What is a raglan shirt? A raglan shirt has sleeves that run in one piece up to the collar, joined to the body by diagonal seams from the underarm to the neckline, often in a contrast color; those seams change where sleeve and shoulder prints can sit, so plan placement around them.

Key rule: on a raglan there is no shoulder seam. Measure placement from the collar and the raglan seams on the actual blank.

Part of the business and pricing guides in the DAX Learning Hub. Related: T Shirt Print Placement Guide, How to Buy Wholesale Blank T Shirts, How to Measure a T Shirt and What Is a Ringer Tee?.

Published by DAX (Decorated Apparel Expo) · Last updated: October 2026

Raglan vs Set In Sleeve

The diagonal seam is what sets a raglan apart for decorators. The front and back panels are narrower at the top, which matters for wide designs near the neck.

What Is a Raglan Shirt? How the Sleeves Are Built

Sewing and garment construction references describe the raglan sleeve as a separate, shaped piece that joins the body with a diagonal seam running up to the neckline. Because the sleeve reaches the collar, there is no shoulder seam at the top of the arm. Shoulder shaping varies by pattern, so check the blank.

The baseball tee is the familiar raglan, usually with contrast sleeves in short, three quarter or long lengths. Sweatshirts and athletic tops also use raglan sleeves. It is a common sportswear look.

Print Placement Around Raglan Seams

Front and back

Center chest and full front prints work on raglans, but the front panel narrows toward the neck as the raglan seams angle in. Keep wide designs low enough that the edges stay clear of the seams. Measure the panel width at the top of the print area on the actual blank.

Sleeves and shoulders

Sleeve prints sit on the sleeve panel between the seams. Because the sleeve runs up to the collar, there is room for a print near the top of the sleeve or along the arm, but keep it off the diagonal seam. Avoid designs that cross from body to sleeve unless you have tested pressing over the seam.

Left chest

Left chest works the same as on a tee, but check that the logo clears the raglan seam on smaller sizes, where the seam can sit closer to the chest. See the print placement guide for standard positions.

Pressing Over Diagonal Seams

Seams create uneven pressure under a heat press, which can leave gaps in adhesion or a visible seam line through a transfer. Keep prints off the raglan seams where possible. When a print must sit near a seam, place a pressing pillow or pad under the print area so the platen presses the design evenly, and keep the seam just off the pillow edge. Use the transfer maker's settings and test press one shirt.

For screen printing, raglan seams can lift the garment on the pallet. Load the shirt so the print area lies flat and clear of the seam.

Ordering Raglan Blanks

Check body and sleeve colors, fiber, weight, sleeve length and size range on the supplier spec sheet. Contrast sleeve colors vary by blank, so confirm the exact pairing. Order a sample in the smallest and largest sizes to check that designs clear the seams on both. The wholesale blanks guide has the full checklist.

Fit can differ from a set in sleeve tee because the shoulder is shaped differently. Use the supplier size chart and how to measure a t shirt to compare chest and body length rather than assuming a size swap.

Keep a record of approved placements per raglan style and size, so reorders match without another round of mockups.

Quoting a Raglan Shirt Program

Start a raglan quote by confirming which print locations the customer wants. Front, back and sleeve prints each have different limits on a raglan, and a quick placement sketch on the actual blank avoids surprises later.

Ask for the exact style and color combination. Two tone raglans come in many body and sleeve pairings, and stock levels can vary by color, so confirm availability in every size before you lock the order.

Print or press one test shirt and try it on a person in the middle of the size run. Look at how the front print sits relative to the sleeve seams and whether the design looks centered when worn.

Note the approved placement in inches from the collar seam on the job ticket, along with the platen, pallet or pillow you used. Recorded measurements keep every batch consistent.

Fold finished shirts so the seams lie flat and the print is not creased. A neat fold also shows off the contrast sleeves when the customer opens the box.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raglan Shirts (FAQ)

What is a raglan shirt?

A shirt whose sleeves run in one piece to the collar, joined to the body by diagonal seams from underarm to neckline.

Raglan vs regular sleeve: what is the difference?

A regular set in sleeve joins at the shoulder point with a curved armhole seam. A raglan has diagonal seams to the collar and no shoulder seam.

Is a baseball tee a raglan?

Usually, yes. The baseball tee is the classic raglan style, often with contrast three quarter sleeves.

Where do you print on a raglan?

Center front, back and left chest work well; sleeve prints sit between the seams. Keep designs off the diagonal seams.

Do raglan shirts fit differently?

They can, since the shoulder is shaped differently. Compare measurements on the supplier size chart.

Supplier note: figures and settings here are hedged starting points that vary by blank, film, stone, leather, ink and certificate; confirm every claim against the supplier or manufacturer spec sheet, the garment care label and current certificates. Seam position, sleeve colors and fit vary by blank; follow the supplier spec sheet.

Browse more guides in the DAX Learning Hub, and check cities and dates on the DAX show schedule when you are ready to see raglan blanks and decorating methods in person.