T-Shirt Printing

Custom T-shirt printing near you

Whether you want a single personalised T-shirt as a birthday joke or 200 for a charity run, you can come in to Gatton Road, see the options and talk to somebody about your design. We print shirts for small businesses, charity events, family reunions, stag and hen groups, clubs, schools, bands and start-ups.

Printing methods

Different jobs suit different methods. The right choice depends on your design, your quantity and the fabric.

Method	Best for	Notes
Heat transfer (vinyl)	Names, numbers and simple logos	Crisp and bright, and ideal for one-offs and personalisation
Digital transfer	Full-colour designs and photos	Fine detail with no minimum order
Direct to garment	Detailed artwork on small runs	Soft feel, and it prints straight into the fabric
Screen printing	Larger runs with few colours	Vivid, durable and more cost-effective in volume
Embroidery	Small logos on polos and heavier garments	Premium finish, priced per design

We will suggest what suits your job, based on your quantity and your artwork, so you do not need to work this out for yourself. Screen printing typically becomes worthwhile at around 25 or more shirts, while digital methods usually make more sense for small runs.

Choosing a T-shirt

The shirt matters as much as the print. A light 150gsm cotton is cheap and suits giveaways. A 180gsm or heavier shirt feels more substantial, and lasts better if it will be worn often. Fitted styles and ladies' cuts look smarter, but they can be harder to size for a large group, so a unisex shirt is a safe default. Ring-spun cotton feels softer, while polyester and sports fabrics wick moisture and are a good choice for sport. Colour matters too: printing on dark shirts sometimes needs an extra base layer, and the cost can differ, so tell us your preferred colour when you ask for a quote.

Getting your design right

1. Send the largest version of your artwork. A PNG with a transparent background or a vector file is best.
2. Check the print size. A full chest print is usually about 30 x 40 cm, a left chest logo around 9 cm wide.
3. Think about placement. Front, back, sleeve and nape are common positions.
4. Beware of fine detail. Very thin lines and tiny text can get lost when transferred to fabric.
5. Check the rights. You need permission to use logos, characters and photos that you do not own, and we cannot print copyrighted or trademarked designs without it.

No design? Tell us your idea and send us any photos or words. We can create simple artwork at no extra charge when we print the job, and we will show you a mock-up of where it will go on the garment.

Ordering for a group

Most delays on group orders are down to sizes. Use a shared sheet with each person's name, size and any personalisation. It helps to order a few extras in common sizes. If you plan to print names on the back, check that the spelling is correct, and ask us for a size chart, because sizes differ between brands.

How quickly can you print T-shirts?

Short runs of shirts can often be done quickly, and same-day T-shirt printing may be possible for a small order using a garment we have in stock and with ready artwork. Larger orders, special colours or embroidery will take longer. Phone 020 8133 4499 with your quantity and date. We will tell you honestly whether it is possible.

Washing and care

To keep prints looking their best, wash shirts inside out at a low temperature, avoid tumble drying and do not iron directly on a print. Following these simple steps makes a surprising difference.

Other garments

The same artwork can usually go on hoodies, polo shirts and tote bags, so you can build up a small range without starting the design again. Sports groups may want team shirts, and for hen, stag or fundraising events, see our party and charity shirts.