Let's Talk About Design Size
"What size do you want your full chest print to be?”, asks the printer to the customer??
Most people overlook this very important aspect of designing a custom printed t-shirt.
Is your design too small, or too large? More often than not, the customer will answer “Oh you’re the experts, you decide”. Leaving it up to the printer is perfectly fine, but not always the best choice. To avoid any disappointment, at the end of the day, don’t miss this step in determining design (print) size. Here’s how to do it.
You must first consider print placement, then use standard size ranges as a guide.
Common placements include the full-front (10–12" wide), center-chest (6–10" wide), left-chest (2.5–5" wide), and full-back (10–14" wide).
Ways to Determine Print Size:
-Print the design to size and make a template (cut out), then place it on the print location of the smallest size shirt.
-You can use a ruler or measuring tape on the smallest size shirt where the print will go to get an idea of size.
-If you know the product style number, you can find the size specs located on our online catalog and measure according to the smallest size shirt.
If you’re still reading this, you have noticed the words “smallest size shirt”. That’s the key. You should consider the size of the smallest size shirt on the order, as most times, printers use one size screen to fit on all size shirts. So, for example, if your order consists of youth smalls to adult 3XL, the size of the design will be maxed out on the smallest size shirt and used throughout the size range. Or, if the order is a large quantity of both youth and adult sizes, you may ask for two size screens.
At the end of the day, yes, you sure you can leave it up to the printer. It’s your call, but be sure to not miss this step and to make this part known when placing the order.
Now, you’re in the know!
- the crew at Teamwork Graphics