T-Shirt Printing and Garment Production in London
Screen printing, HD Digital printing (DTG), embroidery and finishing from our 11,000 sq ft North London factory. Printing in London since 1977.
Our Garment Production Services
High-Quality T-Shirt Screen Printing
Screen printing has been at the heart of our production since 1977. Our in-house capacity is built for durable, consistent production across larger and repeat orders, with close control over artwork, colour and quality throughout the run.
HD Digital (DTG) Printing
High-definition, full-colour garment printing on our Kornit Atlas MAX Plus. Ideal for detailed artwork, smaller quantities and fast repeat jobs, with the production capacity to scale into larger digital runs when required.
Direct to Film (DTF) Printing
A flexible option for small runs, complex designs and garments that may not be suited to conventional screen printing. DTF has no fixed minimum order.
Embroidery
A hard-wearing, tactile decoration method suited to logos, workwear, uniforms and garments that need a more structured, premium appearance.
Garment Finishing
Custom neck labels, hem tags, folding, bagging and stickers that turn printed garments into retail-, campaign- or distribution-ready products.
Bulk Wholesale T-shirt Printing
Structured production for larger and repeat orders, with garment sourcing, quality control and consistent specifications across the full run.
Charity T-Shirts Printing
Reliable garment production for fundraising campaigns, awareness events, volunteer teams and charity merchandise.
Workwear Printing
Branded T-shirts and workwear designed to withstand regular use while maintaining a professional and consistent appearance.
What high-quality garment production actually requires
The garment, artwork and print method all affect the finished result. Getting those decisions right at the start makes the rest of the job much simpler.
How we manage your order
You don’t need to arrive with every detail worked out. Tell us what you’re making, how many you need and when you need them. We’ll help work out the rest.
Project review
Send us the quantity, deadline, artwork, garment preferences and any finishing or delivery requirements.
Garment and method recommendation
We’ll recommend the garment and method that suit the design, quantity, finish and budget.
Artwork and approval
We confirm print size, placement, colours and any changes needed before the full run begins.
In-house production and quality control
Your garments are printed or embroidered in our North London factory, with quality checks carried out throughout the job.
Finishing and delivery
Labelling, folding, bagging, packing and delivery are managed according to the requirements agreed at the start of the project.
Typical turnaround times
Typical lead time is around 10 working days for screen printing and around 5 working days for HD Digital (DTG), once the artwork is approved and the garments are available.
For suitable HD Digital (DTG) jobs, express production can be available within 24–48 hours, including runs of several hundred garments.
Specialist garments, complex artwork or additional finishing can add time. Tell us your deadline at the start and we’ll confirm what is realistic before the job begins.
A production partner, not just a printer
We help marketing teams, brand managers, agencies and procurement teams make the practical decisions behind a successful garment order. That includes selecting the garment, choosing the appropriate print or embroidery method, checking the artwork, planning production and managing finishing through one partner. Our recommendation is based on the project — not automatically on the most expensive option.
If a method will not reproduce the artwork clearly or add meaningful value, we explain why and recommend a stronger alternative.
Get a Quote
Better garments produce better merchandise
We source blank garments from Stanley/Stella and other established suppliers, choosing between them based on fit, weight, fabric, colour, availability, certification and budget. A better blank is not simply a more expensive T-shirt. It should feel right, print well and suit how the finished garment will actually be worn. If organic, recycled or certified garments are part of the brief, we can recommend suitable options and explain the differences between them.
Explore garment optionsPrinting in London since 1977
Fifth Column began in 1977, when a group of friends started designing and printing shirts for London’s emerging punk scene. Early work included merchandise for X-Ray Spex, The Clash, The Jam and The Damned.
The first shirts were printed by hand and cured in tumble dryers at a laundrette on Kilburn High Road. Today, we work from an 11,000 sq ft North London factory with automatic screen-printing presses, a Kornit Atlas MAX Plus for HD Digital printing, embroidery and garment-finishing facilities.
The equipment has changed considerably. The focus on getting the garment, artwork and print right has not.
Read our story
FAQ
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How much does it cost to print shirts?
Pricing depends on the garment, quantity, artwork, number of print positions, production method, finishing and delivery. Send us the details of the job and we’ll quote against what you actually need.
Can you source organic or certified garments?
Yes. We can recommend garments containing organic cotton, recycled materials or recognised third-party certifications where these are required by the brief. Availability varies by garment style, colour, size range and supplier, so sourcing requirements should be discussed at the start of the project. Certification and material composition vary by product.
Do you check artwork before production?
Yes. We review artwork for line weight, detail, colour, scale and placement before the full run begins. If an element is unlikely to reproduce clearly or consistently, we will recommend an adjustment or a more suitable production method.
How long does production take?
Typical lead time is around 10 working days for screen printing and around 5 working days for HD Digital, once artwork is approved and garments are available.
Express HD Digital can be available within 24–48 hours for suitable jobs. Additional finishing, specialist garments or more complex orders may take longer.
What is the most popular t-shirt printing method?
Screen printing, an ancient art now automated, is the best known technique for printing t-shirts. Although, there are several others such as direct to garment, dye-sublimation, and vinyl heat transfer. But, screen printing is enduringly popular – it produces a high quality print and, for big quantities, it’s still the cheapest t-shirt printing available.
What material is best for t-shirt printing?
It’s generally accepted that cotton is the best t-shirt fabric on which to print. Put simply, cotton has a natural absorbency which makes it a receptive surface for ink.
Which type of printing is best on T-shirt?
The best type of printing on t-shirts depends on the desired outcome and budget. However, direct-to-film printing (DTF) is considered as one of the top t-shirt printing techniques, which allows designs to be printed onto a specialised PET film using adhesive powder and heat before being transferred onto the t-shirt. DTF enables vibrant colours, intricate designs, and high-quality prints to be achieved on different fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and blends.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sodge, founder of Fifth Column.
Sodge started Fifth Column in 1977 and built not just a printing company, but a community of customers, colleagues, artists and friends. His creativity, kindness and passion shaped everything Fifth Column became.
Cat has put together a tribute celebrating his life, his work and the many memories shared along the way.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of his journey.
🖤
My beloved parter in life, Sodge, a founding member of Fifth Column, died in May aged 68.
After being kicked out of school in 1976, Sodge’s Dad told him to get a job, and he did. After working in kitchens, hospitals and some disastrous painting and decorating, he landed a job printing T shirts and posters in Lotts Road.
Here he met Robin, the company designer. Their meeting coincided with the explosion of Punk, and in true “ do it yourself” punk spirit, they set up their own print shop and started Fifth Column, with their friends Chris and Pedro.
With a £200 loan they hired two floors in a terraced house on Kilburn High Road, bought the minimum of equipment (light box, screens, squeegees, inks) and began producing T shirts inspired by the music scene they were relishing at night. Soon they were producing shirts for all the main punk bands, the Jam, The Clash, X Ray Specs and many others .
Back in those days everything was done by hand. The film positives to make the screens were cut with ruby film and pasted together with tape. The shirts were carded up so they wouldn’t move and were hand printed with water based ink. Each colour had to air dry, and the next colour had to be registered by eye. The shirts would then be cured at the local laundrette. Sometimes there was a strange smell on Kilburn High Road! However labour intensive the process, this didn’t stop Fifth Column producing ambitious multi coloured designs, often printing over the neck and sometime total coverage of the shirt...
[read the whole tribute, link in bio]
![It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sodge, founder of Fifth Column. Sodge started Fifth Column in 1977 and built not just a printing company, but a community of customers, colleagues, artists and friends. His creativity, kindness and passion shaped everything Fifth Column became. Cat has put together a tribute celebrating his life, his work and the many memories shared along the way. Thank you to everyone who has been part of his journey.
🖤 My beloved parter in life, Sodge, a founding member of Fifth Column, died in May aged 68. After being kicked out of school in 1976, Sodge’s Dad told him to get a job, and he did. After working in kitchens, hospitals and some disastrous painting and decorating, he landed a job printing T shirts and posters in Lotts Road. Here he met Robin, the company designer. Their meeting coincided with the explosion of Punk, and in true “ do it yourself” punk spirit, they set up their own print shop and started Fifth Column, with their friends Chris and Pedro. With a £200 loan they hired two floors in a terraced house on Kilburn High Road, bought the minimum of equipment (light box, screens, squeegees, inks) and began producing T shirts inspired by the music scene they were relishing at night. Soon they were producing shirts for all the main punk bands, the Jam, The Clash, X Ray Specs and many others . Back in those days everything was done by hand. The film positives to make the screens were cut with ruby film and pasted together with tape. The shirts were carded up so they wouldn’t move and were hand printed with water based ink. Each colour had to air dry, and the next colour had to be registered by eye. The shirts would then be cured at the local laundrette. Sometimes there was a strange smell on Kilburn High Road! However labour intensive the process, this didn’t stop Fifth Column producing ambitious multi coloured designs, often printing over the neck and sometime total coverage of the shirt...
[read the whole tribute, link in bio]](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img/https://fifthcolumn.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
NOMAN UK 2026
Printed in London
See you out there
We’ve been testing some new styles. 🧢 The AS Colour Class Cord Rope Cap (1185) and Surf Cotton Camo Cap (1119C)
Both now available with our embroidered logo. Two very different vibes. Which one are you on?
#FifthColumnLondon #CustomEmbroidery #ASColour #NewStyles #EmbroideredCaps
Printed with LOVE.
Literally.
#ScreenPrinting #BehindTheScenes
#PrintedWithLove
#ScreenPrinting
#ScreenPrinter
Last job before Christmas:
Clean everything.
This is how you protect quality.
This is how you respect the craft.
Big love to the crew.
See you in January.
#screenprinting #printshoplife #diyculture
#behindthescenes #factorylife
From punk roots to pop culture icons 🎸
We were honoured to be featured on the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, talking about the early days of Fifth Column — from printing tees for The Jam and The Style Council to building a movement that still inspires us today.
Huge thanks to Cat and Sodge for telling the story of how it all began — in a tiny laundrette on Kilburn High Road, armed with nothing but screens, ink, and passion.
👉 Listen to the full episode on @paulwellerfanpodcast
#FifthColumn #PaulWeller #TheJam #TheStyleCouncil #ScreenPrinting #PunkDesign #MusicMerch #LondonPrintStudio #Since1977 #SustainablePrinting #MadeInLondon
The Aquabats are BACK in the UK for the first time in 8 years—and we’re so excited to reveal a brand new tour t-shirt to celebrate! 🇬🇧🦸♂️
Catch the band kicking things off this week in:
🎸 Glasgow
🎸 Liverpool
🎸 London
🎸 Slam Dunk Festival
Always stoked to work with such amazing bands 💧🦇
Snag yours at the show and rep your inner Bat across the universe. 🌍💫
#TheAquabats #Aquabats2025 #TourTeeReveal #FifthColumn #SlamDunkFest #UKTour #IndieCollab #SuperRadStyle #AquacadetsUnite”
Heavyweight t-shirts are perfect for those looking for quality, durability, and a premium feel. We’ve put together a list of the top 8 styles for this year. We have a range of options to choose from including organic cotton options 💚, oversized fits, or just simple, heavy t-shirts for printing, the 2025 lineup offers something for everyone. By choosing heavyweight tees, you ensure a longer lifespan and a higher-quality product for your brand or personal wardrobe. Our favourite? Hard to say but @ascolour seems to be selling fast! ⚡️Need more info or a quote? Give us a shout!
🎨 WE’RE HIRING! 🎨
Love screen printing? Know your way around ink, screens, and quality prints? We want you on our team!
👕 Experience in screen printing? Awesome.
🔍 Attention to detail? Even better.
💥 Ready to work in a creative, fast-paced space? Let’s talk.
📩 Drop us a DM or apply at [email protected]
#NowHiring #ScreenPrinter #PrintLife #JoinTheCrew #LondonJobs
Come on mate, scoop that ink a little faster, please?
Whether you need tees, hoodies, or custom merch, we’ve got you covered. Let’s bring your ideas to life!
👕 High-quality prints
🚀 Fast turnaround
♻️ Sustainable options available
Hit us up to get started! 📩
#ScreenPrinting #CustomTees #fifthcolumntshirts #PrintShopVibes #MerchLife #LondonPrinting
🔥 Happy Monday everyone!
Fresh off the embroidery machine! 🧢✨
This sleek green-and-white @ascolour Frame two tone cap is a perfect example of the quality and precision we deliver at Fifth Column.
Whether you’re building your brand or creating standout merch, we’ve got you covered (literally)! 💚
📍 London-based screen printing and embroidery experts
💻 Check us out at www.fifthcolumn.co.uk
Got an idea? Let’s bring it to life! Drop us a DM or visit our site to get started. 🚀
#EmbroideryLove #CustomCaps #fifthcolumn #LondonBusinesses #SustainablePrinting #MerchGoals
We printed this design 10+ years ago.
LOVE FASHION HATE SWEATSHOPS. It was more than just a t-shirt—it was a message, a movement, a call for ethical fashion.
Today, the fight for fair wages and sustainable production is more relevant than ever. At Fifth Column we continue to champion ethical printing practices, ensuring every garment we produce aligns with our values.
Who remembers this tee? Would you rock it again in 2025? Let us know in the comments! 👇
#EthicalFashion #SustainablePrinting #FairTrade #fifthcolumn #screenprinting
What a busy start to the year! It’s been quite hectic, but our hardworking team is ready for every challenge.
Precision, creativity, and quality are our focus as we bring your ideas to life.
Have you placed your order yet? 😉 Now with 10% discount on new designs!
✉️[email protected]
#ScreenPrinting #fifthcolumn #Teamwork #2025
Stanley/Stella`s new SS25 collection is out ... and it`s a total winner!!🛍☕
Fresh, modern polos and shirts👕
New and refreshed knitwear styles🌿
Great attention to detail🔎
Premium fabrics in 100% organic cotton and recycled materials👚
Wide choice for corporate wear, hospitality, events, merch and more!💫
@wearestanleystella
🏆🏅
#SS25 #StanleyStella #screenprinting #fifthcolumn #newcollection
🎉 New year, new gear! 🎉
Don’t let your team show up in 2025 wearing workwear that looks like it’s survived since 2015. 🕰️👕
Upgrade your look, we have some sweet deals for you!
Order now and step into 2025 like the legends you are! #screenprintinglife #workwear
Wow what a year this has been!
Quite tough in many ways but made through it together ☺️
We helped thousands of customers - old and new - with some great printed and embroidered merch and we really appreciate every order 🤗
We wouldn’t be here without or amazing loyal staff 🖤
Thank you everyone and here’s to a Very Happy New Year 🥳🥂🍾
Well, here we are, Christmas nearly upon us. As usual, we`ve been working our seasonal socks off to get orders sorted and now we`re nearly done. Have a safe and happy holiday and we`ll see you again in 2025! 🎄This is a photo of what we did exactly 11 years ago: moving out of our old place in Kentish Town and into our new factory in Tottenham Hale #fifthcolumn #screenprinting #printlife #nw5 #n17
Give me a minimalist design. And a cool blank t-shirt. Voila!
Precision meets creativity. ✨
Every detail matters when it comes to making your vision a reality 🖤👕
#ScreenPrinting #merchandise #Minimalism #CustomApparel
Ready to start your project?
Tell us what you need, how many garments you’re looking for and when you need them. We’ll check the artwork, help with the garment and print method, and give you a clear quote for the job.