Comparison: Screen Printing, DTG, and Heat Transfer for Amazon Custom T-Shirts

100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends: Your Guide to Choosing Fabrics for Amazon Custom T-Shirts

Selecting the right fabric is crucial when selling custom t-shirts on Amazon. The material impacts comfort, durability, print quality, and customer satisfaction. Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular options to help you make an informed decision.

100% Cotton

Pros:
– Soft and Breathable: Offers a classic, comfortable feel that customers love, especially in warm weather.
– Great for Printing: Holds screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) ink well, resulting in vibrant, crisp designs.
– Natural Fiber: Appeals to eco-conscious buyers who prefer organic or sustainable materials.
– Widely Available: Most common base option on Amazon, making it easy to source.

Cons:
– Prone to Shrinking: Can shrink up to 5–7% if not pre-shrunk, especially after washing.
– Less Durable: More likely to wear out, pill, or lose shape over time with frequent washing.
– Wrinkles Easily: Requires ironing for a polished look.

Best For: Classic tees, vintage-style designs, eco-friendly lines, and casual wear.

50/50 Blend (Cotton/Polyester)

Pros:
– Durable and Wrinkle-Resistant: Polyester adds strength and helps the shirt maintain its shape.
– Less Shrinkage: Typically shrinks less than 100% cotton, offering better size consistency.
– Affordable: Often priced lower than tri-blends, making it a budget-friendly option.
– Good Print Surface: Works well with DTG and screen printing, though slightly less absorbent than cotton.

Cons:
– Less Breathable: Can feel warmer and less comfortable in hot climates.
– Slightly Stiffer Feel: May not have the same soft hand-feel as 100% cotton or tri-blends.
– Pilling Over Time: Can develop small fabric balls after repeated use and washing.

Best For: Budget-conscious brands, promotional tees, workwear, and high-volume orders.

Tri-Blend (Typically Cotton/Polyester/Rayon)

Pros:
– Ultra-Soft and Lightweight: Known for a buttery-soft feel and luxurious drape, similar to vintage tees.
– Excellent Drape: Flatters the body and moves well, ideal for fashion-forward designs.
– Minimal Shrinkage: Holds its shape and size well after washing.
– Great for Subtle Prints: Offers a slightly heathered look that enhances vintage or retro designs.

Cons:
– Higher Cost: More expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends.
– Less Durable: Can be more delicate and prone to snagging or thinning over time.
– Printing Challenges: May require color adjustments due to the heathered base, and ink absorption varies.

Best For: Premium or boutique brands, fashion tees, women’s cuts, and vintage-inspired apparel.

Final Tips for Amazon Sellers

• Know Your Audience: Choose fabric based on your target market—casual wearers may prefer cotton, while fashion buyers lean toward tri-blends.
• Check Amazon’s Requirements: Ensure your chosen fabric and supplier comply with Amazon’s quality and fulfillment standards (e.g., FBA prep rules).
• Order Samples: Always test print and wash samples to evaluate real-world performance.
• Highlight Fabric in Listings: Use bullet points and descriptions to educate customers—e.g., “Soft tri-blend for a vintage feel” or “Breathable 100% cotton for everyday comfort.”

Choosing the right fabric can set your custom t-shirts apart on Amazon. Match the material to your brand identity, design style, and customer expectations to boost satisfaction and repeat sales.

How to Get the Best Price for Amazon Custom T-Shirts (Bulk Quantity Breaks & Artwork Tips)

Ordering custom T-shirts in bulk on Amazon can be a cost-effective way to promote your brand, event, or team. To maximize savings and ensure high-quality results, it’s essential to understand bulk pricing strategies and optimize your artwork. Here’s how to get the best deal:

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks for Lower Prices

Amazon and third-party sellers on Amazon often offer tiered pricing based on order volume. Here’s how to take advantage:

• Order in Larger Quantities: Most sellers reduce the per-unit cost as quantities increase (e.g., 50+ shirts at $8 each vs. 10 at $12 each). Plan ahead to meet these thresholds.

• Check Multiple Sellers: Compare bulk pricing across different Amazon vendors. Look for “Fulfilled by Amazon” or highly rated third-party suppliers with bulk discounts.

• Look for Promotions and Deals: Some sellers offer seasonal discounts or first-time buyer deals. Use Amazon’s deal filters or sign up for vendor newsletters.

• Combine Orders with Others: If you don’t need a large quantity alone, team up with others (colleagues, friends, or organizations) to reach bulk pricing tiers.

Optimize Your Artwork for Cost Efficiency and Quality

High-quality artwork reduces reprints and ensures professional results. Follow these tips to save money and avoid delays:

• Use Vector Files (AI, EPS, SVG): Vector graphics scale without losing quality, which is essential for clean printing. Many printers accept PNG or PDF, but vector ensures precision.

• Stick to Simple Designs: Fewer colors and simpler graphics reduce printing costs, especially with screen printing. Opt for 1–3 colors maximum.

• Follow Print Area Guidelines: Avoid placing designs too close to seams or edges. Stay within the vendor’s specified print zones to prevent cropping or extra fees.

• Provide High-Resolution Images: If using raster files (like PNG or JPG), ensure they’re at least 300 DPI at the intended print size to avoid blurry results.

• Double-Check Color Modes: Use CMYK (not RGB) for accurate color printing. Mismatched color modes can lead to unexpected results and reprints.

Additional Tips for Best Value

• Choose Basic Shirt Styles and Colors: Neutral colors (black, white, navy) and standard cotton blends are usually cheaper than specialty fabrics or fashion cuts.

• Request a Sample First: Order one shirt as a prototype to check fit, fabric, and print quality before committing to bulk.

• Review Return and Revision Policies: Ensure the seller offers corrections or refunds for printing errors to avoid financial loss.

By combining smart bulk ordering with professional artwork preparation, you can achieve high-quality custom T-shirts at the best possible price on Amazon.