What to Look For in a High-Quality Screen Printed Shirt

Make Sure Your Design Is Right

T-shirt screen printing is one of the best methods for creating images that are sharp and clean. 

But you do need to make sure that you have the right type of design for the best results with screen printing.

While screen printing does result in a quality print, it's not the best method for very complicated designs. For example, to do multiple colors with screen printing, you need to have one screen for each color.

This is why it's more challenging to do complex screen printing designs if you're doing the process yourself. 

Of course, if you're getting a professional to silkscreen your shirts, let them know that you'd like multiple colors, and make sure to show them a prototype of your design.

You should also make sure the font you use on your shirt is clear and visible from a short distance.



Since screen printing is great for being cost-effective when you're printing shirts in bulk, you may want to keep the designs simple to keep costs down.

Ink and Color

One of the markers for good quality with silk-screen t-shirt printing is that the colors last a long time.

While color might look vibrant on the shirt at first, the real test is to see how durable the color is with repeated washing and wearing. For example, one of the most common problems with any kind of printed shirt is that the colors or prints start to crack.

With screen printing, what determines quality is the ink and how it was cured. You want the ink to cure in such a way that the design stretches with the fabric.

If the ink has cured too little, the ink will peel off when you wash the item. If the ink has cured too much, it can crack.

One way to test the quality of the ink is to stretch the part where the print is. If it starts to crack, you'll know the ink hasn't set properly.

You also want to touch the printed design to make sure it's set. You want enough ink for the color to show, but not so much that the layers start to peel off.



Make sure to check the color of the ink as well. It should be vibrant and stand out from the shirt as opposed to being pale and uneven.

Examine the Fabric

Next, you want to make sure the fabric you are using for a screen-printed shirt is right for screen printing. 

Some fabrics are not suitable for screen printing because they have lots of stray fibers, which will ruin the clarity of your print.

One of the best fabrics for screen printing is 100% cotton. Not only are shirts made out of this fabric easy to find, but cotton is soft, hypo-allergenic, and affordable. 

Be careful when putting your 100% cotton shirt in the dyer, though, as this material is prone to shrinkage.

Poly cotton, otherwise called 50/50 blend, is a blend of cotton and polyester. This fabric holds its shape well, is wrinkle-resistant, and tends to last longer.

Another popular fabric is tri-blend, which is a combination of cotton, polyester, and rayon. This is a popular fabric for screen printing because it's soft and gives a vintage look to your design.



Don't forget to look at the dyes on the fabric, which is another great way to check for quality. The color of the main part of the shirt should be the same as the sleeves of the shirt unless the colors are meant to contrast or fade.

Durability and Breathability

Even if your design is perfect and it's cured properly, it's no use if the garment itself isn't durable.

To check garment durability, you want to examine the construction of the shirt. This is to ensure the garment doesn't fall apart the moment you put it in the washing machine.

You want to check for any loose seams and see if any threads are missing in the hem, neckline, or sleeves.

Then, turn the shirt inside out to check if the stitches are flat, even, and straight. If there are few stitches or they're uneven, the seams might rip or the hem might come undone.

To check the fabric quality of custom screen printed shirts, hold the fabric up to the light. If it's super thin, then chances are it'll be quick to get holes in it. 



You also want to make sure that the fabric is breathable so that you'll actually wear it. This is especially important for company uniforms like screen-printed polo shirts, particularly if you'll be in hot weather.

Choose the Best Quality Screen-Printed Shirt

No matter if you're looking for one screen-printed shirt or you want to order in bulk for your company, screen printing is one of the best options for quality and durability.

Remember that screen printing quality also depends on ink and fabric, so keep these factors in mind when looking for shirts.

Whether you want a custom t-shirt, company apparel, or promotional items, Dynamic Designs can do it all. 

Our experienced staff members are passionate about helping you pick the right design and strategy for your next project. To get started, request a free quote from us today!