Screen Printing and Custom Apparel: An Overview
Screen printing and custom apparel services allow businesses, bands, sports teams, schools, and individuals to create personalized clothing and promotional items. Nashville, known as Music City, has a thriving market for custom merchandise, with many shops serving local musicians, entertainment companies, and businesses of all sizes.
Core Concepts of Custom Apparel Printing
There are several primary printing methods to consider:
Screen Printing: The traditional method where ink is pushed through a mesh stencil onto fabric. Best for large orders with limited colors.
Best for: Bulk orders (typically 12+ items), consistent branding, and bold, durable designs.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: A newer technology that prints directly onto fabric like an inkjet printer. Allows for full-color, photographic prints with no minimum order requirements.
Best for: Small orders, complex multi-color designs, or individual custom pieces.
Embroidery: Thread is stitched directly into the fabric to create a raised, textured design. Offers a professional, durable finish.
Best for: Corporate apparel, polos, hats, and items requiring a premium look.
Top 3 Screen Printing and Custom Apparel Services in Nashville, TN
1. Friendly Arctic Printing and Design
Best For: Eco-conscious customers, bands, local businesses, and those seeking high-quality water-based ink printing.
Philosophy: Eco-friendly screen printing using only water-based inks, which are better for the environment and produce softer, longer-lasting prints. Established in 2008 in East Nashville.
Services:
Screen Printing: T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops, long sleeves, and more using premium water-based inks.
Poster Printing: High-quality posters on heavy-weight paper stock in a wide range of colors.
Graphic Design: In-house design team to help bring your ideas to life.
Apparel Range: Infants to adults, hoodies to tank tops.
Location: 1045 Granada Ave, Nashville, TN 37206 (East Nashville / Greenwood).
Contact: (615) 357-0158 | friendlyarcticprinting.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM | Sat-Sun: Closed
Pricing (Est.):
Custom quotes based on order size, number of colors, and garment type.
Competitive pricing with quick turnaround times.
Request a quote via their website.
2. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More (Green Hills)
Best For: Small orders, quick turnaround, and customers who need no minimums or setup fees.
Philosophy: “The Big Frog Experience” focuses on making custom apparel fun and easy. Locally owned by John and Carlene Callis. Specializes in Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing with 24-hour turnaround on in-stock garments.
Services:
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Full-color printing with no minimums, no setup fees, and no color fees. Print one shirt or 500.
Screen Printing: Available for larger orders.
Embroidery: Professional embroidery for polos, hats, jackets, and more.
Ultra Print and Vinyl Application: Additional customization options available.
Free Design Assistance: 15-minute design consultation included.
Location: 2016 Glen Echo Rd, Nashville, TN 37215 (Green Hills).
Contact: (615) 915-2373 | bigfrog.com/greenhills
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 4 PM | Sat-Sun: Closed
Pricing (Est.):
No minimums, no setup fees.
Single custom t-shirts starting around $20-$35 depending on garment and design complexity.
Volume discounts available for larger orders.
3. Arena Imprints
Best For: Large-volume orders, corporate clients, entertainment industry merchandise, and full-service fulfillment.
Philosophy: A leader in Nashville’s screen-printing industry since 1995. Provides high-quality custom apparel with state-of-the-art equipment and award-winning graphic design. Clients range from local businesses to multinational corporations and the entertainment industry.
Services:
Screen Printing: Full in-house printing with five automatic presses. Specializes in simulated process, 4-color process, foil, glitter, metallic, and discharge printing.
Embroidery: Professional embroidery for corporate and sports apparel.
Graphic Design: Award-winning in-house art department.
Shipping and Fulfillment: Warehousing, polybagging, custom hang tags, label replacement, and drop-shipping services.
Promotional Products: Hats, bags, signs, calendars, brochures, and more.
Location: 1870 Air Lane Dr, Nashville, TN 37210 (East Nashville / Berry Hill).
Contact: (615) 259-4643 | arenaimprints.com
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 AM – 4:30 PM | Sat-Sun: Closed
Pricing (Est.):
Custom quotes based on order size and complexity.
Ideal for bulk orders (100+ pieces).
Contact for personalized quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between screen printing and DTG printing?
Screen printing uses a mesh stencil to apply ink and is ideal for large orders with 1-4 colors. It produces vibrant, durable prints and becomes more cost-effective at higher quantities. DTG (Direct-to-Garment) printing works like an inkjet printer, applying ink directly to the fabric. DTG is better for small orders, photographic images, or designs with many colors, and has no minimum order requirement.
2. What is the typical minimum order for screen printing?
Most traditional screen printers require a minimum order of 12-24 pieces per design because of the setup costs involved in creating screens. However, shops like Big Frog offer DTG printing with no minimums, making them ideal for single items or small orders.
3. How long does it take to receive a custom apparel order?
Turnaround times vary by shop and order complexity. Big Frog offers 24-hour turnaround on in-stock DTG orders. Friendly Arctic Printing is known for quick turnaround, often within a few days. Larger screen printing orders from Arena Imprints may take 1-2 weeks depending on quantity and complexity. Always confirm deadlines when placing your order.
4. What are water-based inks, and why should I choose them?
Water-based inks are a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastisol inks. They soak into the fabric rather than sitting on top, resulting in a softer feel and a print that moves with the fabric. Water-based prints are also more durable and less likely to crack or fade over time. Friendly Arctic Printing exclusively uses water-based inks.
5. Can I provide my own shirts or garments for printing?
Some shops accept customer-supplied garments, but policies vary. It is important to discuss this with the shop beforehand, as there may be limitations on fabric types or additional fees. Most shops prefer to source garments themselves to ensure quality and compatibility with their printing equipment. Big Frog and Arena Imprints offer extensive garment catalogs to choose from.