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What You Will Learn In This Blog?
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Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it, and customization is what makes it yours!
Custom apparel is one of the hottest trends of the present time. It is not just fabric and thread-it’s a unique gift idea, a memorable event outfit, or the most powerful marketing tool you’ll use!
Yet, many still hesitate to order custom apparel and have questions, like:
- How do I create my own t-shirt designs?
- How much does it cost to print a custom shirt?
- Are there minimum order requirements?
If these questions are on your mind, too, you’ve come to the right place!
The Apparel Pro presents this guide to address all your questions about designing and ordering personalized apparel online. After reading this, you will be fully prepared to create something truly unique.
Let’s get started.
Who Can Benefit From Custom Apparel?
Custom apparel isn’t just for businesses—almost every individual or group can wear it. These apparels cater to a wide range of groups, including but not limited to:
Group | Use Cases | Benefits |
Businesses | Branding, staff uniforms, events | Builds brand & professional look |
Schools | Uniforms, spirit wear, fundraising | Creates unity & supports the school |
Nonprofits | Awareness, campaigns, fundraising | Spreads the message & raises support |
Sports Teams | Uniforms, team gear, fan merch | Unites team & excites fans |
Event Organizers | Trade shows, conferences, staff outfits | Matches the theme & looks organized |
Political Campaigns | Political swag, charity/fundraiser merch | Shares message & builds trust |
Retail | Personalized polos, jackets, and tees | Unique merch |
Weddings & Events | Bridal party tees, staff uniforms | Matches theme & adds fun |
Healthcare & Fitness | Scrubs, workout gear, member giveaways | Looks professional & motivates people |
Tourism & Gifting | Souvenirs, client gifts | Lasting memory & good impression |
💡Remember: If you or your group needs to look unified or create a lasting impression, custom apparel works just right!
6 Things To Consider Before Customizing An Apparel
1. What Is The Purpose Of Your Custom Design?
For this, you can ask yourself the following questions:
- Is it for your business branding, staff uniforms, or school spirit wear?
- Do you need it for events, sports teams, or fundraising campaigns?
- Is it intended for sale as merchandise or as a personalized gift?
Having clarity of purpose will guide your choices for design, type of apparel, and even the customization method.
2. What Are The Different Types Of Custom Apparel Options?
Now that you are clear about the purpose of your custom apparel? The next thing is exploring your options:
Category | Custom Apparel | Common Uses |
Casual | T-shirts, Hoodies & Sweatshirts | Every day use, gifting, staff and school uniforms or events |
Corporatewear | Embroidered company logo apparel, like polos and button-downs | Office teams, trade shows |
Active/Teamwear | Jackets, t-shirts, hoodies | Gifts, sports teams |
Accessories | Embroidered logo hats and bags | Promotional items, giveaways |
3. What Designs Can Be Added To Your Custom Outfit?
Custom-branded clothing gives you the freedom to bring your ideas to life. You can choose to print or embroider almost anything, like:
Design Type | Example Use Case |
Sports Numbers | Jerseys with player number & name |
Logos | Company t-shirts, charity tees |
Quotes/Slogans | Political campaigns, motivational tees |
Artwork | Student art on school spirit wear |
Photo Collage | Bachelor/bachelorette party tees |
Symbols/Icons | A religious or fitness sign, like a cross or dumbbell icon |
4. How To Choose The Right Fabric For Custom Clothing?
The fabric you pick decides how your apparel feels, lasts, and looks. Here are the common fabric examples:
Apparel Type | Preferred Fabric | Why choose it? |
T-Shirts | Cotton or Cotton-Poly blends | Soft, breathable, versatile |
Polos | Structured blends | Professional & polished look |
Hats | Sturdy cotton or polyester | Shape-holding & durable |
Bags | Heavy weaves, canvas, poly | Long-lasting & tough |
The Apparel Pro benefit: With us, you can choose a branded base clothing for customization from trusted names like Nike, Adidas, The North Face, Gildan, PUMA, Sport-Tek, and many more.
5. How To Pick The Right Colors For Custom Clothing?
Colors can make or break your custom design. So, always pick shades that match your brand identity, school spirit, or the personality of the person you’re gifting to. Refer to the following table for more details:
Purpose | Color Style | Example Use Case |
Brand Consistency | Match brand palette | Company staff uniforms |
School/Team Spirit | Bold primary colors | Sports jerseys, spirit wear |
Gifting & Lifestyle | Personal favorite shades | Birthday or event gifts |
Premium Look | Neutral/solid tones | Corporate polos & jackets |
High Visibility | Bright contrast colors | Event staff & campaigns |
💡 Pro Tip: Always consider the contrast between design colors and apparel colors. A white logo on a white tee? Not so great!
6. Where To Place Your Design?
Placement decides how visible and impactful your design will be. Common spots include:
Apparel Type | Placement Ideas |
T-Shirts | Left/right chest, center front, sleeves |
Polos | Chest (usually left side) |
Hoodies | Front, back, or sleeves |
Hats/Caps | Front panel, side, or back strap |
Bags | Front pocket or main body area |
What Are The Different Custom Designing Methods?
Different customization methods are more effective for personalized apparel depending on your apparel choice:
Method | Best For | Notes |
Screen Printing | Bulk tees, solid-color logos | Most cost-effective at scale |
DTF (Direct-to-Film) | Full-color art, small runs | Works on blends & dark fabrics |
Embroidery | Polos, hats, jackets, corporate custom apparel | Best for logos |
Sublimation (accessories) | All-over designs on mugs and bottles, mouse pads | Best on ceramics and rubber |
What Is The Minimum Quantity Order That Apparel Pro Offers?
One of the biggest hurdles for small businesses is minimum order requirements. The good news? The Apparel Pro has no minimum order requirements for custom-branded clothing.
That means you can order just one custom apparel design online to test it out before going bigger. Of course, bulk orders unlock better pricing, making it ideal for wholesale custom clothing buyers.
What Is The Expected Turnaround Time?
Turnaround times depend on the printing method, order size, and the complexity of customization. Here’s what you can expect:
Method | Small Orders | Medium/Large Orders | Rush Options |
DTF | 2–7 days | 7–10 days | Available |
Screen Print | 7–14 days | 10–20 days | 3–5 days for rush order custom shirts |
Embroidery | 7–12 days | 10–15 days | 3–7 days rush |
Note: The turnaround time for your order may also vary based on external factors, such as weather, road conditions, and location.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Custom Apparel
Before you hit order, avoid these simple mistakes that can ruin the final product:
Not ordering a sample product –
Always test one piece before committing to bulk.
Forgetting to choose a different size –
Bulk orders should cover all body types, not just one size.
Incorrect design placement –
A logo that is too low or off-center looks unprofessional.
Using too many colors in the design –
It drives up costs and makes prints messy.
Not removing white spaces in your design –
Clean up artwork with transparent background options before upload.
How To Order Your First Custom-Branded Apparel?
Finally, the consideration stage is over, and action time is on. Let us order your first custom clothing together:
- Choose your product (t-shirt, polo, hoodie, hat, etc.)
- Pick a brand (Nike, Adidas, Puma, etc.)
- Select the color
- Upload your design (logo, text, or artwork)
- Adjust placement & preview
- Select size and number of orders
- Get instant pricing
- Confirm order & checkout
That’s it—you’re on your way to custom gear that’s uniquely yours.
👉 Want a step-by-step walkthrough? Check out our guide: How to design your own clothes at The Apparel Pro!
How To Take Care Of Your Custom Apparel?
This guide will be complete only with tips to keep your custom-branded clothing in its best condition. Follow these care tips to protect your investment:
✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
Follow the care guide shared by the manufacturer | Ignore washing instructions and hope for the best |
Turn apparel inside out before washing/drying | Leave prints exposed to direct heat and friction |
Use a mild detergent for longer-lasting color | Use harsh bleach or strong chemicals |
Air-dry or tumble dry on low heat | Over-dry or use high-heat settings |
Wash hats and embroidered items gently (hand-wash if possible) | Soak hats, jackets, or embroidery-heavy items for too long |
Wash similar colors together | Mixing whites with darks, it causes color bleeding |
💡 A little extra care goes a long way—your custom embroidered apparel or printed tees will thank you every time you wear them.
Conclusion:
Custom clothing combines branding, culture, and marketing into a single product that people actually use.
Apparel Pro makes designing and ordering custom apparel easier than ever with no minimum orders, quick turnaround times, and endless design options. Even if you are planning a last-minute event, rush orders are possible—just let us know when placing your order!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I create my own t-shirt designs?
Start with an idea such as a logo, text, or artwork—then use our website to upload your file to a custom apparel site. You can preview it on a t-shirt, adjust placement, and order instantly.
Q2: What is the full cost of making one t-shirt?
It depends on fabric, print method, and brand. A single custom tee usually ranges from $15–$40. Bulk orders lower the price per shirt.
Q3: How do I design custom branded clothing?
Pick your apparel (tee, hoodie, polo, hat), choose colors, upload your design, and select placement.
Q4: How to make your own merch line?
Define your niche (brand, quotes, artwork), design a small collection, and use print-on-demand services to avoid big upfront costs. Sell online via Shopify, Etsy, or your own website—no warehouse needed!