So you're ready to take the plunge into custom apparel West Virginia style. Maybe it's matching shirts for your crew. Perhaps you're launching a business and need professional gear that doesn't look like you grabbed it from a gas station clearance bin.

Either way, you've got questions. We've got answers.

At Bigfoot Designs, we've helped everyone from Little League teams to full-blown corporations get decked out in custom threads. And let us tell you, there's a LOT that first-timers don't know going in.

Let's fix that. 🎯

1. SCREEN PRINTING AND EMBROIDERY ARE NOT THE SAME THING

This is the big one. The granddaddy of custom apparel confusion.

Screen printing West Virginia shops use ink pushed through mesh screens to create bold, vibrant designs. It's perfect for t-shirts, event gear, and anything with solid colors and punchy graphics. Think band tees. Think company picnic shirts. Think impact.

Embroidery West Virginia experts, on the other hand, stitch your design directly into the fabric. It's classy. It's durable. It screams "professional" without saying a word. Perfect for polos, hats, jackets, and work uniforms.

The quick breakdown:

• Screen printing = bold graphics, soft feel, cost-effective for large runs
• Embroidery = polished look, textured finish, ideal for logos and corporate gear

Not sure which fits your project? That's literally what we're here for.

2. YOUR ARTWORK MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

Here's where things get a little technical. But stick with us, it's important.

When you send over your logo or design, we need it in the right format. Specifically, we're looking for vector files. These are files (usually .AI, .EPS, or .PDF) that can be scaled up or down without getting blurry or pixelated.

That tiny JPEG your cousin made in 2014? It's not going to cut it.

Vector artwork ensures your design comes out crisp and clean, whether it's printed on a business card or plastered across a 3XL hoodie.

Don't have vector files? No stress. Most custom apparel West Virginia shops, including us at Bigfoot Designs, offer in-house design support. We can recreate your logo or help you start from scratch.

3. TURNAROUND TIMES AREN'T INSTANT (BUT THEY'RE NOT FOREVER EITHER)

We get it. You needed these shirts yesterday.

Here's the reality: standard production for custom apparel typically runs 5-10 business days after you approve the final design. That's pretty standard across the industry.

Rush orders? Absolutely possible. But plan ahead when you can. Your stress levels (and ours) will thank you.

Pro tip: If you've got a big event coming up, a festival, company retreat, family reunion, start the conversation at least 3-4 weeks out. That buffer gives everyone breathing room for revisions and shipping.

4. GOING LOCAL BEATS ONLINE EVERY SINGLE TIME

Look, we know the internet is tempting. Click a button, upload a design, wait for a box to show up.

But here's what you're missing with those faceless online printers:

• No real human to talk to when something goes wrong
• Generic quality that looks… well, generic
• Zero accountability if the colors are off or the sizing is weird
• Shipping from who-knows-where adding days (and dollars) to your order

When you work with a local screen printing West Virginia or embroidery West Virginia shop like Bigfoot Designs, you get:

✅ Face-to-face consultations
✅ Samples you can actually touch before committing
✅ Quick fixes if anything needs adjusting
✅ Someone who actually cares about your Mountain State business

Plus, you're supporting your neighbors. And that just feels good.

5. YOU CAN ORDER ANY QUANTITY (SERIOUSLY, ANY)

Need 500 shirts for a corporate event? We've got you.

Need one custom hat for your dad's retirement party? We've got you there too.

A lot of people assume custom apparel requires massive minimum orders. Not true. At least, not with us.

Whether you're ordering a single piece or outfitting an entire warehouse crew, custom apparel West Virginia shops can accommodate. Don't let quantity fears hold you back from getting exactly what you need.

6. YOU'VE GOT OPTIONS BEYOND BASIC TEES

T-shirts are great. We love t-shirts. But the world of custom apparel is SO much bigger.

Here's what's on the menu:

• Polos and button-downs
• Hoodies and quarter-zips
• Jackets and vests
• Hats and beanies
• Aprons (hello, restaurant crews!)
• Tote bags and accessories
• Work uniforms and safety gear

Whatever you're envisioning, there's probably a way to make it happen. Just ask.

7. BRAND-NAME APPAREL IS TOTALLY AN OPTION

Want your company logo embroidered on Nike polos? Carhartt jackets? Columbia outerwear?

Done.

Many custom apparel West Virginia providers partner with major apparel brands to give you access to premium garments. You're not stuck with off-brand blanks unless you want to be.

This is especially clutch for businesses wanting that extra level of quality and recognition. Nothing says "we take ourselves seriously" like branded gear on branded gear.

8. COLOR MATCHING IS A REAL THING (AND IT MATTERS)

Your brand has specific colors. Pantone numbers. Hex codes. The whole deal.

And if your custom apparel comes back in almost-but-not-quite the right shade of blue? That's a problem.

Professional shops use color matching tools to ensure your apparel matches your existing branding. Consistency across your shirts, signs, business cards, and vehicle wraps matters more than most people realize.

At Bigfoot Designs, we're sticklers for this stuff. Your brand deserves better than "close enough."

9. BULK ORDERS = BULK SAVINGS

Here's some good news for your budget: the more you order, the less you pay per piece.

Volume discounts are standard in the custom apparel world. So if you're debating between ordering 24 shirts or 48, it might be worth bumping up that number. The price difference per shirt can be surprisingly significant.

Planning ahead for the whole year? Even better. Lock in pricing for multiple orders and watch those savings stack up.

THE "PRE-QUOTE" CHECKLIST: WHAT YOU NEED READY

Want a quote fast? Like lightning fast? ⚡
Show up with these five things. We can move from “idea in your head” to “numbers in your inbox” real quick.

1) YOUR ARTWORK (VECTOR, PLEASE)

• Best files: .AI, .EPS, or .PDF
• Why? Clean lines. Crisp prints. No blurry logo sadness.
• Only have a PNG/JPG? Send it anyway. We’ll tell you what’s workable and what needs rebuilt.

2) A ROUGH QUANTITY
You don’t need an exact headcount down to the last guy on the crew. Just a ballpark.

• 12? 24? 50? 200?
• And yep—bulk orders save money! Lower cost per piece is the whole game.

3) WHAT APPAREL YOU WANT
Call it out clearly:

• Tees
• Hoodies
• Hats
• Polos
• Jackets
  Different garments = different pricing and different decoration options. Simple.

4) DESIGN PLACEMENT
Tell us where the design’s going:

• Left chest
• Full front
• Full back
• Sleeve
• Hat front / side / back
  Placement affects size, stitch count, ink coverage… all the quote stuff.

5) YOUR HARD DEADLINE
The real date you need it in-hand. Not the “it’d be nice” date.

• Event date
• Start-of-season
• Grand opening
• Monday morning jobsite kickoff
  Deadlines drive production scheduling. And whether a rush is needed.

Bottom line: have these ready and the process is smooth, fast, and way less back-and-forth.
More doing. Less emailing. Everyone wins.

10. ALWAYS GET A QUOTE BEFORE COMMITTING

This should be obvious, but you'd be surprised.

Custom apparel pricing depends on a ton of factors:

• Quantity
• Number of colors in your design
• Decoration method (screen printing vs. embroidery)
• Garment type and brand
• Turnaround time

Don't just assume. Get a formal quote. Any reputable shop will be transparent about costs upfront so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

At Bigfoot Designs, we keep pricing straightforward. No hidden fees. No "gotcha" moments. Just honest numbers you can plan around.

READY TO GET STARTED?

Ordering custom apparel West Virginia style doesn't have to be complicated. With the right partner and a little planning, you'll have gear that makes your team look sharp, your brand stand out, and your life a whole lot easier.

Whether you need screen printing West Virginia services for your next event or embroidery West Virginia expertise for professional uniforms, we're here to help.

Got questions? Ideas? A napkin sketch of your dream design?

Hit us up and let's make something awesome together. 🦶