T-shirt mockups are a great way to showcase your products if you’re having trouble with product photography or using a print-on-demand service to run your store. They provide a realistic depiction of your products without the need to photograph them or even have samples on hand.
Ahead, find a list of the best t-shirt mockups and templates you can use for your clothing line so you can save time without worrying about finding models and perfecting studio lighting.
What is a t-shirt mockup?
A t-shirt mockup is a blank slate for designing a t-shirt with your own graphics, pictures, words, or branding. When you mock up a t-shirt, you create a design and place it on a virtual shirt so you and your customers can get an idea of what it will look like in real life.
There are two types of t-shirt templates available: online t-shirt mockup generators and downloadable t-shirt mockup files. The latter is typically formatted as a PSD, or Photoshop document. This requires knowing how to use that photo editor, as well as basic knowledge of apparel design and clothing photography. Generators, however, are simple tools that allow you to drop in your own image files and make easy adjustments—no design expertise required.
9 top online t-shirt mockup generators
1. Printful
Printful isn’t just a print-on-demand provider—it’s also a free resource for t-shirt mockups. You don’t need image-editing software to add your design to these t-shirt templates, and Printful offers templates for print-on-demand shirts, hoodies, and more. Whether you need a onesie template or a men’s t-shirt template, you’re covered.
Shopify app: Yes.
Key features:
- Shirt template includes a model wearing the product.
- It also includes a transparent background, making it easier to incorporate your t-shirt mockup into various backdrops and branded assets.
- Design t-shirt mockups for free.
2. Printify
Printify uses a simple drag-and-drop function that allows you to instantly produce highly realistic mockups for your t-shirt designs. You can quickly switch between different color options and size variants, making it easy to see how your designs will look across all the color and size variants you want to sell.
Shopify app: Yes.
Key features:
- Easily switch between different size and color variants.
- This generator includes options for editing both the front and back of your t-shirt design.
- Includes a wide variety of t-shirt, hoodie, and tank top options.
3. Gelato
Gelato is another print-on-demand dropshipping app that connects directly to your Shopify store. Among its suite of tools, Gelato incluses a mockup generator and design editor that allow you to customize and tweak your designs. It also includes an option that lets you upload multiple variants of the same design.
Shopify app: Yes.
Key features:
- Gelato’s generator includes access to more than 360 million vectors, stock photos, and other visual assets.
- Products ship from nine countries worldwide, allowing you to keep shipping times low.
4. Shirt-King
Shirt-King allows you to upload your ready-made t-shirt designs or create new ones with its mockup generator. You create the product designs and Shirt-King handles production and order fulfillment. It also includes automatic order synchronization and seamless Shopify integration. However, Shirt-King is only available in the European Union.
Shopify app: Yes.
Key features:
- Short-King exclusively caters to businesses in the EU.
- It offers automated order synchronization.
- Its generator lets you design t-shirt mockups for free.
5. Custom Ink
Custom Ink’s t-shirt mockup generator is a great free tool that lets you see how your designs will look on a wide range of shirts, from tank tops to raglans. Custom Ink has a limited choice of colors available, which makes it a lot less intimidating. Once you’re done, you can order your shirts directly from Custom Ink.
Shopify app: No.
Key features:
- This generator includes a suite of free-to-use graphics.
- Mockups can be turned into physical products using Custom Ink’s online tool.
6. Smartmockups
Smartmockups is home to more than 1,500 free t-shirt mockups. All you have to do is upload your design, choose a t-shirt color, and download the mockup. You can find everything here, including v-necks, round neck, and kids’ shirts. Smartmockups even offers mockups for phone cases, mugs, and more if you want to expand your product collection.
Shopify app: No.
Key features:
- View mockups from all angles, including top view, front view, hanging t-shirt, and folded t-shirt—helping you and your customers get a clear picture of what your shirt will look like in real life.
- You get a high-quality mockup file to use in your online store.
- Design t-shirt mockups for free.
7. Styria Shirts
Another EU option, Styria Shirts lets you design your own products while it prints, embroiders, packs, and ships the orders on your behalf. Customize colors, designs, labels, and brands using its mockup generator. In addition to t-shirts, you can design hoodies, sweatshirts, tank tops, mugs, and tote bags.
Shopify app: Yes.
Key features:
- Styria Shirts is accessible to EU-based businesses only.
- More than 200 products are available to customize.
8. Placeit
Placeit is a well-known t-shirt mockup generator that lets you make video mockups. Choose from a wide range of t-shirt templates, place your design on them, and buy the ones that fit your brand, all without ever opening an image editor. Placeit is a great t-shirt mockup generator for those not experienced with image-editing software.
Shopify app: No.
Key features:
- There are tons of apparel styles to choose from.
- This online tool is extremely simple to use.
- With video mockups, you not only get to see how your design looks in photos; you also get to see how each type of product moves on people in a real world context.
9. Shirtee.Cloud
Shirtee.Cloud has more than 50 different products and 4,000 product variations. It includes white label shipping, warehousing, and returns management. You can customize your designs or upload your own.
Shopify app: Yes.
Key features:
- This mockup generator specializes in catering to EU-based businesses only.
- You get the ability to list your products on the Shirtee.Cloud marketplace, which could help you reach more customers.
How to choose the right t-shirt mockup for your design
Picking the perfect t-shirt mockup is like choosing the right frame for a masterpiece. It makes your design go from good to captivating.
Here are the criteria to consider for a quality t-shirt mockup:
- Style: Match the mockup to your target audience. If you’re designing for fitness enthusiasts, use athletic-style shirts. For a casual look, go with classic crew necks or V-necks.
- Color: Choose a mockup color that complements your design. Light designs pop on dark shirts, and dark designs stand out on light backgrounds.
- Fit: Think about how the shirt should look on a body. Slim-fit mockups work well for trendy designs, while regular fits suit a wider range of body types.
- Angle: Front views are great for chest designs. Back views highlight full-back prints. Side or angled views can show off sleeve prints or wrap-around designs.
- Quality: Use high-resolution mockups for crisp, clear images. Low-quality mockups can make even great designs look unprofessional.
- Realism: Choose mockups with natural-looking wrinkles and folds. Overly perfect mockups can look fake and turn off potential buyers.
Keeping these points in mind, you’ll pick mockups that make your designs shine and appeal to your target market.
8 sources for downloadable t-shirt mockup and template files
1. Creative Market
Creative Market is a great source for PSD templates for all kinds of products, including t-shirts (like this one), hoodies, crop tops, and tanks. While not free, you get a license for the template to use over and over—and some cost as little as $2.
2. Go Media
There are multiple t-shirt and hoodie templates available for sale from Go Media, but one of the most compelling features is the option to buy t-shirt templates that also have a side view of your design. If you have design elements best viewed from the left or the right, this might be the place to make your t-shirt mockups.
3. Graphic Burger
Graphic Burger has a few free t-shirt templates, including this one featuring front and back views, and this one for V-neck tees. You can find files that are free to download, but you’ll need Photoshop to open them and make changes.
4. Behance
Behance is the world’s largest online platform for showcasing and discovering creative work. It’s home to hundreds of t-shirt design templates and t-shirt outlines you can download to use for your store. Toggle by price (free or premium) and by file type to find what you need.
5. Freepik
Another place to get free t-shirt mockup PSD files is Freepik. You can browse through more than 5,000 different mockup sets, such as tri-blend crew tops, sports shirts, and t-shirts with cool typography. You can also choose from vector t-shirt and clipart graphics if you don’t want to show your designs on models.
6. Pixelbuddha
Pixelbuddha offers a few options for t-shirt mockups. This freebie offers downloadable photorealistic t-shirt templates to display your shirts outside of the typical flat-lay or hanger options. You can easily edit the t-shirt color, add your design (and have it follow the folds and wrinkles of the shirt), and edit the background color and texture.
7. Pixeden
Pixeden is home to graphic design resources of all kinds, including free mockups for products like books, shoeboxes, and apparel. You can find unique t-shirt mockups like this folded t-shirt template. This tank-top mockup includes a hanger, wall-textured background, and a tag you can customize. You’ll need image-editing software to add in your design and change the colors of any of these mockups.
8. Cotton Bureau
Cotton Bureau has a reputation as a source for high-quality, beautifully designed t-shirts, so it’s no surprise it also sells great t-shirt templates for entrepreneurs. Cotton Bureau sells t-shirt mockups in a range of colors, fits, and styles. Having fit and brand information available can really help your t-shirt designs show a true-to-life image of what your customers can expect from your product.
The importance of t-shirt mockups in apparel design and marketing
T-shirt mockups give you a clear idea of how a design will look on an actual t-shirt before it’s made.
For designers, mockups help check things like the size of the artwork, its position on the shirt, and how the colors work together. Using a t-shirt mockup gives you a chance to make adjustments early in the design process and avoid pricey mistakes down the line.
In marketing, mockups let you present products to potential customers. They make your designs look professional and help people imagine what the shirt will look like when worn. Good mockups can make your apparel look more real and drive sales, whether you’re using them in ads, on social media, or on your product pages.
Comparing free vs. paid t-shirt mockup tools
When it comes to t-shirt mockup tools, you’ve got two options: paid and free.
If you’re just starting out or working on a small project, free tools can be a great way to get your feet wet. They’ll let you create basic mockups without spending a dime.
But if you’re serious about your t-shirt business or need top-notch visuals, paid tools are worth considering. They offer better quality and more options, and they can make your designs stand out.
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Free t-shirt mockup tools
Pros:
- Free is perfect if you’re on a tight budget.
- Just sign up and start creating.
- Learn the basics without spending money.
- Many free tools are simple and fast to use.
Cons:
- You might not get all the bells and whistles, which might mean you need additional software to make all the necessary edits to your t-shirt mockups.
- Images and templates may not look as professional.
- There’s less variety in styles, colors, and mockup scenes.
- Some free tools add their logo to your design, which could be disruptive to your own branding.
- You might have to deal with annoying pop-ups or banners within the mockup editor site.
Paid t-shirt mockup tools
Pros:
- Crisp, professional-looking mockups.
- Advanced editing tools and effects.
- Choose from many templates, styles, and scenes.
- No watermarks.
- Regular updates and features.
Cons:
- You’ll need to budget for the cost.
- More features can mean more complexity.
- Some paid tools require subscriptions or long-term plans.
Think about your goals, how often you’ll use the tool, and what features you genuinely need. If you’re planning to use mockups regularly, investing in a paid tool could save you time and energy.
Best practices for editing t-shirt mockups
Whether you’re using an online tool or a template you purchased, there are a few best practices for ensuring your t-shirt design translates properly to a printed garment.
Use the right file size and type
Vector files are preferred for t-shirt printing because they can be scaled without quality loss. Adobe Illustrator (.ai) and EPS files are the most common vector file types. You can also use PNG or TIFF files, provided they are high resolution. Lower quality formats like JPEG are not recommended.
Give your design a transparent background
When you prepare your design, be sure it is isolated from its background. Using a transparent background means the shirt color can appear through the cutaways of the design. Vector files and PNG files can be saved with transparent backgrounds.
Choose the right color profile for printing
For printing, CMYK is the best color format. Be sure you create your t-shirt design with a CMYK color profile before importing it into the mockup template. Color profiles can be converted later but you may not get the color results you want in the final print.
Order a sample
Print-on-demand companies will ship your t-shirts directly to customers without passing through your hands. Therefore, it’s important to order a sample to check the quality of the print against the mockup you created, so you feel confident in what your customers will receive.
Your t-shirt mockup design starter kit
As you can see, there are endless t-shirt templates and mockups to help you start your t-shirt business online. Use these free and paid generators to find the right look and feel for your apparel and start building your brand.
Feature illustration by Rachel Tunstall
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T-shirt templates and mockups FAQ
Can I make a tshirt mockup on Canva?
Yes, Canva offers t-shirt mockup templates for showcasing your designs. You can easily upload your artwork, adjust its placement, and customize the mockup to fit your needs.
How can I make my t-shirt mockup look realistic?
To make your t-shirt mockup look realistic, use high-quality templates with natural wrinkles and shadows. Adjust your design layer’s opacity and blend mode to make it look like it’s actually printed on the fabric.
Can I use t-shirt mockups for commercial purposes?
Using t-shirt mockups commercially depends on the license of the specific mockup you’re using. Many mockups are available for commercial use, but always check the license terms and consider purchasing premium mockups for unrestricted commercial rights.
How do you make a t-shirt mockup?
Once you’ve downloaded the t-shirt mockup file, you’ll use image-editing software like Photoshop to manipulate the color of the shirt. This is also where you can add design elements. Many templates include options to manipulate the tag, labels, buttons, and other unique pieces of the t-shirt. Some mockups also offer options for long-sleeved shirts, tank tops, jackets, and other pieces of apparel.
Where can I find free mockups?
Printful, Printify, Gelato, Custom Ink, Smartmockups, Behance, and Freepik are all great free tools for t-shirt mockups.
How do I put my design on a mockup?
- Edit your mockup from scratch in Adobe Photoshop.
- Use an online t-shirt mockup generator.
- Download a t-shirt mockup PSD file and alter it in Photoshop.
How can I make my own t-shirts for free?
Many of the t-shirt mockup generators listed above are free. You can upload your own designs for free, or you can start with a premade template and tweak it for your unique style. While you can design the t-shirts for free, there are costs associated with actually manufacturing them.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating t-shirt mockups?
Common mistakes to avoid include: using the wrong color profile, creating your design in an incompatible file format, using too much detail that doesn’t read well once printed, and creating mockups without enough contrast between t-shirt color and design for the design to be legible.
