Learn how to design a shirt that sells with our guide. Discover sustainable materials, trending designs, and expert marketing tips for your t-shirt business.
The global t-shirt market will top $5.53 billion in 2025 and continue annual expansion of 3.2%, according to research firm Statista. That’s proof there’s room for new t-shirt brands to enter the market.
With low start-up costs, huge creative freedom, and healthy profit margins, launching a t-shirt line is one of the easiest ways to break into ecommerce.
Understand different shirt styles and fits
How to design a shirt FAQ
What materials are typically used to make a shirt, and how do I choose the right ones?
The most popular shirt materials are cotton, polyester, a polyester and cotton blend, and a tri-blend. There are also some more eco-friendly options, like hemp. Choosing the right materials comes down to cost, durability, your printing method, and how you want the shirt to feel.
How do I ensure that the logo or graphics I choose for my shirt are copyright-free?
To avoid copyright infringement, steer clear of cartoon, television, and movie characters, as well as real people, and consider anything accompanied by the copyright symbol or a watermark to be off limits. You can refer to the US Copyright Act to confirm that your shirt designs aren’t in danger of infringement.
What should I look for in a manufacturer when producing my shirt design?
When choosing a manufacturer, look to see if they have order quantity minimums or limits, the supplies you’ll need, and well-regarded customer service.
How do I market and price my shirt design effectively?
Social media is a great marketing tool. Try building an audience organically, posting content, and investing in targeted ads. For pricing, calculate your costs and then research similar shirt brands and/or designs to find the average price. Many shirt designers aim for a 30% to 50% profit margin.
What is the easiest app to create t-shirt designs?
One of the easiest apps to create t-shirt designs is Canva. It offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with a wide variety of templates, graphics, and fonts, making it accessible even for beginners. Plus, it provides built-in mockup features so you can see how your design will look on a t-shirt before printing. After this, you won’t just know how to design a shirt—you’ll become an expert.