From Inspiration to Creation: How an iMatch Design Comes to Life

At iMatch, every shirt is more than just fabric and ink, it’s a story. When we create a new design, the process starts long before the first sketch ever hits the page. It begins with the sneakers.

Researching the Lore

Every sneaker has a backstory. Some are rooted in sports, others in street culture, and many in wild, unexpected places. When a new pair drops, we dive into the details...color palettes, materials, and even the origin of the name. A pair of Dunks inspired by Halloween? We look at how past “spooky” designs played with themes. A release tied to a city? We dig into the local culture that gave it life.

We don’t just want to match the colors, we want to capture the energy behind the shoe. That’s where the lore comes in. Understanding what the sneaker represents helps us make sure our designs connect on a deeper level.

Finding the Unique Angle

Once the story is clear, we start looking for the details that make the shoe bold. Is it the texture of cracked leather? The way two clashing colors still work together? Or maybe it’s the hidden graphics tucked into the insoles. Those details guide us as we imagine how they can be translated onto a shirt in a way that feels fresh but still wearable.

This is where we push ourselves to be original. Instead of copying what’s on the shoe, we ask: What design will make the shoe stand out even more when you wear them together?

 That’s the iMatch difference...complimenting the sneaker without overshadowing it.

Building the Final Piece

From there, the sketches, digital drafts, and revisions begin. Fonts, textures, and graphic elements are tested and re-tested. We think about placement--small hits on the front, bold statements on the back, and how it will look both up close and from across the room.

The end result? A design that feels intentional, tied to sneaker culture, and built to help you step out with confidence.

More Than a Shirt

For us, this process isn’t just about making clothes. It’s about connecting sneakerheads everywhere. Every shirt is part of a bigger mission: making style easy, memorable, and meaningful from the ground up.