Ordering custom t-shirts should be simple. But time and time again, we see businesses, event organisers, and even individuals get caught out by the same avoidable mistakes. The result? Wasted money, missed deadlines, and shirts that no one wants to wear.
At T-ShirtPrinter.com, we’ve helped hundreds of Bristol businesses and groups fix these problems. Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid when ordering your next batch of custom t-shirts.
1. Ordering the Wrong Sizes
One of the biggest mistakes is not getting the right size breakdown. It’s easy to over-order mediums and under-order larger sizes, leaving half your team uncomfortable and unhappy.
👉 How to avoid it: Ask for staff sizes in advance, or if you’re unsure, order a balanced range with a few extras in common sizes. We can help you decide the right split.
2. Choosing Low-Quality Garments
Cheap shirts might save money upfront, but they often shrink, fade, or feel uncomfortable. That reflects badly on your brand and means you’ll be re-ordering sooner than you think.
👉 How to avoid it: Always ask about garment quality before you buy. At T-ShirtPrinter.com, we use trusted suppliers with blanks we know will last.
3. Overcomplicating the Design
It’s tempting to cram everything onto your shirt — logos, slogans, contact details, graphics, and more. But busy designs are harder to read, more expensive to print, and less likely to be worn outside of work or the event.
👉 How to avoid it: Keep it simple and bold. One strong logo or slogan is often more powerful than five. We’ll happily help refine your design so it works on fabric.
4. Not Allowing Enough Lead Time
Last-minute orders happen — but leaving it too late is a recipe for stress. Online bargain printers often take weeks, and even local printers need some notice for bigger jobs.
👉 How to avoid it: Plan ahead where you can. For urgent jobs, we offer fast turnaround printing right here in Bristol — no waiting around for overseas shipping.
5. Using the Wrong Print Method
Not all print methods are equal. Ordering vinyl when you really need full-colour DTF, or vice versa, can leave you with shirts that don’t look right or don’t last.
👉 How to avoid it: Talk to us before you order. We’ll match your design to the best method:
- DTF printing → vibrant, detailed logos and multi-colour designs.
- Vinyl printing → bold, single-colour text or personalised names/numbers.
Why It Matters
Getting it wrong doesn’t just cost money — it damages your brand. A poorly printed shirt sends the wrong message about your business. A well-printed, professional garment? That’s marketing you can wear again and again.
Order With Confidence
At T-ShirtPrinter.com, we make sure you avoid these common mistakes. From choosing the right garments to picking the best print method, we’ll guide you through the process and deliver shirts you’ll be proud to wear.
👉 Get in touch today — and let’s make sure your next custom t-shirts are done right, first time.
