Starting a Custom Apparel Business - Image showing a colorful rack of custom t-shirts and various printing technologies like DTG, DTF, white toner transfer printers and sublimation.

How to Start a Custom Apparel Business: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Sean KruegerAug 10, 2023

The custom apparel industry is booming, and starting your own t-shirt printing business has never been more accessible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about launching a successful custom apparel business, including choosing the right printing method, setting up your business, and scaling for future growth.

Watch: Getting Started with Custom Apparel Printing

Step 1: Understanding the Custom Apparel Market

Before starting your business, it’s crucial to understand the custom apparel industry. The demand for personalized t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories is continuously growing. Customers are seeking unique, custom designs for everything from corporate branding to personal use.

Step 2: Choose the Right Printing Technology

Choosing the right printing method is key to your business's success. Here are the top options:

Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing: Best for high-quality, full-color prints on cotton fabrics. Explore DTG Printers
Direct to Film (DTF) Printing: Ideal for versatile fabric types. Check out DTF Equipment
Sublimation Printing: Perfect for polyester-based apparel, providing long-lasting results. Discover Sublimation Printers
Heat Transfer Printing: A flexible option for smaller orders and personalized designs. Browse Heat Presses

Step 3: Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Beyond the printer, here are the essential tools for your custom apparel business:

Heat Presses
Pretreatment Machines for DTG Printing
Specialized Platens for different garment types

Step 4: Setting Up Your Business

Once you've chosen your printing method and equipment, it’s time to officially set up your business. Register your business, build a strong online presence, and choose an e-commerce platform like Shopify to manage orders efficiently.

Step 5: Scaling for Growth

As your business grows, consider upgrading to larger, more efficient printers and expanding your team. Scaling can also include diversifying your product range, adding more apparel types, and enhancing your marketing strategies.