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Let's Start A T-Shirt Business! What To Buy To Get You Up and Running.

Writer's picture: Trenice MartinTrenice Martin

Hey y'all!


I’m Trenice Martin—mother of five, graphic designer, and professional wearer of many hats (literally and figuratively). I’ve been in the t-shirt business for 18 years, and guess what? I’ve never had another job since I started this one. This business has paid my bills, fed my kids, and kept me stocked with all the Snickers I need to function.


So, if you’re thinking about diving into the t-shirt game, let me be the first to tell you: it’s fun, it’s rewarding, and yes—it takes money. Let’s be real, you’ll never start any business with zero dollars. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with exactly what you need to get up and running without wasting your hard-earned cash.


But before we get into the good stuff...just a heads up. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a lil' something (at no extra cost to you, of course!). Gotta keep my Snicker fund going, right? I only recommend things I truly love and actually use, so rest assured you're in good hands!


1. A Good Printer


Listen, without a solid printer, you’re just a person with big dreams and no way to bring them to life. Your printer is the MVP of this operation. Whether you’re doing sublimation, screen print transfers, or vinyl, a high-quality printer ensures your designs come out crisp, clean, and ready to wow your customers. Cheap printers might seem like a good idea at first, but trust me—go for something reliable, or you’ll end up spending more money replacing it later.



I've been using this printer for years. Whenever it stops printing after a year or so, I purchase another one. I have a backup one on standby right now!


2. Ink


No ink, no t-shirts. It’s that simple. And not just any ink—good ink. The kind that won’t fade after one wash or make your colors look like a sad Instagram filter gone wrong. Investing in high-quality ink means vibrant, long-lasting prints that will keep your customers coming back for more. Plus, using the right ink for your specific printing method is crucial—whether it’s sublimation, pigment, or eco-solvent.


Since I have an inkjet Canon printer, I also use genuine Canon ink. Notice I said GENUINE. Buying that compatible refill ink is not the best idea if you're printing t-shirts. That ink will definitely bleed out in your washer. Not a good look...especially when the customers pass around that your shirts ruined innocent bystander clothes in their washer.


3. Transfer Paper (for Light and Dark Garments)


Think of transfer paper as the magic carpet that takes your designs from your computer to the fabric. But here's the thing—different garments need different paper. Light transfer paper for those bright, colorful tees, and dark transfer paper to make sure your designs pop on darker fabrics. Skimping on the right transfer paper will leave you frustrated, and nobody wants a t-shirt business where colors crack or peel after one wash.


I'm in the New Orleans area so we have wholesalers that sell transfer paper, but if you don't have that luxury order this paper. I love this brand. It's my go to when I'm ordering in bulk. The transfers peel really clean and have a great feel on the shirt.


4. Design Software


This is where the magic happens, people! Whether you’re using Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or beginner-friendly programs like Canva, having solid design software is non-negotiable. This is how you create, edit, and perfect your designs before they ever hit a shirt. And hey, don’t worry if you’re not a design pro yet—there are plenty of tutorials out there to help you level up.


I am currently using an older version of The Print Shop Deluxe. I believe it's 23. Anywho, I love the program. It's simple to use and understand. I've attached a more updated version below.


5. Teflon Paper


Think of Teflon paper as your business's insurance policy. When you're using a heat press, Teflon paper acts as a protective layer to prevent scorching, sticking, and other disasters you don’t want happening to your masterpiece. Trust me, nothing ruins your day faster than a ruined shirt stuck to your heat press.


Now...I use the white teflon, but usually when you see people doing shirts, you see them with the dark khaki colored one. I used that one before, but I couldn't see through it. My transfer flipped up under the teflon and I didn't realize it. Ruined the whole shirt.



6. A Heat Press Machine


Ah, the heat press—where all your hard work comes together. This machine is the heart of your operation. Whether you’re making shirts for a local event or fulfilling big orders, a good heat press ensures even heat distribution, perfect pressure, and professional-quality results. Don’t go cheap here; a good heat press can make or break your business.


7. A Solid Workspace


Okay, I know this isn’t exactly a “product,” but having an organized, dedicated space for your t-shirt business is a total game-changer. Whether it's a spare bedroom, a corner of your garage, or your dining room table (been there, done that), having a clean and efficient workspace will help keep you focused and productive.


Final Thoughts


Starting a t-shirt business isn’t an overnight success story, no matter what those flashy YouTube ads tell you. It takes patience, consistency, and a little bit of trial and error. But if you stick with it, the results are totally worth it. And hey—if you’ve got questions or need advice, I’m here for you! Feel free to reach out to me, and I’ll be happy to help you on your journey to t-shirt business greatness.

Now go out there and get started!

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