Ordering custom apparel for the first time can feel straightforward, but several decisions affect the final result. The apparel you choose, the artwork you provide, the printing method, and the production timeline all play a role in the finished product.

Whether you’re ordering uniforms for your business, apparel for an event, promotional shirts, or team gear, understanding the process helps you avoid delays, control costs, and receive a better-quality product.

At Kirkwood Trading Company, they’ve worked with businesses, schools, contractors, sports organizations, and promotional companies for over 20 years. While every project is different, the overall ordering process follows many of the same steps.

Start by Defining the Purpose of Your Order

Before choosing shirts or discussing artwork, think about how the apparel will actually be used.

For example, a restaurant ordering daily uniforms has very different needs than a company producing giveaway shirts for a trade show. Construction crews often require high-visibility apparel, while sports teams usually focus on performance fabrics and player customization.

Knowing how the apparel will be used makes it much easier to choose the right products from the beginning.

Ask yourself:

Will the shirts be worn every day or only for special events?
How many people need apparel?
Will you need additional orders later?
Will the garments be used indoors or outdoors?

Answering these questions early often saves both time and money later in the project.

Choose the Right Apparel Before Printing

One of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing on the design before selecting the shirt.

The garment itself has a major impact on comfort, durability, and overall appearance.

Professional t-shirt printing starts with choosing apparel that matches your budget and how the shirts will actually be used.

Some businesses prioritize affordability for large promotional events, while others invest in softer fabrics because they want employees or customers to wear the shirts regularly.

Depending on the project, you may choose the following:

Standard cotton shirts for economical bulk orders that offer dependable everyday performance.
Cotton-poly blends that provide a softer feel and better resistance to shrinking after repeated washing.
Performance fabrics designed to keep workers or athletes cooler during long hours of wear.
Hoodies, polos, or safety apparel for organizations with more specialized apparel needs.

Selecting the right garment first usually leads to better long-term value than choosing based on price alone.

Prepare Your Artwork for Production

Your artwork directly affects how clean and professional the finished shirts will look.

Vector files such as AI, EPS, or PDF formats typically produce the best printing results because they remain sharp at any size. High-resolution image files may also work depending on the artwork.

If your design is not production-ready, many professional printers can help prepare or adjust the artwork before printing begins.

Before production starts, it’s also worth confirming:

Logo size and placement.
Print colors.
Shirt color selection.
Spelling and design details.
Quantity breakdown by size.

Reviewing these details during the proof stage helps prevent costly mistakes once production begins.

Understand Which Printing Method Fits Your Order

Not every order requires the same production method.

The quantity, artwork, garment type, and intended use all influence which process works best.

For larger quantities, t-shirt silk screen printing continues to be one of the most dependable options because it produces consistent colors, excellent durability, and lower costs as order sizes increase.

Businesses ordering uniforms, promotional apparel, fundraising shirts, or event merchandise often choose screen printing because it delivers reliable results across hundreds or even thousands of garments.

For businesses searching for screen printing in St. Louis, working with an experienced local printer also provides the opportunity to review proofs, discuss apparel options, and receive guidance before production begins.

Know What Affects Production Time

One of the most common questions customers ask is how long an order will take.

The answer depends on several factors, including garment availability, artwork approval, print complexity, and current production schedules.

Most projects move much faster when artwork is approved quickly and apparel selections are finalized early.

Planning is especially important before busy seasons, including school events, company promotions, sports seasons, and holiday campaigns.

Allowing extra production time also provides flexibility if changes need to be made before printing begins.

Choose a Printing Partner That Supports Your Business Long-Term

For many organizations, custom apparel is not a one-time purchase. Businesses reorder uniforms as they grow, schools launch new spirit wear collections each year, and sports teams update apparel every season.

Working with an experienced t-shirt printing company helps keep artwork, colors, sizing, and production standards consistent from one order to the next. That consistency saves time, simplifies reorders, and ensures your brand looks the same across every batch.

Professional t-shirt printing is about much more than putting ink on fabric. The right apparel, printing method, production planning, and quality control all contribute to a better finished product and a smoother ordering experience.

For over 20 years, Kirkwood Trading Company has helped businesses, schools, contractors, sports organizations, and promotional companies produce apparel that fits their needs. From the initial quote to the final shipment, the focus remains on dependable production, consistent quality, and apparel that people are proud to wear.