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I thought this was a great question from the Dobizo Answers page. Even though it is a basic question it is still very confusing when you’re starting to design your first garments, but I think this question refers to tops more than anything else.

9th CC asks:

“I did research all over the place and I really am lost when it comes to finding a source that teaches the designer how to indicate where the design is to be placed on the garment as far as measurments are concerned. Trust me I know you hate laziness but I honestly cant find something in Laymens.

9th CC

Csup Clothing”

Well I could definitely relate to this problem because I actually remember getting some of my first season shirts/hoodies designed and trying to determine the size/placement variations for the different sizes. Mostly because I had a range of sizes from m-4xl and where a design would sit/look on a medium shirt might not be suitable for a 4x-Large shirt.

Mostly this becomes a problem with screen printing because once a screen is set the printing begins and if you have to lift and reset the size and location of the print then of course most manufacturers/printers will charge you every time a screen is reset. Some manufacturers will waive the screen and setup fees if you’re doing large quantities, but because I realize many of us just don’t have that kind of budget it still is a problem for most.

Even with embroidered designs the size and placement can become expensive if it continues to vary from one size to the next because in today’s industry most processes are automated and any change in the sequence may need human interaction and therefore labor fees incur.

The most cost effective way for determining where a design is to be placed is by measuring yourself and actually having samples made or using a mock up of the design that will be placed on the shirts in different sizes so you can see the size or placement that will look good on the majority of sizes and if you’re anything like me then you know there are ways of getting the results you want by doing a little cutting/pasting and doing it yourself . This way once you go into production you will not have to worry about waste, because the garments didn’t come out as expected or the design on the size variations look misplaced or distorted.

As far as there being any standardize measurement when working with one manufacturer I remember them saying that if not specified they will start most printed/embroidered designs 3-4 inches from the seam of the neck and it usually comes out decent for different sizes.

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