I rarely put unedited work directly into my teepublic store these days - working within the restrictions of their system, without the ability to print at large scale or use "all-over" graphic tee functionality, I find that the best way to set off a design in a dynamic fashion is to couch it within a new "frame" so it isn't just the square image floating in a void. Creating an overlap with transparent elements integrates it more fully into the clothing and gives me an opportunity to flex my graphic design muscles.
Maybe you too can wield "The Helm of Exhaustion" ?