Custom t-shirt printing is not just a trade or a skill; it’s an art. If you can figure out how to do it right, you can make plenty of money and turn your small business into a thriving brand. If you're new to this, it can seem overwhelming. There's the printing style, as well as dealing with local places... a lot to think about before you order. So, if you've been wondering where to print shirts in Nashville, you’re in the right place.
This guide will provide you with 10 key things to know about printing t-shirts in Nashville. It will help you avoid rookie mistakes and make good choices. From printing styles to local shop tips, we've got you covered on all things you need to know about t-shirt printing in Nashville.
1. Custom T-shirt Printing Options
Here are a few terms you need ot know before we move onto the technical parts:
- Screen Printing: It is like old-school stencils work best for big batches of simple, tough designs.
- Direct-to-Garment (DTG): Think of it like an inkjet printer for shirts. Great for detailed, colorful images.
- Direct-to-Film (DTF): Designs are printed on film, then ironed onto the shirt. Expect strong colors and compatibility with a plethora of fabrics.
- Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Vinyl is cut and ironed on. Nice for names, numbers, or simple text.
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Sublimation: This involves dyes are infused right into the fabric, mainly polyester. Colors pop, making it ideal for all-over prints, especially on light-colored shirts.
2. Figure Out Your Business Objectives
Before considering designs, ask: Why am I printing, and how am I going to print the custom t-shirts?
- Starting a brand?
- Showing off an event?
- Making team stuff?
- Selling custom shirts in Nashville or all across the US?
- Selling band shirts?
- Screen printing and DTF in Nashville?
Your objectives change everything, especially the t-shirt you pick and how you print it.
3. Focus on Your Designs
Nashville audience cares about design, so yours needs to be good. If you aren't a designer:
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Try easy tools like Canva or Adobe Express
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Get someone cheap on Fiverr or Upwork
- Have the print shop’s designer help
Keep it simple. Make it pop. Make it easy to read from far away. And, don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro to get it right, but even if you can’t, you can get help. Many t-shirt design Nashville suppliers can clean up or create your design from scratch.
4. Pick Good Shirts
Shirts aren't all the same. You can find a lot of them:
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Affordable options: Gildan, Hanes – ideal for events and giveaways.
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Okay: Next Level, Bella+Canvas – softer, fits better.
- Fancy: AS Colour, American Apparel – cool style, better cost.
Most Nashville suppliers have black apparel for shirts that you can browse, so take your time. The best t-shirt printing shop in Nashville will let you try samples before making a commitment, so be sure to request your samples first.
5. Try Samples First
Before getting 100+ shirts, get one sample. It helps you:
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See if it fits right
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See if the print looks good
- Know if the colors are right
Some Nashville suppliers allow you to order samples to test before committing to a large quantity. You don’t need to guess, personalized t-shirts Nashville suppliers often offer single runs to help you feel confident.
6. Know How Much to Print
Each printing method needs a different amount. For example:
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Screen printing might print 24+ shirts at a discount.
- DTG or DTF can help you print a single shirt as a sample at an affordable rate.
If you're just starting out, avoid ordering a large batch for your first collection. Use pre-orders on Etsy or Shopify to gauge interest before printing a large quantity. It’s a smart move when testing print-on-demand t-shirts in Nashville to test what customers love before investing in big batches.
7. Know Your Costs
The price of your order may change based on several factors. First, the number of colors you want in your design matters. Screen printing costs more for each color since it needs a separate setup. Second, the type and brand of shirt can affect the price. Usually, buying shirts in bulk will decrease the price of each shirt. Lastly, how your design is printed on the shirt can also affect prices. Some printing methods are more expensive than others.
Here is a guess for a cost estimate:
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Screen-printed shirt (1 color, 50 shirts): $7–$9 each
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DTG print (small): $15–$20 each
- DTF (doing it DIY): Cheaper than screen printing and DTG
Always ask for the cost or the hidden fees – costs can add up. Ask about rush orders or design tweaks. Some suppliers offer quality custom prints for events with affordable pricing tiers if you are a first-time customer.
8. Save Dollars with Editing Tools
If you want to save money, many suppliers allow you to create your own DTF gang sheets to print multiple designs together. Find suppliers that offer online tools to edit your designs and make adjustments before placing the order. A gang sheet builder tool or a custom gang sheet tool is perfect for adjustments. That way, you use one big sheet and print multiple designs at once.
Why Choose Music City DTF for Custom T-shirt Printing
We get Nashville. We're talking about the artists, shop owners, and everyone who makes this city tick. Since we're locals, we offer great prints at prices that won't break the bank. Every order gets the same attention, whether it’s one shirt or a thousand. And, we're fast, so we deliver, and we love Nashville as much as you do. If you are looking to build a brand that consistently brings profits, then give us a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Final Thoughts
Custom t-shirt printing can be both fun and profitable if you know exactly what to do. While it sounds easy, it can be very technical to make your first-ever custom t-shirt collection with DTF. However, when you choose the right supplier to print your DTF transfers, you can make this process much simpler and hassle-free.
So, take your time, plan it right, and let Music City DTF make quality custom prints for events that sell all year round. Start with a DTF Sample Pack and go from there!


