figure out the best one for your business.
Pick the right apparel for you
Before jumping into the design process, we suggest going over some of the more practical aspects of creating a shirt. Who are you designing the shirt for? How often and under what conditions will they wear it? What is your budget per shirt?
Answering these questions will help you pick the most suitable option. Here’s what Printify has to offer.
You can’t go wrong with the good ol’ short sleeve tee. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to design a company t-shirt that your employees can wear regularly or if you’re thinking of creating some promo merch.
Check out our men’s and women’s t-shirts and pick one for your team. Prices start from as low as $7.26.
A long sleeve shirt is a great alternative to the standard t-shirt. It’s also pretty lightweight, but the sleeves go down to your wrists, providing a bit more of a professional look. They’re also super comfortable and are great for layering during the year’s colder months.
If you’re looking for a garment that’s a bit more sturdy but also super comfy, a sweatshirt is a great choice. This option has the potential to give your brand more exposure since basic t-shirts get hidden behind other layers of clothing during fall and winter. Our catalog offers a wide range of unisex options and sweatshirts for men and women.
Who doesn’t love a good hoodie? Take care of your team and customers with this timeless classic. Whether you want to design a zip-up hoodie or a pullover, Printify has you covered with a ton of quality options. Check them out here.
Define your budget and quantity
You’ve now got an idea of the available apparel selection, but what about your budget? The good news is that Printify’s pricing is super competitive, and you’re sure to find an option that will match your financial possibilities.
For example, the price of a regular t-shirt goes as low as $7.26, and there are many options under $12, depending on the print provider. When browsing our catalog for products, pick an option like the Men’s Cotton Crew Tee. You’ll then see a list of print providers who offer printing for that specific t-shirt, and you can pick the one that matches your budget the best.
Keep in mind that the price will also depend on the print area. A design on the front side will cost less than a shirt with an all-over print or prints on additional areas (back, sleeve, etc.). The price will also vary depending on the print type you’re using, for example, direct-to-garment or dye sublimation. But more on that later.
When deciding on a product, calculate how many shirts you need. Print on demand lets you print the final design only when the need arises, so you don’t need to keep a stock of shirts. But if you’d like to place a bulk order, you certainly can. This way, you can get all the shirts you need in one go and save money on shipping.
Create your company shirt today!
A business shirt design like no other
If you want your custom business t-shirts to turn some heads, you need to get the design right. Although it’s not rocket science, it’s still possible to mess up a perfectly good shirt. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
When choosing a shirt, pick a color that matches your brand or your business field and will go well with your print design. Though you might be tempted to use flashy and bright colors, it might be worth going with more neutral tones. Make sure the colors complement each other, and the shirt design isn’t confusing.
There are also different print styles you can use. You can go the more subtle route and stick to specific print areas for your t-shirts or go all out with an all-over print.
Let the colors speak
The color of your shirt is what others will notice first. And the colors you’re using will also determine how well others can see the actual print on your apparel. The thought process behind picking your shirt’s color depends on what you want to achieve.
Brand recognition
Since you’re looking to create a company shirt, you probably already have your brand colors established. It’s a good idea to create brand apparel that matches the colors used in your logo, website, and marketing materials. However, if you’d like to try out something different, we suggest using at least a shade of one of your primary brand colors so that your customers still recognize your brand.
Conveying a message through color
It’s been proven time and again that people have specific associations with every color. For example, people associate red with excitement and energy. Blue is trustworthy and reliable, while white conveys simplicity and minimalism.
When thinking of color for your business t-shirts, consider the message you want to convey. Do some research to find out what colors represent your brand and industry the best. Here’s a quick overview of the emotional meanings of popular colors:
Red is associated with excitement, energy, and danger. It’s also known for being the color of love and passion.
Orange is fresh, adventurous, and full of vitality. It inspires creativity and new ideas and is often associated with being cost-effective.
Yellow radiates optimism – it represents happiness and playfulness. This color can help companies connect with customers’ nostalgia for their joyful youth.
Green is natural and is often associated with sustainability. It can be seen as stress-relieving and zen but can also align with prestige and wealth.
Blue reminds people of reliability and trustworthiness. It calms the mind.
Purple is the color of royalty and refinement. Its powerful shades can also be seen as spiritual and mysterious.
Pink is feminine, sentimental, and romantic. People also consider hot pink and similar shades to be youthful and bold.
Brown is considered honest and down-to-earth. Companies often use shades of brown for organic and natural products.
White represents simplicity and innocence – it’s pure. White often conveys a minimalistic feel.
Black is seen as sophisticated and elegant. Although often associated with sorrow, it’s also considered formal and luxurious.
Standing out from the competition
Research what your competitors are doing. If they’re using black and blue for their apparel, you don’t want to dress your team in white and blue. Look for colors that will help your brand stand out – no need to confuse customers.
Whether you want to use bold colors or be a bit more down-to-earth, the Printify product catalog will help you find the right colors for your business.
Different types of shirts allow different types of print
Just as with colors, you can choose between various print areas for your apparel. With t-shirt printing, there’s the standard front side and back side print. Some t-shirt options also allow you to print your designs on the sleeves and create a neck label. And let’s not forget the all-over print – it’s the option that lets your wildest design ideas come to life.
Remember that the product price already includes one print area (front or back). You can add additional print areas to garments for an extra charge. Sort shirts by their print areas in the catalog by ticking the respective boxes in the left-side panel.
You can also use two different printing techniques for your garments: direct-to-garment printing and dye sublimation.
Direct-to-garment (DTG)
Direct-to-garment printing is similar to printing on paper – the difference is that the medium used is fabric. DTG was invented as a faster substitute for manually intensive screen printing. It’s used to print t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and other apparel, and is more affordable than sublimation printing.
Dye sublimation
Sublimation printing, also known as all-over print, is a technique where inks are transferred onto the product using heat. Dye sublimation helps create long-lasting POD products with distinct colors and high-resolution prints. Although a bit limited in product selection, this printing method will produce stunning results.
At the end of the day, it’s up to your personal preference. You can go for a more subtle look and use the standard print areas or choose dye sublimation and implement any design you like.
What to print on shirts?
It’s time for the million-dollar question – what to print on your custom t-shirts?
Since you’re creating company apparel, adding your business logo and company name seems like the obvious choice. But in addition to your brand symbols, you can also consider using patterns in your design, implementing the right imagery, and utilizing typography.
Let’s dive a bit deeper into various print design ideas.
Expand on your logo
Adding your business logo to your company shirt is always a good idea. It’s the primary symbol differentiating your brand from others, and it encompasses your brand identity. But where to place it? And what colors to use?
Logo placement
The most common professional looks have a small logo on the left chest or a big logo on the middle back of the shirt. Consider how nuanced your logo is – if there are a lot of tiny details, it’s better to make it larger so that everything is visible.
You can also add your company name to your t-shirt design if your logo doesn’t already include it. Just make sure that the name uses the same brand style and be mindful of proportions. If you’re not looking to keep your final design super minimalistic, you can go for a left chest and full back print combination.
With the company logo on the back, you can also add additional information there. It all depends on the purpose of your design. For example, you could add your company values or contact information on the back.
Logo color
Just like picking the color of your shirt, it’s also important to be mindful of your logo color.
Does your business logo include multiple colors? Do people instantly recognize your multicolored logo? If that’s the case, you might want to use that version of the logo on your business t-shirts. Just make sure that the logo goes well with the shirt color – pick a fabric with a more neutral tone rather than bold colors.
If the multicolor logo doesn’t serve a specific purpose, it’s best to go for a single color or at least shades of the same color for your shirt. Use the color wheel to mix and match your colors.
Use patterns
If you’re looking to create a t-shirt design that’s got a bit more pizzazz, try using patterns. You can test out various geometric, abstract, and floral designs – just make sure that they match your brand image. Check out Patternbank for inspiration and designs that are available for purchase.
Are there any specific design patterns you’re using as part of your communication and brand image? Try adding these to your business t-shirts. Using the same shapes and visuals on your business apparel will help with brand recognition, and you won’t need to design everything from scratch.
Remember to check out our all-over-print shirts for your pattern designs. AOP lets you cover the entire surface area with your design – your company shirts are sure to stand out in the crowd!
Imagery that speaks volumes
A powerful image can say a lot more than words. With shirts, images often make more sense than text. People usually get only a couple of seconds to check out others’ clothes, and there might not be enough time to read the message on them. So, where to find images and what to use?
Online resources for images and llustrations
Whether it’s a graphic that relates to your line of business, an illustration that can help you get your message across, or just a fun image, you can use various online sources to spice up your custom t-shirts.
Keep in mind that Printify has a built-in Shutterstock integration that you can use as a source for images and graphics without even leaving the editor.
Here are some additional resources to consider:
- Pixabay. An extensive, free stock photo service that offers stunning, user-generated content. With over 1 million images, there’s something for everyone.
- Freepik. An excellent resource for high-quality photos, designs, and mockups. If you’re on their free plan, you can use any of their graphics for free, but you have to attribute them.
- Vecteezy. Another great source for beautiful graphics. Most of their images and illustrations are free, but attribution is required.
Check out our list of free design resources for more options.
Create visuals yourself
If you’ve got a specific idea for a visual to use on your business t-shirts, you can create it yourself.
Designing an illustration from scratch can seem like a daunting task at first. Don’t worry if you don’t have a designer at your disposal. Various graphic design tools can make the process a lot easier.
For example, Canva is a popular and helpful tool for creating POD designs. It’s easy to use and lets you create anything from a logo to a t-shirt design. Just remember that you don’t need over-the-top visuals for your company shirt.
Suggestions for using imagery
For visuals to be powerful, they must be easily understandable. Remember that tiny details and complex images don’t look as good on fabric as on a computer screen or canvas. Always try to keep the imagery simple.
Also, keep in mind that the final designs are worn by people who are often in motion – passersby will most likely see the shirt only for a short moment. These conditions favor simple details and a flat perspective for your visuals.
Don’t want to use images? Typography to the rescue!
Typography is the art of arranging a written message in a readable and aesthetically pleasing composition. The process includes working with already available typefaces and picking the right point sizes, line lengths and spacing, and letter-spacing.
Not to confuse you, typeface refers to a family of related fonts (e.g., Roboto). In contrast, font is the variation in weight and size of a typeface (e.g., Roboto Thin, Roboto Regular, Roboto Bold). In reality, most people, including designers, refer to both as fonts. Now, let’s get on with your t-shirt design.
When placed on your company shirt, text can have just as big an impact as an image. Remember that visibility and readability are essential for business-style shirts, and consider the following.
If your company already has brand guidelines, follow them when designing your shirt. We suggest using the font you use for your products and services. If you’ve got an easily distinguishable font, others will recognize your brand even before reading the message.
However, don’t forget to consider font style and weight. For example, while a thin font can look nice on a computer screen or any other hard surface, it might be difficult to read on fabric. You might want to go for a bolder font for your t-shirt. Test out different designs and see what works best.
If you’re planning on using a new font for your t-shirt, consider what people would expect from a brand in your line of business. For example, don’t go for a font that’s cartoony or too playful if you’re in the IT industry, but pick something more modern and professional-looking.
Here are some tips to consider when using typography in your t-shirt design:
- Don’t combine more than two fonts in one design. Ideally, pick just one.
- If you choose to go with two fonts, make sure people read your text in the correct order. In other words, use visual hierarchy.
- Avoid handwritten fonts unless you’re sure others can read them at a distance.
- Consider adjusting the kerning – the space between the letters of your font.
- Stay consistent with your use of uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Make sure your font works on t-shirts of various colors.
- Make your text slightly larger than you’re happy with when in doubt.
Check out our t-shirt font guide to learn more about typography in your t-shirt designs.
Looking sharp already
You’re already on the right path – deciding on creating a company t-shirt is a terrific idea. Whether you’re designing shirts for your employees or customers, it’s a great way to spread the word about your brand and grow your business.
Let’s quickly go over all of the aspects to consider when working on your company shirt:
- Start by choosing the apparel you’re going to use. Printify offers a wide range of t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. Consider who and where will be wearing the apparel.
- Define your budget and decide on the quantity. The final product’s price depends on the type of apparel you’ve picked, its material, and the print area. As for the amount, you can order in bulk and get a discount, or use our print-on-demand solution and only order new items when necessary.
- Decide on your shirt’s color. Use one of your brand colors or pick another shade that will set your business apart. Remember to select an option that will go well with your print.
- Select the print area and printing method. Different shirts have different print areas available – consider whether you want to add your design only in the front, or also include the back and sleeves. Choose between direct-to-garment printing and dye sublimation.
- Apply your print designs. Whether you only want to print your logo, mix it up with exciting patterns, or use images and typography, we suggest testing out multiple styles to see what works best.
- Looking sharp! All that’s left is adding your shirts to your store and getting them in the hands of your employees.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a start-up or a well-established company; custom business shirts will make you look more professional and help you stand out. Printify has everything you need to get started.
