How to print T-shirts correctly — and send your design straight to us

Getting a printed T-shirt right is mostly about three things: good artwork, the right print method, and the right shirt. Get those lined up and the result looks sharp on day one and stays that way wash after wash.

1. Start with print-ready artwork

• Work at the real print size (most chest prints are 25–30cm wide; back prints up to 30–35cm).
• Use 300 DPI for raster files, or send vectors (PDF, AI, SVG) whenever you can — vectors stay crisp at any size.
• Convert all text to outlines so fonts do not swap on our end.
• Use CMYK for full-colour prints, or spot/Pantone colours for solid brand colours.
• Leave a little breathing room around the edge of the design — avoid printing right up to a seam.

2. Pick the right print method

• DTF (Direct-to-Film) — great for small runs, photographic detail and full colour on dark fabrics.
• Screen printing — best value for larger runs of 25+ shirts in 1–4 spot colours; very durable.
• Vinyl / heat transfer — perfect for names, numbers and short text on sportswear.
• Embroidery — premium, hard-wearing finish for logos on polos, workwear and caps.

Not sure which suits your job? Send us the artwork and quantity and we will recommend the best option.

3. Choose a shirt that prints well

• 100% cotton or cotton-rich blends give the sharpest results.
• Ringspun or combed cotton (around 180 gsm) feels softer and prints cleaner than basic open-end cotton.
• Stick to mid-tone garments if you want the lowest cost — very dark colours may need a white under-base.

4. Care so prints last

• Wash inside out at 30°C.
• No bleach, no tumble drying on high.
• Iron on the reverse — never directly on the print.

Send your design straight to us

Got a file ready? Email it through and we will reply with a free artwork check and quote, usually the same working day.

• 📧 sales@mmprint.co.uk
• 📞 01473 933888
• 💬 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447949593021

Or drop in to 5 Tacket St, Ipswich IP4 1AU — Mon–Fri 09:00–17:30. We will sit down with you, check the artwork on screen and give you a printed sample before we run the full order.