Mockup

A mockup is a digital representation of how a custom design will look on a garment, such as a t-shirt or hoodie, before production begins.
Mockups are created using design software and garment templates, giving clients a realistic preview of T-shirts, hoodies, polos, jackets, hi-vis wear, and other apparel. Across Australia’s custom printing industry, mockups are a standard part of the approval process to ensure accuracy and alignment before bulk production.
A well-prepared mockup reduces errors, improves communication, and supports confident decision-making.

Why Mockups Are Important

Visual Confirmation Before Production

Mockups allow clients to see exactly how their logo or artwork will look on the chosen garment style and colour. This helps identify potential issues with sizing, alignment, or contrast before printing begins.

Brand Alignment

For businesses with strict brand guidelines, mockups confirm correct logo usage, colour matching, and clear space requirements.

Cost Control

Approving a mockup before production reduces the risk of reprints or costly mistakes.

Professional Presentation

Mockups provide a polished way to present proposed designs internally, especially when approvals are required from multiple stakeholders.

What a Mockup Typically Includes

A professional garment mockup usually shows:

The selected garment style and colour
Exact logo placement and scale
Decoration method (print or embroidery indication)
Front and back views where applicable
Sleeve or secondary placement details

Some mockups may also include sizing breakdowns or placement measurements.

Types of Mockups in Custom Apparel

2D Flat Mockups

These are clean, front-facing garment visuals that clearly show design placement. They are widely used for corporate uniform approvals.

Lifestyle Mockups

These display garments on models or in realistic environments. They are often used for retail brands and marketing presentations.

Technical Placement Mockups

These include measurements and production notes, particularly useful for large uniform programs or multi-location businesses.

Mockups for Different Garment Types

Mockups are commonly created for:

Corporate polos and shirts
Trade and hi-vis workwear
Hoodies and sweatshirts
Jackets and outerwear
Event T-shirts
Retail merchandise

Each garment type requires accurate representation of seams, pockets, zippers, and other construction details to ensure proper placement.

Benefits for Australian Businesses

Faster Approval Processes

Clear visuals reduce back-and-forth communication and speed up decision-making.

Improved Team Alignment

Mockups help marketing, operations, and management teams stay aligned on final output.

Stronger Brand Consistency

Standardised placement across different garment styles maintains uniform branding.

Better Client Communication

For agencies or resellers, mockups enhance professionalism when presenting concepts to end clients.

Practical Considerations

Colour Accuracy

Digital screens may display colours differently. Pantone matching or colour references should be confirmed during production.

Scale and Proportion

Logos should be proportionally sized for each garment size. Oversized prints on small garments can look unbalanced.

Final Approval

Production should only proceed once the mockup is formally approved to avoid disputes.

Production Variations

While mockups are highly accurate, minor variations can occur during physical printing due to fabric texture and garment structure.

Mockup vs Sample

A mockup is a digital preview, while a physical sample is an actual printed garment. For large or complex orders, businesses may request both.

Mockups are typically the first step, followed by sampling if required.

Mockups in Professional Garment Printing

Mockups are an essential part of structured custom apparel production. They provide clarity, reduce risk, and ensure brand standards are met before printing begins.

For Australian businesses investing in uniforms, promotional apparel, or retail merchandise, professional mockups support smooth workflows and accurate results. When integrated into a disciplined approval process, mockups help deliver consistent, high-quality branded garments every time.