Alright, so you want custom t-shirts. Abu Dhabi has loads of printing shops, but which one should you go with? They don’t all do the same thing, and some charge way more than they should. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry. You’re not alone.
Here’s how to not mess it up.
What Kind of Printing?
Not all printing is the same. There’s screen printing, DTG (direct to garment), vinyl, and some others too.
Screen printing is great if you’re ordering a bunch. Vinyl’s okay for names and numbers. DTG works better for colorful stuff.
If you’re just doing 5 shirts, don’t let someone convince you to use a method meant for 500.
Just ask them: “What’s best for my order?” If they dodge the question or don’t explain it clearly, try somewhere else.
Fabric? Yeah, It Matters
Some shirts look great at first, then they shrink or the fabric gets weird after one wash. You don’t want that.
Ask if they have samples. Feel the shirt. If it’s too thin or stiff, skip it. Soft cotton works best for most uses.
Even if it costs a little more, it’s worth it. Cheap shirts = people won’t wear them again.
Prices: Ask for Everything
You’re not just paying for the shirt. There’s setup, design, printing, and sometimes even fees they don’t mention until later.
When you ask for a quote, say this:
“Is that the full price, including print and everything else?”
Some shops quote low and then tack on extras. That’s annoying, and it wastes your time.
If you’re printing 20 or more, ask if they do bulk discounts.
Time: Be Clear
Got an event? A deadline? Say it upfront.
Some shops are fast. Others say “yes” but miss the deadline. Always ask:
“How many days do you need for this order?”
Get it in writing if you’re not sure.
Talk to Real People
DM them. Call. Walk in. You’ll know pretty quickly who’s serious and who’s just doing it halfway.
If they take two days to reply or give unclear answers? You’ve got your answer.
Final Bit
There are plenty of shops for t shirt printing in Abu Dhabi. Some are solid. Some not so much. Don’t just look at the price. Ask questions. Feel the fabric. Check how they talk to you.
A good print shop won’t rush you or confuse you. And your shirts? They’ll come out the way you imagined them.
Done right, custom t-shirts are fun, simple, and useful. Just make sure you’re working with people who know what they’re doing.
