Custom apparel FAQ

You can start online by choosing apparel, uploading your logo, and getting an instant quote through our online ordering system. For straightforward projects, many customers are able to complete the entire ordering process online. However, if your order involves multiple logos, multiple garment styles, specialty decoration methods, complex placement instructions, large quantities, or time-sensitive deadlines, we strongly recommend contacting us directly so our team can help ensure everything is quoted, organized, and produced correctly.

Include your logo or artwork, approximate or exact quantity, desired garment style(s) or color(s) (if known), size breakdown (if you have it), decoration method (if known), decoration locations, and the date you need the order completed.

Minimum order quantities depend on the decoration method, garment type, and whether garments are supplied by the customer or purchased through Koala-Tees. In many cases, there are no minimums when ordering apparel directly through Koala-Tees, with the exception of certain specialty items and select garment styles. Customer-supplied garment orders generally require minimums, including a 36-piece minimum for contract screen printing and a 24-piece minimum for contract embroidery. If you are unsure what applies to your project, feel free to contact us and we can help determine the best option for your order.

Yes. If you place your order online you will be able to self mock-up your logo on your garments and you will approve and finalize the mockup at checkout. If you contact us for a quote or upload a file on our site Koala-Tees will provide a mockup or proof for you. Production begins after the customer approves the proof, so you can review placement, sizing, and general layout before we print or decorate the order.

Yes. Reorders are common for businesses, schools, teams, and organizations. Keeping your artwork and production details on file can make future orders faster and easier.

Yes — in many cases, Koala-Tees accepts customer-supplied garments for custom decoration, often referred to as contract printing. Contract screen printing orders typically require a 36-piece minimum, while contract embroidery orders generally require a 24-piece minimum. Approval depends on the garment type, fabric, brand, decoration method, and overall project requirements. Because customer-supplied garments can vary in quality, construction, sizing consistency, dye composition, and print compatibility, we recommend contacting us so we can review the project details and help determine the best approach. Please note that Koala-Tees does not guarantee print or embroidery results on customer-supplied garments and cannot replace or reimburse customer-provided items under any circumstances. When garments are purchased directly through Koala-Tees, we are able to better ensure garment quality, consistency, decoration compatibility, and overall production results. In most cases, there are no minimums when ordering apparel through Koala-Tees, with the exception of certain specialty products and select garment styles.

Yes. Koala-Tees offers online ordering where customers can upload a logo or design and receive an instant quote on many products. This works best for straightforward orders with one design, clear print locations, and standard garment choices. For more complex orders we recommend contacting us.

Contact us if your order has lots of logos, several garment styles, multiple decoration locations, unusual artwork, specialty printing, a hard event deadline, or anything that feels complicated. Online ordering is great for simple projects, but complex orders are easier to get right when we can review the details with you first.

Koala-Tees offers guaranteed rush turnaround options directly through our online ordering system, including the ability to select a pickup date as fast as 3 business days — guaranteed or we will make it right in accordance with our delivery policy which can be found at the footer of our website. If you need faster than a 3 day turnaround the speed will depend on garment availability, artwork readiness, decoration method, order size, and current production schedule. For many straightforward projects requiring a turnaround of 3-11+ business days, customers can place their order online, upload their logo, and select a rush turnaround option during checkout. If you need a turnaround faster than 3 business days call us at (801) 566-1867 ASAP and we will do our best to help! For more details, visit our turnaround times page.

Yes. Koala-Tees offers guaranteed rush turnaround options on qualifying projects, including rush production options directly through our online ordering system. Customers can select qualifying turnaround speeds as fast as 3 business days during checkout. If a qualifying rush order is not completed on time, it is backed by our guarantee and is bound by the terms which can be found in our delivery policy at the footer of our website. For extremely urgent projects or emergency apparel needs, contact us directly to check same-day availability.

Yes. Koala-Tees offers qualifying guaranteed rush turnaround options directly through our online ordering system. Customers can upload artwork, choose garments, receive instant pricing, and select qualifying rush turnaround options during checkout. If you have a highly complex project, multiple garment styles, specialty decoration, or an emergency same-day request, we recommend contacting us directly first.

Yes. Qualifying rush orders placed through Koala-Tees can receive guaranteed turnaround dates, including online rush ordering options as fast as 3 business days. These guarantees are especially helpful for events, business launches, conventions, staff apparel, school deadlines, and other time-sensitive projects. Visit our turnaround times page for details and qualifying turnaround options.

Common delays include missing size breakdowns, low-quality artwork, late proof approval, out-of-stock garments, changes after approval, complex specialty decoration, or unclear project details.

In some cases, yes. Certain qualifying orders may be completed as fast as same day depending on garment availability, artwork readiness, decoration method, quantity, and current production capacity. Same-day service is generally limited to items we currently have in stock and projects that are production-ready. For same-day or emergency apparel needs, please contact us directly so we can check availability and determine what is realistically possible.

Screen printing is a durable decoration method where ink is pushed through a screen onto the garment. It is especially strong for bulk t-shirt orders, bold artwork, solid colors, uniforms, events, teams, and branded apparel.

Yes. When properly printed and cured, screen printing is one of the most durable methods for custom apparel. It is a great choice for repeat wear, team shirts, staff apparel, events, and business merchandise.

Minimums depend on the design, number of print colors, garment type, and project details. Screen printing usually becomes more cost-effective as quantity increases because setup is spread across more pieces.

Yes. Koala-Tees can produce oversized prints on qualifying garments and designs. Oversized printing depends on artwork dimensions, garment size range, print location, and production method.

Yes. Specialty options may include puff, metallic, and other special-effect inks depending on the project. Specialty inks work best when the artwork and garment are chosen with the effect in mind.

Embroidery uses thread stitched directly into the garment, creating a professional, textured, long-lasting decoration. It is popular for polos, hats, jackets, uniforms, workwear, bags, and premium branded apparel.

Common embroidery items include polos, hats, jackets, hoodies, vests, beanies, workwear, bags, and uniforms. The best choice depends on fabric thickness, garment construction, logo size, and placement.

Digitizing converts artwork into a stitch file an embroidery machine can read. It controls stitch type, direction, density, and sequencing so the design can sew cleanly onto the garment.

Embroidery is often better for a premium, professional look on polos, jackets, hats, and uniforms. Printing is often better for large graphics, detailed artwork, gradients, or soft lightweight t-shirt designs.

Small text can be challenging in embroidery because thread has physical thickness. If text is too small, we may recommend simplifying the design, increasing the size, or choosing another decoration method.

DTF stands for direct-to-film. The design is printed onto film and heat-applied to the garment. It works well for full-color artwork, smaller quantities, detailed designs, and many garment types.

DTG stands for direct-to-garment. The design is printed directly onto the fabric, usually on cotton or cotton-rich garments. It is useful for detailed full-color designs and lower quantities.

DTF is transferred onto the garment and can work on a wider range of fabrics. DTG prints directly into the garment and can have a softer feel on the right fabric. The best choice depends on garment material, artwork, quantity, feel, and durability goals.

DTF and DTG are often better for small orders because they avoid some of the setup requirements of screen printing. The best option depends on artwork detail, garment type, and desired feel.

Vector files such as AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG are usually best for logos and clean graphics. High-resolution PNG or PSD files may also work depending on the project. Low-resolution screenshots or blurry images may need cleanup before production.

Yes. If your logo is blurry, low-resolution, or not production-ready, we can often help prepare it for printing or embroidery. More complex redraws or design work may require additional time or cost.

We can help match brand colors as closely as possible based on the decoration method, ink or thread options, garment color, and artwork file quality. Exact results can vary by material and production method.

That is normal. Koala-Tees can recommend the best method based on your garment, quantity, artwork detail, deadline, budget, and durability needs. You can order online for simple projects, or contact us for guidance on more complex orders.

Pricing depends on garment cost, quantity, number of decoration locations, number of colors, artwork setup, decoration method, specialty effects, and turnaround time.

Usually, yes. Bulk orders often reduce the cost per item because setup and production time are spread across more garments.

Some methods may involve setup, screen, digitizing, or artwork preparation costs. These depend on the decoration method and the condition of the artwork.

It depends. Screen printing is often more cost-effective for larger t-shirt orders, while embroidery is often preferred for premium professional garments like polos, hats, jackets, and uniforms.

Koala-Tees has access to thousands of blank apparel options across multiple suppliers and brands, including t-shirts, hoodies, hats, polos, jackets, workwear, athletic apparel, bags, and more.

Yes. We can help you compare fit, feel, price, color options, printability, durability, and availability so the garment matches the purpose of your order.

Cotton and cotton-blend t-shirts are common choices for screen printing. The best option depends on budget, fit, color, fabric weight, and how the shirts will be used.

Polos, hats, jackets, vests, workwear, and structured garments are often great for embroidery because the stitched logo gives a clean and professional appearance.

For best results, wash garments inside out with cold water, avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, and tumble dry low or hang dry when possible. High heat can shorten the life of many apparel decorations.

Embroidered garments can usually be washed normally, but turning them inside out, washing with cold water and avoiding harsh washing conditions can help protect the thread and garment over time.

Any decorated garment can wear over time, but proper production and care greatly improve longevity. Wash settings, dryer heat, garment fabric, ink type, and use conditions all matter.

Koala-Tees is based in Sandy, Utah and serves customers throughout the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas. You can view our address, hours, and directions on our location page.

Yes. Koala-Tees works with businesses, schools, teams, events, bands, churches, organizations, and local groups that need professional custom apparel.

A local shop gives you real human guidance, local pickup options, easier communication, and help choosing the right garment and decoration method before production begins. Koala-Tees also offers online ordering for simple projects, so you can choose the path that fits your order best.

You can reach us through our contact page if you need help with a quote, complex order, rush deadline, artwork question, garment selection, or local pickup details.