Back-of-Shirt DTF Placement: How Far Down From the Collar?
How far down a back print goes, the common back placements and sizes, and how to press a front and back on one shirt.
Short answer: A full back DTF print goes 4″–5″ below the back collar seam on an adult shirt and is 12″–14″ wide. An upper-back (yoke) print goes 2″–3″ below the collar, and a back-of-neck logo about 1″ below it. On youth shirts, start a full back 3″–4″ down.
Back prints sit lower than front prints because the back collar is higher than the front neckline. This guide gives each back placement and how to measure it. For every other placement, see the DTF transfer placement guide. BeeDTF prints DTF transfers and ships them across the United States.
Back-of-shirt placement at a glance
- Full back: 4–5″ below the back collar seam, 12–14″ wide.
- Upper back / yoke: 2–3″ below, 10–12″ × 2–4″.
- Back of neck: 1″ below, 2.5–3″ wide.
- Youth full back: 3–4″ below, 9–10″ wide.
- Hoodie back: 5–6″ below the hood seam.
- Neck + back together: leave at least 1″ between them.
In this guide
How far down from the collar does a back print go?
A full back print starts 4″ to 5″ below the back collar seam on adult shirts. That is lower than a front print (3″–4″) because the back collar sits higher on the body.
What are the common back placements and sizes?
The four common back placements are full back, upper back (yoke), back of neck and a lower back or hem print.
| Placement | Below back collar | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Full back | 4–5″ | 12–14″ wide, up to 14″ × 16″ |
| Upper back / yoke (name, team) | 2–3″ | 10–12″ × 2–4″ |
| Back of neck (logo, website) | 1″ | 2.5–3″ wide |
| Number + name (team) | Name 2–3″, number below it | Name 10–11″ wide, number 8–10″ tall |
| Youth full back | 3–4″ | 9–10″ wide |
| Hoodie back | 5–6″ below the hood seam | 12–14″ wide |
How do you measure a back print?
You measure a back print with the shirt face down: fold it lengthwise for the center, then measure from the back collar seam to the top of the design.
- Lay the shirt face down and smooth it flat.
- Fold it in half lengthwise and make a light crease for the center line.
- Measure down 4″–5″ from the back collar seam (2″–3″ for a yoke, 1″ for a neck logo).
- Line up the center of the transfer with the crease and press at 275°F for 7 seconds.
How do you press a back print and a front print on one shirt?
To print both sides, press the front first, let it cool, then flip the shirt and press the back with a cover sheet over the front print. Use a pressing pillow so the front print is not pressed into the lower platen. Full settings are in the DTF heat press settings guide.
- Press the front, peel hot and finish press.
- Let it cool for a minute.
- Turn the shirt over; put parchment or a Teflon sheet under the front print.
- Press the back at 275°F for 7 seconds, peel hot, finish press.
Front + back order? An 11″ × 11″ front ($4.55) and a 12″ × 14″ back ($5.95) come to $10.50 per shirt as DTF transfers by size.
Frequently asked questions about back-of-shirt placement
How far down should a back print be?
4″ to 5″ below the back collar seam for a full back on adult shirts.
How big should a back print be?
12″ to 14″ wide on adult shirts and up to about 16″ tall.
Where does a name go on the back of a shirt?
2″ to 3″ below the back collar, 10″ to 11″ wide, with a number below it for team shirts.
How far below the collar is a back neck logo?
About 1″, and 2.5″ to 3″ wide.
Can I press a back print over a front print?
Yes. Put a Teflon sheet or parchment between the front print and the lower platen, and use a pressing pillow.
Front and back, one order.
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