Choosing the Best Print Location for Your Custom T-Shirts: A Closer Look
Designing custom t-shirts isn’t just about picking a great design—it’s also about choosing where to put that design. The placement of your logo or artwork can completely change the look, feel, and effectiveness of your shirt. The right location not only draws attention but also helps communicate your brand message more clearly.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 5 print locations for custom t-shirts—and exactly why they work so well.
1. Center Chest
Why it’s a classic:
This spot never goes out of style. Whether you’re designing for a restaurant staff, a gym, a business team, or a school group, a center chest print offers balance, symmetry, and easy visibility.
Why it works:
- Stays visible even under open jackets or hoodies
- Clean and centered—makes any design feel intentional
- Ideal for both small and large audiences
Recommended size:
Small: 4”–6” wide
Large: 8”–10” wide
Best for:
General branding, uniforms, merch, or anything needing versatility
2. Full Front
Why it’s a favorite:
This is the go-to for making a statement. With the most visual real estate on the shirt, it’s perfect for designs that are bold, detailed, or colorful.
Why it works:
- Maximizes exposure—great for high-impact visuals
- Perfect for layered or complex artwork (like mascots, slogans, or patterns)
- Offers plenty of room to play with color, layout, and detail
Best for:
Events, fundraisers, student orgs, brand launches, or promotional giveaways
3. Full Back
Why it stands out:
The full back offers a large, uninterrupted canvas for storytelling. It’s often used alongside a smaller front design (like a left chest logo) to create a polished and complete look.
Why it works:
- Great for larger content like team rosters, sponsor logos, or event names
- Allows for layered, narrative-style design
- Perfect when you want to keep the front minimal and let the back do the talking
Best paired with:
Left chest or sleeve prints for a professional look
4. Left Chest
Why it’s subtle and sharp:
This spot gives off a clean, professional vibe. It’s perfect for simple logos, initials, or small branding elements—and widely used in corporate and service uniforms.
Why it works:
- Instantly recognizable as a “uniform” style placement
- Great for small logos or initials that don’t need to dominate the shirt
- Feels professional without being flashy
Recommended size:
2”–3” wide, max 5”
Note:
Highly detailed designs may lose clarity at this size—stick with clean lines and minimal text.
Best for:
Employee uniforms, polo shirts, hospitality, student groups, and organizations
5. Sleeve
Why it adds character:
Sleeve prints might be less common—but that’s part of the appeal. They add a custom touch without competing for attention with the main design.
Why it works:
- A smart way to include secondary elements like flags, initials, or slogans
- Adds depth to shirts with front or back prints
- Keeps the design balanced and interesting
Recommended size:
2”–3” wide
Best for:
Accent branding, club logos, event dates, or subtle customization
Final Thoughts
Each print location offers its own visual strengths. The best choice depends on your goal—do you want something loud and bold, or clean and professional? Do you want your audience to notice your brand from across the room, or admire the details up close?
At Underground Printing, we help you make the right call. From selecting the best placement to printing with precision, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
👉 Start designing today—let’s create a custom tee that people will love to wear.
