Ordering branded apparel should be an exciting and valuable investment but too often, businesses end up disappointed due to avoidable mistakes. From poor fabric choices to rushed artwork, small decisions can have a big impact on the final result. Whether you’re ordering uniforms, promotional merchandise, or retail-ready apparel, understanding these pitfalls helps ensure your custom shirts deliver quality, comfort, and long-term brand value.

Choosing Price Over Quality

One of the biggest mistakes when ordering custom shirts is focusing only on the lowest price. While budget matters, cheap garments and low-quality printing often lead to poor results.

Problems caused by low-quality choices:

• Thin fabrics that lose shape quickly
  
  

• Prints that fade, crack, or peel
  
  

• Inconsistent sizing and fit
  
  

• Unprofessional overall appearance
  
  

High-quality custom t shirt printing balances cost with durability and presentation, ensuring your shirts last and represent your brand properly.

Ignoring Fabric Selection for Custom Shirts

Not all fabrics perform the same, especially in different climates and use cases. Choosing the wrong fabric can affect comfort, print quality, and wearability.

Common fabric mistakes include:

• Using heavy fabrics for summer wear
  
  

• Selecting materials unsuitable for frequent washing
  
  

• Overlooking breathability and softness
  
  

• Choosing fabric incompatible with certain print methods
  
  

When ordering custom shirts, always consider how and where they will be worn.

Submitting Artwork That Isn’t Print-Ready

Poor artwork is a major reason custom shirts don’t turn out as expected. Low-resolution images or incorrect file formats can compromise print clarity.

Artwork-related mistakes:

• Using low-resolution logos
  
  

• Submitting files in RGB instead of print-friendly formats
  
  

• Ignoring colour limitations of printing methods
  
  

• Not checking spelling or alignment
  
  

Professional custom t shirt printing services review artwork and provide guidance to avoid costly errors.

Choosing the Wrong Printing Method

Different printing techniques suit different designs, fabrics, and quantities. Selecting the wrong method can lead to disappointing results.

Common mismatches include:

• Using digital printing for large bulk orders
  
  

• Choosing screen printing for highly detailed artwork
  
  

• Printing on fabrics not suited to the selected method
  
  

Understanding the strengths of each custom t shirt printing method ensures better outcomes for your custom shirts.

Overcomplicating the Design

More detail doesn’t always mean better design. Overcrowded layouts can reduce visual impact and readability.

Design mistakes to avoid:

• Too many colours or fonts
  
  

• Excessively large graphics
  
  

• Poor logo placement
  
  

• Designs that don’t scale well across sizes
  
  

Simple, well-balanced designs often look more professional and are more wearable in everyday settings.

Ignoring Logo Placement and Size

Incorrect placement can make even a good design look awkward. Placement impacts both aesthetics and comfort.

Common placement issues:

• Logos placed too low or too high
  
  

• Oversized prints that feel intrusive
  
  

• Designs that distort on different body sizes
  
  

Reliable custom t shirt printing providers help recommend placement that works across all shirt sizes.

Not Ordering Samples or Proofs

Skipping samples is a costly mistake, especially for large orders. What looks good on screen may not always translate perfectly to fabric.

Risks of skipping samples:

• Unexpected colour variations
  
  

• Incorrect sizing or fit
  
  

• Print quality issues
  
  

• Design misalignment
  
  

Ordering a sample or proof allows you to approve the final result before full production.

Underestimating Turnaround Time

Many businesses leave custom shirt orders too late. Production, printing, and delivery take time—especially during peak seasons.

Turnaround mistakes include:

• Ordering too close to an event date
  
  

• Not accounting for artwork revisions
  
  

• Ignoring seasonal demand spikes
  
  

Planning ahead ensures your custom shirts arrive on time without rush fees or compromises.

Overlooking Sizing and Fit Options

Assuming one fit suits everyone often leads to unhappy wearers. Different body types require different sizing considerations.

Sizing mistakes include:

• Ordering limited size ranges
  
  

• Ignoring unisex vs fitted styles
  
  

• Not accounting for shrinkage
  
  

Offering a wide size range improves comfort and ensures your custom shirts are actually worn.

Failing to Think About Long-Term Use

Custom shirts shouldn’t be disposable. Many brands forget to consider how shirts will hold up over time.

Long-term planning mistakes:

• Choosing prints unsuitable for frequent washing
  
  

• Selecting trendy designs that age quickly
  
  

• Ignoring durability for workwear or uniforms
  
  

High-quality custom t shirt printing supports longer garment life and better return on investment.

Not Communicating Clearly with the Printer

Miscommunication leads to incorrect orders, delays, and unnecessary costs.

Common communication issues:

• Vague design instructions
  
  

• Assumptions about colours or placement
  
  

• Not confirming final proofs
  
  

• Changing requirements late in production
  
  

Clear, detailed communication is key to successful custom shirts.

Conclusion: Smarter Custom Shirt Ordering Starts with Avoiding These Mistakes

Ordering custom shirts doesn’t have to be risky or stressful. By avoiding common mistakes such as poor fabric selection, rushed artwork, wrong printing methods, and inadequate planning you can achieve professional, long-lasting results.

When done right, custom t shirt printing becomes a powerful branding tool that delivers comfort, durability, and visual impact. Taking a thoughtful, informed approach ensures your custom shirts represent your brand exactly the way you intended.