Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Custom Shirts
Ordering custom shirts should be fun and exciting — whether you’re making merch for your business, a team, or an event. But even experienced creators sometimes run into problems that can cost time, money, and frustration. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid with a little preparation.
In this post, we’ll share the top five mistakes people make when ordering custom shirts and how to prevent them. Follow these tips, and you’ll get prints that look exactly the way you imagined.
Mistake #1: Using Low-Resolution Images
One of the most common errors is uploading images that aren’t high enough resolution.
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Why it matters: Low-resolution files can print blurry, pixelated, or grainy, making your design look unprofessional.
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How to avoid it: Always use files that are 300 DPI at the intended print size. Vector files (AI, SVG, or PDF) are even better because they scale perfectly without losing detail.
Pro Tip: Zoom in on your file at 100% — if it looks blurry on-screen, it will look blurry on the shirt.
Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Shirt Blank
Not all shirts are created equal. Choosing the wrong blank can affect comfort, fit, and how well your design adheres.
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Why it matters: Cheap or thin shirts may shrink, fade, or feel uncomfortable, while thicker, high-quality blanks hold prints better.
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How to avoid it: Look for reputable blank brands like Bella + Canvas or Gildan, and choose the right style for your audience (unisex, fitted, or hoodie).
Pro Tip: Consider the color of your blank in relation to your design. Dark designs pop on light shirts, light designs need dark backgrounds.
Mistake #3: Not Allowing Enough Time
Rushing orders is a recipe for stress — and sometimes mistakes.
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Why it matters: Printing, shipping, and even proofing can take time. Orders placed at the last minute may not arrive in time.
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How to avoid it: Plan ahead and include a buffer of a few extra days for production and shipping.
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Extra tip: Birdie Printing Co. offers most orders in 1–2 business days, but larger or custom orders can take longer.
Mistake #4: Overcomplicating the Design
Complex designs don’t always translate well to shirts.
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Why it matters: Small details, thin lines, or overly intricate graphics can get lost during printing. Text that’s too small may be unreadable.
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How to avoid it: Simplify your design where possible. Focus on bold, clean elements that stand out. Use high-contrast colors for maximum visibility.
Pro Tip: Step back and view your design at the size it will appear on the shirt — if it’s hard to read on-screen, it will be hard to read on fabric.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Placement & Sizing
Even a perfect design can look off if it’s placed poorly.
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Why it matters: Shirts with logos or graphics printed too low, high, or off-center look unprofessional. Oversized prints can overwhelm the shirt; undersized prints can be hard to see.
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How to avoid it: Use mockups and design tools (like the ones Birdie provides) to see how your design fits. Standard placements:
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Chest logo: ~3–4 inches below collar
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Full front: 8–12 inches tall
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Back prints: Centered between shoulders
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Pro Tip: For gang sheets, make sure spacing between designs allows for clean cutting and pressing.
Conclusion
Avoiding these five mistakes will save you frustration, wasted money, and bad prints. Remember: high-resolution files, quality blanks, thoughtful timing, simple designs, and correct placement are the keys to success.
At Birdie Printing Co., we’re here to help every step of the way — from file upload to gang sheet printing to custom blanks. Our tools, guides, and support make sure your order comes out exactly the way you imagined.