Ordering custom logo apparel for your brand, business, or event doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re launching a streetwear label, outfitting your corporate team, or creating merchandise for your YouTube channel, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process — from initial design to final delivery at your door.
Step 1: Define Your Requirements
Before reaching out to a manufacturer, nail down the basics. What garment type do you need? T-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, or caps? How many pieces? What’s your budget per unit? Having clear answers to these questions helps your manufacturer provide an accurate quote faster.
Consider these key decisions:
- Fabric type: 100% cotton for comfort, polyester for performance, or blends for durability
- Fabric weight (GSM): Lightweight (150-180 GSM) for summer, midweight (200-240 GSM) for year-round, heavyweight (260-300+ GSM) for premium feel
- Fit: Regular, slim, oversized, or cropped
- Colors: Stock colors are cheaper; custom dye-to-match colors require higher MOQ
- Quantity: Most OEM factories have a minimum of 25-100 pieces per style
Step 2: Prepare Your Logo and Artwork
Your logo file quality directly affects the final print result. Here’s what manufacturers prefer:
- Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG): Best for screen printing and embroidery. Scalable without quality loss.
- High-resolution PNG (300 DPI): Acceptable for DTG and DTF printing. Ensure transparent background.
- Tech pack: If you have specific placement, size, and Pantone color requirements, include them in a tech pack document.
Not sure which printing technique to use? Here’s a quick guide:
- Screen printing: Best for bulk orders (50+ pieces), simple designs, up to 12 colors. Lowest per-unit cost.
- DTG (Direct to Garment): Best for photographic detail, unlimited colors, small batches. Works best on cotton.
- DTF (Direct to Film): Works on any fabric including polyester. Vibrant on dark garments. No minimum.
- Embroidery: Premium look for corporate wear, polos, and caps. Includes 3D puff option.
- Sublimation: All-over prints on polyester. Seamless gradients. Perfect for sportswear.
Step 3: Request a Quote
Send your requirements to the manufacturer via their contact form or email. Include:
- Garment type and fabric preference
- Quantity per color and size
- Logo artwork file
- Desired printing/embroidery technique
- Delivery address and timeline
A good manufacturer will respond within 24 hours with a detailed quote including unit price, sample cost, production time, and shipping options.
Step 4: Order and Approve a Sample
Never skip the sampling step. A pre-production sample lets you verify fabric quality, print accuracy, stitching, fit, and overall feel before committing to bulk production. Samples typically take 5-7 business days and cost $30-80 per piece depending on complexity.
When reviewing your sample, check:
- Fabric hand feel and weight matches your specification
- Logo placement, size, and colors are accurate
- Stitching is clean with no loose threads
- Sizing matches the measurement chart
- Labels and packaging meet your requirements
Approve the sample in writing (email or WhatsApp) before bulk production begins.
Step 5: Bulk Production
Once the sample is approved, bulk production begins. Typical lead times are 15-20 working days for standard orders. During production, a good manufacturer will provide:
- Daily or weekly production photos
- Video calls to show progress
- In-line quality inspection reports
Our factory in Yiwu, China produces over 50,000 pieces daily across cotton t-shirts, polyester tees, polos, and more. Every order passes through our 3-stage quality control process.
Step 6: Quality Inspection
Before shipping, every order undergoes a final AQL 2.5 inspection. This statistical sampling method checks a random selection of pieces from your order for defects in stitching, printing, sizing, and packaging. If the defect rate exceeds the AQL threshold, the entire batch is re-inspected and corrected.
Step 7: Shipping and Delivery
Choose your shipping method based on timeline and budget:
- DDP Sea Shipping: 18-35 days depending on destination. Most economical for bulk orders. All duties and taxes included.
- DDP Air Shipping: 5-7 days. Best for urgent orders or high-value garments.
- DDP Rail (to Europe): 15-18 days. Balance between cost and speed.
- FOB Ningbo: For customers with their own freight forwarder.
We offer DDP shipping to 30+ countries, meaning you receive goods at your door with no hidden fees.
Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Start small: Order 25-50 pieces for your first order to test quality and market response.
- Ask for fabric swatches: Feel the fabric before committing to a large order.
- Plan ahead: Allow 6-8 weeks total (sampling + production + shipping) for your first order.
- Communicate clearly: Use email or WhatsApp with photos and measurements to avoid misunderstandings.
- Build a relationship: Repeat orders get better pricing and priority production slots.
Ready to Start?
Send us your design and requirements. We’ll respond within 24 hours with pricing, sample timeline, and shipping options. No commitment required.