Whether you’re a white-collared worker who operates 9-5 or a freelancer in Singapore who works at the comfort of your own nest, it’s inarguable that printed t-shirt holds a special place in everyone’s heart – and closet too. Effortlessly stylish, uncompromisingly comfortable and incredibly versatile, one cannot live without this style staple. For that reason, quality is paramount.
Now, if you intend to hop on the personalised t-shirt printing venture, chances are that you’d want to produce a printed t-shirt that not only looks pretty on the rack, but has what it takes to last you through more than a few washes and wears.
To help you achieve just that, we’ll dive into all the different criteria that you can use to ascertain whether a t-shirt is made to last or not.
The price tag isn’t an indicator of quality
Before we begin, we’d like to dispel the misconceptions of “a higher price tag equates to a good quality product”. Sure, that may be the instance aeons ago. But with technological advancements and marketing, price tags today are derived from branding and label – so you’re made to believe that certain products belong to the elite of the clothing industry. But the truth is that you can’t quite determine quality by price alone. In essence, an expensive printed t-shirt doesn’t guarantee a better return on investment. Similarly, a cheap one isn’t always synonymous with low quality either. So how else can you tell the players apart from the pretenders?
Your eyes and hand can tell
You just have to be obsessed with the details. If you take the extra steps to feel and look up close, it’s really not difficult to tell.
The foundation of the t-shirt: fabric
Cotton, linen, synthetic fibres or anything in between, not all of them are created equal. But whatever the material is, a good quality t-shirt should never feel scratchy, abrasive or flimsy. Ideally, you’d want to opt for fabrics that offer density, flexibility and breathability. Plus, if it’s showing signs of pilling (the balling up of fibres), it’s safe to say that the garment isn’t going to last you through the long haul.
The construction: stitches
Apart from the fabric, stitches play an equally pivotal role when it comes to t-shirt printing. After all, if the t-shirt is poorly constructed, the endeavour will be futile even when coupled with the best material of all. Like our connective tissues, stitches are what keeps everything together. We reckon the best way to identify its quality is to flip the garment inside-out. Look out for red flags like unsecured threads, erratic and uneven stitches along the sleeves and collar area.
Quality of print
Last but not least, a visible sign of poor quality is the print. To tell if the printed design will crack or peel over time, it helps to educate yourself about the different t-shirt printing methods that are commonly used in Singapore. Apart from that, there are ways you can identify whether the job is done right. For one, lightly touch and stretch the part where the print is situated. If some peeling or crack is manifested, the t-shirt probably won’t last you more than half a season.
Quality – at the core of everything we do
In attempts to cut costs, many t-shirt printing companies tend to take shortcuts when it comes to production. Needless to say, all these will naturally translate to the quality of the art piece. But at Printee, we believe in going great lengths for every project we shoulder. Only then are we able to surpass the expectations of every individual that comes through our doors. If you’re looking for affordable yet high-quality t-shirt printing services, reach out to us today!
