How To Design a Shirt

Create stylish, custom-fitted tops with Her Designer

Fashion is about self-expression, and designing your own shirt is a perfect way to showcase your unique style. Whether you're aiming for a bold statement piece or a sleek, minimalist design, understanding shirt design fundamentals is key.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to design a shirt step by step—from choosing the right style to adding custom logos and text. Plus, we’ll show you how to bring your design to life with Her Designer’s easy-to-use customization tools.

Ready to create your dream top? Start customizing now!

Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Shirt Style

Before you start designing, you need the right base shirt. The fit, fabric, and cut can dramatically affect how your design looks and feels.

Fitted vs. Loose Shirts

At Her Designer, we specialize in fitted tops, which create a sleek and stylish look. Here’s how different styles work:

✔ Tight T-Shirts – Perfect for a casual, yet trendy everyday outfit.
✔ Long-Sleeves – Great for layering in cooler weather.
✔ Fitted Tank Tops – A sporty-chic option for a bold statement.

 Pro Tip: Fitted tops require smaller, well-placed designs compared to oversized tees, which allow for larger graphics.

 Explore our fitted tops collection

Step 2: Finding Inspiration for Your Shirt Design

If you’re unsure where to start, get inspired by fashion trends and personal aesthetics.

Where to Look for Design Ideas?

• TikTok & Instagram – Follow influencers and fashion brands for trending graphic styles.

• Pinterest Mood Boards – Collect color palettes, typography, and textures.

• Streetwear & Runway Fashion – See how high-end designers incorporate bold graphics and sleek minimalism.

 Read more: Fashion Trends for 2025

Aligning Your Design with Her Designer’s Aesthetic

Her Designer is all about bold femininity—think:
Sleek modern fonts
Chic neutral & pink tones
Statement graphic placement

 

Step 3: Choosing the Right Design Tools

You don’t need to be a professional graphic designer to create a stunning shirt. There are plenty of easy-to-use tools that will help you bring your vision to life.

Beginner-Friendly Design Tools

If you're new to designing, start with these platforms:
Canva – Drag-and-drop graphics & text.
Adobe Express – Pre-made templates for a professional look.

Advanced Design Software for Professionals

For detailed customization, try:
Adobe Illustrator – Best for creating high-quality vector designs.
Procreate (iPad) – Perfect for hand-drawn artwork.

 Pro Tip: Use Her Designer’s built-in customization tool to upload your design, add text, and preview it instantly.

Start designing with Her Designer’s tool

Step 4: Creating a Stylish & Chic Shirt Design

Now comes the fun part—bringing your idea to life! Here are key design elements to consider:

Typography & Font Choices

Your choice of font sets the tone for your shirt design:
✔ Bold Fonts: Perfect for statement pieces.
✔ Minimalist Sans-Serif Fonts: Sleek and modern.
✔ Script Fonts: Adds a feminine and elegant touch.

Graphic & Logo Placement

Where you place your design can change the entire look:

• Small chest prints: Subtle & stylish.

• Full-back designs: Eye-catching and bold.

• Sleeve accents: Unique and trendy.

Pro Tip: When placing logos or graphics, consider the body’s natural movement—a well-placed design will enhance the fit.

Choosing a Chic Color Combination

Your design should complement both your personal style and your skin tone.

• High-contrast colors (black/white, neon/pastel) create a bold statement.

• Low-contrast colors (neutrals, soft pinks) are elegant and subtle.

 Read more: High Contrast vs. Low Contrast Face

Step 5: Uploading Your Design & Customizing Your Shirt

Once your design is ready, it’s time to bring it to life!

Using Her Designer’s Customization Tool

With our easy-to-use online editor, you can:
✔ Upload your graphic or text
✔ Adjust placement & color options
✔ Preview how it looks on different shirt styles

 Start customizing now!

Step 6: Common Design Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a flawless design:

 Overcrowding the Design – Simplicity is key.
Using Too Many Fonts – Stick to 1-2 complementary fonts.
Ignoring Fabric Fit – Designs may stretch on fitted tops, so adjust accordingly.

Remember: Less is more! Clean, intentional designs always look better.

Step 7: How to Style Your Custom Shirt

Once your custom shirt is ready, it’s time to style it like a pro!

Pair Your Shirt With:

 low-waisted jeans – Classic and trendy.
Mini skirts – Feminine and chic.
Oversized leather Jacket – For a bold contrast.

 Read more: Gold or Silver Jewelry: Which One Are You?

Step 8: Make Your Dream Shirt a Reality

Now that you know how to design a shirt, it’s time to bring your vision to life!

 3 Ways to Get Started:
Explore our fitted tops
Upload your custom design
Shop the latest fashion trends