Custom Tees for Small Brands: How to Pick a Shirt Customers Reorder

If you’re Building a small brand, the shirt you choose matters more than your design.

Because the #1 reason people don’t reorder isn’t the print.

It’s the fit + feel.

The #1 reason customers don’t reorder (fit + feel)

If the tee:

• feels scratchy

• fits weird

• shrinks like crazy

…your customer might wear it once and never buy it again.

A “good blank” makes your design look better and turns a one-time buyer into a repeat customer.

Fabric basics: 100% cotton vs blends

• 100% cotton: classic feel, great print results, can shrink a bit depending on brand.

• Cotton/poly blends: softer, less shrink, great for a modern retail feel.

• Tri-blends: super soft, lightweight, premium vibe (but can be more expensive).

Best styles for retail (tee + hoodie)

A solid retail starter combo:

• Unisex premium tee (your main seller)

• Women’s cut option (optional but helpful)

• Midweight hoodie (your profit driver)

If you want “one tee that works for most people,” go premium unisex and keep colors tight.

Print considerations (soft-hand, placement, ink choices)

For retail, you usually want:

• Softer ink feel (so it doesn’t feel like a plastic sign)

• Clean placements (left chest + back, or centered front)

• Designs that don’t require 8 colors unless you need it

Sizing strategy (avoid returns)

• Offer XS–3XL if you can (even if you stock fewer at first)

• Put a simple note on your product page: “Fits true to size” or “Size up for an oversized fit”

• If you’re unsure, order a sample run and try them on real humans

How to price for margin (simple math)

A simple way to think about it:

• Your cost (blank + print) + packaging + fees

• Then price for a margin that makes reorders worth your time

If you want help pricing, tell me your target retail price and I’ll work backward with you.

Want 2–3 blank recommendations for your brand? Tell me your vibe + budget and I’ll send a short list.

Want a quick quote or mockup? Shoot me a note and tell me what you’re making + when you need it.

View our apparel catalog