Customized T-shirts have become a staple for corporate events, promotional activities, school functions, fitness clubs, and even personal celebrations. While the benefits of custom T-shirts are immense—branding, team unity, promotional visibility, and personalized appeal—the ordering process can be riddled with mistakes if not handled properly.
Read Also: How to Design Custom Bags That Stand Out? Flyten
Whether you’re ordering for a startup, an NGO, or a college fest, avoiding common pitfalls can save you time, money, and disappointment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the top mistakes to avoid when ordering customized T-shirts so you can enjoy a smooth and successful experience.
Not Defining Your Purpose Clearly
One of the biggest mistakes is jumping into the order process without a clear purpose. Ask yourself:
Is this for promotion or resale?
Is it for employees, volunteers, or students?
Do you want long-term use or just for a one-time event?
Why this matters: The purpose affects your choice of fabric, print quality, and budget. A T-shirt for a one-day college event may not need the same durability as one meant for everyday employee wear.
Choosing the Wrong Fabric
Not all T-shirts are created equal. Cotton, polycotton, and dri-fit materials each serve different purposes.
Common Fabric Types:
100% Cotton: Soft and breathable. Great for comfort and printing.
Polycotton Blends: More durable and shrink-resistant.
Dri-Fit (Polyester): Ideal for sports and fitness due to sweat-wicking properties.
Mistake: Many buyers pick cotton for sports events or dri-fit for office wear without understanding the functionality.
Solution: Match the fabric with the purpose of use. Ask your supplier for samples if possible.
Ignoring Size Charts and Fitting Issues
Customized T-shirts aren’t returnable, so sizing mistakes can be costly. Using standard size labels like S, M, L can be misleading across different brands.
Mistake: Assuming your usual size will fit perfectly in a bulk custom order.
Solution:
Ask your supplier for a size chart.
Take actual measurements (chest, length, shoulders) before finalizing.
If you’re ordering in bulk, collect size data from your team or audience.
Using Low-Resolution Designs
Blurry or pixelated logos and designs are a major issue. Many first-time buyers send WhatsApp images or low-res screenshots.
Mistake: Submitting low-quality images or designs that don’t scale well.
Solution:
Always use high-resolution files (preferably vector formats like .AI, .EPS, or high-res PNGs).
If unsure, consult with your vendor or a designer to get the artwork print-ready.
Ensure your branding colors and fonts are accurate.
Neglecting Print Type and Placement
Printing is more than slapping a logo on a T-shirt. The type of print and its placement affect durability and aesthetics.
Common Printing Techniques:
Screen Printing: Ideal for large bulk orders. Durable and cost-effective.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Best for colorful or complex designs in small batches.
Heat Transfer: Good for low-quantity orders but may peel over time.
Embroidery: Premium finish for corporate branding.
Mistake: Choosing the cheapest print type without considering longevity or appearance.
Solution: Discuss printing techniques with your supplier based on your design complexity and usage frequency.
Underestimating Production Time
Customized T-shirts take time for designing, sampling, printing, and delivery. Rushing the process often leads to errors or poor quality.
Mistake: Placing the order too close to your event date.
Solution:
Order at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for bulk orders.
Allow time for sampling, approval, and corrections.
Ask your vendor for realistic timelines.
Skipping the Sample or Mock-Up Stage
Never finalize a bulk order without seeing a digital or physical sample.
Mistake: Trusting the design and final product will look “just right” without proofing.
Solution:
Request a digital mock-up (front and back).
If budget permits, order a physical sample before the full production run.
Verify colors, logo size, placement, and fabric feel.
Not Asking About Washing Instructions
A common post-delivery complaint is print fading or fabric shrinking—usually due to incorrect washing.
Mistake: Assuming all printed T-shirts are machine-wash safe or colorfast.
Solution:
Ask for washing and care instructions.
Share these with your team to ensure durability.
Include wash care labels inside the T-shirts if possible.
Overlooking Hidden Costs
From GST to design setup charges or delivery fees, the final invoice may surprise you if you don’t clarify everything upfront.
Mistake: Focusing only on the per-piece price.
Solution:
Ask for an all-inclusive quote.
Check if prices include printing, packaging, and transport.
Clarify if there’s an extra cost for sizes above XL or for multi-color printing.
Ordering the Wrong Quantity
Sometimes you may underestimate the number of T-shirts needed—or worse, over-order and waste money.
Mistake: Not planning for buffer stock or ordering without a proper count.
Solution:
Collect accurate size-wise data.
Add a 5-10% buffer stock for last-minute additions or size mismatches.
Confirm MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) with your vendor.
Choosing the Wrong Vendor
Not all T-shirt manufacturers are the same. Some specialize in quality; others in bulk volume. Choosing a random vendor based on price alone can lead to issues.
Mistake: Opting for the lowest quote without checking credibility.
Solution:
Check Google reviews, past work, client testimonials.
Verify if the vendor delivers pan India and offers post-sales support.
Partner with reputed manufacturers like Flyten, who specialize in customized T-shirts and bags for corporates, events, schools, and NGOs.
Failing to Communicate Clearly
Miscommunication leads to incorrect sizes, wrong logo placement, delayed deliveries, or color mismatches.
Mistake: Not documenting your requirements in writing.
Solution:
Send a clear email or order form mentioning all specs: sizes, quantities, colors, printing, delivery deadline.
Confirm the mock-up via email or WhatsApp before production.
Ask for regular production updates.
Conclusion
Ordering customized T-shirts can be a rewarding branding exercise—if done right. Whether it’s for a marathon, a corporate offsite, or a school event, the right approach ensures your team not only looks great but feels great too.
By avoiding these top mistakes—ranging from poor sizing and bad artwork to skipping samples and rushing orders—you protect your investment and ensure the final product exceeds expectations.
Why Choose Flyten for Your Custom T-Shirt Needs?
At Flyten, we understand that every detail matters—from fabric quality to print durability. We help brands across India with:
Bulk Orders (100+ pcs minimum)
Logo Printing and Embroidery
Pan India Delivery
Quality Checks and Timely Dispatch
Support for Schools, Corporates, NGOs, Events & More
Ready to place your next order? Contact us today to get a free quote or sample.
📧 info@flyten.in
🌐 https://flyten.co.in/
📦 Minimum Order: 100 Units | 🧵 Quality Guaranteed | 🚚 Delivery Across India
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