One of the most common types of shirt design software available is T-shirt design software, which I have discussed on another page here. This page will focus on shirt design of other types.
Depending on the type of shirt that you are trying to design, there is different software available.
Sports Jerseys
One of the most commonly needed types of equipment that needs designing is that for sports teams. In general, sports jersey design software enables you to choose your own logo, your own color and to choose between various stylistic options. Of course, you will usually want the actual numbers to be variable depending on the player.
Because the sports jersey market is so lucrative, there are a number of online tools run by companies that will then sell you the jersey that you design. Options include length of sleeve, type of jersey (as in which sport), logo and more. Some companies allow you to upload the image that you wish to use, while other have preset images.
A good example of this sort of company is the www.onlinecustomjerseys.com. They allow you to upload your own images, provide numerous sports options and will give you a quote right on their site. In addition, they provide matching coaching wear and even spirit wear for your cheerleaders.
Custom Design Shirts
Another type of clothing that people like to design using software is simply any customed designed shirt to have as a part of a stylish outfit. There are not any types of software specifically for shirts, but they come as part of larger packages or software for general clothing design. When making such a shirt, there are a number of different things you can do in terms of making the shirt:
- Collars: One option that most clothing design software will allow you to change is the collar. You can select from a number of pre-defined collars, or you can design your own unique cut. The software will allow you to then see what the collar would look like on your finished shirt, so you can make any changes.
- Cut: Depending on where you wish your shirt to hang off of your body, you can cut your shirt differently. Options include altering the tightness on the chest, belly and shoulders. The cut will affect the overall shape of the shirt that you design, so you can reflect your own style. Maternity options are also sometimes available.
- Type: The other option is the type of shirt that you would like to make. You can make something as simple as a tank top, or something as elaborate as a fully buttoned-down shirt. Usually, these options are preset, but you have the option of designing the overall cut of your shirt yourself.
Fortunately, there are a number of options available that allow you to design your own shirts. One program that is very popular is called Mission: Runway
One of the nice things about designing shirts on a piece of software that works for all different sorts of fashion design is that you can design your shirt as a part of a complete outfit. Not only can you see how the shirt would look on their models, but you can also see how the shirt would look as a part of an ensemble.
Using Your Designs
Once you’ve designed your shirt, there are two different options.
First, you could create the shirt yourself. All clothing design software has options for printing off patterns that you can use. Since your clothing will be bigger than your printer, you will generally print these off and then tape them together, using them as the pattern. The software will also tell you where the clothing should be stitched.
Alternatively, you can send your design to a professional tailor. If they don’t use the same software as you, you will have to print off the patterns, but if they do, you can simply send them the design file. Either way, you will have exactly the shirt you were hoping for!