Custom Prints
DTF Placement & Sizing Guide
When ordering with custom products, knowing how your design will fit on a garment is essential. At Sea Side Silk Screening, we print everything in-house with our unified standards and ensure your designs are sized and placed for the best results. Whether you’re printing on t-shirts, hoodies, totes, or specialty items, this guide will help you determine the ideal print size and placement.
If you’re unsure how your design will look, here’s a tip: cut a piece of paper to your desired size and place it on a similar garment. This gives you a realistic visual reference. For more information on making your design the best print file please head here for additional information.
Not all designs are the same
Understanding Print Size Limitations
Your maximum print size depends on two factors:
Plate Size – The printing board that holds your garment.
Smallest Garment in Your Order – We size the design to fit the smallest item receiving the print.
Common Plate Sizes:
- Standard T-Shirt Platen: 16″ wide × 20″ tall
- Sleeve Platen: 3.5″ wide × 17″ tall
For Common & Basic Adult Garments
Placement Guides
Front Prints
T-Shirts & Tank Tops:
- Use the 2.5″ rule: Place the top of the print about 2.5″ below the collar.
- For tank tops, place the print about 1″ from the top hem.
Left/Right Chest Prints:
- Keep width under 4″ (3″–3.75″ is ideal)..
Back Prints
- Full Back on Hoodies: Place about 4.5″ below the collar.
- Full Back on Tees: Place about 3″ below the collar.
Sleeve & Leg Prints
- Max width 3″ to fit plate.
- Long sleeves can run up to 17″ in length.
Youth Prints
- Reduce position by .5-1'
- Designs will be scaled to fit smallest size in the order.