Graphic tees and gym wear look simple, but they fail in predictable ways: prints that crack after ten washes, leggings that go see-through on a squat, a size that cannot be exchanged because the shirt was printed just for you. This guide covers what to check on the fabric, the print, the fit and the policy, then shows where three shops we have reviewed fit, including where we would be careful.
Part 1: Graphic tees
Know how the shop makes the shirt
Most online graphic tee shops now print on demand. Your order triggers the printing, which means:
- Lead time is longer. Production often takes days to two weeks before the shirt even ships. If you need it for a birthday or a convention, check the fulfillment window, not just the transit estimate.
- Returns are usually limited to defects. Because the shirt did not exist until you ordered it, many print-on-demand shops refuse size exchanges. Treat the size chart as final.
- Colors can be substituted. Some shops swap the garment color if your size is out of stock in the pictured one. Read the FAQ for this.
The print method affects how long it lasts
You will not always see the method stated, but it helps to know the common ones:
- Screen printing lays down thick ink layers. It is very durable and common on bulk runs.
- Direct-to-garment (DTG) prints like an inkjet onto the fabric. It handles detailed, many-colored artwork well and is the usual choice for print on demand. It can fade faster than screen printing, especially on dark shirts.
- Sublimation dyes the fibers themselves and only works well on light-colored polyester.
To make any print last: wash inside out in cold water and skip the dryer or use low heat.
Fabric and fit
- 100% cotton is soft and breathable but can shrink, especially in a hot dryer.
- Cotton-poly and tri-blends shrink less and drape more softly.
- Fitted and women's cuts usually run a size smaller than unisex. Compare chest width in inches against a shirt you already own.
- Extended sizes are not universal. If you need 3XL and up, or tall sizes, filter for that first.
Licensed vs fan art
Many tee shops sell fan art: original designs that reference movies, games or anime without being official merchandise. That is common and often where the most creative designs are. Just know you are buying an artist's tribute, not studio merch.
Part 2: Activewear
Read the fabric blend
The label percentages tell you most of what you need:
| Fiber | What it adds | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon (polyamide) | Soft, strong, smooth hand feel | Usually costs more |
| Polyester | Quick drying, holds shape | Can hold odor |
| Elastane (spandex) | Stretch and recovery | Under about 5% means less stretch |
| Bamboo or cotton | Soft, natural feel | Dries slower, less suited to heavy sweat |
For leggings you plan to squat in, look for a higher-elastane, tightly knit fabric described as squat-proof, and do the stretch test at home in good light before cutting tags.
Seam-free knits
Seam-free leggings are knitted in a tube, so there are fewer seams to rub. They often have textured or woven patterns that help hide sweat. They also tend to come in narrow size runs, so check the size list before falling for a color.
Shorts and length
Lifting shorts cut to mid-thigh stay out of the way on squats and lunges. If you have larger quads, size up; tight leg openings are the most common complaint with short gym shorts.
Care
Most technical activewear wants a 30C wash and no tumble dryer. Heat breaks down elastane, which is why leggings lose their snap.
Part 3: Policies, currency and shipping
Clothing is the category where fit risk is highest, so policy matters:
- Return windows can be very short. Some shops require you to notify them within days of delivery.
- Sale items are often final sale.
- Check the currency. An A$58.99 price is not $58.99, and overseas shipping can add A$35 or more.
- Look for a working contact method beyond a web form.
Where the shops fit
ShirtPunch: best for cheap fan-art tees. It runs a new daily design every 24 hours, with an enormous range of horror, movie, anime and gaming art and sizes from XS to 6XL, plus tall cuts on some designs. Formats run from a $5 option up to about $34 for daily-deal designs and $40.99 for the horror line. The tradeoffs are real: fulfillment takes 10 to 15 business days before transit, shipping is extra, and there are no returns or exchanges unless the item is defective. Listings show the artwork but not fabric weight or blend. Buy it for the design, and buy early for any date-sensitive gift.
Guru Muscle: usable for Australian shoppers, with caution for everyone else. It is an Australian gym store with 813 products led by seam-free leggings, and its listings give clear fabric percentages. Free express shipping kicks in over A$199.99 within Australia. But you have only 5 days after delivery to notify a return, sale items are non-refundable, international shipping runs A$34.99 to A$79.90, contact is a web form only, and many items are on pre-order with narrow size runs (often XS to M). We would only order if you are in Australia and confident in your size.
TopTrendyGear: the weakest of the three, proceed carefully. It sells made-to-order golf polos, hats and personalized golf gifts. It publishes a phone number and address, and offers a refund or replacement if an order has a problem. However, there are no returns on its print-on-demand items, you have only 24 hours to cancel or change an order, we could not browse its catalog to confirm prices, and its About page is titled for a different brand name. We do not recommend it as a first choice; if you do buy, double-check the size chart and any personalization text before you pay.
Quick checklist before you buy
- Size chart measured against a garment you own.
- Fabric blend listed, and suited to how you will use it.
- Production plus shipping time fits your deadline.
- Return window and final-sale rules read and understood.
- Prices converted if the shop sells in another currency.