Cheeky Tees: Custom Screen Printing and Apparel in Charleston

What Cheeky Tees does and where to find them

Cheeky Tees is a screen printing shop in Charleston that handles custom apparel orders for individuals, small businesses, and organizations. They print on t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other garments using screen printing and direct-to-garment methods. The shop is located in downtown Charleston and works with customers who want everything from single custom pieces to bulk orders for events, teams, or merchandise.

You can visit Cheeky Tees in person to discuss your design, see fabric samples, and talk through pricing and timelines. They also take orders by phone and email if you already know what you want. The shop keeps standard blank apparel in stock and can source specialty items depending on your order size and deadline.

Key Takeaways

• Cheeky Tees prints custom designs on t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other apparel using screen printing and direct-to-garment techniques.
• You can bring your own design or work with the shop to develop one, and they'll discuss color, placement, and garment options before production starts.
• Turnaround time and pricing depend on order size, design complexity, and how many colors you want printed.
• The shop handles both single custom pieces and large bulk orders for businesses, teams, events, and nonprofits.

How to prepare your design before you visit or contact them

If you already have artwork, bring it in a digital format—a PDF, PNG, or JPG file works best. The clearer and higher resolution your file, the better the final print will look. If your design has multiple colors, let Cheeky Tees know how many you're planning; each color requires a separate screen, which affects both cost and timeline.

If you don't have a design yet, you can describe what you want and the shop can help you develop it. Bring reference images, sketches, logos, or written descriptions of what you're imagining. They'll talk through placement on the garment, size, and whether your design works better with screen printing or direct-to-garment printing.

Screen printing versus direct-to-garment: which method for your order

Screen printing works best for designs with bold colors, solid areas, and a limited number of color separations. It's cost-effective for medium to large orders because the setup cost spreads across many pieces. The ink sits on top of the fabric and creates a durable, textured finish that holds up well through washing and wearing.

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is better for detailed designs, photographs, or full-color artwork with gradients. There's no setup cost per color, so it's often more economical for small orders or one-off pieces. The ink bonds into the fabric itself, creating a softer feel, though it may not be quite as durable as screen printing over many years of heavy use.

Cheeky Tees will recommend which method suits your design and order size. If you're unsure, ask them to show you samples of each technique so you can see the difference in person.

Pricing and what affects the cost of your order

Price depends on several factors: the number of garments you're ordering, the type and quality of the blank apparel, how many colors are in your design, and which printing method you choose. A single custom t-shirt costs more per piece than ordering fifty identical shirts. Premium blanks (thicker cotton, better brands) cost more than basic options.

Screen printing typically has a setup fee per color, then a per-garment charge. Direct-to-garment usually has a lower per-garment cost but no color setup fee. Specialty items like hats or hoodies cost more than standard t-shirts. The best way to know your actual cost is to contact Cheeky Tees with your design details, garment choice, and quantity—they can give you a quote based on what you need.

Turnaround time for different order sizes

A single custom piece or small order (under ten garments) typically takes three to five business days, depending on how busy the shop is and whether your design needs revisions. Larger orders—twenty to one hundred pieces—usually take one to two weeks because the shop needs time to prepare screens, do test prints, and run the full batch.

Rush orders are sometimes possible if the shop has availability, though you may pay extra. If you have a specific deadline—a team event, fundraiser, or business launch—tell Cheeky Tees upfront so they can let you know whether they can meet it. Seasonal busy periods (back-to-school, holidays) can extend timelines, so plan ahead if your order falls during those windows.

Working with Cheeky Tees for bulk orders and events

If you're ordering for a team, business, nonprofit, or event, Cheeky Tees can handle bulk production. They work with sports teams on uniforms and merchandise, nonprofits on fundraiser apparel, and businesses on branded gear for employees or customers. Bulk orders get better per-piece pricing, and the shop can coordinate with you on design variations if different groups want slightly different versions.

For large orders, plan to meet with someone at the shop to review your design, choose garment colors and sizes, and lock in a timeline. They can also help you think through sizing breakdowns—how many smalls, mediums, larges, and so on—if you're not sure. Payment terms for bulk orders may differ from single pieces, so ask about that when you're discussing your project.

What to expect during your visit or order process

If you visit in person, bring your design file on a phone, laptop, or USB drive, or describe what you want. The staff will show you blank garment options, discuss colors and placement, and answer questions about printing methods. They'll give you a quote and timeline before you commit. You can usually pay a deposit to hold your order and pay the balance when you pick up your finished pieces.

If you order by phone or email, have your design ready to describe or send, know your garment preferences (color, size, quantity), and be clear about your deadline. Cheeky Tees will follow up with a quote and next steps. Most orders require at least a partial payment upfront to secure your spot in the production schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own blank garments for Cheeky Tees to print on?

Most screen printing shops prefer to source their own blanks to ensure quality and consistency. Contact Cheeky Tees directly to ask whether they accept customer-supplied garments; some shops do for a small fee, while others don't. It's worth asking if you have specific blanks in mind.

What file format should I send my design in?

PDF, PNG, or JPG files work best. If your design is a logo or illustration, a vector file (AI or EPS) is ideal because it scales without losing quality. The higher the resolution, the better—aim for at least 300 DPI if possible. When in doubt, ask Cheeky Tees what format they prefer before you send anything.

Do you offer design services if I don't have artwork ready?

Many screen printing shops can help develop a design from your ideas, though this may involve an additional design fee. Contact Cheeky Tees to ask whether they offer design consultation and what that costs. Bring reference images or a clear description of what you're imagining.

How long does a printed shirt last before the design fades or cracks?

Screen-printed designs typically last for years with normal wear and washing, especially if you follow care instructions (wash inside out, use cold water, avoid high heat drying). Direct-to-garment prints are softer but may show wear sooner with heavy use. Quality of the blank garment and ink also matters—Cheeky Tees can recommend durable options if longevity is important to you.

Can I order just one shirt, or do you have a minimum order?

Most screen printing shops will do single custom pieces, though the per-shirt cost is higher than bulk orders. Direct-to-garment printing is especially good for one-offs because there's no screen setup fee. Ask Cheeky Tees about their minimum order policy and pricing for small quantities.