Everything you need to know about ordering custom printed clothing — from artwork files and print methods to delivery times and pricing. Can't find your answer? Our team is happy to help.
There is no minimum — we print from just 1 item. Volume discounts automatically apply at 12, 25, 50, 100 and 250+ items, so the more you order the lower your per-item cost. Use our live pricing calculator to see how quantities affect your total.
No account is needed to get a quote or browse products. You can create a free account to save your order history, reorder easily and track deliveries — but it is entirely optional.
We prefer vector files — AI, EPS or PDF — as these give the sharpest results at any size. We also accept high-resolution PNG and JPEG at 300 dpi minimum. Files below 150 dpi will appear blurry and we may need to request a better version before production.
Don't have artwork ready? Our in-house design team can create or redraw your logo — just ask when you request a quote.
Yes — we send a free digital proof to your email before every order goes into production. This shows your artwork positioned exactly as it will appear on the garment, with colours and sizing indicated. We will not begin printing until you have approved the proof in writing.
Yes. You can order a single printed sample item at the standard single-unit price. This is the best way to check the garment quality, colour accuracy and print position before placing a larger order. Mention "sample order" in your quote request and we'll arrange it.
All prices shown on the website are exclusive of VAT (20%). VAT is calculated and added at checkout. If you are a VAT-registered business, you can reclaim this in the usual way. Tracked UK delivery is charged at £9.99 per order and is also subject to VAT.
Yes — you can split a single order across any mix of sizes (XS through to 5XL depending on the garment) at no extra charge. The volume discount is calculated on the total quantity, not per size. Just specify your size breakdown when requesting a quote.
Absolutely. We keep your artwork on file, so repeat orders are quick and straightforward. For screen printing, any setup fees are waived on repeat orders using the same screens. For DTF, the £25 per colour setup fee is shared across all items in an order using the same artwork, so reordering or adding items is more cost-effective. Simply contact us or log in to your account to place a repeat order.
Standard orders are dispatched within 7–10 working days after you have approved your artwork proof. Delivery itself is next working day once dispatched via our tracked courier service. The production clock starts from artwork approval, not from when the order is placed.
Yes — we offer 24-hour and 48-hour express production, subject to availability and capacity. An express surcharge applies. To check availability for your order, please contact us with your requirements as early as possible. Express orders must have artwork approved by 9am to qualify for that day's production run.
Tracked UK delivery is a flat rate of £9.99 per order (plus VAT), regardless of the size or weight of your order. This covers next-working-day tracked courier delivery once your order has been dispatched from our production facility in Barnstaple, Devon.
Yes — you will receive an email with a tracking number as soon as your order is dispatched. You can use this to monitor the parcel's progress in real time. If you have not received a dispatch notification within your expected production window, please contact us and we will investigate.
Our standard service covers mainland UK including England, Scotland and Wales. We can arrange delivery to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and international destinations — please contact us for a custom shipping quote as rates vary by location and order size.
In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please email us at info@shirt-printers.co.uk within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the damage. We will arrange a replacement or full refund as quickly as possible. Do not return items without contacting us first.
Yes — collection is available from our facility at Pottington Business Park, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1HN. Collection must be arranged in advance. Contact us to confirm your order is ready before travelling. Collection avoids the delivery charge entirely.
It depends on your design, quantity and budget:
Our team will recommend the right method when you request a quote.
We offer a range of standard placements: full front (up to A3, approx 35 × 42 cm), chest logo (left or right, typically 8–10 cm), full back, sleeve prints and small neck labels. Maximum print area varies by garment — specify your preferred placement when ordering and we'll confirm the exact dimensions available.
Yes. For screen printing on dark garments, we use plastisol inks with a white underbase to ensure colours remain vivid. DTF printing is naturally opaque and works beautifully on any colour garment, including black. There is no extra charge for printing on dark fabrics.
When cared for correctly, our prints are extremely durable. Screen printing inks are cured at high temperature and can last the lifetime of the garment. DTF transfers are similarly robust. We recommend washing garments inside out at 30–40°C and avoiding tumble drying on high heat. Each garment is supplied with care instructions.
Yes — front and back printing is available and very popular for event t-shirts, charity runs and sports kits. Each print location is priced separately. You can also add sleeve prints or neck labels as additional locations. The price calculator on our quote page allows you to select multiple locations.
We stock a wide range of garments from leading brands including Gildan, Fruit of the Loom, AWDis, Stanley/Stella and more. Options include 100% cotton, 50/50 poly-cotton blends, organic cotton and performance fabrics. Browse the full range on our T-Shirts page or ask us to recommend a garment for your specific use case.
Yes — individual personalisation (different name or number on each garment) is available via vinyl transfer or DTF printing. Screen printing is not suitable for individual variation. Simply supply a spreadsheet listing each garment's name/number when ordering and we'll personalise each one accordingly.
Screen printing (also called silkscreen printing) is a process where ink is pressed through a fine mesh screen onto the fabric. A separate screen is created for each colour in the design. The inks are then heat-cured to create a vibrant, highly durable print. It is the industry-standard method for bulk garment decoration.
Yes — a screen setup fee of £15 per colour per screen applies to your first order. For example, a 2-colour front print would have a £30 setup fee. On repeat orders using the same artwork and screens, this fee is waived entirely, making subsequent runs very cost-effective.
We support up to 8 spot colours per print location. Each colour requires its own screen, so each additional colour adds to the setup cost. Simple 1–3 colour designs are the most economical. For full-colour, photographic or gradient artwork, DTF printing is a better choice as it handles unlimited colours — DTF carries its own £25 per colour setup fee, shared across items using the same artwork.
Screen printing is most economical from 12 items. Below this, the setup costs spread across fewer garments push the per-unit price higher than DTF or vinyl alternatives. We'll always advise the most cost-effective method for your specific quantity and design.
Screen printing works on most flat-knit fabrics including 100% cotton, poly-cotton blends and most synthetic performance fabrics. It is ideal for t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and tote bags. It is less suitable for textured, stretchy or irregular surfaces — for those, DTF or embroidery may work better. We'll confirm suitability when you place your order.
We mix Pantone colours for precise colour matching. When sending artwork, specify Pantone codes if colour accuracy is critical — for example for brand logos. If you don't have Pantone codes, our team can suggest the closest match from your supplied artwork or brand guidelines. Metallic and fluorescent inks are also available on request.
Screen printing uses individual screens per colour and is most cost-effective for simple designs at 12+ units. DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints a full-colour transfer film that is heat-pressed onto the garment — it handles any number of colours, gradients and photographic detail, with a £25 per colour setup fee shared across items using the same artwork. DTF suits small runs and complex artwork; screen printing wins on cost at larger volumes with simpler designs.
Embroidery uses a commercial multi-head machine to stitch your logo or design directly into the fabric using coloured thread. The result is a raised, textured, three-dimensional finish that looks and feels premium. It is extremely durable — embroidered logos do not fade, crack or peel over time.
Embroidery works on a wide range of garments, including polo shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, fleeces, jackets, workwear and caps. It is the preferred choice for corporate clothing, schoolwear and hospitality uniforms. It is generally less suitable for very thin or stretchy fabrics such as lightweight performance t-shirts, where the backing stabiliser may show through.
Yes — your artwork must first be digitised (converted into a stitch file the embroidery machine can read). We charge a one-off digitising fee which varies based on the complexity of your design, typically starting from £15. Once digitised, the file is stored and used for all future orders at no additional charge. For complex or very detailed logos, we may simplify the design slightly to ensure it stitches cleanly.
We support up to 12 thread colours per design. Thread colours are matched to Pantone references where possible. Unlike printing, additional thread colours do not significantly increase the cost — the price is primarily determined by the stitch count (the number of stitches in the design), which relates to its overall size and complexity.
The maximum embroidery area is approximately 30 × 30 cm, though most logos are placed as a chest badge (8–10 cm wide) or a back yoke logo (up to 25 cm wide). Large-area embroidery is possible but increases stitch count and therefore cost. For large graphics covering most of the front or back of a garment, printing is usually more cost-effective.
Yes — popular combinations include a left chest logo plus a back print, or a chest logo plus a sleeve logo. Each additional position is priced separately. It is also possible to combine embroidery on the chest with a printed graphic on the back — just let us know when requesting a quote and we'll advise on the best approach.
Embroidery typically costs slightly more per position than screen or DTF printing — prices start from £2.50 per position depending on stitch count. However, many customers feel the premium quality and longevity of embroidery justify the additional cost, particularly for corporate workwear and uniforms that are worn daily for several years.
Our team is available Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. We reply to emails within 1 hour.