A Decorator’s Guide to Long Sleeve Printing: Placement, Sizing, and Ink Tips

Long sleeve apparel offers more than just extra coverage, it’s a versatile canvas for decoration. Long sleeves give decorators more print real estate and unique placement opportunities compared to short sleeve tees.

That said, they also come with a few technical considerations. Fabric weight, sleeve construction, and placement techniques all influence your end result. This guide covers practical tips for placement, sizing, and ink choices, plus the Gildan® styles that make the most of your designs.

1. Placement: Thinking Beyond the Chest Print

Front and back prints are still the most popular, but long sleeves open up additional options that can help your designs stand out:

• Sleeve prints: Great for vertical logos, type, or repeat patterns. Works especially well for sports teams, event merch, and streetwear-inspired designs.
• Wrist-to-elbow graphics: A modern twist that gives a bold impact without covering the entire sleeve.
• Pocket prints: For smaller logos or branding, especially when paired with a larger back design.
  
  Tip: Always account for the natural taper of sleeves. Artwork should be scaled and positioned so that it appears straight when worn, not just when laid flat.

Recommended styles:

• Super Heavyweight Oversized Long Sleeve T-Shirt with Pocket (9410): Its oversized fit and chest pocket make it ideal for combining a pocket print with sleeve graphics.
• Gildan® Ultra Cotton® 2400 T-Shirt: The generous cut and sturdy fabric hold sleeve prints without excessive distortion.

2. Sizing Your Artwork Correctly

Sleeve width, garment size, and intended audience all affect how large your print should be. Printing too large can cause warping when worn, while printing too small can make designs disappear.

• For sleeve prints: A general guideline is 2–3 inches wide for adult sizes, proportionally smaller for youth sizes. Length can range from wrist to shoulder or be strategically placed along a section of the sleeve.
• For oversized garments: You can scale up chest and back prints slightly to balance proportions.
• For hoodies and crewnecks: Factor in bulk from seams, ribbed cuffs, and pocket placement when sizing artwork.

Recommended styles:

• Gildan® Softstyle® SF000 Crewneck: Slimmer fit works well with smaller, more precise chest and sleeve graphics.
• Gildan® Heavy Blend® 18600 Hoodie: Slightly more relaxed fit gives room for larger, bold artwork.

3. Choosing the Right Ink and Technique

Different fabrics and weights interact with ink in unique ways. Choosing the right print method ensures your design lasts and looks sharp.

• Plastisol inks: Great for bold colours on heavier fabrics like the 9410 and 2400. These inks sit on top of the fibres, maintaining vibrancy.
• Water-based inks: Perfect for the soft hand feel on lighter, ring-spun garments like the SF000 Crewneck and SF500 Hoodie. Best for high-detail designs.
• Discharge printing: Works well on 100% cotton styles, giving a soft feel with a vintage look — ideal for fashion-forward streetwear runs.
• Heat transfers: Useful for sleeve prints where precise placement is key, especially on smaller runs.

4. Managing Fabric Weight and Stretch

Heavier fabrics require more ink penetration or adjusted squeegee pressure during printing. Lighter fabrics may need less ink but more care to avoid scorching.

• Heavyweight cotton: Like the 9410 and 2400, these hold shape well and resist distortion during printing.
• Ring-spun cotton blends: Like the SF000 Crewneck and SF500 Hoodie, these offer a smoother surface but may need underbases for bright colours on dark garments.
• Fleece: Like the 18600 Hoodie, requires consideration for textured surfaces, use slightly thicker inks to ensure coverage.

5. Extra Considerations for Hoodies and Crewnecks

Printing on hoodies and crewnecks comes with its own set of challenges:

• Seam interference: Avoid placing critical design elements over seams, kangaroo pockets, or ribbing where ink coverage can be inconsistent.
• Hood drawcords: When printing near the neckline, ensure cords won’t obscure key details.
• Placement alignment: Always test print to check how designs sit when the garment is worn, bulkier fabrics can shift more than tees.

Recommended styles:

• Gildan® Softstyle® SF500 Hoodie: Lightweight and smooth, great for fashion-forward or retail merch.
• Gildan® Heavy Blend® 18600 Hoodie: Warm and durable, ideal for uniforms, team merch, and cold-weather events.

Final Thoughts

Long sleeve apparel gives decorators a bigger canvas and bigger opportunity to get creative. Whether you’re printing bold sleeve graphics, adding subtle branding to a pocket tee, or designing a multi-location hoodie, success comes down to matching your method and design to the right garment.

Ready to create standout long sleeve merch?
Explore Gildan’s full range of long sleeve tees, hoodies, and crewnecks to find the perfect base for your next project.