Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Design T-Shirts Online
Designing online has become ever more popular and accessible during recent years. From coffee to cars, no longer do we have to choose from a pre-designed menu or model, but we can select the ingredients and features that suit our own personal needs. Many new websites are providing us with the tools to design t-shirts online. With no commitment to buy, we can conjure a number of t-shirt designs and see if we have artistic abilities or even see how much simple t-shirt design may cost.
Custom Design T-Shirts
A lot of webcustom designed t-shirts, allows you to design your own t-shirts online. With an easy to use template, they allow you to either upload your own t-shirt designs or choose from a variety of free clip art that they provide on a number of themes. With the t-shirt design interface, you can even choose the style and color of the custom t-shirts you want. They offer a wide variety of fonts and colors to design with as well. When your finished designing, you also have the option of getting an instant quote. You can save your designs, keep them on file with them, and even share them with your friends
The Britney Spears Factor: Celebrities & Custom T-shirts
The Britney Spears Factor: Celebrities & Custom T-shirts
Message T-shirts have been a popular part of American culture since the 70’s when Americans were looking for new ways to protest the Vietnam War. Britney Spears played a role in repopularizing this trend and is perhaps the best known celebrity for communicating to the public and playing off of the press via the t-shirt.
Some of Britney Spears's screenprinted comments have been offensive to many and others have been subtle and humorous. Over the past few years she has been seen sporting phases such as “Soon to be Mrs. Federline” and “I am the American Dream.” When her ex, Justin Timberlake, started dating Cameron Diaz, Spears was seen wearing a shirt that had "Dump Him" written across the front. Most recently, she appeared at the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory premiere sporting a custom tank top that said "I have the Golden Ticket" with and arrow pointing down to her pregnant belly.
Britney Spears seems to have started a trend among A-listers and other celebrities such as music icon, P. Diddy. P. Diddy used the t-shirt as a way to convince younger citizens to vote in the 2004 presidential election. Large letters across the front of the t-shirt he made popular spelled out “Vote or Die.” Leonardo DiCaprio, Jay-Z, Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher were all seen wearing a “Vote or Die" T-shirt in public.
current tshirt trend
T-Shirt Trends
While Britney Spears is making a fashion statement by wearing her words on her t-shirt, other celebrities are making their statements a bit differently. Lindsey Lohan, Hillary Duff, and other teen idols have been practicing t-shirt trends, by wearing custom-cut tshirts. Whether the collar of the shirt is missing or the bottom is shortened, more and more fashion followers are wearing this untailored look. This style seems to be highly versatile as many trendsetters are pairing these tees with anything from diamonds to ripped jeans. Manufacturers and boutiques, such as American Apparel and Abercrombie and Fitch, have caught on to this trend and have been offering garments made with light fabrics and unfinished seems for some time now.
Create T-Shirt Art
In addition to manufacturers, some fashion designers have elevated the process of custom t-shirts making to an art. Adam Saaks, a former Von Dutch designer, transforms common cotton tees into intricate artworks. He calls his designs “Couture Tees” and custom cuts each of his works on the individual wearer's body. His designs, like fine art, are quite costly and are popular with celebrities such as Pink, J.Lo, and Lil’ Kim.
Vintage t-shirts have also come back into the spotlight. Whether the t-shirt is authentic or a recreation, the images and sayings on them are likely to provoke nostalgia for the 60's, 70's, and 80's. You can purchase your favorite at companies likePalmer Cash
T-shirt Fabric Information
T-shirt Fabric Information
Combed ring spun cotton is noticeably softer and higher in quality than carded cotton.
Combed Cotton Fibers
The combing process separates the more desirable longer, thinner, more even fibers from the less desirable shorter, coarser, less consistent fibers. A higher count of thinner fibers tightly twisted together make a stronger, smoother, finer thread. This finer-knit fabric is softer and lighter to touch.
Carded Cotton Fibers
Carded cotton is a mixture of ragged, thicker, short fibers. This cotton is cheaper for manufacturers to produce and is rough, heavy and lower in quality. Fewer coarser fibers are blown together, resulting in a loosely bound, thicker, rougher thread. This thread produces a looser knit, heavier material that is coarse to the touch.
Printability
The surface of Combed ring spun cotton is exceptionally smooth and tight-knit and ideal for screenprinting and embroidery.
Carded cotton fiber produces a surface that is not ideal for screenprinting and embroidery because it is not smooth or tight knit.
The Effects of Washing and Drying Screen Printed Tshirts
The Effects of Washing and Drying Screen Printed Tshirts
If you have ever purchased a printed t-shirt, you have probably experienced fading from the print after it has been washed several times. You should expect a quality printed t-shirt to resist fading at least through 36 washes. The best thing you can do to protect you print from wear is to turn your garment inside out when you wash and dry it. The process of washing and drying creates a rubbing action against the print and causes it to fade.
Sometimes printed t-shirts do not last like they should. You may notice that the ink on your shirt is washed out and you will most likely be stumped about the particular cause. If, upon closer examination, the ink appears washed out in certain areas only, in a random and spotty fashion across a design, the cause is undercured ink, known as ink washout. Curing is a printing process that allows the ink to adhere to the shirt. If the print is insufficiently cured, these random spots may occur and occasionally the ink will peel from the fabric altogether. If you experience ink peeling from your garments, ask the manufacturer to redo your order. If you have more minor ink washout problems, ask the printing company if they will give you a discount on your next order with them. If you do not trust the same company with your next order, consider switching printers.
If the ink color on your garment looks somewhat washed out or faded in an even manner over the entire print, you are most likely experiencing fibrillation. Fibrillation is a condition that occurs when fibers break loose from the ink film during to washing. The contrast between the ink and the fibers poking through causes the print to have a faded, “hairy” appearance. On the part of the screenprinter, there are a lot of variables that contribute to this faded appearance. The cause could stem from the type of ink used, the application process, or the fabric used. As a consumer, your best recourse to preventing or decreasing fibrillation is to turn your garments inside out while washing and drying. Fibrillation is a common problem that is becoming an even bigger problem due to contemporary clothing trends. Softer fabrics and thinner ink application, make garments more prone to fibrillation. If you feel the amount of fibrillation is more than it should be, discuss the problem with the screen printer and consider asking for a discount on your next order.
Screen Printing vs. Iron-Ons (Heat Transfers)
Screen Printing vs. Iron-Ons (Heat Transfers)
I you are wondering whether to get custom printed t-shirts or to do it yourself by ironing on the prints, consider the following pros and cons of screen printed and heat transfer t-shirts.
Custom Screen Printing Pros
1. The custom printed t-shirts lasts through at least twice as many washings as a heat transfer shirt.
2. The process allows you to print on dark and colored custom t-shirts.
3. The print will be bright even on the darkest fabric.
4. At many companies, if you order over 12 t-shirts the price less than the cost of heat transfer prints.
5. Screen printing is a complex process that ensures the highest quality prints.
Screen Printed T-shirt Cons
1. Most screen printing companies require that you order at least 6 shirts.
2. If your order is less than 12 shirts, the cost per heat transfer shirt is less.
Pros for Iron-On Printed T-Shirts
1. The process can be done at home with a color printer and special paper that can be purchased at an office supply or computer store.
2. You are only able to have one printed t-shirt.
3. It is inexpensive if you are printing less than 12 printed t-shirts.
4. Heat transferring is ideal if you need a large number of colors printed relative to the number of t-shirts.
Cons for Iron-On Printed T-Shirts
1. They last only through 25 washing.
2. The ink may bleed while washing..
3. They do not look as professional as screen printed t-shirts.
4. You should experiment on a sample t-shirt first.
5. If you need more than 12 t-shirts, the price per t-shirt is more than a screenprinter's price.
6. You only can print on lightly colored t-shirts.
7. The print is stiff and not as precise.
8. The print does not breath well and, therefore, may provoke sweating.
9. The colors are not as bright.
Without a doubt, custom printed t-shirts are better in quality than heat transfer t-shirts. However, if you want 6 or less t-shirts for fun and limited use such as for a gag, for novelty, or for a party, you may want to consider making the t-shirts yourself.
If you would like details about pricing and quality among screen printers, please refer to our article "Pricing Comparisons for Screen Printers". DesignAShirt.com custom t-shirts is a reasonably priced quality screenprinter, if you are seeking to create your own printed t-shirts.
choosing a right t-shirts
What really makes some t-shirts better than others?
Size Differences:
Sizing differs dramatically from brand to brand. Not only does the general size change significantly, but the length and width proportions vary as well. Your figure and style will determine what brand will give you the best fit. Check out our sizing guide for details.
Fabric
Fabric determines many factors about a t-shirt, such as how well a t-shirt will hold its shape after wearing and washing. T-shirts can be made from 1x1 baby rib, jersey material, cotton spandex, among many others. If you want a t-shirt that is soft and flexible you may want to try fine jersey. If you seek a durable heavy fabric, interlock is a good option for you. Polyester/cotton blends are a favorite because they don’t shrink in the wash or fade in the sun. To learn more about fabrics visit our fabric sample guide courtesy of American Apparel.
Color
Different brands offer different color options. Some companies such as American Apparel offer trendy colors and styles while others such as Hanes provide a spectrum of colors. Some brands offer color combinations that are more appropriate for corporate wear. Visit manufacturer websites to browse color options.
Garment distortion
Often a brand new t-shirt leaves the washer and dryer in a disappointing condition. Shrinking and color fading are the two most popular complaints. Hanes offers a spectrum of colors that won’t fade in the wash and other companies have garments that have minimal shrinkage. All t-shirts will shrink to some extent when they are first washed. Cotton polyester blend t-shirts will shrink less than 100% cotton t-shirts and heavyweight t-shirts shrink less than lightweight t-shirts. You may want to call the manufacturer to ask the shrinkage percentages and purchase accordingly. Keep in mind that shrinkage is measured both horizontally and vertically because t-shirts often shrink more in one direction than another. To minimize fading, turn garments inside out while washing and drying.
Pilling
Pilling is the appearance of little bumps of fibers on the surface of the garment. Pilling only occurs on shirts knitted with a cotton polyester yarn. It is not as common as it once was and occurs most often on fleece material. To minimize this problem purchase no-pill or low-pill products.
To learn more about t-shirts that hold up to performance standards visit our favorites.
Summary
There are dozens of technical reasons that make one t-shirt better than another. Yet, the most important reason is a matter of your personal style. You could purchase the highest quality t-shirt but if it doesn’t fit you right, isn’t the right fabric, the right color, and hangs in the back of your closet, then you did not get a good deal. The following tips should help you to find that perfect t-shirt to go with those oh-so-perfect jeans.
guide
THE CUSTOM T-SHIRTS GUIDE
T-shirts are one of the main clothings worn in most societies all around the world. Even those cultures which have there own predominant clothing styles have preferred wearing t-shirts for their easiness. T-shirts have become one of the easiest ways of lifestyle as it can be worn with any kind of accessories or be paired with any other clothing.
Once you have decided the fabric to be used, you can then go ahead with the design. Any creative person can think of a great idea to be printed on the t-shirt, but if you are among those who cannot think then hire a professional to make you a design or go online for tons of wacky ideas. But when you choose a design make sure you are not infringing with any copyright or trademarks. Most companies have trademarks on their logo, names, characters and even images. So make sure you are using a free images or slogan so that you don’t fall in any legal problem or lawsuit.
Moreover if you want to sell the t-shirts with custom designs then always check for the trademarks of images and texts that you use in your designs. Reselling copyright designs can attract huge lawsuit than just using it for personal reasons. When you use any image from internet, try to find if it has any trademark issues or not. Never use any free image or slogan as it might have copyrights. But if you have urge to use the trademarks then ask for the company and pay them the royalty that is require to use their trademarks, this will keep you always from any legal problem. You can contact the licensing department of any big company to use their trademarks or copyrighted items.
Besides that if you plan to hire a design company or a professional then you may have to pay extra amount to get the designs. You can hire a graphic designer to make you a design and then you can simply send the design to printing company in digital format to get the print of t-shirts. The printing company accepts designs in almost all popular formats like jpeg, gif, png, etc.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
history of custom t-shirts
Custom t-shirts have long been the very best way to add a bit of sparkle to a drab wardrobe. And the best thing is, a good custom tee doesn't take a lot of work. Take, for example, Forrest Gump, the world's greatest custom T shirt designer. It was with the most effortless grace, and without even once chewing the end of a paintbrush (or mouse mat) that the Gumpster produced the smiley face tee - and the world was a better place for it.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
TRENDS
Trends
T-shirts were originally worn as undershirts. This still occurs, but T-shirts are now also frequently worn as the only piece of clothing on the top half of the body (other than possibly a bra or an undershirt (vest). T-shirts have also become a medium for self-expression and advertising, with any imaginable combination of words, art and even photographs on display.
In the early 1950s several companies based in Miami, Florida, started to decorate tee shirts with different resort names and various characters. The first company was Tropix Togs, under founder Sam Kantor, in Miami. They were the original licensee for Walt Disney characters that included Mickey Mouse and Davey Crockett. Later other companies expanded into the tee shirt printing business that included Sherry Manufacturing Company also based in Miami. Sherry started in 1948 by its owner and founder Quinton Sandler as a screen print scarf business and evolved into one of the largest screen printed resort and licensed apparel companies in the United States.
A T-shirt typically extends to the waist, although one fashion is for "oversized" T-shirts, namely in modern hip hop fashion (a perfect example of this can be clearly seen in the song, White Tee, by Dem Franchize Boyz). A more recent trend in women's clothing involves tight-fitting "cropped" T-shirts that are short enough to reveal the midriff. Another popular trend is wearing a " long-sleeved T-shirt", then putting a short sleeved T-shirt of a different color over the long sleeved shirt. This is known as "layering".
An example of a tie-dyed T-shirt
In the 1960s, the Ringer T-shirt appeared and became a staple fashion for youth and rock-n-rollers. The decade also saw the emergence of tie-dyeing and screen-printing on the basic T-shirt. In 1959, plastisol, a more durable and stretchable ink, was invented, allowing much more variety in t-shirt designs.[7]
Variants of the T-shirt, such as the tank top, A-shirt (with the nickname "wife beater"), muscle shirt, scoop neck, V-neck etc. eventually came into use.
The history of T shirts
The history of T shirts is long and varied with great historical reconances and an infamy and political edge that has not been seen in any other item of clothing! The T shirt is a political tool as much as a something to cover your nudity - through out the history of T shirts they have been used to place important and lilfe changing messages into the public domain.
T shirts history begins with the industrial revolution in England and the rise of international trade. Before then people wore clothes hand stitched from locally sourced materials, and had no predeliction for slogan T shirts or any design on their clothes. Being alive was the important indicator of health and to this end clothes were made for warm and life giving properties. Whilst garments existed that had short sleeves, they bore no resemblance to what we call a T shirt and so are generally excluded from T shirts history on the basis of not having all the qualities now associated with a T shirt.
After the industrial revolution mass production became a possibility and T shirt history grew exponentially. Although the cotton for the bulk manufacture of T shirts came orginally from the Americas, it was in Europe that the T shirt history develops first. After much experimentation cotton was found to be the ideal material for underwear, and T shirts were made from this to prevent the harder, rougher outer clothing from itching the wearer. Immediately the t shirt contributed to an easier, more fitted wardrobe, but it remained resolutely and undergarment and was only seen in public on washing lines and at the back of clothing establishments.
By the 20th century men in manual work could be seen wearing T shirts during the hot summer days in Southern European countries, though in America the vest still ruled supreme. It was when united States army personnel came to Europe in the first half of the 20th century that they were introduced en masse to the T shirt and saw in it a lightweight yet relaxed item that could be worn in mixed company - which a vest could not be. Even today the vest struggles to gain the acceptance that the T shirt has enjoyed for most of it's long history.
T shirts history takes off when the World Wars are over and Anglosaxon culture is being taken round the world as part of the cold war. Having been an item of underwear the T shirt is grasped with open arms by the population of Western and wannabeWestern nations and it has never looked back.
extract from 'I love T shirts' by Jonathan Powell
Monday, January 28, 2008
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