How to design a t-shirt

How to Design a Custom T Shirt Online in Kenya That Feels Personal

by with No Comment T-Shirt

Everyone wants to wear something that feels like them.
Not a random brand. Not a mass-produced tee. Something real.

Custom t shirts let you do that. Whether it’s a design you made at 2 a.m. or a slogan that makes your friends laugh out loud, your shirt should feel like yours.

And if you’re in Nairobi? You can design it online and get it printed in just a few clicks.

This isn’t just a guide. It’s a walkthrough from someone who’s been there — from choosing the right shirt to making sure your design actually looks good on fabric.

Let’s get into it.

Why Design Your Own T Shirt?

Because sometimes, the clothes in stores just don’t cut it.

Maybe you have a message.
Maybe you’re starting a brand.
Maybe you just want to wear something no one else owns.

Designing your own shirt puts you in control. It’s personal, fun, and surprisingly easy once you know what you’re doing.

Want to see examples?
Browse our custom t shirt collection to get inspired by what others have created.

Step 1: Choose the Right T Shirt

Not all t shirts are the same. Some feel light and soft. Others are heavier, built to last. Here’s what to think about before you even start designing:

  • Fit – Classic, slim, oversized? What do you feel most comfortable in?

  • Fabric – In Nairobi’s heat, 100% cotton works well. Blends are great if you want something with a bit more structure.

  • Color – If your design is bright, go with a neutral shirt. If it’s dark or bold, try lighter backgrounds for contrast.

Check out our product quality guide to see what materials we use and why it matters.

Step 2: Create Your Design

Here’s where people freeze up.
What do I put on it? Will it look weird? Should I hire someone?

Relax. This doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start simple:

  • Upload your own photo or drawing

  • Add text — a quote, a punchline, something you say all the time

  • Combine graphics and words if it helps tell the story

And here’s what matters most: Use a high-resolution image. If it’s blurry on your screen, it’ll be even worse on a shirt. Aim for 300 DPI. That’s print quality.

Think about placement too. Do you want your design front and center? Off to the side? On the back?

Visualize the final look before you hit “upload.” If it doesn’t feel right, tweak it. Or try something completely different. You’re in charge.

Need ideas or tools? Try using Canva or Photopea to create your designs. Both are beginner-friendly and free.

Step 3: Use the Online Designer

You don’t need to download anything. No fancy software.

Our online t shirt design tool is simple and clear. Just open it, and you’ll see:

  • A shirt mockup

  • Space to drag and drop your design

  • Options to resize, reposition, and adjust

  • A preview to show how it’ll actually look when printed

You can play around with it as much as you want. Nothing is final until you say so.

No need to be a pro. If you can click, you can design.

Step 4: Order and Wait for Delivery

Once you’re happy with the design:

  • Pick your size

  • Select how many you want (yes, you can just get one)

  • Enter your delivery details

  • Pay

  • Done

We deliver all over Nairobi. Most of the time, your shirt arrives in 1–3 days. Sometimes faster.

Want to learn more about our shipping and delivery options? We’ve got you covered.

Tips for Better Designs

Here’s some advice I wish I had when I started:

  • Keep text short. One line is stronger than a paragraph.

  • Use bold fonts that are easy to read from a few meters away.

  • Stick to one or two elements. Too much going on ruins the message.

  • Check how the design looks against different shirt colors.

  • Don’t overthink it. If you love it, that’s enough.

Some of the best t shirts are the simplest ones.

Looking for font inspiration? Browse Google Fonts — they’re free and widely used in graphic design.

What’s Trending in Nairobi Right Now?

You don’t have to follow trends. But if you want some inspiration:

  • Clean typography with sharp lines

  • Local phrases in Sheng — people love the humor and relatability

  • Afro-urban patterns

  • Short punchy statements about identity, politics, or everyday life

  • Photo prints — especially candid or nostalgic ones

Look around the streets, matatus, campuses. Style in Nairobi is loud, clever, and personal. Your design should feel like you belong in that crowd.

Want to stay ahead of local fashion trends? Check out Nairobi Fashion Hub.

You don’t need a brand to start designing.
You don’t need to be a designer, either.

All you need is an idea — even a rough one — and a willingness to try.

So go for it.
Make that t shirt.
Wear something that feels like you.

Start your custom design on Hauz of Merch now.

demo-attachment-2627-N8TK-scaled

Top 5 T Shirt Printing Trends Taking Over Nairobi in 2025

by with No Comment T-Shirt

Let’s face it — Nairobi doesn’t follow fashion. It creates it.

T shirt printing in Kenya is no longer about boring logos or generic slogans.
It’s bold. Personal. Street-smart. And in 2025, it’s going even harder.

Whether you’re planning to launch your own merch or just want a t shirt that actually feels like you, these trends are taking over the streets — from Rongai to Runda.

Let me walk you through the top 5.

1. Nairobi Street Culture Prints

This trend is everywhere. And it’s proudly local.

We’re talking about tees printed with matatu art, estate pride, and pure Sheng energy. You’ve probably seen one that says “Uko Sure?” or “Uptown Ghetto.” That’s streetwear, Nairobi style.

At Hauz of Merch, we’ve seen more people printing tees that celebrate places like Umoja, Pipeline, or Kibra than ever before.

These shirts connect instantly. They say I’m from here. I’m part of this.

2. Minimalist Typography

Not everyone wants to shout.

Some just want a clean, sharp word across the chest. “Hustle.” “Vibes.” “Still.”

These kinds of t shirts are rising in our Lookbook, especially among creatives and minimalists.

You’ll notice most of them are in black, white, or grey. The message? Keep it simple. Let the font speak. Less noise, more meaning.

3. Afro-Futuristic Vibes

This is a trend with teeth.

It blends Kenyan roots with high-tech dreams. Imagine Maasai bead patterns reimagined as digital grids. Or a Wakanda-inspired warrior with a Nairobi skyline behind him.

You’ll even find references to music, tech, and activism — all layered into one print.

This style is popping up not just on our custom t shirts, but also across Kenyan pop culture platforms like Nation Africa. The vibe? Proudly African. Sharply futuristic.

4. Personal Photo Tees (Reinvented)

Forget those pixelated birthday tees with clip art.

People in Nairobi are printing crystal-clear personal moments — and turning them into fashion.
Couples are printing anniversary photos in cool black-and-white edits. Parents are printing newborn pics on soft pastel tees. Even squad photos are making a comeback.

We always recommend uploading a high-res image — it makes all the difference. If you’re unsure, we’ll guide you through the process via our design upload page.

5. Slogan Tees with Real Power

Nairobi’s Gen Z isn’t here to play.

They’re using their shirts to speak out.
You’ll see prints like “Normalize Rest,” “Mental Health Matters,” and “No Means No” on university campuses, city walks, and even corporate Fridays.

These designs aren’t just for show. They spark conversations. They challenge norms.
And yes — they’re selling like crazy.

You can even mix this trend with a minimalist look or a bold photo background. Whatever feels right for you.

Want to Try These Trends?

Here’s what I’d do if I were starting now:

  • Visit our custom tee page

  • Upload your design or create one on your phone

  • Choose the right size and color

  • We’ll print and deliver it — all within Nairobi

You’ll also want to check out our Lookbook to see what others are wearing right now.
And if you want to know how the magic happens, here’s a breakdown of our printing process.

Final Word

Trends change. But personal style? That sticks.

Don’t just follow the crowd. Use these 2025 trends to build your own identity — one tee at a time.

Whether it’s a slogan, a street name, or your favorite memory… make it yours.
Start designing. Wear your story. And rep Nairobi your way.

demo-attachment-1613-young-blond-woman-in-brown-jacket-PU9DAMW

Screen Printing vs DTG: Which T Shirt Method Fits Your Style Best?

by with No Comment T-ShirtUncategorized

Ever bought a t shirt in Nairobi and thought, “Wow, how did they print this?”

If you’re designing your own apparel, this is more than just curiosity. It’s a real decision — and it can affect how your final piece looks, feels, and sells.

In Kenya, two popular methods dominate the custom t shirt space: screen printing and DTG (direct-to-garment). But which one is better for your style? Let’s break it down in a way that actually helps you choose.

What Is Screen Printing?

Screen printing pushes ink through a mesh screen onto the fabric. Each color requires its own screen, which makes setup more time-consuming — but worthwhile for the right projects.

When Screen Printing Works Best:

  • You’re printing 30 or more shirts

  • You want solid, bold colors

  • You’re working with simple graphics like logos or slogans

Screen printing produces high-opacity prints with strong color contrast. It’s ideal for bulk orders like school uniforms, corporate merch, or branded t shirts for events. That’s why we often recommend it for large volume clients on our t shirt printing service page.

Keep in mind, it’s not the best choice for detailed artwork or full-color images. Each added color increases cost and complexity.

This overview from Printful explains the technical differences well.

What Is DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Printing?

DTG is more modern. It uses inkjet technology to print your design directly onto the fabric — just like printing a photo on paper.

When DTG Works Best:

  • You’re printing under 10 shirts

  • Your design includes fine details or photographic elements

  • You want a soft print finish that blends into the fabric

Since there’s no screen setup, DTG is cost-effective for small, one-off orders. The final print feels soft to the touch and can handle shadows, gradients, and even faces. That’s why we use it for birthday tees, streetwear drops, or gifts with photo prints.

You can see it in action on our Custom Tee Designer.

One limitation? DTG works best on 100% cotton. Also, colors may appear less vibrant on darker fabrics.

Feature Screen Printing DTG
Setup Time Longer Minimal
Ideal Order Size 30+ shirts 1–10 shirts
Design Detail Limited High-resolution
Print Texture Thick and bold Soft and flat
Fabric Flexibility Any fabric Best on cotton
Cost Efficiency High in bulk

Great for small runs

Still undecided? Use this guide from T Shirt Magazine for another take on when to use each method.

Nairobi Example: What We See on the Ground

A fitness trainer wanted 100 t shirts for their gym — each with a bold logo in two colors. We used screen printing. The print was sharp, and the cost per shirt dropped significantly due to volume.

A local photographer, on the other hand, ordered three t shirts with a high-res landscape photo on the front. DTG allowed us to reproduce the detail without distortion.

You don’t need to guess which method fits your project. You can always send us your artwork here and we’ll recommend the right fit.

How to Choose for Your Style

Choosing between DTG and screen printing depends on three main things:

  • Quantity

  • Complexity of your design

  • Type of fabric

If you’re printing tees for resale, bulk orders often favor screen printing. But if you’re starting a fashion line with unique prints, DTG offers freedom to experiment with minimal risk.

Want to test your design on a single shirt? Try our designer tool and see your vision come to life in minutes.

Final Word

The key differences between screen printing and DTG aren’t just technical. They’re creative.

Your choice affects how your designs feel, how they’re worn, and how your audience connects with them.

Both methods have a place in Nairobi’s fast-growing t shirt scene — and now you’ve got the clarity to use them right.