A Step By Step Guide for Beginners
If you’ve ever dreamed of launching your own clothing line without handling inventory, shipping, or bulk orders — you’re in the right place.
With Gelato, you can start a print-on-demand apparel business that’s local, eco-friendly, and scalable — even if you’re a complete beginner.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to start your apparel business with Gelato, from choosing products to pricing, branding, and customer service.
🥇 Step 1: Why Choose Gelato for Apparel?
Gelato is one of the world’s top print-on-demand platforms, offering premium apparel production in over 13 countries, including Australia, the USA, the UK, Germany, Italy, and more.
Why entrepreneurs love Gelato:
- 🌍 Local production = faster shipping and reduced carbon footprint
- 🧵 High-quality brands like AS Colour, Bella+Canvas, Gildan & more
- 🎨 Hundreds of apparel styles and colors
- 🚫 No minimum orders — perfect for small batches or custom designs
Whether you’re selling tees, hoodies, or tank tops, Gelato gives you global reach with local quality.
👕 Step 2: Explore Gelato’s Product Catalog
Gelato’s apparel catalog is massive — and growing. You’ll find t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and eco-friendly options in all sizes, styles, and colors.
✨ Badges to watch for:
- Bestseller: top-selling products your customers already love
- Gelato’s Pick: high-quality items recommended by Gelato’s experts
👉 Pro Tip: Start with a core collection — like unisex tees and hoodies — then expand as your store grows.
🎨 Step 3: Learn the Printing Technology (DTG)
Gelato currently uses Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing — one of the highest-quality print methods available for apparel.
Advantages of DTG:
- Photo-quality printing
- Unlimited color options (cost doesn’t increase with more colors)
- Eco-friendly, water-based inks
- Perfect for one-offs or small runs
💡 Stay tuned: Gelato plans to introduce embroidery, sublimation, and screen printing soon!
🧩 Step 4: Design Guidelines for Best Results
To make your designs print perfectly every time, follow these simple rules:
✅ Must-Follow
- File format: PNG or JPEG
- Minimum resolution: 150 DPI (best at 300 DPI)
- Color profile: sRGB
- Use transparency for dark garments
🚫 Avoid
- Semi-transparent graphics
- Low-resolution uploads
- White ink on white garments
💡 Remember: RGB files print brighter, but ultra-bright neon colors may look softer on fabric.
🧷 Step 5: Customize and Build Your Brand
Gelato makes it easy to add branding details to your apparel:
- Sleeve prints
- Inner and outer labels
- Logo placements
Use the Expand Product feature to quickly add your logo across new t-shirt styles in just a few clicks. Branding consistency helps your store look professional and recognizable.
💰 Step 6: Set the Right Pricing Strategy
Setting prices can make or break your store. Try these four beginner-friendly pricing models:
- Cost-Plus Pricing: Add a fixed markup to your total cost.
- Competition-Based Pricing: Research what others charge and position yourself accordingly.
- Value-Based Pricing: Charge based on perceived value (design uniqueness, brand strength).
- Dynamic Pricing: Adjust for holidays, limited drops, or market demand.
🔑 Tip: Keep your prices competitive but profitable. Start small, test, and optimize.
🛍 Step 7: Create Professional Product Listings
Product listings are your storefront. Make them shine!
Include:
- Clear product titles
- Fabric type & fit details
- Size guide
- Color options
- Care instructions
🧼 Example Care Instructions:
“Wash inside out on a cool cycle. Hang dry or tumble dry low. Do not bleach. Iron inside out on low heat.”
Clear listings reduce confusion and refunds while boosting customer trust.
📸 Step 8: Use High-Quality Mockups
High-quality images help customers visualize the product.
Gelato gives you access to 750+ premium mockups featuring professional lighting and real models.
📸 Tips for Great Product Images:
- Use simple, clean backgrounds
- Show multiple angles
- Include lifestyle shots (people wearing your designs)
Professional visuals = higher conversion rates.
📈 Step 9: Market and Sell Your Apparel
Here are a few beginner-friendly sales strategies to grow your print-on-demand store:
- Targeted Marketing: Use Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok ads to reach your ideal customers.
- Bundles & Upsells: Offer “matching tee + hoodie” combos for discounts.
- Seasonal Promotions: Drop limited designs during holidays.
- Collaborations: Work with influencers or local artists.
- Excellent Customer Service: Fast replies and personalized messages build trust.
Track your performance and adjust based on what converts best.
🧼 Step 10: Manage Customer Expectations & Returns
Educating customers = fewer complaints.
Explain that a slight vinegar smell or off-white residue is normal for DTG prints — it’s part of the fixation process and disappears after washing.
🧾 Example message for your site or email:
“You may notice a slight vinegar smell or light residue when your order arrives — this is totally normal for DTG prints and will wash out after the first cycle.”
If customers receive damaged or defective products, Gelato will replace them.
Because each order is made-to-order, returns aren’t accepted — but quality issues are fully covered.
🚀 Step 11: Keep Expanding Your Product Line
Once your store is live:
- Add new apparel monthly
- Try fresh color palettes or limited designs
- Monitor bestsellers and double down on what works
- Stay up-to-date with Gelato’s new features and printing options
Your print-on-demand business can scale quickly when you consistently add value and fresh designs.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Build Your Dream Clothing Brand with Gelato
Starting a clothing brand has never been easier.
With Gelato’s print-on-demand platform, you can design, sell, and ship premium apparel globally — without inventory or risk.
Whether you’re building a side hustle or a full-time brand, follow these steps to go from idea 💡 to income 💵.
👉 Ready to start?
Visit Gelato.com and create your first apparel product today your global print partner awaits.
Buy A Complete Step By Step eBook Teaching From First Step to design Your T Shirts. Here £14.99
