Graphic Printed T-Shirts

By Ross Bielema

Few apparel items are as expressive—or as versatile—as the graphic tee. From branded merch drops to team uniforms and concert giveaways, graphic printed T-shirts let people wear what they believe in, laugh at or proudly represent. They're a bold blend of fashion, function and message—one of the few formats that can move seamlessly from streetwear to startup launch kit.

Whether you're creating your first shirt or building out a line, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to make your design stand out. We’ll cover file formats, legal do’s and don’ts, trend insights and more. And when you're ready to start customizing, visit our custom T-shirts page for styles, tools and full-service support.

Is it legal to make graphic tees?

Yes—if you use original or licensed artwork.

One of the biggest misconceptions in T-shirt design is that any image you find online is fair game. But copyright law applies to most graphics, logos and phrases, even if they appear on social media or search engines.

Here’s what’s generally safe to use on your custom graphic T-shirts with logo:

• Original artwork you or your designer created.
• Public domain content, like expired copyrights or U.S. government designs.
• Licensed images or graphics from platforms like Vexels^®, Creative Market^® or Shutterstock^® (check the license for commercial use).
• Business or organization logos you have approval to reproduce.

Avoid using without permission:

• Celebrity portraits or sports team logos.
• Movie characters, studio art or trademarked catchphrases.
• Art pulled from Pinterest^®, Instagram^® or Google^® without license or attribution.

If you're ever unsure, go with royalty-free assets or contact the copyright owner directly. At 4imprint, we take copyright compliance seriously, and we’ll flag any artwork that looks potentially unlicensed—before it goes to print.

Are graphic tees trendy?

Absolutely—and not just on the runway.

Graphic printed T-shirts continue to dominate both fashion and branded merch because they’re visual, easy to wear and instantly recognizable. According to Hypebeast’s 2024 trend round-up, graphic tees are still essential wardrobe pieces, with high-impact prints, humor and nostalgia leading the way.

Why graphic tees are everywhere:

• In fashion: Vintage logo throwbacks, band merch reissues and ironic graphics are headline pieces in streetwear lines from Supreme^®, Brain Dead^® and Stüssy^®.
• In branding: Startups use custom T-shirts to build buzz at launch. Nonprofits use them to tell stories. Even internal teams wear them to boost culture and team unity.
• At events: Conferences, concerts, school fundraisers, cause marches and 5Ks all rely on graphic tees as a uniform, memento and mobile photo op in one.

What’s changed in 2025 is the level of intentionality. More buyers are seeking men’s and women’s graphic T-shirts that reflect real identity, from fit and cut to cause and voice. That’s why 4imprint offers custom-fit options, full-color printing and low minimums—so you can design a shirt that looks retail-ready but works for your group, team or brand.

What is the best brand of T-shirt for screen printing?

Selecting the right T-shirt is crucial for achieving optimal screen printing results. The ideal shirt provides a smooth surface for ink application, maintains its shape after washing and offers comfort to the wearer. Here are some top-rated brands favored by screen printing professionals:

• Bella+Canvas^®: Renowned for its ultra-soft airlume combed and ringspun cotton, these tees offer a smooth printing surface and a modern retail fit. This brand also aligns with sustainable practices.
• New Era^®: This brand combines comfort and style, featuring a lightweight fabric that's perfect for detailed prints. Its contemporary fit makes it a favorite for fashion-forward designs.
• Gildan^® Ultra Cotton: Heavyweight 100% cotton tees that provide a sturdy canvas for bold graphics. Affordability and durability make these ideal for bulk orders and promotional events.
• Port & Company: Offering a balance between comfort and structure, these shirts are great for team uniforms and corporate events. They hold up well to repeated washing, ensuring longevity.
• Carhartt^®: Known for its rugged durability, Carhartt's heavyweight tees are perfect for workwear and outdoor events. They provide a solid base for bold, impactful designs.

When choosing a T-shirt for screen printing, consider the fabric composition. While 100% cotton is preferred for its ink absorption qualities, cotton/polyester blends can offer added durability and wrinkle resistance. At 4imprint, we provide a wide selection of these brands, ensuring you find the perfect match for your project.

How do you design a good graphic T-shirt?

Creating an impactful graphic T-shirt involves a blend of creativity and adherence to design principles. Here are key considerations to ensure your design resonates:

• Composition: Balance elements within the printable area. Ensure that your design isn't too cluttered and that there's a clear focal point.
• Contrast: Use contrasting colors to make your design stand out. High contrast enhances readability and visual appeal.
• Typography: Choose fonts that are legible and appropriate for your message. Limit the number of fonts to maintain cohesion.
• Simplicity: Avoid overcrowding your design. Embrace white space to allow your design elements to breathe.
• Placement: Standard placements like centered chest designs are classic, but exploring options like left-chest, back or sleeve placements can add uniqueness.

Before finalizing, use mockup tools to visualize your design on a T-shirt. This helps in assessing the overall look and making necessary adjustments. At 4imprint, we offer free digital e-proofs with every order, allowing you to review and approve your design before printing.

How much do graphic designers charge for T-shirt design?

The cost of hiring a graphic designer for T-shirt design can vary based on complexity, experience and usage rights. Here's a general pricing overview:

• Basic text or logo layout: $25–$75+
• Custom illustrations or detailed graphics: $75–$300+
• Comprehensive branding packages: $500+

Factors influencing the cost include the intricacy of the design, the number of revisions and whether the design will be used for commercial purposes. For instance, designs intended for resale may incur higher fees due to licensing considerations.

If you're on a budget, consider using customizable templates or royalty-free designs from platforms like Vexels® or Creative Market®. Additionally, 4imprint offers free design assistance and e-proofs, ensuring your artwork is print-ready without incurring extra costs.

How to find images for print on demand

Launching a print-on-demand (POD) store—or planning a one-time drop of graphic printed T-shirts—starts with sourcing the right visuals. But using the wrong image can get your store flagged or your merch pulled. That’s why it’s critical to choose assets that are cleared for commercial use, especially merchandise.

Here are trusted sources based on license type:

Free and royalty-free image libraries:

These platforms offer commercial-use assets at no cost—but always double-check each image’s license, as terms may vary by contributor.

• Pexels^®: Great for high-resolution photography and minimalist vector art. Use the filter tools to find clean, printable assets.
• Unsplash: Ideal for lifestyle imagery, abstract art and nature photography. Many creators offer open-use licenses, but avoid reusing faces or branded content.
• Pixabay^®: A wide mix of photos, illustrations and transparent PNGs. Offers more variety for apparel use than most free sites.

Paid platforms with POD-friendly licenses:

These sites offer explicit permission for merchandise use—ideal if you're selling shirts online or through marketplaces like Etsy^®, Shopify^® or Amazon^® Merch.

• Creative Market: Premium-quality assets from independent designers. Look for products labeled “commercial license” or “extended license.”
• Vexels: Built for POD. Their license tiers are clear about merchandise rights, and you can edit files to make them your own.
• Design Bundles: Affordable bundles of vectors, fonts and full T-shirt designs. Their extended license often covers POD up to a certain unit threshold.

Avoid using images from search engines, Pinterest^® or social media unless you’ve secured written permission. Even small edits don’t make unlicensed content legal to print.

Ready to design or order custom graphic tees?

Whether you’re launching a streetwear line, gifting a one-time design or outfitting your team with eye-catching merch, graphic printed T-shirts are one of the most effective ways to get your message seen—and remembered.

From men’s and women’s fits to long-sleeve options, 4imprint helps you take your design from screen to shirt with:

• Free design support and file review.
• Real-time bulk pricing and instant quotes.
• Hundreds of styles from trusted brands.
• Digital e-proofs on every order.
• Our 360° Guarantee^®—on-time, exactly as approved or your money back.

Start creating today, and turn your boldest ideas into wearable statements.