Let's Talk About Print on Demand for Apparel Brands

You ever see a dope design and think, “This would look so good in purple… or in a 4X… or maybe on a matching tote?” Trust me, I’ve had those same thoughts too because as the creator behind Travel Journeys Apparel, I want to give you everything your travel-loving heart desires. But the truth is, I work with a system called print-on-demand (POD) and while it’s a game-changer for small business owners like me, it also comes with a few limitations I think you should know about.

What Is Print-on-Demand?

Print-on-demand is a production method that allows me to offer all the designs you see in my store without printing a single item until someone orders it. That means:

• No giant inventory sitting in a warehouse (or my living room)

• No guesswork on how many hoodies or mugs to pre-buy

• And no mass-producing something that might never sell

When you place an order, my POD supplier prints your item just for you, then ships it out. Every piece is made to order. It’s kinda like having a mini factory that only turns on when you hit “add to cart.”

The Limitations (aka “Things I Wish I Could Control”)

I get DMs like:
“Can I get this in a 5X?”
“Do you have this tee in yellow?”
“Will you be adding more styles soon?”

And trust me, I wish I could say YES to all of it.

But with print-on-demand, I can only offer the sizes, colors, and product types that the supplier has available. If they don’t make it in 4X, I can’t offer it. If they don’t carry a forest green beach towel, I can’t upload it. I know it’s frustrating especially for those of us who want more size inclusivity or bold color choices.

Here’s the real tea:

• Sizing often stops at 2X–3X depending on the product

• Color options are limited (some styles only come in 3-4 colors)

• Styles like V-necks, wide-neck tees, or cropped hoodies aren’t always available

• Fabric feel and fit may vary depending on the base brand used

I don’t say this as an excuse, I say it because I believe in keeping it 💯 with you.

But Here’s Why I Still Use Print-on-Demand

Despite the limitations, POD has allowed me to:

• Launch this brand without thousands in upfront inventory costs

• Test and drop new designs quickly and flexibly

• Focus more on creativity, storytelling, and building community

• Offer products with intention, not just mass-produced hype

It also means I can:

• Keep designs live as long as you love them

• Drop exclusive or seasonal collections

• Run a store as a one-woman show without going broke or losing my mind 

And while I’d love to manufacture custom pieces in every shape and size, for now, POD lets me serve you with what I can offer and still pour love into every tee, hoodie, bottle, and bag.

Thank You for Supporting the Journey

Every time you shop Travel Journeys Apparel, you’re not just buying a product, you’re supporting a real Gen X woman building a business rooted in culture, connection, fun, and peace & 1-love energy. Your patience, your feedback, and your purchases mean the world to me.

I promise I’ll keep looking for ways to expand my offerings, elevate quality, and stay true to my mission.

Until then, thank you for understanding what’s happening behind the scenes and for rocking your journey out loud.

Peace & 1-Love,

Kyia Mobley :-)