Canonical: https://www.merchandaise.com/en-us/guides/t-shirt-design-example
Language: en-US

# Design a T-shirt: from colour choices to a reviewed quote

A T-shirt idea becomes clearer when you can see the garment, change a detail and inspect the result. This worked design example uses the real Kids Cotton T-Shirt catalog product to show how colour, artwork and a purchasing brief fit together.

The example is a suggested design workflow, not a customer case study or completed order. Use the current editor to see the controls available for this product. A visual option still needs confirmation for your material, decoration, quantity and delivery destination.

## Start with a purpose and a recognisable design

Imagine you want a shirt with a clear front mark and sleeves in a complementary colour. Before editing, describe who will wear it, whether it is for everyday use or an occasion, and which details matter most. Begin with the existing garment model rather than assuming that adding artwork also changes its cut or construction.

Bring an artwork file you have permission to use. Keep a reference image or colour specification with the brief so a supplier can understand the intended result beyond what a particular screen displays.

## Change one colour decision at a time

Open the colour tools, select a garment part and try a colour that supports your artwork. Compare the body with the sleeves and neckline. If a Matching scope is available, check which parts it selects before applying the change; a group edit should be intentional. Use Undo to compare with the starting design.

Rotate the garment after each meaningful change. A combination that looks clear from the front may need more contrast at the sleeve or around the back. A digital colour helps communicate direction; agree any required physical colour reference during review.

## Place the artwork and inspect the edges

Add your artwork to an editable part, then adjust its size and position. Begin with one placement so you can judge its relationship to the neckline, seams and garment proportions. Inspect the front and back rather than treating a single attractive view as sufficient approval.

For a mark that might suit embroidery, compare an available embroidery preview with a print treatment. Look closely at small lettering, fine lines and filled areas. Preview appearance helps discuss the choice; stitch construction, print area and production suitability need confirmation for the actual artwork.

## Review the version you intend to buy

Before moving on, check the selected product, colours, artwork file and placements together. Keep a clear design reference using the save or continuation path available to you. If you revise the decoration or artwork after a quote, ask for the affected terms to be checked again against that revised version.

- Is the mark readable and correctly positioned on every intended side?

- Are the size choices and quantity per size clear?

- Which details require a physical colour reference, proof or sample discussion?

## Connect the design with quantity, price and timing

Send the design reference with the required sizes, quantity, delivery country and any arrival deadline. Ask for the supported material and decoration combination, minimum quantity, final payable total and delivery expectations. Separate production time from proof review, shipping and other steps that affect arrival.

MerchandAise reviews the scope and confirms a quote before the payment step. Compare a simpler decoration or a different quantity if the first proposal misses your budget or timing. Choose from confirmed alternatives and approve the version you actually want produced.

## Continue your design

[Explore supported products](https://www.merchandaise.com/en-us/configurator#popular-products-to-customize)

[Share your idea](https://www.merchandaise.com/en-us/contact)

[Choosing print, embroidery and finishes for your design](https://www.merchandaise.com/en-us/guides/printing-embroidery-finishes)

[How to choose materials for your product](https://www.merchandaise.com/en-us/guides/choosing-materials)

[Understanding product price, MOQ and lead time](https://www.merchandaise.com/en-us/guides/price-moq-lead-time)

[From a product idea and 3D design to a confirmed order](https://www.merchandaise.com/en-us/guides/design-to-order)