FAQ
What’s the story behind Aperture Threads?
Aperture Threads is a small operation run by photographers with, arguably, too many cameras and not enough sense. After 25 years of wildlife photography and zero good T-shirts to show for it, we made our own. Designs for people who know what ISO actually does and have absolutely explained it at a party no one asked them to.
We're photographers making shirts for photographers. Which means we know exactly how ridiculous we all are, and we're absolutely fine with it.
If you’ve ever woken up early for light, overthought a setting, or justified “just one more lens,” you’re in the right place.
Do you offer returns or exchanges?
We don’t do traditional returns — but if something’s wrong, we’ll fix it.
Our 30-day guarantee covers issues like incorrect sizing, print defects, or shipping damage. Just email support@aperturethreads.com within 30 days with your order number and let us know what’s going on.
You can choose a refund or a replacement.
No need to send the shirt back.
Keep it, donate it, or pass it on to a friend who shoots JPEG.
Photography is complicated. Returns shouldn’t be.
What product types do you offer?
We offer designs across multiple product types depending on what's proven popular:
- Classic Tees (Gildan 64000) - from $29.99 - Our standard offering, available for all designs
- Premium Tees (Comfort Colors 1717) - from $37.99 - Heavier weight, softer feel, ringspun cotton. Available for select proven designs.
- Long Sleeve Tees (Gildan 2400) - from $39.99 - For when you need coverage but not bulk
- Pullover Hoodies (Gildan 18500) - from $59.99 - Heavyweight warmth
- Zip Hoodies (Gildan 18600) - from $67.99 - Layering flexibility
Not every design is available on every product type. We expand products based on what actually sells - if a design proves popular, we make it available across the full range.
How do sizes differ between product types?
This is important: sizing varies significantly between manufacturers!
Comfort Colors runs larger/boxier than standard Gildan tees. Our hoodies follow standard US sizing.
We provide detailed size charts on every product page. When in doubt, check the measurements against a garment you already own and love.
All products are printed in the USA and shipped directly from our print partner.
What exactly am I getting when I order?
You're getting quality print-on-demand apparel - tees, hoodies, or long sleeves - printed in the USA. Designed by photographers for editing sessions, photo walks, and explaining (again) why that new lens was absolutely necessary.
Every order includes:
🖨️ Print-on-demand production — no excess stock, no waste
👕 Soft, comfortable, true-to-size fit (solid colours are 100% cotton; heathers are a cotton-poly blend)
It’s a shirt that wears well, feels good, and quietly signals that you know your way around a camera.
Expect the occasional nod of approval — and the occasional confused question — from non-photographers.
Where are your shirts made and shipped from?
All shirts are printed and shipped in the USA using quality blanks.
That means faster delivery, consistent quality, and no international mystery delays.
What kind of blanks do you use?
We use quality blanks chosen for comfort and durability:
- Classic Tees: Gildan 64000 - soft, true-to-size, reliable
- Premium Tees: Comfort Colors 1717 - heavier weight, ringspun cotton, boxier fit
- Long Sleeves: Gildan 2400 - classic fit, ribbed cuffs, versatile layering piece
- Hoodies: Gildan 18500 (pullover) and 18600 (zip) - heavyweight fleece
Full specs and size charts are on each product page.
Why aren't all designs available on all products?
We're photographers, not speculators.
When a design proves popular on our classic tees, we expand it to premium tees, long sleeves, and hoodies. This means you're only seeing products that other photographers have already validated.
It also means we're not guessing, overproducing, or filling warehouses with designs nobody wants.
If there's a design you'd like to see on a different product type, email us at support@aperturethreads.com - we track requests.
How do I wash my shirt?
Wash inside out, cold water
Tumble dry low or hang dry
Don’t iron directly on the print
Skip the bleach
Your shirt won’t explode if you use warm water.
We just like cold better for print longevity.
Why does the shirt feel a bit stiff when it arrives?
That’s just the ink settling from printing.
One wash and it’ll soften up nicely — like a well-worn tee, minus the lens dust.
What does “Made-to-Order” mean?
It means your shirt is printed after you place your order.
We don’t keep stockpiles or overproduce. This lets us release new designs regularly without creating waste or filling landfills with unsold shirts.
It takes a little longer — but it’s worth it.
Shipping & Delivery
Where are your shirts shipped from?
All printing and shipping happens within the USA.
Do you ship internationally?
Not yet. We currently ship within the USA only.
If that changes, we’ll make a noise about it.
How long does shipping take?
- Orders are printed and packed within 2–3 business days
- Shipping typically takes 3–5 business days after that
Remote areas may take a bit longer — especially if you’re ordering from somewhere that requires binoculars and patience.
How much is shipping?
- Standard shipping: $4.97
- Orders over $75: Free shipping — more budget for glass and coffee
Will I get tracking information?
Yes. You’ll receive a tracking email as soon as your order ships, so you know exactly where it is.
If it’s been more than 5 business days since shipping and nothing’s arrived, email support@aperturethreads.com and we’ll look into it.
Do you run discounts or promotions?
Sometimes — usually around new releases, holidays, or moments of generosity.
Want early access? Join the email list.
Do these shirts make me a better photographer?
Absolutely not.
But they might make you look like you know what you're doing, which in certain situations is genuinely half the battle.
The other half is still nailing exposure and not leaving your lens cap on. We can't help with that.