Personalised T-Shirts | Quality Custom Printing Services

03/02/2026

Getting your logo or design onto a t-shirt sounds straightforward until you start looking at the options. Different fabrics, print methods, garment styles, and suppliers all promise great results, but the details matter more than most people realise when they're placing their first order.

This guide walks you through everything from choosing the right base garment and print technique to understanding how the ordering process works with a professional supplier.

What are personalised t-shirts

Personalised t-shirts are garments customised with your own logos, text, graphics, or artwork through printing or embroidery. Unlike plain blank t-shirts you might pick up off the shelf, personalised versions carry a design that's specific to your brand, team, event, or message. You'll spot them everywhere—staff uniforms at local businesses, charity run participants, school leavers celebrating their final year, and sports teams warming up before a match.

The customisation happens by selecting a base garment first, then applying your design using one of several decoration methods. Screen printing works well for bulk orders with bold, simple designs. Digital methods like DTF handle photographic images and complex artwork. Embroidery stitches your logo directly into the fabric for a textured, premium look.

• Custom artwork: Your logo, slogan, photograph, or illustration applied directly to the fabric
• Multiple decoration methods: Screen printing, DTF, embroidery, or vinyl transfers, depending on design complexity and quantity
• Flexible quantities: Orders can range from ten garments for a small team up to thousands for large events

Available in 69 Colours

Sizes

• S
• M
• L
• XL
• 2XL
• 3XL
• 4XL
• 5XL

£2.17

Gildan Heavy Cotton™ T-Shirt

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Available in 17 Colours

Sizes

• S
• M
• L
• XL
• 2XL
• 3XL

£2.15

Gildan Ladies Heavy Cotton™ T-Shirt

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Available in 27 Colours

Sizes

• S
• M
• L
• XL
• 2XL
• 3XL
• 4XL
• 5XL

£1.95

Fruit Of The Loom Original T-Shirt

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Popular t-shirt styles and brands

The base garment you choose affects comfort, appearance, and how well your design actually prints. A quality blank from a trusted brand gives you better results and a more professional finish than a cheap alternative that might shrink, fade, or distort your artwork after a few washes.

Crew neck t-shirts

The crew neck is the most common choice for custom printing, and for good reason. Its round neckline and flat front panel give you a large, uninterrupted canvas for your design. Whether you're printing a small chest logo or a full-front graphic, the crew neck handles it well. This style suits almost any occasion, from casual events to daily workwear.

V neck t-shirts

V necks offer a slightly smarter appearance thanks to their angled neckline. They're popular for retail brands and corporate settings where a polished look matters. One thing to keep in mind: print placement often requires adjusting to account for the neckline shape, particularly if you're adding a chest logo that sits close to the collar.

Long sleeve t-shirts

When cooler weather arrives or you're planning outdoor events, long sleeve t-shirts become a practical option. Beyond the extra warmth, they provide additional print areas on the sleeves. This extra space works well for sponsor logos, secondary branding, or decorative elements that complement your main design.

Fitted and ladies t-shirts

Tailored cuts designed for women's shapes ensure a better fit and more flattering silhouette. If you're ordering for mixed-gender groups, selecting the correct style for each wearer helps everyone look and feel comfortable. A unisex cut on someone expecting a fitted style can look baggy and unprofessional.

Kids t-shirts

Smaller sizes suitable for schools, youth clubs, and family events are widely available from most suppliers. Age-appropriate sizing typically runs from toddler through to teenage years, making it straightforward to kit out entire year groups or junior sports teams without leaving anyone out.

Organic and eco friendly t-shirts

Sustainable options made from organic cotton or recycled materials appeal to brands with environmental values. Organic t-shirts often carry certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and work well with most print methods. You don't have to compromise on quality or design options to make an ethical choice.

Custom t-shirt printing methods

Choosing the right printing method depends on your design complexity, order quantity, and how the garments will be used. Each technique has strengths that make it better suited to certain projects.

Screen printing for bulk orders

Screen printing uses stencils and ink pressed through a fine mesh onto the fabric. It's the traditional method that's been around for decades, and it remains the go-to choice for large quantities with bold, simple designs using a limited colour palette. The results are vibrant and extremely durable, lasting through countless washes without fading or cracking.

Because screen printing requires setup for each colour in your design, it becomes more cost-effective as quantities increase. For runs of fifty garments or more with straightforward artwork, this method often delivers the best value per shirt.

Direct to film printing for full colour designs

Direct to Film (DTF) printing involves printing your design onto a special film, which is then heat-transferred to the garment. Unlike screen printing, DTF handles photographic images, gradients, and complex full-colour artwork without any colour limitations. Your design can include as many colours and details as you like.

DTF works particularly well for shorter runs because there are no setup costs. If you have a detailed design or only require a few dozen shirts, this approach gives you flexibility without sacrificing quality or paying extra for complexity.

Embroidered t-shirts for premium branding

Embroidery stitches your design directly into the fabric using coloured thread. The textured, raised finish looks professional and feels premium to the touch. It's especially popular for workwear, polo shirts, and corporate apparel where durability and a quality appearance matter.

Embroidered designs hold up exceptionally well to washing and wear. While embroidery works best for logos rather than large graphics or photographs, the quality speaks for itself when you want something that looks and feels substantial.

Vinyl transfer printing for names and numbers

Heat transfer vinyl is cut into shapes or letters and pressed onto the garment using heat. This method is perfect for individual personalisation, like player names and numbers on sports kits or one-off event-shirts where each garment carries different text.

Vinyl transfers suit small quantities and unique items. The finish is clean and precise, making it ideal for team kits where every player gets their own name on the back.

How to order personalised t-shirts online

A clear ordering process helps you move from idea to finished garments without confusion or delays. Here's how it typically works with a professional supplier.

1. Choose your garment

Start by selecting the t-shirt style, brand, and fabric weight that suits your purpose. Think about who will be wearing the garment and in what context. A lightweight tee works well for a summer festival, while a heavyweight option makes more sense for outdoor workwear or cooler conditions.

2. Select sizes and colours

Pick the garment colour that complements your design and choose quantities for each size. Most ranges cover XS through to 5XL or larger, so you can accommodate everyone in your group. Collecting size information from your team beforehand saves time and avoids the awkward situation of shirts that don't fit.

3. Upload your artwork

Submit your logo or design file to the supplier. Vector formats like AI, EPS, or PDF work best because they scale cleanly to any size without losing quality. High-resolution PNG and JPEG images can also work for most print methods, particularly DTF and digital printing. If your artwork requires adjusting, many suppliers can help redraw or optimise it for printing.

4. Get your quote

You'll receive a tailored price based on your garment choice, decoration method, and quantity. Before production begins, you'll typically see a digital proof showing your design on the chosen t-shirt. This mock-up is your chance to check everything looks right before any ink hits fabric.

Tip: Always request a mock-up before approving your order. Spotting a misaligned logo or wrong colour on screen is much easier than discovering it after printing has finished.

ustom printed t-shirts for every occasion

Personalised t-shirts serve many purposes beyond simple branding. The right combination of garment and print method can be tailored to suit almost any context, from daily workwear to one-off celebrations.

Workwear and staff uniforms

Branded t-shirts create a professional team identity that customers recognise instantly. Durable prints withstand regular washing, maintaining a consistent appearance across all staff members regardless of their role or size. When everyone looks the part, it builds trust with customers and creates a sense of unity among the team.

Events and promotional merchandise

Eye-catching designs for product launches, exhibitions, charity events, or giveaways help your message travel beyond the venue. Quick turnaround times are often essential for event merchandise, so working with an experienced supplier who can meet tight deadlines makes a real difference to your planning.

Sports teams and club kits

t-shirts customised with team logos plus individual names and numbers bring groups together and create a sense of belonging. Performance fabrics are available for active use during training and matches, while standard cotton works well for warm-ups and off-pitch wear.

Schools and leavers t-shirts

Class or year group designs for school trips, leavers' events, or PE kits create lasting memories that students keep for years. Kids' sizing and bulk discounts help keep costs manageable when ordering for entire year groups, and the process of choosing a design often becomes part of the fun.

Retail and fashion brands

Higher-quality garments and premium finishes suit brands looking to resell apparel. Options like custom relabelling, swing tags, and retail-ready packaging help your products look the part on the shelf or in online listings. The base garment becomes part of your brand story rather than just a blank canvas.

Why choose professional custom t-shirt printing

You might be wondering whether professional printing is worth it compared to DIY methods or budget print-on-demand platforms. The difference often shows in the details that matter most: how the print looks after washing, how the colours match your brand guidelines, and whether the garment itself holds up to regular wear.

• Retail-quality results: Professional equipment produces vibrant, long-lasting prints that hold up to repeated washing without cracking or fading
• Expert guidance: Help choosing the right garment and print method for your specific design and intended use
• Bulk order efficiency: Competitive pricing and faster turnaround for larger quantities
• Artwork support: Assistance with file preparation, colour matching, and mock-ups before production begins

Working with specialists means fewer surprises and better outcomes. When your brand reputation or event success depends on the finished product, reliability matters more than saving a few pounds on a budget option.

Design your own personalised t-shirts with A4 Apparel

With over twenty years of experience, a catalogue of more than a thousand styles, and multiple print and embroidery methods available, creating custom apparel doesn't have to be complicated. Our ordering process takes you from garment selection through to artwork submission without unnecessary steps or confusing options.

Ready to start your project? Discover how ourprinted t-shirts combine quality, choice, and professional results for teams, businesses, and events across the UK.

Frequently asked questions about personalised t-shirts

How long does personalised t-shirt printing take?

Turnaround time depends on order size and decoration method. Most orders are completed within a few working days after final artwork approval, though larger runs or complex embroidery may take longer. If you have a specific deadline, mentioning it when you request a quote helps ensure your order is scheduled appropriately.

What file formats are accepted for t-shirt printing artwork?

Vector files such as AI, EPS, or PDF work best because they scale cleanly to any size without losing sharpness. High-resolution PNG and JPEG images can also be used for most print methods, particularly DTF and digital printing. If you only have a low-resolution file, many suppliers can help recreate or optimise your artwork.

Can individual names and numbers be added to each t-shirt?

Yes, methods like vinyl transfer or DTF printing allow unique text or numbers on each garment. This makes them ideal for sports teams where every player gets their own name, leavers' hoodies with individual names, and personalised gifts.

What is the minimum order quantity for personalised t-shirts?

Minimum quantities vary by supplier and print method. Some accept single-item orders for methods like DTF, while others require a minimum of ten garments to qualify for bulk pricing and certain print methods like screen printing.

Do you receive a proof before printing begins?

Yes, most professional printers provide a digital mock-up showing your design positioned on the chosen garment. You'll approve this proof before production begins, giving you a chance to catch any issues with placement, sizing, or colour before it's too late to make changes.

How durable is the print after repeated washing?

Professionally applied prints using quality inks and correct heat settings remain vibrant through many wash cycles. Following the garment's care instructions helps extend the life of your design. Typically, washing inside out at moderate temperatures and avoiding tumble drying on high heat keeps prints looking fresh for longer.