What Is Considered a Graphic T-shirt?

A Graphic T-Shirt Is More Than Just a Tee With a Picture

If you're unfamiliar with the term graphic t-shirt, you may think it's just another way of saying t-shirt with a picture. However, while the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to something more specific. 

To understand what a graphic t-shirt is, you first need to know what makes an ordinary tee a graphic t-shirt in the first place. At Baffle Gear, we believe there's more to a graphic tee than just putting an image on your favorite shirt; read on to know why!

What Is Considered a Graphic Tee?

Graphic shirts are for more than just people looking to show off their interests. They can be used for professional appearance when the company wants the employees to present a unified and professional appearance. 

In addition, they can be fun shirts that people can wear to show support for their favorite sports team or hobby. 

Graphic shirts come in all shapes and sizes, from humorous to conservative designs. The best part is that you don't need to be artistically inclined to make your graphic designs; computer imaging software will do the work for you.

What Are Graphic T-shirts?

Graphic t-shirts are now a type of clothing that is available to both men and women all over the world. In most cases, a graphic t-shirt is a shirt with a graphic design that appears somewhere on the shirt. Some graphic tees may have images on the sleeve, back, or side of the shirt, but the image is typically screen printed on the front.

Graphic tee shirts tend to feature company logos, graphic design techniques, and images printed on the front and back of the shirt. Some standard visuals include pets, pop-culture icons, cartoons, artwork, fitness, slogans, or expressions for subcultures. 

The Rise of Digital Print Technology

There are many types of printing techniques that can be used to print designs onto fabric. This technique allows colors and pictures to be applied to any material in size or shape. In today's marketplace, the types of garments you can get printed using digital prints vary greatly and include everything from T-shirts to baseball caps. 

The main advantage of digital printing is that no special equipment is needed. The process typically costs less than other types of prints, such as screen printing. One disadvantage of this print type is that it may not last long if exposed to water and other fluids. 

How Prints Are Made: Sublimation

Graphic t-shirts are often made through the sublimation process, which means heat is used to change one type of fabric into another permanently. For example, the heat from an inkjet printer melts the ink directly onto an undershirt. It then sublimes the ink particles onto the desired shirt. 

Because this process uses chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and oxalic acid—to name a few—it's environmentally friendly and safe for your health. 

However, because these chemicals can be dangerous if they come into contact with skin or eyes, it's always best to avoid direct contact by wearing gloves or protective eyewear when printing.

How Prints Are Made: Direct-to-Garment Printing (DTG)

Direct-to-garment printing (DTG) technology allows for transferring images and other graphics onto clothing without needing screens or transfers. As a result, DTG can offer prints made to be durable, detailed, and vibrant while also being soft, comfortable, and flexible. 

The technology makes it possible to print on any garment and in any color without worrying about cracks or blurs in the image. In addition, DTG offers seamless designs and multitasking patterns like camouflage. 

It's so versatile! The possibilities are endless! The wearer can design a t-shirt with their picture, someone else's picture, a poem or quote they love, or even their handwriting!

How Does DTG Printing Compare to Traditional Screen Printing?

Traditional screen printing is the most common way to print on t-shirts. DTG printing, on the other hand, doesn't use screens and prints right onto the material, which means it can print designs that can be very detailed in their quality. 

DTG also creates softer, more comfortable shirts due to its ability to create a finer ink point. In addition, this method wastes less, so DTG shirts are usually less expensive than those made with traditional screen printing methods. 

DTG printing is environmentally friendly too. It uses water-based inks rather than solvent-based ones, which causes less damage to the environment and the air around you while making your shirt.

The Best Places to Buy Your Tee Online

Baffle Gear, the home of high-quality graphic tees, offers shirts in many colors and styles. From more basic and conservative women's collections to simple dog collections, stylized graphics, and loving designs in our toddlers' collection, there's always something for everyone! 

Feel free to browse through our selection of mind-blowing shirts to find the perfect gift for your witty friend or family member; check out our adult collection. Or take it up a notch with our super soft, comfortable bundles collection. So whether you're shopping for someone else or yourself, rest assured, we have everything you need at Baffle Gear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Difference Between a Graphic T-Shirt and a Classic T-Shirt?

There's more to graphic t-shirts than just their visual appeal or their message. Although it may seem like they are of the same cut, there are a few notable differences, including a reinforced bottom hem and more expensive production. Unfortunately, these differences often affect the end product's price point and quality.

What Is Considered a Graphic Print?

Printed shirts range from simple, artistic depictions of things like trees and flowers to pop culture icons like Harry Potter or The Beatles. Generally speaking, a graphic print shirt has some printed design on it. 

They're easy to recognize because they're so bold and colorful. Unlike plain t-shirts, these often have detailed designs for the entire front side or back side of the shirt. Plain shirts are just blank or have short phrases on them.

What Size Are T-Shirt Graphics?

T-shirt graphics are usually about 8.5 wide and 12 high and, in an optimal setup, should be placed about two inches from the bottom of the shirt. They can also be applied to other apparel items like hats, sweatshirts, or tank tops. 

Pictures on t-shirts can come in a variety of sizes. Some graphics may cover the whole shirt, and others may only take up one or two panels. The size and placement of your picture can make it more or less noticeable, depending on where you place it.

Are Graphic Tees Out of Style?

The graphic tee trend in style comes and goes but never really disappears. The recent revival of the 80s shirt look is proof of this, and we will probably continue to see similar trends until streetwear becomes its subculture, instead of just one of many. It's hard to say whether or not it will ever be entirely out of style because it always seems to have someplace in the fashion world.