How to Get a Custom T-Shirt Made: Step by Step | East London
How to Get a
Custom T-Shirt
Made.
Never ordered custom printed clothing before? Or just want to make sure you get it right this time? This is the complete plain-English walkthrough — from idea to finished garment in your hands.
Step 01
Know What You Need
Before you contact any printer, get clear on a few basics. The more you know going in, the faster your quote comes back and the less back-and-forth there is.
How many do you need?
Quantity drives everything — which print method makes sense, what the cost per unit is, and how long it takes. 1–10 items, 10–50, or 50+? Have a rough number in mind even if it's not exact.
What's it for?
Event t-shirts, staff uniforms, band merch, a gift, sportswear? The purpose helps us recommend the right garment weight, print method, and finish. A stag do t-shirt needs a different spec to a client-facing work polo.
When do you need it?
Standard turnaround at East London Printers is 3–7 working days. Need it sooner? We offer same-day and next-day printing for urgent orders — but it helps to know your deadline upfront so we can plan accordingly.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you get in touch. A rough brief is enough to start. Tell us what you're trying to achieve and we'll guide the rest.
Step 02
Choose Your Print Method
There are three main methods we use at ELP. Which one is right for you depends on your quantity, design, and budget. Here's the short version — read our full comparison guide if you want the detail.
Just send us your design and tell us what you need. We'll recommend the right method — no obligation, no upselling. We've been doing this for over 20 years.
Step 03
Pick Your Garment
The garment matters as much as the print. A cheap, thin t-shirt printed with a premium design still looks cheap. Here's what to think about.
Fabric weight
T-shirt weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre). 150–160gsm is lightweight and budget-friendly. 180–200gsm is the sweet spot for most orders — holds its shape, feels substantial. 220gsm+ is premium heavyweight, great for retail-quality merch.
Garment colour
White and light garments are the most straightforward to print on. Dark garments need a white underbase for screen printing, which adds to the colour count. DTF handles dark garments easily — white ink is built in. Tell us your garment colour when you enquire.
Supply your own or we supply
We can supply the garments — we stock a wide range of brands including Gildan, Stanley/Stella, Continental, Fruit of the Loom, and AS Colour. Or you can supply your own — bring them in or send them to us and we'll print on them. Either works.
If you're not sure which garment to choose, ask us for a sample before committing to a full run. We'd rather you're happy with the blank before we print on it.
Step 04
Sort Your Artwork
This is the step most people underestimate. Getting your artwork right before you send it saves time, money, and disappointment.
What file do we need?
The ideal file is a vector (.AI or .EPS) for screen printing, or a high-resolution PNG (300dpi minimum) for DTF and embroidery. JPEGs from websites, WhatsApp images, and screenshots won't work — they're too low resolution.
Don't have a file?
No problem. Send us what you have — a rough sketch, a logo on a business card, a description — and our in-house design team will build the artwork for you. Design assistance is included for straightforward jobs at no extra cost.
Send us your artwork and we'll check it for free before your order goes anywhere near the press. We'll let you know if anything needs fixing — file resolution, colour setup, font issues — with no charge and no obligation.
Full artwork specs are on our artwork requirements page.
Step 05
Get a Quote & Approve Your Proof
Once we have your brief, garment choice, and artwork — we'll come back with a quote fast. Our team typically responds within the hour during business hours.
Getting your quote
The fastest way is to fill in our fast quote form, or just email or call us directly. Include your quantity, garment colour, design, and deadline and we'll have everything back to you quickly.
The proof stage
Before we print a single garment, we send you a digital proof for approval. This shows exactly how your design will sit on the garment — position, size, colours. Nothing goes to print until you've signed it off. This is your chance to catch anything that doesn't look right.
Check your proof carefully
Look at the position, the size relative to the garment, the colours, and any text for spelling errors. Once you approve the proof and we go to print, changes aren't possible without additional cost. Take your time on this step.
Step 06
Receive Your Order
Once your proof is approved and payment is confirmed, we go to print. Here's what to expect.
Turnaround times
Standard: 3–7 working days from proof approval. Next-day: Order and approve your proof before midday and we can have your order ready the following day. Same-day: Available for select jobs — call us to confirm availability.
Collection or delivery
You can collect from our studio in Leytonstone, East London (E11) — free parking, one stop from Stratford on the Central line. Or we'll despatch nationwide via courier. Same-day bike delivery is also available across London for urgent orders.
What if something's not right?
We quality-check every order before it leaves. But if something isn't right when it arrives, contact us immediately. We'll sort it. We've been in business for over 20 years and our reputation is built on getting it right.
We're at Unit 9, Acacia Business Centre, Leytonstone E11 3PJ. Free parking on site. Open Monday–Friday. Walk-ins welcome for quotes and collections.
FAQ
Common Questions
Quick answers to the things people ask us most often.
No. We'll print a single item if that's what you need. Pricing per unit is more cost-effective at higher quantities, but there's no minimum order requirement.
It depends on the method, quantity, and number of colours. A single DTF print typically starts from around £15–£20 including the garment. Screen printing at 50+ units can bring the cost per shirt down significantly. Get a fast quote for an exact price.
Yes. Bring them in or send them to us and we'll print or embroider on them. We'll let you know if there are any fabric restrictions that might affect the print method.
Yes. Send us what you have — even a rough idea or a low-res logo — and we'll work with it. Design assistance for straightforward jobs is included at no extra cost.
Turn it inside out, wash at 30°C, avoid tumble drying if possible, and don't iron directly on the print. Screen printed and DTF prints are very durable but these habits will extend the life significantly.
Yes — we deliver nationwide across the UK. Standard courier delivery is available on all orders. Same-day bike delivery is available within London for urgent jobs.
Ready to get started?
Same-day and next-day printing available. Based in Leytonstone, East London.