Want to take your t-shirt designs to the next level? Try the sleeves.
Often overlooked, sleeve prints are a bold, eye-catching way to elevate any custom shirt. Whether it’s a subtle logo or a full-length graphic, a well-designed sleeve turns a simple tee into something unforgettable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best sleeve design placements, printing methods, sizing standards, and pro tips to help you create a sleeve design that looks sharp and prints flawlessly.
Why Add a Sleeve Print?
The sleeve is prime real estate — and yet, only a small fraction of custom t-shirt orders include one. That’s a missed opportunity. A sleeve print adds dimension to your design, increases brand visibility, and brings a polished, retail-quality look to your apparel.
From business uniforms and team gear to merch drops and event giveaways, sleeve prints make your shirts stand out in a crowd.
Sleeve Print Sizes & Placement Options
There’s more than one way to print a sleeve. Here are six popular print locations to consider — complete with sizing recommendations and best-use scenarios:
1. Standard Sleeve Print (Short Sleeve)
- Size: 2–4″ wide
- Placement: 1″ from the hem, centered on the shoulder seam
- Best for: Logos, small icons, simple brand marks
2. Small Hem Print
- Size: 1–3″ wide
- Placement: 1″ from the hem, centered
- Best for: Minimalist branding, initials, typographic designs
3. Shoulder Sleeve Print
- Size: 3–5″ wide
- Placement: ~2″ down from the shoulder seam
- Best for: Athletic designs, military-inspired looks, bold logos
4. Standard Long Sleeve Print (Vertical)
- Size: Up to 15″ high x 5″ wide
- Placement: Runs vertically down the sleeve
- Best for: Team names, slogans, company names
5. Armband Long Sleeve Print
- Size: 1–3″ high x up to 5″ wide
- Placement: ~6″ down from the shoulder seam (bicep area)
- Best for: Accent details, branding bands, limited text
6. Wrist Print (Long Sleeve)
- Size: 1–3″ wide
- Placement: 1″ from wrist seam or ~4″ from sleeve edge
- Best for: Logos, symbols, hospitality or service uniforms
Sleeve Customization Methods
There’s no one-size-fits-all method for sleeve prints. Each technique offers unique advantages — here’s how to choose the best one for your needs:
🖨️ Screen Printing
- Pros: Budget-friendly for bulk orders, great for bold, simple designs
- Cons: Limited color range, less detail precision
- Best for: Logos, slogans, team names
🔥 Heat Transfers
- Pros: Vivid colors, sharp detail, great for full-color artwork
- Cons: Slightly more expensive, may fade over time
- Best for: Gradients, fine lines, detailed patterns
🪡 Embroidery
- Pros: High-end look, ultra-durable, adds texture
- Cons: More expensive, not ideal for intricate details
- Best for: Workwear, company uniforms, minimal logos
Expert Tips for Designing Better Sleeve Prints
We’ve produced hundreds of thousands of sleeve prints, and here’s what we’ve learned:
✅ Keep It Simple (and Small)
Sleeves don’t give you much space. Simplify your logo or design — ditch fine lines and extra detail. You’ll get a cleaner, more legible print that scales well.
🎨 Design for the Print Method
Tailor your design to the method:
- Screen printing = solid shapes, fewer colors
- Heat transfers = full color, detail-rich
- Embroidery = bold lines, minimal complexity
🖤 Use a Single Color
Sleeve designs look cleanest — and print cheapest — in one color. If you have multi-color artwork, consider simplifying it for this location.
🎯 Match the Main Design Style
Sleeve prints should complement the main chest or back design. Use similar colors or visual elements to create a cohesive look.
🇺🇸 Print Flags the Right Way
If you’re printing an American flag, follow flag etiquette:
- Stars always face forward
- Left sleeve = stars on the left
- Right sleeve = stars on the right
👕 Balance the Placement
If your main design is on the left chest, consider placing the sleeve print on the right sleeve for better balance — and vice versa.
Designing in Our Studio: How to Set Up Your Sleeve Print
Our Design Studio doesn’t support sleeve-specific placement yet — but it’s still easy to add your sleeve art:
- Upload your artwork.
- Drag it near the edge of your canvas (left or right side).
- Add a note like: “Please print this on the right sleeve, 1″ from the hem.”
- Our production team will take care of the rest.
Make Your Shirts Stand Out with Custom Sleeves
Don’t sleep on the sleeve — it’s a subtle but powerful way to add brand visibility, style, and originality to your apparel. Whether you’re going for polished professionalism or creative flair, a custom sleeve design is a smart move.
Need help? Our expert team is here to help with sizing, file setup, and best practices. Upload your artwork today or contact us for support — and we’ll help you create a custom tee that’s anything but basic.