Designing a custom t-shirt might seem simple — throw a logo or slogan on and you’re done, right? Not quite. The difference between a shirt that sells and one that ends up at the back of a drawer comes down to design choices that connect with people.
At T-ShirtPrinter.com, we’ve printed thousands of designs for Bristol businesses, events, and brands. Here are our top tips for creating a custom t-shirt that people will actually want to wear (and buy).
1. Keep It Simple & Bold
The best t-shirts are instantly recognisable. A clean design with strong lines and clear text will always beat a cluttered layout.
👉 Pro Tip: Think of iconic shirts — they’re rarely busy. One bold logo, one phrase, one strong graphic. That’s what sticks.
2. Choose Colours That Work with the Fabric
A great design can fall flat if the colours clash with the garment. Bright colours pop on dark shirts, while subtle tones work better on lighter fabrics.
👉 Example: A black tee with a neon green print stands out at night events. A white tee with soft pastel logos works for summer festivals.
3. Connect Emotionally
People buy shirts that mean something. It could be humour, pride, belonging, or a memory. The more your design taps into an emotion, the more likely it is to sell.
👉 Example: A Bristol charity selling tees with a bold slogan like “Run for Change 2025” will inspire supporters far more than a plain logo.
4. Make It Wearable Beyond the Event
If you want your design to be worn again and again, make sure it’s stylish enough to work outside of the original event. A shirt that doubles as casual wear is far more valuable than a one-off souvenir.
👉 Example: A barber shop in Stokes Croft prints a trendy streetwear-style logo. Customers buy it, wear it, and advertise the shop every day.
5. Pick the Right Printing Method
Even the best design can fail with the wrong print method. That’s where we guide you:
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DTF printing → best for colourful, detailed designs.
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Vinyl printing → best for bold text or personalised names/numbers.
Why It Works
A t-shirt that sells is:
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Simple and bold
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Matched with the right colours
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Emotionally engaging
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Wearable beyond the event
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Printed with the right method
When you get all five right, you’re not just selling a shirt — you’re creating walking adverts for your brand.
Ready to Bring Your Design to Life?
If you’ve got an idea for a t-shirt but aren’t sure how to make it work, we’ll help you refine it. From colour choices to print method, our Bristol team will make sure your design is something people actually want to wear.
👉 Send us your design today and we’ll turn it into a best-seller.