Custom Long Sleeve Shirts Guide
Everything you need to know about custom long sleeve shirts: crew necks, henleys, baseball tees, performance styles, and decoration options for Canadian orders.
Why Choose Long Sleeve Shirts?
Custom long sleeve shirts offer versatility that short sleeves simply can't match. They provide sun protection for outdoor workers, extra warmth for fall and winter events, and a more polished look for professional settings. From casual crew necks to stylish henleys and athletic raglan tees, there's a long sleeve style for every purpose.
Long sleeves also offer more real estate for your designs. Sleeve printing has become increasingly popular, allowing for arm logos, text running down the forearm, or coordinated designs that span the entire garment. This makes long sleeve shirts ideal for brands, events, and teams wanting maximum visual impact.
What This Guide Covers
Long sleeve shirt styles (crew, henley, raglan, performance), fabric options, decoration methods and placements, sizing considerations, use cases, and pricing for orders of all sizes.
Long Sleeve Shirt Styles
Not all long sleeve shirts are created equal. Here's your guide to the most popular styles:
Crew Neck Long Sleeve
The classic long sleeve t-shirt with a round neckline. Most versatile option for printing.
- Best For: Events, uniforms, casual wear
- Popular: Gildan 2400, Bella+Canvas 3501
- Fit: Regular or relaxed
Henley
Features a buttoned placket at the neckline. Upscale casual look popular with lifestyle brands.
- Best For: Breweries, outdoor brands, retail
- Popular: Next Level 6072, Bella+Canvas 3150
- Fit: Slim or regular
Raglan / Baseball Tee
Diagonal seam from collar to underarm with contrasting sleeves. Classic athletic look.
- Best For: Sports teams, youth groups, retro designs
- Popular: Bella+Canvas 3000, Next Level 6251
- Fit: Unisex, relaxed
Performance Long Sleeve
Moisture-wicking polyester for athletic activities. Often with UV protection and mesh panels.
- Best For: Sports, outdoor work, fitness
- Popular: Sport-Tek ST350LS, A4 N3165
- Fit: Athletic, fitted
Style Comparison
| Style | Formality | Print Area | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Neck | Casual | Full front, back, sleeves | General purpose |
| Henley | Smart Casual | Left chest, back, sleeves | Retail, hospitality |
| Raglan | Casual/Athletic | Full front, back (avoid seams) | Teams, youth |
| Performance | Athletic | Full front, back, sleeves | Sports, outdoors |
Fabric Options
The right fabric depends on how the shirt will be worn:
100% Cotton
Classic feel, breathable, and takes prints beautifully. Best for casual wear and mild temperatures.
- Weight: 4.5oz - 6oz
- Shrinkage: 3-5% (unless pre-shrunk)
- Print quality: Excellent
Cotton-Poly Blend
Best of both worlds: cotton comfort with polyester durability. Less shrinkage, wrinkle-resistant.
- Common: 50/50 or 60/40
- Shrinkage: Minimal
- Print quality: Very good
Tri-Blend
Cotton, polyester, and rayon. Ultra-soft "vintage" feel. Premium option for retail and branded apparel.
- Typical: 50/25/25
- Feel: Softest option
- Print quality: Good (heathered look)
100% Polyester
Moisture-wicking, quick-dry, and durable. Essential for performance and athletic wear.
- Weight: Lightweight 3.5oz - 4.5oz
- Shrinkage: None
- Print quality: DTF recommended
Decoration Methods & Placements
Long sleeve shirts offer unique printing opportunities beyond standard front and back prints:
Print Locations
| Location | Max Size | Best For | Add-on Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Front | 12" x 14" | Large logos, graphics | Included |
| Left Chest | 4" x 4" | Corporate logos, uniforms | Included |
| Full Back | 12" x 14" | Names, large graphics | +$3-5 |
| Upper Sleeve | 3" x 3" | Small logos, numbers | +$2-4 per sleeve |
| Forearm (vertical) | 3" x 10" | Text, brand names | +$3-5 per sleeve |
Print Methods
Screen Printing
Best value for orders of 24+ with 1-4 colours. Screen printing provides vibrant, durable prints that last for years.
- Ideal for: Bulk orders, simple designs
- Durability: Excellent (50+ washes)
- Setup: $25-35 per colour
DTF (Direct-to-Film)
Full-colour DTF printing with no colour limits. Great for photos, gradients, and small orders.
- Ideal for: Complex designs, low quantities
- Durability: Very good (30+ washes)
- Setup: None
Popular Use Cases
Long sleeve shirts excel in these applications, particularly for corporate apparel programs:
Corporate Uniforms
Fall/Winter Events
Outdoor Workers
Sports Teams
Retail Merchandise
School Spirit Wear
Special Categories
Women's long sleeve shirts feature fitted cuts with contoured silhouettes. Youth long sleeves are available from YXS to YXL, perfect for schools, sports teams, and family events where everyone needs to match.
Pricing Guide
Long sleeve shirts typically cost $2-4 more than their short sleeve counterparts. Here's what to expect:
Basic Cotton
Gildan 2400, Fruit of the Loom
- 100% cotton, 6oz
- 1-colour print included
- Great for events, giveaways
Premium Soft
Bella+Canvas 3501, Next Level
- Ringspun cotton, soft feel
- Modern retail fit
- Best for merchandise
Athletic
Sport-Tek, A4, Under Armour
- Moisture-wicking polyester
- UV protection available
- Sports teams, outdoor work
Frequently Asked Questions
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