T-shirt Color Picker Guide
Pick any shirt color to instantly see which design colors work best — and which to avoid. Get tips for photos, logos, and illustrations.
Select a shirt color to see design recommendations
White
Black
Navy Blue
Light Gray
Dark Gray
Red
Royal Blue
Forest Green
Pink
Yellow
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Pick a shirt color above to see which design colors work best
Color Contrast Principles
Light shirts → Dark designs
White, light gray, and pink shirts work best with dark or saturated designs. Dark text and graphics create maximum contrast.
Dark shirts → Light or neon designs
Black, navy, and dark gray shirts need bright, light, or neon designs to stand out. White is the go-to safe choice.
Photos need contrast too
A sunset photo on white prints beautifully. The same photo on navy may look muddy. Match photo brightness to shirt color.
Avoid same-family colors
Blue designs on blue shirts disappear. Red on red, gray on gray — always choose design colors from a different part of the spectrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color design on a black shirt?
White, yellow, hot pink, and neon designs look best on black. Avoid any dark colors — they'll blend into the fabric. High contrast is everything.
Does a photo print well on a dark shirt?
It depends on the photo. Bright, light-toned photos look great. Dark or shadowy images will blend into the shirt. When in doubt, choose a lighter shirt color for photo prints.
What's the best shirt for a colorful illustration?
White or light gray are best for colorful illustrations since they don't compete with the design. Any color in the illustration will reproduce accurately against a neutral background.
How does HiTee handle color for printing?
The HiTee App previews your design on the selected shirt color before you order, so you can see how it'll look. The app automatically optimizes the print for your chosen shirt.
See Your Design on Any Shirt Color
HiTee App shows you a live preview of your photo or design on any shirt color before you order.
Free on the App Store