Step 1

Start with the job the apparel needs to do

Before choosing a shirt colour or moving a logo around, define the project. Apparel for daily staff use, a club restock, an event crew or merchandise can involve different priorities. Write down who will wear it, where it will be used and what matters most to the group.

• Who is receiving or wearing the apparel?
• Is the project for staff, a club, a team, an event, merchandise or another use?
• Will the garment be used once, occasionally or regularly?
• Is there a specific date when the completed apparel is required?

Step 2

Choose the garment before locking the order

Record the exact product or style when possible, not only “blue shirt” or “crewneck.” Add the preferred colour, intended fit and required size range. If you are still comparing T-shirts, use our classic, relaxed and premium-modern fit guide before finalizing your shortlist.

• Product or style
• Preferred colour
• Fit or silhouette
• Required size range
• An acceptable alternative to discuss if the first choice cannot be confirmed

You can also browse customizable products before preparing the final brief.

Step 3

Collect exact sizes and quantities

For a known group, ask each person for a size using the selected garment's information. Avoid assuming that the same letter size fits identically across every product.

Canada's Textile Labelling Act does not require manufactured garments to follow specific size dimensions or size codes. If a garment includes a size dimension, the information must be accurate, but the code itself is not universal. That is why the selected product's measurements matter. See the Competition Bureau's textile-labelling guidance.

Measure consistently

Use the measurement instructions and chart supplied for the garment you are considering. SanMar Canada's bilingual sizing guide notes that sizing and fit may vary by brand and explains how to measure chest, waist, sleeve length and other areas. Review the SanMar Canada measuring guide.

Step 4

Prepare one final artwork package

Use the approved version of the design and give it a descriptive filename. Include brand-colour references when exact brand colours matter, and check every date, name, sponsor and line of text before submitting the file.

• Final approved logo or design
• A transparent background where the design requires one
• Correct spelling, dates and brand details
• A clear filename and version date
• Separate files when different artwork belongs in different locations

The technical file checks live in our separate DTF artwork-preparation guide. If you want to understand the printing process first, read what DTF printing is and how it works.

Step 5

Show where each design should go

List every requested print location and match it to the correct artwork. A simple labelled garment diagram is often clearer than a long message. Include the approximate desired scale while leaving final feasibility for confirmation.

Step 6

Organize any changing information

If your idea includes names, numbers, job titles or other information that changes between garments, put every entry in one table and check spelling and capitalization. Ask Printz Experts to confirm whether the requested personalization can be handled before treating it as part of the order.

• Use one row per person or garment.
• Keep names and numbers in separate columns.
• Mark intentional capitalization and punctuation.
• Compare the final table against the source provided by the group.

Step 7

Give the project one decision-maker

Committees create confusion when several people send different artwork, size lists or placement requests. Choose one contact to consolidate feedback and submit the final version.

• One final artwork package
• One final size roster
• One clear version number or date
• One contact responsible for decisions

This is project-management guidance, not a description of a specific Printz Experts proofing policy. Confirm the actual review and approval steps for your project when you request a quote.

Step 8

Include the required date and fulfilment details

State when the finished apparel is required, the event date if one exists, and the relevant delivery or pickup destination. Include any time you need for sorting and distributing the garments yourself.

Sharing a date does not confirm availability or turnaround. It gives Printz Experts the information needed to evaluate the request and respond accurately.

Printable worksheet

Build your one-page project brief

Complete this worksheet before opening the quote form. You can print this page or save the worksheet as a PDF using your browser's print command.

Choose your path

Designer or quote?

Use the path that matches the amount of coordination your project needs.

Common questions

Custom apparel ordering FAQ