Avoid These Mistakes

Three Pitfalls To Avoid When Ordering Custom Apparel (According to a Shop Owner of 15+ Years)

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Ordering custom apparel for your business, team, or group should be exciting.

After all, everyone loves merch!

But nothing is more frustrating than spending good money on shirts… only to open the box and realize something isn’t right. Maybe the color is off. Maybe the print quality isn’t great.

Or maybe it just doesn’t look the way you expected it to. When you’re investing in custom apparel, you want it done right.

After more than 15 years in this business, here are three pitfalls to avoid when placing your next order.

1. Choosing Based Only On The Cheapest Price

Let’s be real - budget matters.

Sometimes you have to go with the lowest price, and that’s understandable. But its important to know what can come with that decision.

The cheapest option can sometimes mean:

• Lower quality prints

• Less experienced production

• Poor communication

• Limited, slow or no customer support

And the biggest risk?

You may spend money on something you don’t even want to use.

We have seen it happen on many accounts. Boxes of shirts with crooked prints, wrong

colors, or designs that didn’t turn out as expected. And when that happens, it’s not just frustrating… it’s wasted money.

If you’re choosing a print shop, look for:

1. Strong Google Reviews

2. Proven experience

3. Clear, responsive communication

At the end of the day, you already know the truth: You get what you pay for.

2. Choosing the Cheapest Shirt

Just like printing, the shirt itself matters a lot. There are certainly times when a basic shirt makes sense. If you’re handing out a large number of free shirts, going budget-friendly is totally reasonable.

But here is something to think about:

For just a few dollars more per shirt, you can often upgrade to something people actually want to wear.

And that makes a huge difference.

Higher quality shirts:

• Feel better

• Last longer

• Shrink less

• Become go-to favorites

And that matters because your apparel is more than just clothing, it’s marketing.

Every time someone wears your shirt out in public, they’re not only representing your brand, but also advertising it.

So instead of something that looks cheap and inadequate, why not make something that makes your brand stand out.

3. Choosing The Wrong Decoration Method

Not all custom apparel is made the same.

There are several ways to decorate garments, and choosing the wrong one can completely change how your final product looks and feels.

Here are the most common options:

Screen Printing

This is the classic method most people think of. Ink is applied to the fabric, creating a long-lasting print that holds up over time. It’s vibrant, durable, and ideal for most t-shirt orders.

Transfers(Heat Press)

This method uses a design applied with heat. It’s faster and often cheaper, but sometimes it can feel like a sticker on the shirt. While it has its purpose, it’s not always the best option. Some people feel this method feels "cheap" or looks like a decal on a shirt. Technology has come a long way on transfers. As apparel experts, we know when to use each method to accomplish your goals. Make sure the company you're working with does the same.

Embroidery

This involves stitching thread directly into the garment. It gives a clean, professional look and is especially popular for polos, jackets, hats, and even trendy sweatshirts. It costs a bit more, but it can elevate your brand significantly.

You'll want to find an experienced embroiderer who understands how different threads and tensions should be used depending on the garment type. Embrodiery is tricky. But when using someone with proven experience, it can be the elevation your apparel needs.

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Final Thoughts

The key is working with a shop that understands all of these methods and can guide you toward the best choice for your specific project.

When you order custom apparel, you’re not just buying shirts, you’re making an investment in your brand, your team and your message.

If you avoid these three common pitfalls and focus on:

1. Quality

2. The right product

3. The right printing method

You will end up with something people are proud to wear.

And when people love what they’re wearing, they’ll keep wearing it...turning your apparel into long-term, everyday advertising for your brand.