How to Start a T-Shirt Business
Heat pressing is the easiest and most cost-effective way to decorate apparel. The profit opportunities are endless because there are so many markets where you can sell custom apparel. Decorate for everyday fashion, sports, schools, clubs, corporate, health and fitness, and more! Use your heat press to start at T-shirt business and generate profits while expanding your product and service offering.
Are you ready to start a T-shirt business? With a heat press, you can begin production immediately without investing in any additional equipment. Compare our heat presses or read our Heat Press Guide: How to Choose a Heat Press for help deciding which heat press is right for you. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to start a successful T-shirt business with a heat press.
Are you ready to start a T-shirt business? With a heat press, you can begin production immediately without investing in any additional equipment. Compare our heat presses or read our Heat Press Guide: How to Choose a Heat Press for help deciding which heat press is right for you. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on how to start a successful T-shirt business with a heat press.
Step 1: Know the Top Selling Markets
- Schools & Sporting Goods
- Fashion & Fitness
- Corporate & Promotional Wear
Step 2: Learn What Items to Decorate for Every Market
Schools & Sporting Goods: Personalize for Student, Player, or Fan
Fan Wear
Spirit Wear
Athletic T-shirts & Hoodies
Warm-ups
Athletic T-shirts & Hoodies
Warm-ups
Non-Apparel
Equipment Bags
Water Bottles
Mugs & Tumblers
Water Bottles
Mugs & Tumblers
Fashion & Fitness: Create Trendy Looks with Stylish Finishes
Corporate & Promotional Products: Branding for Any Business
Local Businesses
Company Logos
Dress Shirts & Polos
Hats & Outerwear
Dress Shirts & Polos
Hats & Outerwear
Municipalities
Local Government Uniforms
Community Spirit Wear
Fundraising T-shirts
Community Spirit Wear
Fundraising T-shirts
Step 3: Choose What Type of Heat Transfer to Apply with a Heat Press
Pre-Cut Letters & Numbers
Pre-Spaced Text & Numbers
Low-cost personalization
UltraColor™ MAX Direct-to-Film Transfers
Custom full color heat transfers that are easy to price, order, and apply.
Dimensional Emblems
Premium embossed, full color patch alternative with textured options
SimStitch®
Simulated zig-zag stitching for a heat applied, yet embroidered finish
Transfer Express
Screen printed transfers with multiple image gang sheeting
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Leather Patches
Genuine leather, laser-etched patches to create rugged, yet refined looks
Any Word. Any Way.™
Perfect for customizing jersey fronts
in many materials
in many materials
CAD-PRINTZ® Full Color
Digitally printed transfers with no color limits and low minimums
Embroidered Patches
High-end, fully embroidered patches that don’t require sewing
What additional equipment can help grow my business?
If you’re ready to take on more in-house production and further expand your heat pressing T-shirt business, you can purchase a vinyl cutter to create heat transfers for any type of apparel. With a vinyl cutter, you can cut HTV without having to outsource one- and two-color logos. Great for on-demand log and design creation, a vinyl cutter is the next piece of equipment to invest in to take your T-shirt business to the next level. STAHLS’ Vinyl Cutter Packages give you everything you need to start cutting vinyl immediately and save you hundreds of dollars!