I have a design that covers the entire shirt and the ONE printer in my area who can do what I need says he cannot do the XL and 2XL sizes, because he cannot create the large size screens and does not have the large dryers (he does not have a belt printer, which would be ideal, so he is trying to do the design on screens, which will not reach the ultimate edge of the shirt). He can only do S/M/L, which I might be happy to settle for until I'm off the ground and can afford to pay HIS outsource the exorbitant fees he requires to do the larger sizes. My question: What are the most widely sold sizes, and can I afford not to carry the extra large sizes when starting out? I know I would be losing some potential income, and have been advised by some that 'people are bigger these days', and that I should supply all five sizes. Anyone out there have any advice? Thanks.
I have a design that covers the entire shirt and the ONE printer in my area who can do what I need says he cannot do the XL and 2XL sizes, because he cannot create the large size screens and does not have the large dryers (he does not have a belt printer, which would be ideal, so he is trying to do the design on screens, which will not reach the ultimate edge of the shirt). He can only do S/M/L, which I might be happy to settle for until I'm off the ground and can afford to pay HIS outsource the exorbitant fees he requires to do the larger sizes. My question: What are the most widely sold sizes, and can I afford not to carry the extra large sizes when starting out? I know I would be losing some potential income, and have been advised by some that 'people are bigger these days', and that I should supply all five sizes. Anyone out there have any advice? Thanks.
Like someone stated, it depends on your target market...But if you are dealing with american adults, ages 18 to 35, i would for sure concentrate on the larger sizes...And possibly move on to another screen printer...
I haven't started my line yet but i'm not bother with sizes Small and medium...esp/since im going to be dealing with fitting clothing...If your selling to adults in america, i can't even imagine selling any smalls at all for men...And even medians would be something to think about...
get it done by someone with teh right equipment... and never job something out to a guy that is also jobbing it out.
Yeh, I thought so. I don't feel right about another outsource that I can't even meet (and my guy won't tell me who it is). Trust your instincts, I always say.
Uhhhh were're the most OVER WEIGHT country in the world. With that FACT, I've answered your question. Larger sizes are very important!!!!! The standard size shirt for an adult male is XL.
XL-3X would be the bulk of my inventory (especially for males or what you called the "average joe").
You wouldn't be a good buisness person if didn't provide a variety of sizes. You would acually LOOOOOSE buisness! Customers wouldn't take you serious. It would be a waste of my time to look at your site, or wait in line at your booth, ect for you to tell me your sizes stop at Large . I'd say what world are you living in!
If the guy can't meet your demands get someone else to do it! PERIOD!
So what if he's the only person local. There are many companies you can outsource to online. Just search the forum.
If you're not going to do right, Don't do it at all!!!!!!!!
I think offering a complete selection of sizes is very important. I would be offenended if larger sizes were not available too. I think your reputation would be damaged if you were not provideing a full selection of sizes. .... JB
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Well coming from my previous shirts, Smalls and mediums were the last of my worries, the most bought size was XL and L. On the other hand we did have many girls that enjoyed our design, which they needed smalls. But other than that I think Larger sizes are more important than the others.
I aggree with everything stated on the post. DO not sacrifice size, provide all sizes to your customers. But I will also say that since you are the designer, You can always alter your design until you are in the position to pay for a printer that can print the entire shirt.
I know that the style right now is to have the design on the entire shirt, But I'm sure almost everydesgn can be modified in some way to give you the look that you are going for with minor modifications. Then when the money is rolling in, pay the HIGH END printers to do the JOB RIGHT!
Just food for thought. I would rather modify a style and keep producing than to have production come to a halt because of a setback like "size of print area".
Consider this, a design printed just over the collar gives the same impression as an all over print that is also printed over the sleeves, etc. so you could modify your design where it is one size for all size shirts, print just over the collar on each by shirt placement alone (not design size) and basically have the same look.
Exactly, Splathead! Thats what i was trying to say.....Modification of the same design can still have the same effect! Makes sense...more Like Dollars and cents!
large sizes have been pretty important in my experience. i stopped at XL for the first printing, but definitely will consider XXL+ when i print again.
i was also surprised at how many women's style shirts i sold in the L and XL sizes. on custom orders especially, these were the only sizes the customer wanted. though part of it could have been their experience with AA and how tight their shirts run in the women's styles.
Hard to imagine not covering all sizes ranging from S to at least XXL. In my mind I never want to turn down a sale, especially when first starting out. Who knows if that certain customer has already been turned down because of a "size" issue and would be a repeat customer just because you carry their particular size.
How Important Are the Larger Sizes? 
. Larger sizes are very important!!!!! The standard size shirt for an adult male is XL. 
. I'd say what world are you living in!
