Custom T-Shirt for the African Market — Tencel Lyocell with Contrast Stitching
We supply t-shirt to African buyers built for a long rainy season followed by a dry harmattan period. Cloth weight, weave openness and colour fastness are chosen for heat and humidity first, then for price: Tencel Lyocell at 220-260 gsm, shade-matched to hold up under strong sun and repeated hand washing. Programmes start at 500 pieces per style per colour and ship to Douala or Pointe-Noire.
The two things that break an African programme are the same every time: long lead times that miss the selling season, and packaging that arrives crushed and unsellable. We fix the specification before bulk — weight, shrinkage, stitch density and measurement tolerance — and we prepare the import paperwork that COC requires, so goods clear instead of sitting at the port.

Specification
| Product | T-Shirt |
|---|---|
| Market | Central Africa |
| Base fabric | Tencel Lyocell (220-260 gsm) |
| Decoration / finish | Contrast Stitching |
| Climate notes | Built for a long rainy season followed by a dry harmattan period |
| Size range | UK / African XS-3XL |
| Colour options | 6 Pantone-matched shades |
| MOQ | 500 pieces per style per colour |
| Sampling | 14 working days, 4 days per revision |
| Bulk lead time | 30-40 days after approval |
| Import compliance | COC programme for Central African imports |
| Ship to | Douala or Pointe-Noire |
What African buyers can customise
- Woven Label — available on Tencel Lyocell, quoted per position and per colour.
- Garment Dyeing — available on Tencel Lyocell, quoted per position and per colour.
- Chain Stitch Embroidery — available on Tencel Lyocell, quoted per position and per colour.
- DTF Film Printing — available on Tencel Lyocell, quoted per position and per colour.
- All-Over Sublimation — available on Tencel Lyocell, quoted per position and per colour.
- Beading and Embroidery — available on Tencel Lyocell, quoted per position and per colour.
- DTG Digital Printing — available on Tencel Lyocell, quoted per position and per colour.

How we produce it
- Tech pack review and fabric confirmation for a long rainy season followed by a dry harmattan period
- Lab dips or print strike-off approval, including wax and Ankara colourways
- Tencel Lyocell-spec prototype graded to UK / African XS-3XL
- Fit sample and wearer test, then a pre-production sample
- Bulk cutting with contrast stitching applied under controlled settings
- In-line inspection, final AQL 2.5 inspection and packing for LCL or FCL shipment
Where it sells
- Church and ceremonial wear — colour-fast fabrics that survive frequent washing
- Retail and market trade — packed to size ratio, ready for wholesale distribution
- Corporate and hospitality uniforms — repeatable specification for reorders
- School and institutional programmes — durable cloth at a fixed landed cost
- Wedding and celebration dressing — coordinated colourways across a family order

Import, duty and delivery
COC programme for Central African imports is arranged before the goods leave the factory. We ship LCL or FCL to Douala or Pointe-Noire, provide the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of conformity, and quote landed cost so duty and clearance are visible before you commit. Most buyers in Central Africa plan reorders around the selling season, so we hold the approved specification on file.
FAQ
How long does sampling take?
A first prototype is typically ready in 14 working days after the tech pack is confirmed, including fabric sourcing if the base cloth is not in our stock library. Revisions add about 4 days each.
What is the minimum order quantity?
Standard programmes start at 500 pieces per style and colour. We can split sizes across a size set, and for first orders we often accept a mixed-colour run to help you test the market.
What file formats do you need for artwork?
Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF) give the best print and embroidery results. For raster artwork please supply at least 300 dpi at the final print size. We digitise embroidery files in-house and return a sew-out photo for approval.
Can you match a specific colour?
Yes. Send us a Pantone TCX reference or a physical swatch. We return lab dips for approval and hold bulk shade within the agreed tolerance band before cutting.
Start your African programme
Send us your tech pack or even a rough sketch — we will come back with fabric options, a costed sample plan and a realistic production calendar.







