Printed T-Shirts and Making Them Last

FASHION · GLOBAL

Printed T-Shirts and Making Them Last

Print types, fabric weight, sizing and washing without cracking the print

Printed t-shirts fail at the print rather than the fabric, and almost all of that damage happens in the wash.

Print types

Screen printing lays ink on the surface in layers and gives bright opaque colour, and it can crack if treated badly. Direct-to-garment printing sinks into the fibres, feels softer and fades gradually rather than cracking.

Vinyl transfers are thick, very durable in colour and peel at the edges over time. Embroidery outlasts all of them and suits simple designs only.

Fabric weight

Grams per square metre tells you what you are buying. Around 140gsm is thin and drapes; 180gsm is a standard t-shirt; 200gsm and above is heavyweight, holds its shape and does not go transparent.

Ring-spun cotton is smoother and softer than open-end cotton at the same weight, and combed cotton smoother still.

Sizing

T-shirt sizing varies enormously between print suppliers, since they buy blank garments from different manufacturers. Check the actual chest and length measurements rather than the letter.

Check whether the fabric is pre-shrunk, since untreated cotton can lose a size on a hot wash.

Washing without ruining it

Inside out, cool, and never tumble dry. Heat is what cracks screen prints and lifts vinyl, and the dryer does more damage in one cycle than a month of wear.

Do not iron directly over a print. Iron on the reverse or with a cloth between.

Fading

Dry in shade rather than direct sun, which bleaches both the print and the garment. Wash with similar colours and skip harsh detergents.

Buying as a gift

Check the size guide measurements rather than the letter, and be careful with slogan shirts for people who do not wear them. Include a gift receipt.

A design that is funny once is worn once; something referencing a genuine interest is worn for years.

Custom printing

For a group or an event, check the minimum order, the turnaround and whether artwork needs to be supplied at a particular resolution. Proofread every word on the proof, since printed items are not returnable.

Simpler designs print better and last longer than photographic ones with fine detail.

Fit and shape

Regular fit tees are cut straight; slim fit tapers. Check the length as well as the chest, since a short body is the most common complaint and cannot be altered.

Unisex sizing is usually a men's cut, which fits differently across the chest and hip.

Printing at home

Transfer papers and vinyl kits work and need heat and pressure to bond properly. Follow the temperature and time exactly, since under-pressing is why home prints peel.

Buying

Check whether the print is available on a heavier blank, which usually costs a little more and lasts considerably longer.

WHERE TO BUY

Ready to shop Chargrilled? Use the link below to visit the official store.

→ Shop Chargrilled — official site

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