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First Pass Apparel: Screen Printing and Custom Apparel in Columbia

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What First Pass Apparel Does

First Pass Apparel is a screen printing and custom apparel shop in Columbia that handles orders for individuals, small businesses, and organizations. They print designs onto t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other wearable items using screen printing methods. The shop works with customers to turn artwork or ideas into finished products, whether you need a single shirt for an event or bulk orders for a team, club, or business.

The shop is located in the Midlands area of Columbia and serves both walk-in customers and those who place orders online or by phone. They work with local organizations, sports teams, nonprofits, and retail businesses, as well as individuals looking for custom apparel for personal use or small events.

Key Takeaways

  • First Pass Apparel prints custom designs onto apparel using screen printing, which works best for orders of multiple identical or similar items.
  • You can bring your own artwork, work with their design team, or modify existing designs to create what you want.
  • They handle orders for individuals, small businesses, nonprofits, and organizations, with pricing that typically decreases as order size increases.
  • Turnaround time and pricing depend on order size, design complexity, and how many colors you want printed.

How to Place an Order

Contact First Pass Apparel directly by phone or visit their location in Columbia to discuss your project. When you reach out, have an idea of what you want printed, how many items you need, and what type of apparel you're printing on (t-shirts, hoodies, caps, etc.). If you have artwork ready, you can share it with them; if not, they can work with you to develop a design or suggest modifications to something you've found.

Once you've settled on a design and quantity, they'll provide a quote based on the number of colors in your design, the size of the print, and the number of items you're ordering. Screen printing typically becomes more cost-effective as order size increases, so a bulk order for a business or organization will have a lower per-item price than a small personal order.

What to Bring or Prepare

If you have artwork, bring it in a digital format (PDF, PNG, or JPG files work well) or as a physical sample. The clearer and more detailed your artwork, the better the final print will look. If your design includes multiple colors, be prepared to discuss how many colors you want and whether you're open to simplifying the design to reduce costs.

Have your apparel choice ready—whether you want standard t-shirts, performance wear, hats, or something else. First Pass Apparel can often source blank apparel for you, or you can provide your own items to be printed. Know your quantities and sizing needs before you call, as this affects both price and production time.

Turnaround Time and Pricing

Turnaround time varies depending on how busy the shop is and the complexity of your order. Simple single-color designs on a small quantity typically move faster than multi-color designs on large orders. When you contact them for a quote, ask specifically about their current turnaround time so you can plan accordingly, especially if you have an event or deadline.

Pricing is customized based on your specific needs—the number of items, number of colors, size of the design, and type of apparel all factor into the final cost. Bulk orders are generally more economical per item than small runs. Request a detailed quote before committing to your order.

Screen Printing vs. Other Methods

Screen printing is ideal for orders where you want the same design on multiple items, because the cost per item drops significantly as you increase quantity. It produces durable, vibrant prints that hold up well through washing and wearing. However, if you need just one or two items with a complex, photo-quality design, other methods like direct-to-garment printing might be more practical, though First Pass Apparel specializes in screen printing.

Screen printing also works best with designs that have a limited number of colors (typically two to six). If your design is very detailed or photo-based, the shop can discuss whether it's feasible to adapt it for screen printing or suggest alternatives.

Working with Local Businesses and Organizations

First Pass Apparel works regularly with Columbia-area nonprofits, sports teams, schools, and small businesses. If you're ordering for an organization, they can often accommodate bulk quantities and may offer pricing tiers based on order size. They understand the needs of local groups—whether you need uniforms for a team, branded apparel for a fundraiser, or merchandise for a nonprofit event.

Building a relationship with a local printer means you can return for reorders, ask for design tweaks, and get personalized service. Many organizations in the Midlands use First Pass Apparel for recurring orders, from annual t-shirt designs to seasonal merchandise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own blank apparel to be printed?

Many screen printing shops, including those in the Columbia area, allow customers to provide their own blanks, though some prefer to source apparel themselves to ensure quality. Contact First Pass Apparel directly to ask about their policy on customer-supplied items.

What file format should my design be in?

Digital files in PDF, PNG, or JPG format work well for initial discussion. For final production, the shop may ask for a vector file (like an AI or EPS file) if your design needs to be resized or adjusted. If you don't have a vector file, the shop can often work with what you have or help you prepare it.

How many colors can I print on one design?

Screen printing can handle multiple colors, but each color requires a separate screen, which increases cost. Most designs work well with two to six colors. Discuss your design with the shop—they can advise whether simplifying colors will improve the look and reduce the price.

Do you offer rush orders?

Rush orders may be possible depending on the shop's current workload. Call ahead to discuss your timeline and ask what expedited options are available. Rush orders typically cost more than standard turnaround.

What's the minimum order size?

Minimum order sizes vary by shop and design complexity. Contact First Pass Apparel to ask about their minimums for your specific project—some shops have no minimum for simple designs, while others prefer orders of at least a dozen items.