A Comprehensive Guide to Ordering Customized T-Shirts for Your Organization, Business, or Group

Customized t-shirts have become an integral part of branding and promotion for businesses, organizations and groups. The truth is everyone loves a customized tee, hoodie, polo or cap. Not only do customized apparel items offer a unique way to showcase messaging and create brand awareness, but they also foster a sense of belonging among team members. And the great news is, ordering customized t-shirts is easier than ever.

Your printing partners at K12 Print have created this quick and easy guide to help you order your customized t-shirts with ease. Read on for details about everything from design to choosing a quality printer to understanding shipping and quantity requirements. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to confidently order customized t-shirts for your organization, business or group. (Spoiler alert: It’s not really that hard!)

5 Tips To Make Ordering Your Customized T-Shirts As Easy as 1,2,3

 1. Defining Your Customized T-Shirt Needs 
As with anything, it is important to know what your goal is before you start. Before diving right into the ordering process, it’s essential to define your needs and objectives for your custom apparel. Determine the purpose of the t-shirts and understand your target audience. Consider factors like the desired quantity, preferred budget, timeline and any specific design requirements. This initial planning stage will help you make informed decisions throughout the process. It’s also a good idea to think about the long-term uses of the t-shirts. For example, if you know you have a similar need coming up later in the year, you might save money by ordering them all at once to get the quantity price breaks.

 2. Design and Artwork 
Creating an eye-catching and effective design is one of the most important steps for making your customized t-shirts stand out. Start by brainstorming ideas and concepts that align with your organization’s values, brand identity or the group’s purpose. Seek input from members or colleagues to ensure inclusivity and collaboration.

Once you have a clear vision, it’s time to bring your design to life. You can hire a professional graphic designer or use online design tools to create your artwork. Pay attention to factors like color scheme, typography and readability. Ensure your design is scalable to different t-shirt sizes without losing its impact. 

 3. Choosing the Right Printing Method 
There are various printing methods available for customized t-shirts, each with its advantages and limitations. The most common methods are direct-to-garment (DTG) printing and embroidery.

 • Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing: Offers high-quality prints with no setup costs or color limitations. Ideal for small batches or complex designs and offers quick turnarounds.
 • Embroidery: Provides a professional and durable finish, commonly used for logos or text. Embroidery works best on thicker fabrics and is suitable for long-term use.

Consider factors such as durability, cost, complexity of the design and the type of fabric when selecting the printing method that aligns with your needs.

 4. Choosing a Reputable Customized T-shirt Printer.
Selecting the right vendor is crucial to ensure a smooth and satisfactory ordering experience. Look for a vendor with a proven track record in delivering high-quality customized t-shirts. Read customer reviews, request samples and inquire about their production process, turnaround time and customer support. Evaluate their ability to handle your specific requirements, such as design complexity, quantity and deadline. A reputable vendor will offer clear communication, transparency in pricing and multiple options for customization. It is important to note that the ability to get a “live” person on the phone is a good indicator of the type of customer service you will receive throughout the process. Additionally, if you need assistance with designing your custom tees, you’ll want to make sure your printer offers that service with no additional fees.

 5. Placing Your Order and Reviewing the Proof 
Once you have finalized your design and chosen a vendor, it’s time to place your order. Provide all the necessary details, including design files, desired t-shirt colors and sizes, printing method, quantity and delivery address. Review the order summary and ensure all the information is accurate and you are ready to go! Be sure to pay special attention to web addresses, phone numbers and spelling during the proof process to ensure that no typos slip through the cracks. This might be a good time to have a new set of eyes look at your proof for one final review.

K12 Print is standing by to take your customized t-shirt order. We know it may be challenging to make the decision of what you want, get the design looking good as well as navigate the sizes and shipping instructions. That’s why we’ve compiled a team of specialists to support you every step of the way. Of course, our online tools are perfect for the tech-savvy orderer who can handle it all online too. We look forward to creating your customized t-shirts for your team – and ordering is as easy as 1,2,3!

Keep in mind that K12 Print offers:

• Free ground shipping on all orders.
• No minimum order requirements.
• All your favorite brands like Bella + Canvas, Fruit of the Loom, Hanes and many more.
• A chance to give back, a portion of all sales support children’s charities. We’re printing with a purpose; learn more.

Start shopping online for your customized t-shirts OR just give us a call; we’d be happy to assist you!