Tips for High-Quality T-Shirt Printing in Australia

Whether you’re after branded shirts, personal or fashion statements, or promotional merchandise, the demand for T-shirt printing in Australia has increased drastically in recent years. But as you become more excited about your next printed shirt, remember that they are not all created equal.

If you want to achieve durable, vibrant results that we are proud to show off, it's important to understand what goes into a high-quality T-shirt print. 

Here are some expert tips to ensure you get the desired results on your next custom T-shirt order.

1. Start with a High-Resolution Design

The design is the real centre of the shirt. An image that started with low quality will be blurry or pixelated when printed. Always create or export your artwork in high quality.  Make sure to do 300 DPI or make your artwork a vector format (.AI, .EPS, or .SVG) to ensure that the designs on the printed T-shirts look quality. 

Pro Tip: Think about the scale and position of the design on the shirt. What looks good on a screen may not translate visually when printed on fabric.

2. Choose the Right Fabric

The material you print on has a direct impact on the results. In Australia's hot climate, breathable cotton is a favorite. But each technique works differently with varying materials.

• For polyester polo T-shirts, sublimation printing is ideal.
• For 100% cotton personalized T-shirts, DTG (Direct to Garment) or screen printing provides great colour and clarity.
• Cotton-poly blends provide a combination of comfort and durability.

3. Select the Right Printing Method

Not all printing methods are appropriate for all designs or applications. Have a look at these popular ones in T-shirt printing:

Screen Printing: Ideal for bulk orders and simple, bold designs.

DTG Printing: Suitable for intricate, colourful artwork and small runs.

Sublimation: Perfect for polyester polo T-shirts and all-over prints.

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Suitable for sports uniforms or customized names/numbers.

4. Test Before You Print in Bulk

Always request a sample or test print, particularly if you're ordering in bulk. This way, you can identify any color, placement, or fabric compatibility issues. A good Australian T-shirt printing company will be more than happy to oblige with this request.

5. Work With a Trusted Printer

Experience counts. Select a printing service like Peak Performance Prints with good reviews, a robust portfolio, and open communication. Australian printers familiar with local trends and climatic factors will be more likely to produce shirts that are presentable and durable.

If your project involves coordinating pieces, such as matching men's shorts with printed T-shirts, it's particularly critical to maintain color consistency and quality across various types of garments.

6. Pay Attention to the Colour Combinations

Contrast matters in printing. If your design is light-coloured, avoid printing on light shirts unless you’re going for a subtle look. Likewise, dark shirts require a white underbase for bright colours to show correctly.

This is particularly crucial for custom T-shirts and polyester polo T-shirts used in branding, where visibility and clarity matter.

7. Don’t Forget Shirt Fit and Style

Fit and cut make a big difference in how the final product is received. Whether you’re printing for events, uniforms, or retail, consider offering a range of styles—from fitted cuts to relaxed mens shorts and polo options.

Offering variety can improve customer satisfaction and help your brand stand out.

8. Know How to Care for Printed T-Shirts

Even the best print will wear out if not looked after. Share washing instructions with your customers or staff to help extend the life of their printed T-shirts:

• Wash inside out using cold water
• Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach
• Hang dry where possible
• Do not iron on top of the print

This is particularly necessary for polyester polo T-shirts, which can deteriorate with excessive heat or aggressive washing.

9. Think Beyond the Shirt

Need to grow your merch line or brand? Don't limit yourself to customized T-shirts. Coordinated apparel, such as men's shorts, hats, or jackets, provides consumers with more opportunities to embody your brand or event, and new revenue streams.

Final Word

Designing great T-shirt prints in Australia is not simply applying a design to material. From selecting the proper material and print technique to testing your designs and maintaining the finished product, each step plays a role in the final result.

Whether you're producing printed T-shirts for a company opening, sports team, or fashion collection, use these tips to make your designs stand out—and endure.