•Apparel, Guide, Business
Getting Started with Custom Apparel
Learn the basics of creating your own custom apparel line, from fabric selection to printing techniques.
Starting a custom apparel business is an exciting journey. Whether you're looking to create a brand from scratch or add merchandise to your existing business, understanding the basics is crucial.
Choosing the Right Fabric
The foundation of any great garment is the fabric. For t-shirts, you'll often choose between:
- 100% Cotton: Soft, breathable, and classic. Great for casual wear.
- Polyester Blends: Durable, moisture-wicking, and often more resistant to shrinking.
- Triblends: A mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon for a vintage feel and extreme softness.
Printing Techniques
Once you have your blanks, it's time to add your design.
Screen Printing
The industry standard for bulk orders. It's durable, cost-effective for large quantities, and produces vibrant colors.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG)
Perfect for smaller runs and complex, multi-color designs. It works like an inkjet printer for fabric.
Embroidery
Adds a premium touch, ideal for logos on polos, hats, and jackets.
Next Steps
- Define your niche.
- Create your designs.
- Order samples.
- Launch your store!