Custom apparel can be a powerful tool for promoting your brand, creating merchandise, or providing unique giveaways and uniforms. Whether you’re an individual or a business planning to make a statement through custom apparel, having a well-thought-out plan can make a huge difference in the outcome. Below are essential tips to help you along the way.

At Selestine Arts & Graphics Services, we pride ourselves on our expertise in high-quality, durable custom printing, especially when it comes to silkscreen printing, which remains our specialty. Whether you’re looking to print uniforms, giveaways, or merchandise, we’re ready to provide the best solutions for your needs.

1. Understand Your Design

Your design is the heart of your custom apparel, and certain factors will influence your costs and the final look:

  • Design Complexity: Full-color designs are typically more expensive, especially with silkscreen printing, where each color requires a separate screen. Simplifying your design by reducing the number of colors can significantly reduce the cost.
  • Placement and Size: Larger designs or those that cover more of the garment (like all-over prints) may require more specialized techniques like sublimation printing.
  • Quality of Design Files: Ensure that your design files are high resolution. Low-quality files can result in blurry or unclear prints, so providing your supplier with a high-resolution file will yield the best results.

Tip: At Selestine Arts, our team is experienced in helping clients optimize their designs for printing. We can provide suggestions to simplify complex designs while maintaining impact.

2. Set Realistic Timelines

Planning ahead is essential when ordering custom apparel. There are several steps to the production process that can take time:

  • Sourcing Materials: Depending on your specific requirements (such as fabric type or color), sourcing the materials might take a few days, especially for large orders.
  • Proofing and Approval: After submitting your design, your supplier will send you a digital or physical proof to approve. This stage ensures the design will appear exactly as you expect, but it also adds time to the process.
  • Production Time: The time required to print your apparel depends on the quantity and the complexity of your design. Silkscreen printing for large, multi-color designs, for example, might take longer than digital or DTF printing.
  • Delivery: Consider the time it will take for your order to be shipped or delivered, especially for bulk orders. If you’re working on a tight deadline, ask about rush options.

Tip: Always plan ahead to allow extra time for unexpected delays. At Selestine Arts, we recommend giving at least two weeks from design approval to delivery for large orders.

3. Choose the Right Supplier

Not all suppliers are created equal. Choosing a reliable supplier is one of the most important factors for success:

  • Get Multiple Quotes: To compare prices and services, ask for quotes from several suppliers. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on design complexity, the number of colors, and fabric type.
  • Check Reviews: Look for testimonials or reviews to ensure your supplier has a reputation for quality and reliability.
  • Specialization: Different suppliers excel in different printing techniques. At Selestine Arts, we specialize in silkscreen printing, a durable and high-quality method ideal for bulk orders, promotional items, and long-lasting uniforms.

Tip: Don’t just choose the lowest price—opt for a supplier who provides the best balance of quality and affordability. We at Selestine Arts are known for our attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality custom prints.

4. Budget Considerations

Setting a budget early on will help you avoid unexpected costs down the line:

  • Full-Color Designs: While full-color designs can make a great impact, they are usually more expensive. If you’re budget-conscious, you might want to reduce the number of colors in your design.
  • Bulk Discounts: Most suppliers, including us, offer discounts on bulk orders. The more items you print, the lower the cost per unit.
  • Upfront Payment: At Selestine Arts, we typically require a 60% downpayment to begin production, with the balance paid upon delivery.

Tip: Budget for both the production and delivery of your custom apparel. We’re always transparent about our costs, so you won’t be hit with hidden fees.

5. Tailor Your Apparel to Its Purpose

Different types of custom apparel serve different purposes, and your approach will vary depending on what you’re ordering:

  • For Giveaways: If you’re ordering for promotional giveaways, consider a cost-effective option such as silkscreen-printed t-shirts. Simple, bold designs work well for these occasions, and you can order in bulk to save money.
  • For Uniforms: Durability is key when printing uniforms. Silkscreen printing is ideal because it produces long-lasting prints that can withstand daily wear and frequent washing. Our high-quality polo shirts and t-shirts are excellent choices for company uniforms.
  • For Merchandise: If you’re printing merchandise to sell, consider higher-quality materials and more complex printing techniques like sublimation printing or multi-color silkscreen printing. It’s worth investing in a product that customers will want to purchase.

Tip: At Selestine Arts, we offer a range of apparel options and printing methods to suit any purpose, from promotional giveaways to high-end merchandise.

6. Proof and Sample

Always ask for a proof or sample before committing to a large order. This ensures that the design looks as expected and that the garment quality meets your standards.

Tip: Although there may be a small fee for samples, it’s worth the investment to ensure that you’re happy with the final product.

7. Delivery and Payment Terms

Before finalizing your order, clarify the terms of delivery and payment with your supplier:

  • Downpayment: We typically require a 60% downpayment to start production. This helps cover the cost of materials and labor.
  • Delivery Costs: Depending on your location, delivery charges may apply. We offer free shipping for larger orders within certain areas.
  • Payment Methods: At Selestine Arts, we offer flexible payment options, including bank transfers and credit cards.

Why Choose Selestine Arts & Graphics Services?

At Selestine Arts & Graphics Services, we take pride in delivering the highest quality custom apparel for businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals. With over 17 years of experience, we are trusted by major clients such as San Miguel Foundation, Nike Clark, ABS-CBN, and TV-5, to name a few.

Our silkscreen printing services are unmatched in durability and vibrancy, making us the go-to choice for bulk orders, uniforms, and promotional items. We also offer DTF printing, sublimation printing, and other specialized printing techniques to meet your needs.

Contact us today to discuss your custom apparel project, request a quote, or get expert advice on the best printing method for your design!