How custom pet apparel works here: photo → proof → print

Ordering something custom on the internet requires a small act of faith: you send money and a photo of the most important animal in your life, and you hope whatever comes back does them justice.

We've built the whole mainpups process around removing that leap of faith. Here's exactly what happens between "add to cart" and the moment your dog's face shows up on your chest — including the part where nothing gets printed until you say yes.

Step 1 — You order first, photo comes second

Pick your design and fit from the collection, add your pet's name at the product page, and check out like any other shop. Right after your order confirmation, you'll get an email with an upload button — that's where you send your pet's photo. One clear photo per pet is all we need.

Step 2 — What makes a great pet photo

You don't need a camera or a photogenic dog (all dogs are photogenic; some are just less cooperative). You need three things:

• Good light. Daylight beats lamps. Outside or next to a window is perfect. Avoid harsh backlight — if your pet is a silhouette, so is the shirt.
• Eye level, face visible. Crouch down to their level. We want the face — both eyes, the whole snout situation.
• Sharp focus. A slightly boring sharp photo beats a dramatic blurry one every time. The zoomies portrait can be a second order.

Real talk: if the photo won't work well, we'll tell you and ask for another — before anything gets made. We'd rather trade three emails than print a mediocre shirt.

Step 3 — We design, you get a proof

Our designers turn your photo into the design you picked — usually within 2–3 days. Then you get a proof: an image of exactly what your item will look like, with your pet in place, name and all.

This is the important part:

• Nothing prints until you approve the proof. Not a test run, not a "we assumed it was fine." Nothing.
• Changes are free. Different photo, tweak the crop, fix the name spelling — ask for whatever you need.
• You're never stuck. If we can't get it right, you get your money back. That's the deal: love it or your money back.

Step 4 — Print and ship

Once you approve, your item goes to print. Everything is made to order — printed when you say go, not pulled from a warehouse shelf. Total time from order to doorstep is typically 5–10 business days, and you'll get a tracking link the moment it ships.

Why made-to-order (and not a warehouse)?

Because every single item has a different star. Made-to-order means your exact pet, your exact photo, checked by a human before it prints — and no landfill of unsold stock. It costs us more time per item. It's also the only way this kind of thing should be made.

The short version

1. Order from the collection and add your pet's name.
2. Upload one clear photo (we'll email you the button).
3. Approve your proof — free changes until it's right.
4. We print and ship. Love it or your money back.

Questions before you start? Talk to a human — we answer fast. Or if you're still in the research phase, may we recommend 101 funny dog facts for your queue.