5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Custom Shirts (And How to Get It Right!)

Buying custom shirts should be fun — a chance to bring your creativity to life, represent your brand, or simply design something that reflects your personality. But anyone who’s ordered custom t-shirts before knows it’s easy to end up with shirts that don’t quite match what you had in mind. Maybe the color looked off, the fabric felt cheap, or the fit was all wrong.

The truth is, custom shirts can be incredible when done right — but small mistakes can turn an exciting project into a frustrating experience. Whether you’re ordering shirts for your business, a family event, or personal wear, knowing what mistakes to avoid when buying custom shirts can save you money, time, and disappointment.

Let’s break down the five biggest custom shirt buying mistakes — and how to get it right every single time.

Mistake #1: Ignoring Fabric Quality and Material Type

If you’ve ever bought a shirt that felt amazing on the first wear but turned rough and faded after a few washes, chances are the fabric wasn’t up to par. Fabric quality plays a huge role in comfort, appearance, and durability — yet it’s one of the most overlooked factors when buying custom shirts.

Why Fabric Choice Matters

Not all fabrics are created equal. The material you choose determines how your shirt feels, fits, and lasts. For example:

Cotton: Soft, breathable, and classic — perfect for everyday wear, but it can shrink if washed in hot water.
Polyester: Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and durable — ideal for activewear or uniforms.
Cotton-Poly Blend: The best of both worlds — comfort meets durability with minimal shrinkage.

Choosing the right material depends on how and where the shirts will be worn. A soft ring-spun cotton is great for casual shirts, while a blend or performance polyester works better for sports or workwear.

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Needs

Start by thinking about your goal: do you want something comfortable, long-lasting, or budget-friendly? Then, match your priorities with the right fabric type. Look for weight (measured in GSM or oz) and feel the texture if possible. Heavyweight tees are thicker and more durable, while lightweight options feel softer and more breathable.

By investing in high-quality materials, you’ll get shirts that feel better, hold their shape longer, and look fresh after multiple washes.

Mistake #2: Not Double-Checking Sizes and Fit

Sizing mistakes are one of the most common — and costly — issues when ordering custom t-shirts. Imagine printing your perfect design, only to find that half your team’s shirts don’t fit. Unfortunately, not all t-shirt brands or printers use the same sizing chart, so “Medium” can mean very different things depending on the manufacturer.

Why Sizing Is One of the Biggest Issues

Even a small difference in size can make a shirt uncomfortable or unflattering. Many buyers assume their regular size will work, but custom shirts often vary based on style (unisex, fitted, oversized) and fabric composition.

How to Get Sizing Right Before Ordering

Here’s how to make sure your shirts fit perfectly every time:

Check the size chart carefully. Compare actual measurements, not just labels like S, M, or L.
Measure a shirt you already love. Lay it flat, measure chest width and length, then match it to the chart.
Account for shrinkage. Cotton shirts may shrink slightly after washing — choose accordingly.
Consider the fit type. Unisex fits are looser, while women’s cuts are more tailored.

A little time spent verifying sizes upfront can save you a major headache later. If you’re placing a large order, order a sample first — it’s worth it to ensure everyone ends up with a shirt that fits just right.

Mistake #3: Overcomplicating the Design

Designing a custom t-shirt is exciting — but it’s easy to go overboard. Using too many colors, images, or fonts can make a shirt look cluttered or cheap. Simplicity, on the other hand, almost always looks more professional and polished.

Why Simplicity Wins

Overly complex designs can lead to several issues:

The final print may not look as clean as the digital mockup.
Printing costs rise with every additional color or detail.
The design might lose clarity or impact on certain fabric colors.

Think of your favorite t-shirts — most have simple, bold designs that are easy to read and instantly recognizable.

Design Tips for a Clean, Professional Look

Use high-resolution artwork (at least 300 DPI). Low-quality files print blurry or pixelated.
Stick to 2–3 colors for maximum clarity and cost efficiency.
Make sure text is legible and sized properly for the shirt.
Always preview your design on a mockup before finalizing your order.

A well-thought-out, minimal design can make your shirt look high-end and timeless — while also keeping your printing costs reasonable.

Mistake #4: Overlooking Print Method and Placement

Even if your design is perfect, printing it the wrong way or in the wrong spot can ruin the final product. The print method affects texture, durability, and how colors appear — while placement determines how professional your shirt looks.

Understanding Print Methods

Here are the main methods used for custom shirt printing and their ideal use cases:

Screen Printing: Best for large orders with bold, simple designs. Long-lasting and vibrant.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG): Great for small orders and detailed, full-color prints.
Heat Transfer / Vinyl: Ideal for small designs or names/numbers on jerseys.
Embroidery: Perfect for logos or premium apparel with a textured finish.

Choosing the right print method depends on your design complexity, quantity, and budget.

Print Placement Mistakes to Avoid

Misplaced designs are more common than you think — prints that sit too low, too high, or off-center can look awkward. Here are some quick tips:

Chest prints should sit 3–4 inches below the neckline.
Back prints should be centered between the shoulder blades.
Sleeve prints should align with the outer arm for balance.

Before confirming your order, always request a digital proof or sample image to ensure your design looks exactly how you envision it.

Mistake #5: Focusing Only on Price Instead of Value

We all love a good deal — but when it comes to custom shirts, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Low-cost shirts often use thinner fabric, cheaper inks, and inconsistent printing techniques that lead to fading or cracking after a few washes.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Custom Shirts

What seems like a small savings upfront can actually cost more in the long run when shirts need replacing sooner. Poor-quality fabric feels rough, fits awkwardly, and gives a bad impression if you’re using them for business or events.

What to Consider Instead

Instead of chasing the lowest price, focus on value:

Quality materials that feel good and last.
Reliable printing that doesn’t fade or peel.
Good customer support that ensures your satisfaction.

When you choose a reputable custom shirt provider that prioritizes quality, your shirts will look professional, feel comfortable, and represent your brand or message with pride.

Remember: every shirt you design is a reflection of you — and that’s something worth investing in.

Bonus Tips: What to Do Before You Place Your Custom Shirt Order

Before hitting “checkout,” take a moment to double-check everything. A few final steps can make all the difference between a great order and a disappointing one.

Your Pre-Order Checklist

✔ Review your design carefully for spelling errors or layout issues.
✔ Double-check the size chart and confirm the right fit for everyone.
✔ Confirm fabric type and print method.
✔ Request a digital mockup or sample if possible.
✔ Order one test shirt before large bulk purchases.

These steps take just a few extra minutes but can save you a ton of time, money, and frustration later.

Final Thoughts – Get Custom Shirts You’ll Actually Love Wearing

Buying custom shirts doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s all about knowing what to look for and avoiding the common pitfalls that trip up first-time buyers. By paying attention to fabric quality, sizing, design simplicity, print method, and value, you’ll end up with shirts that look fantastic and last for years.

Whether you’re designing shirts for your business, event, or personal wardrobe, the key is to focus on quality over quantity and make decisions that fit your purpose. When you get it right, custom t-shirts aren’t just apparel — they’re a statement.

Ready to create shirts you’ll actually love wearing? Choose the right fabric, nail your design, and order with confidence — because a well-made custom shirt never goes out of style.

Related Reading: Custom Birthday T-Shirts for Kids

FAQs About Buying Custom Shirts

Q1: What’s the best fabric for custom t-shirts?

It depends on your needs. Cotton is soft and breathable, polyester is durable and moisture-wicking, and blends offer the best of both.

Q2: How can I make sure my custom shirts fit properly?

Always check the size chart, compare it with a shirt you already own, and consider ordering a sample before placing bulk orders.

Q3: How many colors should I use in my design?

Keep it simple! Using two to three colors usually looks cleaner, prints better, and costs less.

Q4: What’s the difference between screen printing and DTG?

Screen printing is ideal for large orders with bold designs, while DTG is better for small batches or detailed, full-color artwork.

Q5: Are cheap custom shirts worth it?

Not usually. Cheap shirts often fade or shrink quickly. Investing in quality materials ensures your shirts look and feel great for longer.

Written By

Jorden Smith

Fashion expert from Los Angeles, shaping clean and modern streetwear for 6+ years.