Guide
Artwork Placement & Size Guide
Great apparel isn’t just design, it’s design that fits with real production.
How to design a garment that actually works in production
Great apparel isn’t just design, it’s design that fits with real production. Anything is possible, but that doesn’t fly with just any budget and timeline.
When decorating supplied garments, a helpful analogy is a pizza. What is a pizza? Base plus toppings (sauce and cheese are toppings). A good base is the best way to start, and just like a pizza, every topping costs a little extra, and it can be overdone.
Let’s break it down.
Placement
Each placement is effectively a new topping. Separate setup. Separate loading. Separate print. Separate cure.
Front: left chest, right chest, centre chest, big front.
Back: nape, big back.
Sleeves: well, sleeves.
Note: feasibility of placement is garment dependent. Zips, seams, buttons and other trims don’t print well.
Dimensions
The max standard print area is 15 × 18 in.
The max standard embroidery area is 4 × 4 in.
Beyond that, it becomes a different job.
Mock ups
Mock ups are part of the service we offer and a great way to visualise your garment, BUT mock ups are not technical drawings. They’re mock ups.
Please don’t rely on a mockup. Grab a ruler or tape measure and actually check: is this 4 in where I need it?
Real world application
Brand / Resale
Aim: something people actually want to wear that represents the right level of value.
Typically: balanced or slightly oversized.
Mistake: mistaking small for minimal.
Events / Promo
Aim: visibility and readability.
Typically: bigger prints.
Mistake: mistaking aesthetics for functionality.
Corporate / Uniforms
Aim: clean and professional.
Typically: small chest and subtle options.
Mistake: going too big can look tacky.
Bands / Tours
Aim: get the fans frothing.
Typically: depends on the band.
Mistake: not leaving room for margin.
Rules of thumb
Not sure? Go bigger.
Want fashion? Ask us.
Want visibility? Go bold.
Want safe? Left chest.
