Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ordering custom apparel from Apparel and Beyond. Don't see your question? Contact us and we'll get back to you within one business day.
Printing
What is DTG printing?
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing uses an inkjet printer to apply water-based inks directly onto fabric. It produces full-color, photographic-quality prints with no minimums and no setup fees. It's the best option for detailed designs, gradients, and small quantities — and it's what we use for the majority of our orders.
What is DTF printing?
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing transfers a design from a special film onto a garment using heat. It works on a wider range of materials than DTG and is ideal for specialty items like beanies and non-standard fabrics. DTF is available on custom orders — contact us to discuss your project.
Will my colors match exactly?
We print what we receive. Monitor colors and printed colors can vary due to screen calibration and fabric type. Dark garments require a white underbase which can slightly affect color vibrancy. For color-critical work, contact us before ordering and we'll work through it with you.
What file formats work best?
PNG files with a transparent background at 300 DPI or higher give you the sharpest results. JPG files are also accepted. For SVG, PDF, or vector files, contact us through the inquiry form and we'll handle it manually.
Do you check my design before printing?
Yes, always. We review every design file for resolution and quality before it goes to press. If something looks like it will print poorly, we'll reach out to you first. No surprises on delivery.
Ordering
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. There is no minimum order — ever. You can order a single shirt or a thousand. Pricing adjusts automatically based on your total quantity, so the more you order, the lower your per-shirt price.
Are there setup fees?
No setup fees, on any order, ever. The price you see is the price you pay.
How long does an order take?
Most orders are completed within 7–10 business days. This includes sourcing your garment, pretreatment, printing, curing, and quality inspection. If anything affects your timeline we'll reach out proactively.
What happens after I place my order?
You'll receive an order confirmation with your order number immediately. We then source your garment, prep your file, print, cure, and do a quality check. You'll be notified when your order is ready for delivery or has shipped.
Can I order beanies or other specialty items?
Yes — specialty items like beanies require a custom quote since they're not available through our self-serve designer. Use the contact form, tell us what you need, and we'll get back to you within one business day with pricing.
Do you work with businesses, teams, schools, and nonprofits?
Absolutely. We work with small businesses, sports teams, schools, churches, fraternities and sororities, nonprofits, and events of all sizes. For orders over 1,000 garments, contact us for custom bulk pricing and scheduling.
Delivery & Shipping
Do you offer local delivery?
Yes. We offer local delivery within 20 miles of Gaithersburg, MD (ZIP 20886) — Maryland addresses only. We do not deliver to Virginia addresses.
How much does local delivery cost?
Within 10 miles of our Gaithersburg location, local delivery is free. Between 10 and 20 miles, delivery is $9.99 flat. Distance is calculated automatically at checkout based on your address.
What about orders outside the delivery area?
Orders outside our 20-mile delivery zone or in Virginia are shipped via our shipping carrier. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your location and order size.
Returns & Quality
Do you offer refunds or returns?
All sales are final. Custom printed garments cannot be returned or restocked. That said, we stand behind our print quality — if there is a production error on our end, we will make it right at no cost to you.
Still Have Questions?
We're a small team and we respond fast. Reach out with any questions about your order, a custom request, or anything else — we're here to help.