Are you set to turn your clothes into something that will catch the eye? Think of creating designs that stay just right and always remain in one size. Transfers see themselves as the fun, fast-moving and reliable fashion choice all over for your apparel. However, it is important to note that how a graphic is sized or placed determines whether it will be attractive or not. Whether you're using classic vinyl, DTF Transfers, or HTV, using the established industry standards you will get the best results.
Heat Transfer Terminology
To prevent any confusion, let's have a look at the basic terms that are commonly used in our industry:
- Print location - This is where you put the print on the fabric and it’s called print location (left chest print, full back print). Placement and print area can vary within the print location.
- Print placement - The exact place on which a design is located. Typically, this differs by at least some inches or more depending on the size of clothing, preference and other factors.
- Print area - It is specifically the part of fabric that will be covered by ink, vinyl or decal. Necessary for pockets, seams, buttons etc.
- Print size - The physical size measurement of the design. The combination of print size plus placement determines the print area. Does not include film size of heat transfers, vinyls, decals
- Standard size – There are standard sizes for each location where prints are applied to the T-shirt. These may slightly differ between adult, ladies or youth sized clothes as a starting point.
- Anchor point - The point in design that should be centered rather than midpoint especially when dealing with designs lacking natural symmetry.
DTF Transfer Sizing And Placement
We have been in this industry of creating custom apparel for years and specifically in the size and placement of heat transfers like DTF transfers. With experience, we've undrstood that there are common placement locations and heat transfer sizes that will make your apparel look its best. They are the following:
Left Chest
The classic left chest placement is back in style. It’s small, modest and where to go for logo shirts for staff members; employees or crew attending an event or just a chic alternative on any other personalized clothing you want to design. A left chest design can also be paired with a full back design - especially if you are skater communities. The disadvantage with the location is that when you wear a jacket or zip hoodie, it makes the fabric hide the design.
Center Chest
Center Chest is centered across the chest and below the collar. This is a medium sized print, so it's always more visible, even if someone is wearing a jacket, hoodie, or open button-down shirt.
Full Front
Full Front is the commonly used area for printing a design. It's good for featuring artistic graphics. But for logos and designs it might be considered too big with much coverage (consider a Center Chest instead). This placement can be used for detailed designs that need the space to show off all of the details of it.
Sleeve (left or right)
In general, small graphics or prints are used on the sleeves. As for the size and placement it should depend on your particular logo or design.
Collar / Small Upper Back
For this area; designs and logos can be added in a very small way in this placement. Also works well for the small area on tank tops.
Upper Back
A print on the upper part is just called "Back," but there's a key difference: it goes across the shoulder blades instead of being centered. This area is where you'll see bold words like "EVENT STAFF," or the trending hashtag. It's also a great place for bigger logos.
Size & Print DTF Transfers Carefully for Best Results
DTF transfers and other heat transfer methods can create great results, but you need to size and position them with care. Follow these common guidelines to make sure your custom clothing reaches its full potential.