How walk-in T-shirt printing works in the East Village (and what to bring)

Most people who walk into our East Village shop for a custom shirt have never done it before. They have a photo on their phone, a rough idea and one question: is this going to take all afternoon? It isn't. Here's how it works at 304 E 5th St, and how to make it faster.

What to bring

The image, on your phone, at the largest size you have. Screenshots work. Camera roll photos work. A photo of a printed photo works less well, but we've done it. If you have the original file, AirDrop it or email it to aliensofbrooklyn@gmail.com when you arrive, or send it ahead through the request form.

If it's a phrase rather than a picture, just know the words. We set the type in the shop with you looking at the screen.

What prints well

• One clear subject. A face, a pet, a screenshot, your own drawing. Collages get small and muddy.
• Contrast. Photos show best on light tees. Bold text reads best on dark ones.
• Sharp files. If it looks soft on your phone at full zoom, it will look soft on the shirt. Ask before you commit; we'll tell you straight.

We print your own photos and artwork; we cannot print logos, brand marks or artist merch designs.

Picking the garment

Unisex garment-dyed tees in S to 3XL are the default. Hoodies and canvas totes are on the floor too. Stock changes day to day, so if you need specific sizes for a group, message the day before and we'll pull the blanks.

How long it takes

A single shirt takes under 30 minutes from the moment we confirm the art. We confirm timing for your order before we start, so if the shop is busy or you have ten shirts, you'll know before anything goes on a press.

What it costs and how you pay

Custom tees start at $45, totes at $35 and hoodies at $65, blank included. Print size and quantity can move the number, and we confirm the exact price at the counter before we print. You pay in store, card or cash. Nothing is charged online. Custom pieces are final sale, so if you're unsure about a size, try the blank on first.

Questions we get every day

Can I bring my own shirt?

Sometimes. Some fabrics and finishes don't take the print. Ask before you travel with it.

Is there a minimum?

No. One shirt is the most common order we do.

Can you do it for a group tonight?

Usually, if we hear from you by the morning. For eight or more, send sizes in advance. See bachelor and bachelorette shirts in NYC.

Do you do this in Austin too?

Yes. The East 6th shop prints walk-ins and quotes timing per order. See custom printing in East Austin.

Where and when

304 E 5th St, between First and Second Avenue.
Mon, Tue, Sun noon to 6 pm · Wed noon to 7 pm · Thu to Sat noon to 8 pm.
Phone: (929) 314-0080. Keep it weird.

Last reviewed September 28, 2026. Prices and hours are the ones on the door; if something changes, this page changes the same day.