How to make custom T-shirts with photos

By Ross Bielema

Some shirts tell a story. Others show it.

That’s the power of custom photo T-shirts—shirts that carry memories, celebrate milestones or spotlight your brand in full color. Whether it’s a candid from a family reunion or a team photo, these T-shirts do more than look good. They connect.

And the best part? You don’t need a design degree or a home printing setup to make it happen. With 4imprint, you can create high-quality custom T-shirts using your own photo—online, on your terms and on budget.

Let’s walk through how.

How do I turn a photo into a shirt design?

Start with the image.

For a sharp, professional-looking result, choose a high-resolution photo (300 DPI or more is ideal). Bright colors and strong contrast tend to print best, especially on lighter shirts. Group shots? Make sure everyone’s in focus. Logos? Keep file edges clean and crisp.

Need help polishing your photo? Our art team can help adjust lighting, sharpen details or clean up the background—all at no extra charge.

Once your image is ready, send it to us and our design team will help you turn it into a standout T-shirt—no design software needed. You’ll receive a free e-proof that shows exactly how your design will look on the selected shirt. Want the design on the front? Back? Both? We can do that—and we’ll help you decide what works best.

If you’re creating custom photo T-shirts front and back, keep in mind that placement matters. A large image across the back might look great for a staff event, while a front-pocket photo works well for commemorative keepsakes.

And if you’re not sure what looks best? We’ve got you. You’ll always see a proof before anything goes to print.

Can you get a photo printed on a shirt?

Yes—and it’s easier (and sharper) than ever.

Today’s printing methods—like full-color heat transfer and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing—are made for photo realism. We can print everything from vivid travel shots to company team portraits with incredible detail and staying power.

Different methods work best for different projects:

• DTG printing is great for soft cotton shirts and gives you excellent depth and tone variation.
• Heat transfer allows for sharper edges and is perfect for high-contrast logos or smaller photo areas.

Shirt material and color play a role too. Lighter fabrics make colors pop, while darker shirts may need a white underbase to ensure clarity. Not sure what to pick? We'll help you match your design to the best imprint method.

This goes for all styles, from women’s custom short-sleeve T-shirts to men’s custom T-shirts with a logo. And because 4imprint uses professional-grade technology, your shirts will hold up through plenty of washes—no flaking, fading or peeling.

“Our employees love these shirts! They are so soft and comfortable. No fading or peeling after multiple washes. Highly recommend!”
— Port & Company^® Tri-Blend T-Shirt product review provided by customer

How much does it cost to print a picture on a shirt?

This is where planning pays off.

Single-shirt orders will naturally cost more per item—anywhere from $15 to $35 depending on the shirt style and design size. But once you scale up, the per-shirt price drops fast. That’s thanks to built-in bulk discounts, which kick in automatically when you order with 4imprint.

Here’s what affects pricing:

• Shirt style: Premium brands or performance fabrics may cost more.
• Image size and placement: One-location designs are more affordable than printing multiple locations.
• Order size: The bigger the batch, the better the price per piece.

Looking for budget-friendly custom shirts with pictures online? 4imprint makes it easy to compare styles, preview costs and apply volume savings using our Glide™ pricing tool. You’ll see real numbers in real time—with no surprise charges later.

We also price match competitors, and you’ll always receive a free e-proof before printing. That alone can save you hundreds if you’re ordering for a team or an event.

Ready to make custom T-shirts with your photos?

You bring the photo. We’ll handle the rest.

Designing your own shirt is as simple as:

• Uploading your photo
• Choosing your shirt style
• Reviewing your free proof
• Approving your imprint

Need matching team apparel? No problem. We offer inclusive sizes, color options and shirt styles that suit everything from men’s custom T-shirts with photo to women’s shirts with company logo. Whether you're outfitting an event crew, celebrating a milestone or starting a merch line, we’ve got what you need—and you’ll receive your order on time, guaranteed.

Most orders ship within 3–10 business days, and rush options are available if you're working against the clock.

Bring your memories, ideas or branding to life—custom T-shirts with photo printing from 4imprint makes it easy and affordable. Start designing today!

Ross Bielema

Ross Bielema is a seasoned SEO marketing specialist at 4imprint, based in Oshkosh, WI, a title he’s held for the past 16 years. He previously was a copywriter here, crafting everything from headlines and company letters to e-mails and faxes. Boosting web presence and organic ranking creatively for one of North America’s top promotional merchandise distributors comes easily because of his combined 38 years of journalism experience. This includes freelance writing for local media outlets such as the Shawano (WI) Leader newspaper, expanding his experience beyond digital marketing into broader content creation. Ross brings a unique blend of marketing acumen, content creation talent and community engagement to his work at 4imprint.