Print Placement & Size Guide
Use this guide to choose a print location and artwork size for custom apparel. Measurements are the finished design size, shown as width × height in inches. Adult and youth recommendations are starting points; always check the garment’s usable area before printing.
How to use this chart: Choose the garment and print location, then use the Adult or Youth column. These are maximum suggested starting sizes, not body or garment measurements. Keep artwork proportional, leave room around seams and pockets, and scale down when needed for smaller sizes or unusually shaped designs.
Visual Print Placement Guide
The yellow zones show common print areas, with garment-specific placement labels and handling tips. Use the adult and youth size tables below to choose artwork dimensions.
T-shirts & Long-Sleeve Shirts
| Print location | Adult suggested size | Youth suggested size | Placement notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full front / chest | 11″ × 13″ | 8″ × 10″ | Center about 3″ below the collar; size down for smaller youth tees. |
| Left or right chest logo | 3.5″ × 3.5″ | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | Keep compact and clear of the collar and armhole. |
| Full back | 12″ × 14″ | 9″ × 11″ | Center below the collar. Large youth designs may need to be reduced further. |
| Back neck — outside | 3″ × 2″ | 2.5″ × 1.5″ | Center just below the collar seam. |
| Inside neck label | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | 2″ × 2″ | Leave room around the collar seam; keep text readable at final size. |
| Short sleeve — left or right | 3.5″ × 4″ | 2.5″ × 3″ | Place on the upper sleeve, clear of the hem and seam. |
| Long sleeve — left or right | 3″ × 10″ | 2.5″ × 8″ | Run the design lengthwise down the sleeve; check the sleeve length first. |
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
| Print location | Adult suggested size | Youth suggested size | Placement notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full front — hoodie above pouch pocket | 10″ × 8″ | 8″ × 6″ | Leave clear space above pocket seam; never bridge the pocket seam. |
| Full front — crewneck sweatshirt | 11″ × 13″ | 8″ × 10″ | Center below the collar; crewnecks have no pouch pocket to limit the print area. |
| Left or right chest logo | 3.5″ × 3.5″ | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | Keep clear of the hood edge, collar, and pocket. |
| Full back | 12″ × 14″ | 9″ × 11″ | On hoodies, position below the hood when it rests. |
| Sleeve print | 3″ × 10″ | 2.5″ × 8″ | Run lengthwise and keep clear of the cuff and seams. |
Joggers
| Print location | Adult suggested size | Youth suggested size | Placement notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper thigh below pocket — left or right | 3.5″ × 4″ | 2.5″ × 3″ | Place below the pocket on the chosen leg, clear of side seams. |
| Vertical leg print — left or right | 3″ × 10″ | 2.5″ × 8″ | Run lengthwise; usable space depends on leg length and cut. |
Shorts
| Print location | Adult suggested size | Youth suggested size | Placement notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front thigh — left or right | 3.5″ × 3.5″ | 2.5″ × 2.5″ | Place below the pocket if present, clear of pocket opening and side seam. |
| Outer leg — vertical | 3″ × 5″ | 2.5″ × 4″ | Align with the leg; leave space above the hem. |
| Back pocket / seat logo | 3″ × 2.5″ | 2.5″ × 2″ | Center on the pocket or seat area only when the garment construction allows. |
Hats
| Print location | Adult suggested size | Youth suggested size | Placement notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front panel | 4.5″ × 2.25″ | 4″ × 2″ | Center on the front panel; the center seam and crown shape may reduce usable width. |
| Side panel — left or right | 2.5″ × 1.5″ | 2″ × 1.25″ | Keep small and clear of the panel seams. |
| Back opening / strap area | 2.5″ × 1″ | 2″ × 1″ | Space is limited around the opening, strap, and closure. |
Hat note: Hat panels are curved and not every cap or fabric can be heat pressed. Confirm the hat material, decoration method, and equipment before preparing artwork.
Youth garments vary widely between brands and sizes, so measure the actual print area before production. For very small youth sizes, oversized artwork, or a location not listed here, ask us to check the garment and artwork first.
Need help choosing a print size? Call or text BSElite at (517) 798-5660.