T-shirts are a staple part of every single wardrobe in the country. They can be used for working out, glamming up, going to work or chilling out, and as one the most versatile garments that we could own, they are always in demand. That is why many people are now looking to start their own t-shirt business, giving another take on an old favourite.
Here, Yes Group have put together our top tips on what you need to do to get your t-shirt business off the ground.
Find a niche
With so many t-shirt styles and options available, it is important to choose which area of the t-shirt market you want to find yourself in. Choosing a niche will help you to define the rest of your business model and enable you to identify your competition and stand out from them. You might choose to offer slogan t-shirts, comedy t-shirts, band t-shirts or t-shirts for a specific hobby or job. The more specific you can be about your niche, the easier it is to target the right audience.
Choose quality
When starting a new business, there can be a temptation to keep costs low, but don’t scrimp on the quality of your material or printing options. Producing a good quality garment will keep customers coming back for more and probably share your brand with others, but something that looks or feels cheap, and nasty is unlikely to win you any new business. You will need to consider the fit, size, fabric, feel and weight of the t-shirt, so order some samples first to make sure you opt for the best one.
Get creative
When it comes to thinking about the designs for your t-shirts, you need to let your creativity run riot. Feel free to look around for inspiration but be careful not to copy anyone else’s designs or use copyrighted images without permission. If the design side is not your thing, then look at hiring someone who is more of an expert in that field. Look for someone with design skills in the type of style and area that you are looking for and get them to create something unique and stylish.
Printing options
The global market for the custom t-shirt printing business is estimated to be worth more than $10 billion by 2025, so it is definitely time to get printing. Once, screen printing was seen as the only option, but now, buying your own t-shirt printer gives you greater control over your designs and your turnaround time and allows you to be as bespoke as you wish.
Direct to Garment printers are the state-of-the-art option which allows you to produce exceptional quality prints that will earn you a strong reputation. There is very little work involved for the user, making them time-efficient, however, the running costs can sometimes be high.
Direct to Film printers use a water-based ink to print a film transfer. Powdered glue is added to the back of this transfer, allowing it to be heat cured onto the t-shirt in just a few seconds.
Market your creations
Once you have the perfect product in place, it is time to tell the world what you do. Make sure that your advertising reaches your target market effectively, so think about the age groups and demographics of those you are trying to attract. There are many forms of advertising available, so look at the ones that will serve you best.
Setting up your own t-shirt business can be very exciting, but it is important to plan ahead. This allows you to identify a market and create a product that they will love.
