Are custom T-shirts legal?

By Ross Bielema

Custom T-shirts are everywhere—at family reunions, charity walks, corporate events, even inside retail shops. But when it comes time to design your own, it’s natural to wonder, “Are custom T-shirts legal?”

The short answer is yes, designing and printing custom T-shirts are perfectly legal—as long as the design you’re using is your own or properly licensed. But there are a few important rules you need to follow to keep your custom apparel project risk-free.

Let’s walk through what’s allowed, what to avoid and how to confidently create shirts that express your vision without crossing legal lines.

Are custom T-shirts legal?

Creating a custom T-shirt is legal when you’re using original artwork or content that you have permission to reproduce. That includes logos, slogans, images and even fonts. But the moment you use protected elements—like a company’s logo, a celebrity’s face or a viral movie quote—you could be violating someone else’s rights.

That’s why reputable providers, including 4imprint, take copyright and trademark law seriously. Every design is reviewed to ensure it’s safe to produce and won’t create legal headaches for you down the line.

Even if you're working with a custom T-shirt provider nearby, the same rules apply. Legitimate printers won’t reproduce copyrighted content without proof of permission—and that protects you as much as it protects them.

Can I print any image or quote on a shirt?

Here’s where people often get confused. Just because you found something online—or think it’s “just for fun”—doesn’t mean it’s free to use.

You should avoid printing:

• Brand names or logos (like Nike^®, Disney^®, NFL^®, etc.)
• Movie lines, book quotes or song lyrics
• Photos of celebrities or public figures
• Team names or school mascots (without a license)

That includes uploading this type of information with a request for quote or online order. It may seem harmless, but using protected content without permission can lead to cease-and-desist letters—or worse.

Instead, use original images, take your own photos or browse royalty-free design platforms. Not certain whether a design is safe? Just ask! The 4imprint art team is here to help review your design and guide you.

Is making your own clothes worth it?

Absolutely. Whether you're designing for your business, your team or just for fun, there’s something uniquely satisfying about custom apparel.

It’s personal. It fits your purpose. And it stands out in a way off-the-rack fashion never will.

When you work with a professional organization like 4imprint, you get the all the perks in one package:

• Creative freedom with comprehensive support from real people
• Access to top brands and hundreds of styles
• Peace of mind knowing your design is clear and print-ready

Whether you’re creating T-shirts for an event or launching a brand, the value goes far beyond the fabric. It’s about building something that represents you—and doing it legally, safely and professionally.

What is the price of printing T-shirts?

Custom shirts can range in cost based on a few key variables:

• Shirt type: Basic cotton vs. performance fabrics
• Decoration method: Screen print, digital full color, embroidery, etc.
• Design complexity: Number of ink colors and print locations
• Order quantity: Small run or bulk order

If you're ordering custom T-shirts in bulk, your per-piece price drops significantly. Larger orders come with volume pricing, which makes high-quality branded apparel surprisingly budget friendly.

Want to get a feel for cost? Browse options like men’s custom T-shirts, which include style filters, decoration options and all-in-one pricing.

How to design legal, safe custom shirts

The good news? Staying on the right side of the law doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity. You just need to follow a few smart practices:

• Use original artwork—either created by you or with a designer.
• License third-party content  when needed.
• Avoid known brands, quotes and likenesses.
• Ask for help  if you’re unsure—4imprint’s art team is happy to review and advise.

Best of all? You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Our job is to make certain your custom T-shirts with photo not only look great—but also play by the rules.

Visit our creative department page and our artwork tips page to get started today!

Ready to create something uniquely yours?

Custom apparel is a powerful way to increase your brand awareness, rally your team or celebrate a big moment. With 4imprint, you can create custom T-shirts that reflect your vision—and follow all the right legal guidelines.

Whether you’re printing for fun, business or bulk distribution, our team is here to help you do it right.