The Best Shirt Colors to Make a Design Pop
Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 03-29-2025
You've got a killer design, but now the million-dollar question is—what color shirt do you print it on? The right t-shirt color will make a design pop, and the wrong one will make it appear flat, dull, or barely noticeable.
If you want your custom apparel to turn heads (for the right reasons), here is how you select the best colors for your shirts to make your design pop.
Contrast is Everything
The number one guideline? Your design needs to stand out from the fabric. If your design is light, print on a dark shirt. If your design is dark, print on a light shirt. Easy as it may sound, it's one of the most typical mistakes individuals make when making merch.
Best high-contrast combos:
✔ White design on black, navy, or dark green
✔ Black design on white, gray, or pastel colors
✔ Bright colors against neutral backgrounds
✔ Dark colors against light colors (like navy on mustard)
Avoid low-contrast pairings like black on navy or white on light yellow—your design won't print out.
Timeless Neutrals Always Work
If you want a sure thing, you can't go wrong with black, white, gray, or navy. These colors match with nearly any design style, and they're the most wearable (i.e., people are more likely to actually wear your shirt).
Black shirts make white and bright designs pop.
White shirts make dark designs appear crisp and clean.
Heather gray is an excellent all-around option that looks good with black, navy, or colorful prints.
Navy is a great alternative to black for a slightly softer, more premium feel.
Bold Colors for a Statement Look
If you want to stand out, go beyond the basics and experiment with bold statement colors.
-Earth tones like olive, rust, and mustard have been trending in custom apparel and pair well with simple, bold designs.
-Pastels like soft pink, mint, and sky blue create a more modern, fashion-forward look.
-Vintage washes give your design a softer, worn-in feel that people love for everyday wear.
Just make sure the ink colors work with the apparel—a bright red print on a royal blue tee might clash, but on a sand-colored T-shirt, it might look cool and trendy.
Test Before You Print
Colors can look different on screen than in real life, so always test your design on the actual fabric color before ordering a large batch. If possible, order a sample or mockup on the same shirt you'll be using.
Color Can Make or Break Your Design
The right shirt color can elevate your design, while the wrong one can make it disappear. Whether you’re going classic with black and white or experimenting with bold tones, always keep contrast, wearability, and your brand’s aesthetic in mind.