How to Design the Perfect Shirt for Your Business, Event, or Group

Creating a custom shirt that people actually want to wear (and not just toss in the back of a closet) is an art—and we’re here to spill the secrets. At Print + Press Design & Apparel, we’ve designed everything from business tees to event swag to group gear that’s become a badge of honor. Whether you’re outfitting your team, hyping up a big occasion, or uniting your crew, here’s how to nail the perfect custom shirt design—straight from our Pulaski, Tennessee shop to you.

Step 1: Know Your Why

Before you even think about colors or fonts, ask yourself: What’s the shirt for? A business might want a sleek logo tee that screams professionalism. An event—like a family reunion or a 5K—might need something fun and memorable. A group, say a book club or car crew, could lean into an inside joke or shared vibe. At Print + Press, we’ve learned that the best designs start with purpose. So, jot down your goal: Is it branding? Celebration? Unity? That’s your North Star.

Step 2: Pick the Right Canvas

The shirt itself matters. Are you going for a soft, comfy tee that people will live in, or a crisp polo for a polished look? We’ve got options galore—think classic cotton, trendy blends, or even performance wear for active groups. For a summer event, light and breathable is king. For a business giveaway, durability might win. Pro tip: match the shirt style to your crowd. We once printed a batch of cozy tees for a local coffee shop’s staff, and they’re still raving about them.

Step 3: Nail the Design

Here’s where the fun begins—and where Courtney, our graphic design wizard, and I get to shine. Keep it simple but bold: a logo, a catchy phrase, or a standout graphic. Less is often more—too many elements can turn a shirt into a cluttered mess. Think about placement too—front and center, a sneaky sleeve detail, or a big back design? For a business, your logo with a tagline works wonders. For an event, add a date or location (like “Smith Family Reunion 2025”). Groups? Go wild with personality—our TikTok Shop fans love quirky stuff like “Tumbler Addict Crew.”

Step 4: Play with Color (Smartly)

Color can make or break a design. Match your shirt and ink to your vibe—bright and loud for a festival, muted and classy for a corporate gig. Contrast is key: dark ink on light shirts, or vice versa, pops best. We’ve got DTF printing in our arsenal, so we can handle vibrant, full-color designs that hold up wash after wash. One fave? A teal tee with white lettering for a Tennessee vendor booth promo—eye-catching and on-brand.

Step 5: Think About Your People

Who’s wearing this? A youth group might love oversized fits and neon vibes, while a business team might prefer fitted cuts in neutral tones. Sizes matter too—offer a range so everyone feels included. And don’t sleep on extras: we’ve added leather patches to hats for a luxe touch, but a custom tag or a bonus sticker with each shirt can level up the experience. Ask yourself: Will they wear this again? If the answer’s yes, you’re golden.

Step 6: Test It Out

Before you go big, get a sample. Hold it, wear it, wash it—make sure it feels right. We’ve learned this the hard way (RIP that one scratchy batch from the early days!). At Print + Press, we’re happy to run a test print so you can see your vision come to life. Tweak as needed—maybe the font’s too small or the red’s too loud. This is your chance to perfect it.

Step 7: Let Us Handle the Rest

Once you’ve got your design locked in, hand it over to us. From bulk orders to one-offs, we’ve got the tools—sublimation, DTF, you name it—to make it happen. We started as a solo gig with car air fresheners (true story!), but now we’re a full-service print shop ready to bring your shirt to life. Sell it on your site, rock it at your event, or gift it to your group—we’ll make sure it’s a hit.

Bonus Tip: Have Fun With It

The perfect custom shirt isn’t just functional—it’s a vibe. Add a personal touch that makes people smile. We once printed “Pit Crew” tees for a mechanic’s team with their nicknames on the back, and they still talk about it. It’s your chance to create something that sticks with people long after they put it on.

Ready to design your masterpiece? Drop us a line at Print + Press Design & Apparel. Whether it’s for your business, your next big event, or your favorite group of weirdos, we’ll help you craft a shirt that’s perfect—down to the last detail.