A recent report by Grand View Research highlights the growth and trends of the custom t-shirt printing market. In this article, we’ll discuss five key takeaways from the report, focusing on their implications for the UK market.

1. Rising Popularity of Custom T-Shirt Printing as a Branding Tool

According to the Grand View Research report, the custom t-shirt printing market is booming, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% from 2023 to 2030. Companies, particularly start-ups, are using custom-designed t-shirts as a modern branding strategy to increase their brand visibility and attract customers. In the UK, this trend has seen a surge in demand for custom t-shirt printing services catering to businesses of all sizes.

2. Shift Towards Wearing Customised Clothing

Another notable trend observed in the Grand View Research report is the shift towards customised clothing in the fashion industry. This evolution is being propelled by a combination of rising disposable income and a marked preference for personalised apparel among consumers. These factors are creating a fertile ground for the expansion of the custom t-shirt printing industry in the UK and beyond.

The report specifically flags the ‘artwork segment’ as the fastest-growing sector within this industry, with a projected CAGR of 11.6% from 2023 to 2030. This segment involves custom artwork created by individuals for printing on t-shirts. As consumers increasingly use clothing as a medium to support causes, share messages or express personal style, the demand for custom artwork is skyrocketing.

Platforms such as Print Social are central to this burgeoning trend, providing a vital link between creators, charities and their supporters. These platforms enable individuals to share their designs, creating unique, personalised apparel that not only makes a fashion statement but also helps convey a message or support a cause. The growth of these platforms is testament to the dynamic nature of the UK custom t-shirt printing market, and its ability to adapt and respond to changing consumer preferences.

Image from Grandview research

3. The Impact of COVID-19 on the Custom T-Shirt Printing Market

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fashion industry has experienced a mixed bag of impacts, as indicated by the Grand View Research report. Traditional retail outlets, particularly those of larger brands, have seen a decrease in foot traffic due to lockdown restrictions and consumer caution. However, this contrasted with the e-commerce sector, where there was a noticeable surge in demand for custom t-shirts.

The UK market, in particular, exhibited resilience and adaptability during these challenging times. It not only managed to sustain demand for custom t-shirt printing but also welcomed new entrants into the business. This demonstrated the inherent strength and potential of the custom t-shirt printing industry in the face of unprecedented adversity.

The report also notes that Europe, including the UK, holds the second-largest market share after Asia in the custom t-shirt printing industry. Interestingly, it’s forecasted to be the fastest-growing market in 2023, reflecting the region’s robust market dynamics and promising future prospects in the custom t-shirt printing industry. The graph below provides a clearer picture of this growth trajectory.

Image from Grandview research

4. Advancements in Printing Techniques

The Grand View Research report sheds light on the evolving world of printing techniques within the custom t-shirt printing industry. Screen printing, a technique that is known for its high print quality and colour vibrancy, held the lion’s share of the market, with more than 56% of revenue in 2022. This traditional method continues to enjoy significant popularity in the UK, with businesses and individuals valuing the distinctive, high-quality results it can achieve.

However, the report highlights a burgeoning interest in digital printing. This technique is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 12.0% from 2023 to 2030. Digital printing’s appeal lies in its speed, affordability, and quick turnaround time, making it a valuable tool for those requiring faster production times without sacrificing quality.

As the UK market embraces these advanced printing techniques, companies offering a wide array of print services are emerging as leaders. These companies are well-positioned to provide bespoke services, tailoring their offerings to meet the specific needs and preferences of their customers. They are at the vanguard of the industry’s evolution, driving innovation while responding to the ever-changing consumer demand for unique, personalised garments.

5. Growing Popularity of Online Sales Channels

The Grand View Research report highlights a significant transition in the custom t-shirt printing industry: the growing popularity of online sales channels. While the offline segment held the highest revenue share in 2022, capturing more than 52% of the market, the tide is rapidly turning towards e-commerce. The online sales channel is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 12.9% from 2023 to 2030.

UK consumers are increasingly turning to e-commerce for their custom t-shirt needs, drawn by the convenience, variety, and user-friendly platforms offered by online retailers. These platforms provide customers with the ability to customise every aspect of their t-shirt, from design and colour to fabric and size, all from the comfort of their homes.

This trend towards e-commerce is closely linked to the growing demand for print-on-demand services. As consumers seek more personalised products, the ability to order custom-printed t-shirts with quick turnaround times becomes a key differentiator. Print-on-demand services meet this demand head-on, offering a seamless user experience that aligns with modern consumers’ expectations for convenience, speed, and personalisation. This evolution underscores the dynamic nature of the UK’s custom t-shirt printing market, which continues to adapt and innovate in response to changing consumer preferences and behaviours.

Conclusion

Concluding, the insights from Grand View Research paint a vibrant and dynamic picture of the custom t-shirt printing market. The industry is not just thriving, but is also projected to maintain a robust growth trajectory. This growth is propelled by a range of factors including the innovative use of custom t-shirts as branding tools, the rising consumer preference for personalised apparel, and the swift technological advancements in printing techniques.

In the UK, industry leaders are responding to this trend by optimising their online sales platforms, catering to the swelling consumer demand for customised clothing. This strategic move exemplifies the industry’s adaptability and readiness to align with evolving consumer habits.

As the industry continues to evolve, businesses can expect a multitude of opportunities and innovations in the custom t-shirt printing space. However, to truly capitalise on this growth, companies must stay agile and forward-thinking. This includes continually investing in technology to improve the quality and efficiency of their printing services, ensuring user-friendly and seamless online shopping experiences, and maintaining a keen understanding of changing consumer preferences.

In addition, fostering partnerships, such as collaborations with artists or charities, can further enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. Furthermore, providing a comprehensive range of services, from screen printing to digital printing, will ensure businesses are well-equipped to meet diverse customer needs.

In essence, the future of the custom t-shirt printing industry, as outlined in Grand View Research’s report, is teeming with potential. It’s a future that promises opportunities for those ready to innovate and adapt, offering a tantalising prospect for all players in this vibrant market.