Before you create your next custom t-shirt in our Design Studio, it helps to know the standards. The most common print locations became that way for a reason: they work. We’ve tried them all, and we’ve found the eight best places to put your logo or design.
Whether you’re using screen printing, direct-to-garment, or DTF transfers, there are some unspoken rules that professional printers follow. Get ahead of the game by learning the rules—and then break them if you want.
This guide explains the top 8 standard print locations with common sizes, placements, and tips for each one.
Key Printing Terms
- Print Location: The general area of the shirt (e.g., Left Chest, Full Back).
- Print Placement: Exact position, which varies slightly by shirt size.
- Print Area: The surface the ink covers (mind the seams, pockets, and curves).
- Print Size: The dimensions of the actual artwork.
- Standard Size: Default size used when none is specified.
- Oversize: Larger than standard, but not the max.
- Maximum Size: The absolute largest printable area for the garment.
- Anchor Point: Where the design should be centered if it’s not symmetrical.
1. Left Chest
- Size: 3–4″ wide
- Placement: 3″ down from the collar
Classic and professional. Perfect for staff uniforms, events, or small logos. Avoid high-detail designs—they won’t be visible. Best paired with a Full Back.
Pro Tip: Left Chest = wearer’s left. Keep it simple and stylish.
2. Center Chest
- Size: 6–10″ wide
- Placement: ~4″ down from the collar
More prominent than Left Chest, but smaller than Full Front. Good for logos or slogans you want to highlight without dominating the shirt.
Pro Tip: For orders with a wide size range (youth to 3XL), consider ordering two print sizes.
3. Full Front
- Size: 12″w x 14″h standard
- Placement: ~3″ down from collar
The most popular print area. Works well for bold designs. But large ink coverage can become a “sweat patch.”
Pro Tip: Keep the print breathable. Avoid huge solid blocks of ink.
4. Oversize Front
- Size: Anything larger than Full Front, up to 14″ x 16.5″ or more
- Placement: ~2–3″ down from collar
When you want to go big. Great for striking designs but be cautious of comfort.
Pro Tip: Reduce ink coverage to improve flexibility. Try inverting your design for better breathability.
5. Back Collar (Upper Back)
- Size: 1–3″ wide
- Placement: ~1″ below collar
Great for small logos. Subtle and stylish. This area is eye-level for those behind you.
Pro Tip: You can combine this with a Full Back by placing both in the same print setup.
6. Upper Back
- Size: 12–14″ wide
- Placement: ~4″ below collar
Ideal for bold words like “STAFF” or hashtags. Highly visible and often used in events.
Pro Tip: Use bold, compressed fonts for maximum visibility without stretching.
7. Full Back
- Size: 12″w x 14″h standard (up to 14.5″w x 16.5″h max)
- Placement: Starts below the shoulder blades
The second most popular print location. Excellent for detailed artwork or sponsor logos.
Pro Tip: Tier your sponsor logos by importance, from top to bottom.
8. Sleeves
- Size: 1–4.5″ wide
- Placement: ~1″ above hem
Understated but powerful. Works great for flags, icons, or secondary logos.
Pro Tip: Printing on the opposite sleeve of your chest logo (e.g., Right Sleeve + Left Chest) helps with visual balance.
Now that you know where to print, you’re ready to jump into our Design Studio and bring your vision to life. Want help deciding? Our expert team is just a click away.