How to print your dog on a shirt

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ [custom t-shirt](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts printing")? Since this simple garment rose to become the most popular piece of clothing in modern civilization, we've never stopped looking for ways to make it stand out — [far-fetched designs, bright colors, and unique graphics](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/the-evolution-of-t-shirts-a-decade-by-decade-style-trend-journey "t-shirt history through each decade"). The main thing is the pursuit of individuality, of a custom look.

![custom t-shirt with your dog photo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/003eb0ca-1a2b-47d4-b93e-14e983d5d6ef)

Our love of uniqueness is so great, in fact, that it seems to extend to our very canine companions. 

## Like person, like pet

Remember [the opening scene in The 101 Dalmatians](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulsjuiFO2J0) where a bored Pongo watches as women stroll up and down the street — each with a dog very similar to herself? Well, it turns out there is some scientific truth to this humorous observation. [People do actually pick dogs that resemble them](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20151111-why-do-dogs-look-like-their-owners). Subconsciously, we project something of our own unique features onto our dog friends.

![custom t-shirts of your dog photo](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c76a1387-12d7-4043-8e10-884634db6039)

Yes, go ahead and look at your pet, look at yourself in the mirror. Now once you accept the unquestionable, uncanny similarity, what's next? 

The answer is obvious: Join your enthusiasm for custom tees with your appreciation for your loyal companion! Add your dog's mugshot to your next t-shirt and proudly flaunt it for the world to see.

###Step 1) Find a cool photo of your dog

That should go without saying, but it's still worth emphasizing — it's the most important step. So take your time and go through the hundreds of pet pictures we know you have on your camera roll, and make sure you really get the pick of the litter. 

For a great, natural shot, you want a photograph that checks all these boxes:

- Has great natural lighting 
- Your dog is the focal point 
- It captures a memorable pose or look 

If it's one of those hilarious, one-in-a-thousand moments, then all the better!

###Step 2) Use Trace to remove the background

![free background remover tool](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1a016d42-9b29-47d0-a0cd-d3e6787b1bc4)

[Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace "free background remover tool") is one of the most popular tools in the Sticker Mule editing toolbox and for good reason. You upload your picture, click a satisfyingly orange button and, before your dog can bark twice, you've got yourself an outline of the main subject of your picture.

Another click and your picture is downloaded and ready for printing.

###Step 3) Further improve your photo with Redraw (optional)

If you want to make sure you get the best quality for your picture before printing, then [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "vectorize an image") is here for you. It'll convert your file into a real HD-like vector picture to be printed at absolutely any size you choose.

Again, it's all a simple extra step:

- Upload your newly downloaded photo to [Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "image to vector") (use drag-n-drop to save some extra time, as we all know those dog reels aren't going to watch themselves) 
- Check out 
- Make yourself comfortable (dog-video time!) and wait for the shiny, super-HD vector file we'll send you in a while. 

###Step 4) Order your custom t-shirts via Sticker Mule

![print custom t-shirts at sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2835e0a4-8379-43e3-b8e5-1692ee0caaaf)

Now all that's left is to go to our [custom t-shirts page](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts online"), select the size and quantity for your order, the t-shirt color, and upload your new dog picture. You can also add any specific instructions you may have for the printing.

After you check out, we'll get back to you with a free online proof showing exactly what your dog t-shirt is going to look like. At this point, you can either request changes or just go right ahead and confirm the order.

###Step 5) Share with the world!
Once you approve your designs, your t-shirt will start production, but you'll also now have a chance to share your brand new dog t-shirt design on your public profile page! 

To share your design on your Sticker Mule profile, just follow these steps;

1) Click on the "Share a design" link on your order confirmation page (see below)

![share designs on sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/38b79bec-be9a-4ea4-bdab-5e9e54feffba)

2) This will take you to your, reorder page. From here, hover over any past order and then click on "Share"

3) This is where you can select if you want to share your design with a secret link or publically on your profile page

![share dog photo t-shirt design](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0208b5c8-2b2a-4a78-9b1a-519ac3218d28)

This neat feature allows you to share your awesome new dog t-shirt with the whole Sticker Mule community or privately with whomever you want to share a link with!

Need to share your dog with even more people!? Well then, it's time for a new social media post — preferably one on [Stimulus](https://www.stimulus.com/ "stimulus the happy social network giveaways"), the Happy Social Network! Just don't forget to tag us @stickermule so we can go check the results of your handiwork and give you a good ol' thumbs-up!

<ButtonCta text="Start creating custom t-shirts of your dog!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts" />

Here's a quick guide on how to print a custom t-shirt of your dog. Learn tips & tricks on how to make your dog shirt really stand out!

How to print your dog on a shirt: A step-by-step guide

How to design custom t-shirts from scratch

There are few things as fun as literally wearing your own creation. This is perhaps why [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts") have become so popular over the past few years — they're a way to showcase your creativity, have fun with new designs, and easily dress in a unique way.

![woman wearing gray custom t-shirt from sticker mule](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b62d9766-23d8-4e3c-8df9-bda597865bf2)

It's perhaps no surprise, in fact, that the global market for custom-made clothes has been on a meteoric rise — worth $51.8 billion in 2021, it's [projected to reach no less than $131.6 billion by 2030](https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/custom-made-clothes-market-101188 "custom t-shirt and clothing market trends"). It's no secret: people want to dress custom.

##Designing your custom t-shirts

There are plenty of ways to design your own t-shirts, but few, if any, are better than Studio.

###What is Studio? 

Essentially, it's a canvas for your creativity — a browser-based, user-friendly platform for devising your own designs and creating your own custom-made products.

Unlike other, more complicated apps, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool with free templates") removes all the hurdles from your creative process, at the same time providing an ample library of templates as a starting point for your creative endeavors. 

##How to use Studio

To work with [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio "free online design tool"), all you need is a browser and an internet connection. In fact, you can even create from your smartphone. Let's take a look at how that process works.

###1. Choose a template

![custom t-shirts free templates](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/66e723bc-d2e4-48d0-b857-735f0ffe24f6)

Studio comes with a [vast library of free t-shirt templates](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/t-shirts "free custom t-shirts templates"). Whether you are designing a t-shirt for a sports team, for your company, or just for good old fun, you'll likely find a Studio template that's just the right starting point for your needs.

And don't worry about spending time thumbing through templates either; just select the category you have in mind and browse the top templates for that particular subject.

###2. Edit your template

![editing a custom shirt template online free](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bc722438-7cb7-4047-87cc-3294b37c1d74)

Even if your template is nothing more than a blank canvas, editing is as easy as adding new text or drawing elements, dragging them into place, adding color… it's all done in a few clicks (or taps, if you're on your phone). 
While you're at it, keep in mind a few key points to ensure your design looks well put together and appealing, including:

- The right combination of colors. It's not about how many colors you work into your design, but the extent to which they match. You can do some research on how different colors complement each other, for starters, and play with several combinations as you go.

- Text is often the first thing that gets noticed in a design, so use fonts that match the vibe you're going for. We [wrote a bit on the subject of fonts](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/what-is-the-easiest-font-to-read-on-posters-and-flyers "best fonts to use for t-shirts and poster printing") before, but it is a topic worth exploring in depth, as it can make or break your visual style.

- Placement. How harmonious the different elements in your overall design look — that's also key to your success. You can find out a little more about the rules of design composition and layout [here](https://99designs.com/blog/tips/design-composition-and-layout/ "tips on design composition").

###3. Print it out

Once you're happy with your design, you can download it or send it straight to print with Sticker Mule. All you have to do is choose your t-shirt size, quantity, and order. Before your t-shirt is produced, you'll get a free sample proof showing you what it'll look like with your design — if need be, you can request further changes before giving the green light for the printing process. 

Once you complete your order, your t-shirts will be coming to you in just a few days!

##Printing your custom t-shirt

Did you know you can print your own custom t-shirt at home and at little cost to yourself? That's one of the options we'll explore below.

###DIY printing

If you're a fan of doing things yourself, why not try DIY t-shirt printing? It's easy, doesn't take long, and yields fairly good results for more casual use cases. 

Take a look at [this tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1QSgRSzoFY "create your own t-shirt at home tutorial") and you'll see you don't even have to invest in complicated equipment to print your own t-shirts (although you can get professional results if you're willing to fork out around $1300 as an initial investment for a shirt-printing machine!)

To print your own custom design onto a t-shirt at home, all you need are a regular printer, an iron and ironing board, a blank t-shirt, and some transfer paper.

The steps are simple, too:

1. Print your design onto a sheet of transfer paper
2. Lay out your t-shirt onto the ironing board and place the transfer area over the area you want your design to be printed on
3. Carefully iron over the design a few times, making sure you smooth out the whole of the design.
4. Remove the backing on your transfer paper and glory in your newly-printed t-shirt!

That's the gist of it, anyway.
 
##Going the professional route

![custom t-shirts of cats and pets](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9edbff82-a284-4b5a-a805-c8704fbe4859)

DIY printing is a fun way to personalize your tees at a low cost, but it may not be for everyone. For starters, the quality of the design will inevitably turn out to be inferior to the design on a professionally printed t-shirt — the shapes will be less crisp and nitid, and the design is likely to wear off faster. 

On top of that, it's a time-consuming process. If you want your design stamped on a large number of t-shirts, you'll find yourself spending hours ironing stuff back and forth. Maybe not the best investment for your time.

###Online printing services

With that in mind, there's a simpler alternative: [get your custom t-shirts printed out for you](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom t-shirts printing") by a professional printing service like yours truly, Sticker Mule.

It'll save you headaches and the potential disappointment of making a mess of your design — and ruining a t-shirt. And that inevitably happens on a long enough timeline of printing your own stuff.

In fact, if you intend to print your design on a large number of t-shirts, you may find ordering your tees from an online service can be a lot more cost-effective. Just check out the mouth-watering bulk discounts we offer on [custom t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts "custom shirts printing") — order enough and you can find yourself paying less than $10 for professionally printed, high-quality, 100% cotton t-shirts.

Order now and enjoy holding your crisp, nice new tees a few days from now!

##Conclusion

As you can see, designing your very own t-shirt with Studio is a no-brainer. All it takes is a browser, an internet connection, and a little bit of inspiration — and remember our 2000+ templates are all there to help you with that!
Plus, once you have your design ready, sporting it in quality-printed t-shirts is only a matter of a few clicks and a few days' wait. Your Sticker Mule-made t-shirts will stick around for years.

<ButtonCta text="Browse all the free custom t-shirt templates today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/t-shirts" />


Your step-by-step guide to designing your own custom t-shirts online for free. When you're happy with the design you can either order them online or print them at home!

How to make stickers that sell well on Etsy

You’ve probably heard of Etsy in one way or another by now; the eponymous marketplace-style shopping site allows every crafty individual to sell their wares online to the world, as quickly and easily as can be. Want in on the Etsy action? We’ll show you how to get started by designing and selling your own [custom stickers online](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers). 

![how to sell stickers on etsy](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/657a688c-5775-4b8f-ad24-9af77562da21)

So how does Etsy work? Read on to learn how to sell on Etsy. 

## What is Etsy?

From handcrafted to vintage goods, an [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/ "etsy online store") store is the perfect platform to sell just about anything arty, crafty, decorative – you name it. Your own personal Etsy store is a place for you to advertise and sell your products, communicate with your customers, and build your brand from scratch. 

With more and more people opting to work from home, starting your own small business from the comfort of your own abode has never looked more appealing; what better way to run a business and generate income than to start an Etsy store? Online business is booming and creative products like stickers are consistently in high demand, not to mention easy to design and create thanks to our [custom sticker service](https://www.stickermule.com/products/sticker-sheets). 

Starting an Etsy store can be overwhelming, so where do you begin? Our step-by-step guide will take you through how to design your products, start your Etsy store, and show you how to sell on Etsy.

## How to start an Etsy store

Starting an Etsy store is relatively easy to do: just follow our simple guidelines!

__1. Decide what your products will be__

The first and probably most important decision you are going to make is choosing what products you are selling. Digital products, such as [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "stickers custom"), are the ideal choice for anyone looking to show off their design skills! 

Whether you’re starting a sticker brand from scratch, using your own designs, or you’re looking to increase awareness for an existing brand you run, selling stickers on Etsy is the perfect boost to your brand needs. 

If you’re creating an image from scratch, you’ll need a design platform like [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) to start working on your stickers, which can take you from concept to completion in no time. Have your first designs ready? Cool! Time to start thinking about range, pricing, and descriptions.

__2. Choosing the perfect name for your store__

When choosing your Etsy store name, short and sweet is the easiest for customers to remember. Etsy does have some rules to follow when choosing your store’s name, but going for something creative, unique, and representative of your brand is always best.

__3. Create your seller’s account__

You’ll need to set up a seller’s account to sell on Etsy. To do this, you’ll need to click the [Sell on Etsy link](https://www.etsy.com/sell?ref=ftr "sell on etsy") at the very bottom of the website and follow the steps. It’s quick and easy, don’t worry!

__4. Set up your payment & billing information__

After you’ve created your first listing, you’ll need to set up your payment and billing information; this is basically how you want to get paid and how Etsy will withdraw funds for fees. Just remember that your options for payment and billing will vary according to the country you’re living in. 

When you have opened your Etsy store as an actual business, you will have to pay taxes; the amount will vary depending on your income level and state. It’s safe to assume that you’ll need to set aside 35% of your profit to cover taxes. 

__5. You can finally open your store!__

With all the necessary steps complete, it’s now time to open your store and start selling stickers on Etsy. Get ready to market and share your store with friends, family, and on your social media platforms to spread the word!

## Designing the perfect stickers to sell on Etsy

![making custom stickers for selling on etsy](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e7e3ef73-6106-4b32-a980-e8018de65da6)

They’re small but they pack a punch: stickers are a fantastic item to sell on Etsy. Easy to create, lightweight for shipping, and requiring minimal storage space, stickers can convey a brand message, show off your design or illustration skills and even provide customers with useful information. 

Unlike t-shirts or mugs that cater to a specific market, stickers have a pretty wide horizon in terms of a target audience. Highly affordable and fun, they’re an effective yet low-cost product, which is always appealing to potential customers. 

Designing and creating your own customer stickers with Sticker Mule has never been easier. Visit [our online custom sticker design tool](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/stickers "free custom sticker templates") to get started!

__What to consider when designing your Etsy sticker:__

Here’s how to nail it. 

__1. Your sticker design should be unique__

If you want to stand out, your stickers can’t look like every other sticker on the block. Eye-catching designs and deep meanings are winning formulas, but anything that helps you make your own, individual mark will do the trick. What makes you different from the rest? It’s up to you to decide.

__2. Be consistent with your designs__

While it can be easy to ignite sales through promotions at first, the hardest part is maintaining them. Consistency in your design quality and creativity, while also sticking to your brand’s personality and values, is crucial for making it a longer-term success. 

__3. Pay attention to your packaging__

Packaging not only ensures the safety of your stickers, but it’s also the first thing your customers will see, so it should represent your brand to a tee.  Thankfully there are easy ways to get [custom packaging](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-packaging "custom packaging for etsy") for Etsy, so hop on over there to learn how to perfect yours. 

## How to sell on Etsy

There you have it! Starting an Etsy store is very easy, but is it just as easy to sell your products? 

To sell stickers on Etsy, you’ll have to stand out from the crowd. We have a __few quick tips for how to sell products on Etsy like a pro__. 

![guide to selling on etsy](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b076d2e6-f36d-4b9b-bfb8-3db2422cc498)

__1) Do competitor research__

You have to know how your competitors are doing things, so before you start selling stickers on Etsy, check out similar stores to yours. What are they doing differently? How are they writing their descriptions? Do they offer competitive pricing? How do their designs look?

You need to know what competitors are up to if you want to find your own niche. 

__2) Follow the Etsy guidelines__

Make sure to follow the Etsy guidelines for what to sell. Etsy is very different from other e-commerce platforms like Amazon or eBay, requiring sellers to offer up unique products to their customers. 

__3) Make sure your Etsy profile catches the eye__

The best way to make your store stand out? Tell your brand story. Your prospective customers want to know why you started your store and why you are different. Be creative!

__4) Connect all your Social Media accounts__

Set up social media accounts and a website for your brand, and link these to your Etsy profile. It’ll not only build your brand story and raise awareness among your target market, but you might also be able to better profile your potential customers, too. 

There you have it! Selling stickers on Etsy is a quick and easy way to build a brand and turn it into a lucrative business in no time. 

<ButtonCta text="Get custom stickers online today!" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers" />

Here's how to make your own custom stickers and get them to sell well on Etsy. Find out some simple tips to selling stickers online so they perform well!

How to make custom water bottle labels easy [free online template]

Welcome to your complete guide on how to create [custom water bottle labels](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/water-bottle-labels "custom water bottle labels"). In this post, we'll explore two main methods: using an online service, specifically [Sticker Mule's Studio water bottle label editor](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=water+bottle+label "free water bottle label templates"), and a do-it-yourself approach with store-bought labels and a home printer.

![custom printed water bottle labels](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ac80f7f4-4e39-4ebf-953a-c614020f0dfc)

## The importance of custom water bottle labels

Custom water bottle labels can add a unique touch to any event, be it a birthday party, a corporate event, or a promotional campaign. Not only do they add a personal feel, but they also serve as a branding opportunity that leaves a lasting impression. However, it's important to choose label materials that are waterproof and printed a bit differently than normal [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "stickers custom"). 

Either way, the first thing to do is to choose the type of custom water bottle label you'd like to create. Keep in mind the importance of deciding on the label dimensions, as that'll directly impact how your label will fit and look on your water bottle. 

For a standard water bottle, there are two primary styles of label wrapping: __full wrap__ and __half wrap__.

- A __full wrap__ label covers the entire circumference of the bottle, providing a large canvas for your design and information. This option is ideal when you have more content to display or prefer a completely customized look.

- A  __half wrap__ label, on the other hand, covers only a portion of the bottle's circumference. It's a great choice when you want to maintain some of the bottle's original look or when your design is simple and concise.

In the image below, we provide recommended dimensions for both full wrap and half wrap labels on a standard water bottle.

Remember, it's not just about fitting the label onto the bottle, but also about ensuring your design and information are displayed effectively and attractively.

![water bottle label size recommendations for printing](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/63ed44fe-ee70-4f20-ac17-5ab03a3ced77)

Of course, while these are recommended dimensions, you may need to adjust them slightly depending on the specific size and shape of your water bottle. Always measure your bottles before finalizing your label dimensions.

### Method 1: Using an online service (Sticker Mule)

![screenshot of sticker mule water bottle template online editor](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b63dbaf3-dea4-46df-85bf-6ea8420ef842)

Creating [custom water bottle labels](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/water-bottle-labels "make custom water bottle labels") has never been easier thanks to online services like Sticker Mule's Studio. All you need to do is visit our collection of [free online templates for custom water bottle labels](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/search?group=all&q=water+bottle+label "free water bottle templates online"), choose your preferred design, and customize it as you please. 

The benefits of this method are numerous. For one, you'll get professional-looking, waterproof labels that can withstand pretty much anything life throws at them.

Here are some sample designs for a little bit of inspiration.

![custom water bottle label design example](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e351fa67-2400-47a6-86c9-2da82a950206)

![bottle for water label design for bbq](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/08bd0b3c-1ed6-48ea-b73c-3e36837bdc05)

![custom clear water bottle labels for parties](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/17e40864-61b1-49d3-bb73-c789800bb794)

### Method 2: DIY with store-bought labels and a home printer

If you prefer the DIY route, you can create your labels using [store-bought labels](https://www.avery.com/category/usage/water-bottle-labels/ "avery water bottle labels") and a home printer. This method, though a little more hands-on, can also yield satisfactory results if done right. Here is a step-by-step YouTube video that does a great job explaining the process:

<YouTubeVideo videoId="biJqNhTzjgk" />

However, it's worth noting that the DIY method comes with its limitations. The labels aren't usually waterproof and the print quality won’t look as professional on normal printers. 

## Cost comparison

When it comes to costs, it might be surprising to find that both methods come out nearly even. The DIY method might seem cost-effective upfront, but when you factor in the time spent and the potential trial and error involved, along with the costs of ink and special label paper, you might find that Sticker Mule offers better value for your money.

## Conclusion

[Custom water bottle labels](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/water-bottle-labels "personalized water bottle labels") are a fun and creative way to personalize events and promote your brand. Whether you choose to use an online service like Sticker Mule or go the DIY route with store-bought labels and a home printer, the end result will be uniquely yours. We hope this guide has been helpful and encourages you to choose the method that best fits your needs and budget.

<ButtonCta text="Create your own water bottle labels today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/water-bottle-labels" />

Creating your own custom water bottle labels for parties, events, and businesses can be an easy way to spread brand awareness. Find two easy ways to make custom bottle labels in no time in this blog post.

History of political stickers, bumper stickers, and campaign buttons

People have been using "slogans" since the beginning of history—that is, pithy, memorable phrases used to rouse crowds to action or gain support for a cause. From battle cries to country mottos, people have always rallied around catchphrases to prove where their loyalties lie. From the ancient Roman motto "Senatus Populusque Romanus" ("The Senate and the People of Rome") to Napoleon Bonaparte's war cry "Vive l'Empereur" ("Long Live the Emperor"),  people—and governments—around the world have historically condensed their causes to just a few words that inspire allegiance and intimidate opponents.

In American society and government, this human tendency towards rallying around a few well-chosen words and phrases has taken a distinct form: that of political slogans. Phrases such as "I like Ike" or "Happy Days are Here Again" had an incalculable effect on the campaigns in which they featured and continue to play a huge role in the public consciousness. Instrumental rallying cries like "No taxation without representation" or "The buck stops here" have proved invaluable to whole political movements. In the modern age, we still rely on slogans and catchphrases—but the ways we choose to display them have changed significantly throughout the years.

## Campaign Buttons
Moving through history, people found that merely repeating a catchphrase or slogan verbally (as in the case of a war cry) was not enough; they wanted to be able to physically display which side of the issue they stood on (and to potentially attract new converts to their cause). Politically, this physical representation first came in the form of buttons—ordinary brass buttons like you might find on any blazer or uniform. These brass buttons served as commemorative tokens for political efforts as early as George Washington's presidency in 1789.

![George Washington Inaugural Button](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/george-washington-button.png "George Washington Inaugural Button, 1789")

_George Washington Inaugural Button, 1789_ ([Source](https://historical.ha.com/itm/political/george-washington-inaugural-button-wi-11a-gw-1789-7-in-copper-designated-the-gw-in-oval-center-or-more-commonly-the-/a/333-16001.s))

Perhaps the first real presidential campaign (where opponents made public efforts against one another to win votes from the public) was in 1828 when Andrew Jackson ran against John Quincy Adams. Jackson, who had previously lost the election of 1824, was driven by his defeat to actively and aggressively campaign for voters' attention. Jackson's efforts included parades, events, and lots and lots of memorabilia. Along with snuff boxes, flasks, and various other trinkets, Jackson gave out many campaign medals and buttons in order to remind people of his military successes and seek votes.

![Andrew Jackson Campaign Medal](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/andrew-jackson-medal.png "Andrew Jackson Campaign Medal, 1828")

_Andrew Jackson Campaign Medal, 1828 ([Source](http://historical.ha.com/itm/political/tokens-and-medals/andrew-jackson-large-1828-campaign-medal-featuring-jackson-on-horseback/a/6009-48012.s))_

The campaign turned dirty fast, as both candidates set out to discredit one another through rumors and mudslinging. However, Jackson's intense merchandising seems to have been effective, as he defeated Quincy Adams handily. In many ways, this messy campaign set the precedent for all following elections—and in many ways gave rise to the merchandised campaign strategies we see today.

[Campaign buttons](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/campaign-buttons) continued to be a mainstay of political elections, though most only showed an image of the candidate and his name. Images of Lincoln's face on medallions accompanied his run in 1860.

![Abraham Lincoln Campaign Button, 1860](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/abraham-lincoln-button.png "Abraham Lincoln Campaign Button, 1860")

_Abraham Lincoln Campaign Button, 1860 ([Source](http://www.loc.gov/resource/ppmsca.19430/))_

Eventually, presidential candidates began placing campaign slogans on buttons rather than just their portraits and a year or phrase. In 1924, Coolidge sought re-election through buttons emblazoned with multiple slogans including "Deeds, not words" and "Keep Cool-idge."

![Calvin Coolidge Campaign Buttons, 1924](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/calvin-coolidge-button.jpg "Calvin Coolidge Campaign Buttons, 1924")

_Calvin Coolidge Campaign Buttons, 1924 ([Source](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2195614/Fasen-nating-Campaign-buttons-stick-generations-politics-Abraham-Lincoln-Mitt-Romney.html))_

Printing catchy slogans on campaign buttons quickly became par for the course in politics, with what is perhaps the most famous one appearing in 1952: the unforgettable "I Like Ike" buttons and merchandise that accompanied the political draft and presidential run of Dwight Eisenhower.

## Bumper Stickers
Dwight Eisenhower's campaign also marked the beginning of another long-lasting trend in political slogans: bumper stickers. [Bumper stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bumper-stickers) were first invented after Ford came out with the Model A in 1927, and other companies were scrambling to produce similar cars. While previous models had much smaller bumpers, the large bumpers of the Model A seemed to invite decoration—and so, as simple as that, the bumper sticker was born.

![Ford Model A, 1927](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/ford-model-a.jpg "Ford Model A, 1927")

_Ford Model A, 1927 ([Source](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0c/1928_Model_A_Ford.jpg))_

Eisenhower's campaign bumper stickers—decorated with the famous "I Like Ike" slogan as well as other campaign catchphrases—were among the first in what would become a long string of political bumper stickers (one that continues to this day). Eisenhower would successfully employ the same strategy in his 1956 re-election campaign, and virtually every presidential candidate since has used bumper stickers as a part of their campaigns.

![Eisenhower Re-Election Bumper Sticker, 1956](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/ike-and-dick.jpg "Eisenhower Re-Election Bumper Sticker, 1956")

_Eisenhower Re-Election Bumper Sticker, 1956 ([Source](http://www.britannica.com/event/United-States-presidential-election-of-1956/images-videos/Dwight-D-Eisenhower-reelection-bumper-sticker-1956/72256))_

From this straight-forward beginning, bumper stickers evolved to help people convey not just support for political candidates, but also their own personal, overarching political beliefs. Coinciding with the divisive Vietnam War of the late 50s, 60s, and 70s, bumper stickers covered the entire political spectrum, from pacifist sentiments like  "Make Love Not War" to the staunchly patriotic "America: Love it or Leave It."

## Bumper Stickers Today

Since then, [bumper stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bumper-stickers) have proved to be a lasting and effective tool of political rhetoric as well as personal expression, despite the fact that they are often divisive. In fact, bumper stickers were taken to court in 1991 with the case of Baker v. Glover in Alabama. In this case, Wayne Baker fought for his right to keep a bumper sticker on his car despite the fact that it contained a curse word which many people found offensive. The court ruled that bumper stickers are an essential component of freedom of speech. In the ruling, Judge Myron Thompson stated that "for those citizens without wealth or power, a bumper sticker may be one of the few means available to convey a message to a public audience." In the eyes of the U.S. Government, bumper stickers are a perfectly legitimate way to display one's opinion, political or otherwise.

People share their political beliefs freely on the backs of their cars. Every modern presidential campaign is accompanied by numerous bumper stickers, usually designed to appeal to many different target audiences. Sometimes these stickers are official marketing tools of the campaigns, other times they are humorous spin-offs or parodies of political slogans.

![anti bush bumper stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5acd8a98-19ba-43b8-8527-73c2ac3a0430)
![Anti obama bumper sticker](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/nobama-08.jpg "Anti-Bush bumper sticker")

_Anti-Bush and Anti-Obama bumper stickers mimic the designs of the official campaigns. ([Source](https://www.flickr.com/people/92258912@N00) and [Source](http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2082152/posts?page=133))_

To some historical and political analysts, this poses a problem. They've coined a term— "bumper sticker politics" — to describe the way that people will rely on slogans they have read or soundbites they have heard rather than taking the time to research the issues at play themselves. Others are concerned about the way that politicians seem to have become more concerned with branding and marketing than with actual content. 

It seems to many that the bumper sticker-ization of American politics has made it too easy for people to generalize views by narrowing them down to a pithy slogan or eye-catching design. Of course, this isn't a new phenomenon; public opinion has always been formed, at least in some part, through the chanting of catchphrases, slogans, war cries, and mottoes. Bumper stickers didn't cause a new way of thinking about the world—they just gave people a different way of expressing it.

## "I Voted"
Another interesting way that stickers have played into American politics is through the omnipresent "I Voted" stickers that are given out at the voting booths for every election from Town Council Chairman to President of the United States. These stickers first appeared in the 1980s as a way to encourage voting and advertise to potential voters, but with the advent of social media in the early 2000s, these stickers came more and more into the public focus. Today, people immediately post their "I voted" sticker selfie online to sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter mere moments after walking out of the voting booth.

![I Voted sticker](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/i-voted-sticker.jpg "I Voted sticker")

_"I Voted" sticker ([Source](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-shayne/sticker-shock_b_6076508.html))_

As with most phenomena, some people are excited about this trend while others view it as a harbinger of society's downfall... In a 2014 article titled ["Why I Hate 'I Voted' Stickers"](http://nypost.com/2014/11/05/why-i-hate-i-voted-stickers/), the NY Post's Kirsten Fleming talks about the way these stickers have come to represent a "smug, self-congratulatory ethos" when it comes to something that should be the obligatory duty of a citizen anyway." On the other side of the argument,  Derek Thomson argues that "that the sticker "binds people together in solidarity and reminds others to join the group" in a 2012 article for The Atlantic titled ["Why the 'I Voted' Sticker Matters."](http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/11/why-the-i-voted-sticker-matters/264628/) One thing is certain—elections are hard to ignore or forget when everyone you see on the street (or on your Instagram feed) sports these American flag-emblazoned little crests.

## Stickers Throughout American History
Who knew that something as small and seemingly harmless as a button or sticker could have such a huge effect on an entire country? While we spend a lot of time talking and arguing about politics, we rarely give thought to the small things that shape our society. However, [buttons](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-buttons) and stickers have become as important and influential to our political system as war cries were to ancient societies. They've become something we rally around and display proudly—and something that probably influences us far more than we realize when we're not paying attention.

![Logos for 2016 Presidential candidates ](https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.stickermule.com/blog/2016-01-15-the-history-of-political-stickers/logos-presidential.jpg "Logos for 2016 Presidential candidates")

_Logos for 2016 Presidential candidates ([Source](http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/03/politics/2016-logos/))_

There are countless ways to promote your favorite campaign, candidate, or cause using [custom stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers "print custom stickers") and [campaign buttons](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/campaign-buttons "custom campaign buttons"). Check out different ways Sticker Mule can help you get out the vote.

<ButtonCta text="Create your own campaign buttons today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/uses/campaign-buttons" />


Join us as we explore the history behind different famous political slogans & stickers, political bumper stickers ,and campaign buttons.

How to design business cards with Studio

Learn how to create your own business card design using [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio) – the free online design tool from Sticker Mule.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="3NsH0vA0TY4" />

##Free online business card maker

With Studio by Sticker Mule, designing your own business card takes minutes. Let's create one for a personal trainer. While we can choose to design our business cards from scratch, Studio offers an ever-expanding library of free templates. So we'll start there. We can [find business card templates under branding](https://www.stickermule.com/studio/templates/branding). Already, we're seeing some designs that would work well for a personal trainer. Let's go with this one.

Now that we're in the Studio editor, we can make any necessary changes to the design. To start, let's swap out the text. This business card will be for Herman Mule. And for the title, we'll use a personal trainer. Let's change the phone number and the gym Herman will be operating out of is Hard N Heavy. Let's change the social handle too. Now, this is already looking great and we could stop right here, but let's really make it our own by customizing it.

We can select all the elements and change every instance of blue to a different color. For Hard N Heavy let's go with a deep red. Perfect. Next, let's change the font Arvo seems like it would work well with our gym name, Hard N Heavy. Lastly, let's go into the asset sidebar and see if there's a final way we can customize this design. The emojis and other graphics don't feel like a good fit here, but a line would help to separate the top and bottom portions of the design. Let's use this basic line. We'll move it into place, extend it across the entire design, make it red, and increase the thickness of it. Maybe we could also nudge this kettlebell down so it looks like it's resting on our new line. Great.

Let's select preview to get one last good look at our business card. Looking good, Herman. Once we're happy, we can either download it as one of several formats or select print to place an order. And that's all it takes to make your very own [business card](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/business-card-magnets). We hope you enjoyed this video, and that with Studio, your next design project takes less time and less money. Take care.

<ButtonCta text="Try Studio for Free" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />

Create your own business card design using Studio – the free online design tool from Sticker Mule.

Free business card maker to design business cards online

What is the easiest font to read on posters and flyers?

There's a question that pops up often enough when you decide to design your own [custom posters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-posters "custom posters") and [custom flyers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-flyers "custom flyers"): **What fonts should I choose?** 

![best font for posters and flyers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2c295f18-3a3e-436f-a7eb-f1559e54f68b)

It's a good, obvious question. But frankly, when you see so many hastily put-together posters or barely-legible custom flyers, you kind of suspect it's not taken too seriously.

The fact is there's a universe of fonts available out there, and an equally vast, encyclopedic amount of knowledge to match. Humble mortals with neither time nor inclination to pore over volumes of typographic lore and unravel matters of kernings and counters, block size and x-height, may be prone to… well, simply giving up and going with the first font that comes along.

And hence the same boring style posters and illegible flyers you see around.

But it doesn't have to be like that. Rightly chosen, fonts can convey professionality and authority or informality and friendliness. They can make for a clean, minimalistic style, or intricate, sophisticated designs. 

Most importantly, they can be easy and pleasant to read — which is arguably the key element in text-intensive posters and flyers.

## A quick note on serifs and how we read

To begin with, let's make one thing clear: We're not taking sides on the serif vs sans-serif debate. Nope. Instead, we'll simply present the facts of the matter. You be the judge.

A serif, in case you don't know what it means, is that tiny finishing stroke or tail that completes a letter. Times New Roman has it for instance.

For a long time, it was argued that serifs guide the eye along a horizontal line since they help connect one letter to another. That was kind of their reason for being. But when we started switching from printed material to electronic screens, that little extra spec was shown to create too much visual noise in small screens and very diminutive text. 

So most of the fonts born of the digital age are in fact clean, sans-serif (that's French for "without a serif", by the way. Fancy!) Like the one we're using now.

Also, it turns out that [we don't actually read in a clean horizontal left-to-right line](https://www.creativebloq.com/ux/how-human-eye-reads-website-111413463). Rather, we scan pages up and down and often follow something like an F letter, drawn from top to bottom. So the serifs really lost a lot of their relevance, except as a style device.

## What makes a font easy to read?

OK, so what really makes a font easy to read is a combination of several aspects, including the following.

- **Color contrast**. Ever had the bad luck to sit through a presentation where yellow letters are shown over a white background? Yeah, contrast is key.

- **Kerning**. We're getting a little terminological here, but kerning is simply the spacing between letters or characters. Too little kerning typically means poorer legibility in small types (as the ones often used in leaflets).

- **Font size**. This is a pretty obvious one, but still surprisingly easy to get wrong. Obviously, the font size in a poster will differ from that in a leaflet, but how the size connects to the other elements in your design is a key element to readability.

- **Whitespace**. That's all of the space in your design that's not taken by text or graphics. Too little of it and your text will lack air and be hard on the eye; too much and it'll get lost in the middle of the page.

- **Leading**. That's the vertical space between one line and the next. Again, too little leading complicates reading; too much makes each line seem disconnected from the next.

- **Alignment**. How aligned your font is to the left or right impacts readability a good deal. Typically, we're more used to left-leaning alignment, but you don't want to overdo it and go hard left either!

- **Hierarchy**. This deals with the key points in your text — those that should attract the reader's attention first. Proper hierarchy can be achieved with a mix of style elements such as **bold** or *italics*. However, be wary of overusing these elements. It is typically a good rule of thumb never to use more than one way of setting text apart (no bold + italics, please).

- **Complementary fonts**. A clever device in hierarchy and a common technique in poster and flyer designing is employing different, but complementary fonts. That's an art in itself, but you can benefit from the [many ready-made suggested pairings on the web](https://www.adobe.com/express/learn/blog/10-ways-to-pair-fonts-for-maximum-impact) or harness the power of AI with [Fontjoy](https://fontjoy.com/), which will suggest unique pairings for you.

## What are the best fonts for posters and flyers?

Armed with all this knowledge, we can finally look at some of the easiest-to-read fonts for flyers and posters.

### Serif fonts

Let's begin by looking at four serif fonts for posters and flyers.

__1. Times New Roman__

![time new roman poster font](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/0fb6e8ed-f1be-425f-a5fd-0ea6a72cde4a)

Created for British newspaper The Times in 1931, Times New Roman has since established itself as one of the primary, most respected, and well-known typefaces, including on the web — it's what every unformatted HTML text looks like.

For a respectful, sober, and professional look, you can never go wrong with Times.

__2. Garamond__

![garamond font on a poster wall](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1a5260cc-0a56-4f59-8b34-551ac0435aed)

Harking back to book printing in Renaissance Italy, Garamond is another timeless serif font that is incredibly easy to read in leaflets or larger printed materials. And in spite of being literally a centenarian typeface, Garamond has lost none of its actuality. It's still a common and respected choice in modern design.

__3. Georgia__

![custom flyer georgia font](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/70922739-d1ca-4b12-a16f-429449223d6a)

Going back to something a little more recent, we have Georgia: a font invented for none other than the Microsoft Corporation in 1993. And guess what, it was invented especially to be legible in small screens, meaning it'll never fail you in a leaflet either.

__4. Trajan__

![trajan font on a poster](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/9ec1b97e-159c-42c8-b602-e7224a928e6b)

Trajan is also a recent creation (1989), but is inspired by a very ancient letterform — the [Roman square capitals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_square_capitals) used at the base of Trajan's Column, in Rome. There's a classic for you!

Trajan was created for large displays, rather than printed text, making it a perfect font for a very classy-looking poster.

### Sans-serif fonts

Serif-less fonts tend to be preferred nowadays for a more minimalistic and clean style. You can't go wrong with any of the choices below.

__1. Arial__

![best font to use on a poster - try arial](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/51e1d947-5151-422c-8432-f3de2002fa20)

Arial was created for computers, is in every computer, and has been in every computer since its 1982 inception. It's a simple, some would say boring, font, but it gets the job done. 

__2. Calibri__

![calibri is an easy font to read on a poster](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f37227f6-343f-4dd3-9e83-680a2162e245)

Calibri is another so-called "humanist" typeface, meaning it takes inspiration from classic Roman types, as well as calligraphy. Replacing Arial as the go-to for many of the Microsoft products since 2007, Calibri is a bit more rounded, a bit more modern, and a tad more spaced apart. 

__3. Verdana__

![verdana font on a flyer is easy to read](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/bd47ec46-1b65-4f1a-9bf9-eeee1b1c0481)

Verdana letters are also a little more spaced than Arial types, making them easy to read even with considerably reduced sizing — flyers, anyone? But it's also heavier than Calibri, making it an apt choice for poster headings.

__4. Helvetica__

![best and easiest font for a poster could be helvetica](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/51017f68-f8b4-4658-9def-fdd20d4da3a9)

Similar to Arial in terms of letterform and weight, Helvetica brings a sophisticated, but simple-looking aesthetic that gives it great popularity in modern design trends. 

__5. Tahoma__

![tahoma font to use on poster and flyers for easy reading](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4c42666a-ac4e-4740-93b5-c9e7c2f94644)

Another recent, digital-era invention, Tahoma is a clean, professional-looking font that makes for easy reading on both digital and printed screens. Popular with resumes, it can also be just the right fit for the body of your flyer.

__6. Trebuchet MS__

![trebuchet ms is a good font for posters](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8034fa3b-1ec3-49d4-a12e-dcdf511e57ac)

If you want a font named after a [badass medieval siege weapon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trebuchet), look no further than Trebuchet. A sans-serif font with a lot of serif envy, Trebuchet is a neat middle-ground between modernity and antiquity that will serve your flyers well.

__7. Roboto__

![roboto wall poster font](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfc651ed-1eca-48d3-a9a4-71fdf0cc3b50)

Roboto was invented by Google and has been the go-to font for Android devices for 10 years now. Remember how we mentioned counters earlier on? That's the empty space within each letter. Well, Roboto's counters are huge, meaning it is extremely legible in even very small prints. 

__8. Open Sans__

![open sans wall poster font](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/78e3019c-b86b-4262-8602-a8529b73098c)

Open Sans was also designed by Google for a "neutral, yet friendly appearance". It works great for any medium, print or digital, and is pretty professional-looking too!

__9. Montserrat__

![best font on a poster could be montserrat](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/3aaa17f6-81f0-4acc-9eb1-da0238045904)

I just love Montserrat — it's so classy. And guess what: it takes inspiration from street posters in the historic Montserrat neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Now you cannot not love it.

Montserrat is eminently readable, fairly round, and of course,  awesome for posters.

__10. Avenir__

![one of the best fonts for flyers is avenir](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/01618e3a-f4c4-443c-971b-315204815467)

Named after the French word for "future", Avenir exudes a combination of modern elegance and simplicity that make you think of a very avant-garde-looking New York café. For much the same reasons we saw above, it's easy to read in large or small prints and a fantastic way to give your posters a touch of style.

__11. Futura PT__

![good font for posters futura pt](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/2fcd4593-c6b1-4a29-a4c8-f61d5756570e)

The Futura typeface was created in the early 20th century and took inspiration from the Modernist art movement for a balance of simplicity, clarity, and functionalism. It's a rather austere German font, and it can be paired well with serif fonts such as Times and Garamond.

__12. Bonus font: OpenDyslexic__

![easy font to read for dyslexic people](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/4d555358-148c-441c-ad9e-c2332c988aaa)

[OpenDyslexic](https://opendyslexic.org/) is a free font that addresses common issues that hamper dyslexic persons' ability to read. Very different from all the classic and modern options seen above, OpenDyslexic has a somewhat blotted look that won't be popular with everyone. But it can be a great — and inclusive — option depending on your specific use case. And it's definitely an easy font to read on flyers or posters.

## Finishing strokes

All of the above fonts will do just fine in your poster or flyer, but they're just a stepping stone into the beautiful world of typography. There are a million other options out there, for those of you inclined to explore and be creative. 

Just remember that both legibility and readability are a fruit of a combination of style elements. So look for the perfect font, but remember spacing, alignment, contrast, and the like. 

If you want to test different fonts and pairings, remember you can always enjoy our web-based design app, [Studio](https://www.stickermule.com/studio). It's free and a joy to use!

<ButtonCta text="Start creating posters in Studio for free!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/studio" />


What are the best fonts to use for poster or flyer printing? Well here are 12 fonts that are easy to read and view from distances that make them great for poster or flyer printing.

Make images bigger without losing quality with Upscale

[Upscale](https://www.stickermule.com/upscale) is a free [tool](https://www.stickermule.com/tools) that makes images bigger without losing quality, instantly.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="MnlxadIeVKQ?rel=0" />

Just upload your image and within a few seconds, you’ll be able to download your upgraded larger image. Or you can use your new artwork to order custom stickers and more with a single click.

<ButtonCta text="Try Upscale for free" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />




### Why we made Upscale

Some images are small. They're not bad, they're just small. You can save an image to a bigger size, but this just makes each pixel bigger – and you end up with a pixelated, distorted image.

It’s even more problematic if you try to print a low-resolution image ([we recommend artwork be at least 300 ppi](https://www.stickermule.com/support/artwork-ppi)).

Luckily, Upscale makes it easy for anyone to improve the size and resolution of their artwork. Using AI, Upscale creates brand new pixels, allowing your image to be 2x the size with 4x the pixels of the original image.

![make image bigger](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fdc1721c2cf40d5acff214da986d3a34f8892909)

![make any image bigger without losing quality](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/dfe0e8d36794c08d5193f3772fafbacbe5f15942)

![free tool to make image bigger](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/e1de5023b5e1a0c62adc6ac4fd47134e8f4fdf1b)

<ButtonCta text="Try Upscale for free" href="https://www.stickermule.com/upscale" />


Want to make an image bigger? Upscale is a free online tool that allows you to make any image bigger without losing quality for free!

The evolution of t-shirts: A decade-by-decade style trend journey

What makes a t-shirt a t-shirt? Well, easy: its T-shaped format! Besides literally being a "tee", t-shirts are also associated with a certain kind of material (cotton) and with their very own atmosphere (informality). Tees are simple to make, comfortable to wear, and worn just about everywhere.

![the history of t-shirts decade by decade](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b5f3bc36-354d-4990-af9c-3feb717efb32)

In fact, nowadays, t-shirts are perhaps the most common element of clothing all over the world. But it wasn't always like that — in fact, the humble tee has only been with us for a little over a century. 

From its origin as a 19th-century working man's garment to the modern trends of the 21st century, the t-shirt has come a long way in a short time. Let's take a look at how it developed over the years.

### The birth of t-shirts

![1800s t-shirt origin story from the union suit](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8a340f78-b45d-4963-8998-61a9196abfbb)

Believe it or not, t-shirts come from a very ridiculous-looking (by our modern standards) piece of clothing called the union suit. We highly recommend [googling union suit](https://www.google.com/search?q=union+suit) sometime, there are definitely a few chuckles to be had.

Well, at some point in the late 19th century, workers in mines and docks seemed to have fallen into the habit of cutting short the top piece of their union suit. Because seriously, those things were hot to work in. And there you have it — the first version of the t-shirt was born.

### The early 1900s and armywear 

![t-shirt history from the military](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ce653520-ee27-41a9-9239-fb28d1c1d2af)

Once the effectiveness of lighter clothing in the mines was realized, it didn't take long for the military to discover them. First issued by the US Navy, they were soon a staple undergarment in all branches of the military. They made for a comfortable piece to wear under a soldier's uniform and were great for fieldwork in hot climates.


Fast forward a few more years and we have World War I spreading the tee's popularity even further. No longer an undergarment only, t-shirts now started seeing ample use in all kinds of manual labor, including agriculture. They also became a popular garment for boys — cheap, good for running around, and easier to clean than regular shirts.

In 1920, "t-shirt" became an accepted word in the English language and had the honor to make it into [Merriam-Webster's Dictionary](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/T-shirt "t-shirt definition"). Now we're talkin'!


### 1930s-1950s: T-shirts enter mainstream fashion

Ranch workers in the Great Depression wore the t-shirt often, and so did Navy men during World Word II and afterward, and for pretty much the same reasons mentioned above — they were cheap, comfy, good for physical work, and cool.

![50s t-shirt history](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ed15dfd3-7464-466f-a1b4-6a6c151d54fe)  

However, it wasn't until the early '50s that the t-shirt became cool in the other sense of the word. And for that, as you may have guessed, we have Hollywood to thank for. After Marlon Brando wore it in A Streetcar Named Desire, the t-shirt finally had its big moment. Now it could never not be cool again. Now it was a cool, manly, edgy, rebellious type of garment — something for the James Dean and Marlon Brando would-bes to eagerly copy.


The t-shirt had finally come of age. No longer perceived as an undergarment, it was its own thing and could be proudly worn everywhere.
  

### 1960s-1980s: T-shirts as a form of expression

![t-shirt history during 70s and protests](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/a46cbd6d-cc86-4f82-a831-6c8d474c7eb7)

The 1960s brought two things that further changed and popularized the t-shirt: advancements in screen printing and, of course, a big societal shift in favor of freedom and personal expression.

The first change made it possible to print t-shirts with all kinds of text and images printed on them. The second made people want to give wings to their creativity and spread slogans  — and for that, the t-shirt was a favored means of expression. 

Besides being a vehicle for political-cultural expression, it didn't take long for tees to be channeled for advertising, as major companies like Coca-Cola and Disney started printing out t-shirts with their logos and company slogans.
  

### 1990s-2000s: T-shirts go global

![t-shirt historys during the 90s and sports wear](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/62ede000-c253-4383-aa59-13519d6e3248)

T-shirts had been a staple of hip-hop and rap culture for some time, but the 1990s and the spread of streetwear made them go truly global for the first time — the relaxed, casual style of the t-shirt and sneakers was simply too easy to fall in love with. 

Add to that the growing popularity of sportswear, driven by brands such as Nike and American sports franchises, and the tee further consolidates its worldwide appeal.

### 2010s-Present: The evolution continues

![2010s t-shirt history of style trends](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/25d82d1c-90ec-4b79-a2a9-13e8f902e99c)

For the past couple of decades, people continued to find new and creative ways to wear their tees. Our age is one of easy customization, and [custom printed t-shirts](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts) now show our love for popular movies and series, favorite bands, or favorite designer brands. Internet meme culture, too, is very present and brings an extra touch of humor to tees everywhere.

T-shirts have also been reinvented in different materials — the so-called performance t-shirts, popular in various athletic endeavors, have turned into their own athleisure fashion trends. The good old, simple t-shirt is still going places.

### Conclusion

From a second-rate working undergarment to possibly the most popular item of pop culture, the t-shirt has no doubt come a long way. And it's likely got even more future than past — if recent trends are anything to go by, the t-shirt is likely to be a key theme of exploration for future fashion and customization trends. What can we say? We're all for it!

It's anyone's guess where the t-shirt goes next, but one thing is for sure: it's not leaving our culture anytime soon.

<ButtonCta text="Start making your own t-shirts today!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-t-shirts" />

T-shirts have been around since the 1800s, learn the fascinating history of this everyday garment in this new blog series on style trends.

How to convert PNG to SVG

Scalable vector graphics or SVGs are made from mathematical paths, allowing them to be scaled infinitely without losing clarity. This makes SVGs and other [vector formats](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/raster-vs-vector-images) superior to PNGs and other raster formats, which are limited by the number of pixels they contain.

To convert PNGs to SVGs, there are a few ways to get this accomplished. You can convert PNGs to SVGs manually through design programs or you can [use an online service like Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw "convert png to vector online") to create a real vector file from a non-vector image. But whatever you do, be weary of free online services that promise to do it for free in seconds. These services will just change the format of the file without drawing the vector paths that make vectors so valuable.

To help guide you on the journey to get the best possible vector file result, let's go over each method to converting png to svg in a bit more detail.

### Use a vector design app
You can recreate your image in vector format from scratch using an app like [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-design-stickers). Recreating artwork takes some design skill, especially for more complex artwork.

![illustrator ui for vectorizing a png image](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/f8e4d8fb61be22f11b5bec2afe27cbdf8643a608)

Once you are done you can export your image as an SVG.

### Use an auto-vectorization tool
Illustrator has an [Image Trace tool](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-use-image-trace-in-adobe-illustrator), that converts any raster to vector with just a few clicks. The results from this tool (and others like it) vary widely depending on the complexity of your artwork.

![raster to vector](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/7084286daa27ce03bbfdab7bfd1a6836fcedde98)

*Note: there are many tools that technically convert your artwork from PNG to SVG, but just change the file extension – not the artwork itself. You'll need to look elsewhere to obtain a true vector version of your artwork.*

### Use a vectorization service
[Redraw](https://www.stickermule.com/redraw) is a service that upgrades any image into a vector format for a flat rate of $19, regardless of the complexity.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="nr7tGu9yKh4?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

Upload your PNG, checkout, and within hours you’ll receive an online proof showing your vector graphic will look. You can request changes to the proof for free until you’re happy (or cancel if you’re not happy).

Upon approval, you’ll be able to download the artwork in its new SVG format.

<ButtonCta text="Order a Redraw for $19" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/redraw" />

Converting PNGs to SVGs doesn't need to be hard and complicated. Find out how to convert any PNG into a SVG with this guide!

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