Comparison of Printing Methods at Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More

100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends: Your Guide to Choosing Fabrics for Big Frog Custom Tees & More

When designing custom t-shirts, hoodies, or other apparel with Big Frog, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the fabric. The material impacts comfort, durability, appearance, and how your design prints. Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular fabric types to help you choose the perfect one for your custom gear.

100% Cotton: Classic Comfort and Softness

Best for: Everyday wear, eco-conscious buyers, soft hand-feel lovers
Ideal Print Types: Screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG)

100% cotton is the classic t-shirt fabric most people think of. It’s made entirely from natural cotton fibers, offering a soft, breathable feel against the skin.

Pros:
– Naturally soft and comfortable
– Highly breathable—great for warm weather
– Absorbs moisture well (sweat-wicking in a natural way)
– Eco-friendly and biodegradable
– Excellent for vibrant screen printing results

Cons:
– Prone to shrinking (especially if not pre-shrunk)
– Less durable over time—can pill or wear thin with frequent washing
– Wrinkles easily
– May stretch out over time with heavy use

Perfect for: Classic crewnecks, events, promotional giveaways, or teams wanting a traditional, soft t-shirt feel.

50/50 Blend: Balance of Comfort and Durability

Best for: Active use, promotional apparel, budget-friendly durability
Ideal Print Types: Screen printing, DTG

A 50/50 blend combines 50% cotton and 50% polyester. This mix creates a fabric that balances softness with resilience.

Pros:
– More durable than 100% cotton—resists pilling and wear
– Less prone to shrinking and wrinkling
– Holds its shape better after repeated washing
– Slightly lighter weight than 100% cotton
– Often more affordable

Cons:
– Slightly less breathable than 100% cotton
– Can feel less “natural” or softer to some wearers
– Polyester may cause slight pilling over time
– Not as eco-friendly due to synthetic content

Perfect for: Workwear, school events, fundraising shirts, or any custom apparel that needs to survive frequent washing and daily use.

Tri-Blend: The Premium, Fashion-Forward Choice

Best for: Softness seekers, modern fashion tees, gift items
Ideal Print Types: DTG, lightweight graphics

Tri-blend fabric typically consists of 50% polyester, 25% cotton, and 25% rayon. This combination creates a uniquely soft, lightweight, and slightly heathered fabric with a vintage appeal.

Pros:
– Incredibly soft with a silky, smooth hand-feel
– Drapes beautifully—great for fitted or fashion-forward styles
– Resists shrinking and fading better than cotton
– Offers a modern, lived-in aesthetic
– Lightweight and comfortable for layering

Cons:
– More expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends
– Rayon can be less durable—may snag or wear faster with heavy use
– Not ideal for heavy-duty screen printing due to delicate nature
– Requires gentle washing to maintain quality

Perfect for: Premium t-shirts, boutique-style apparel, gifts, or designs where softness and style are top priorities.

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Big Frog Custom Order

Ask yourself these questions:
– Who is wearing it? (Kids, employees, event attendees?)
– How will it be used? (Daily wear, one-time event, athletic use?)
– What’s your budget? (Tri-blends cost more than cotton or blends.)
– How important is softness vs. durability?
– What does your design look like? (Bold logos vs. subtle prints?)

At Big Frog, you can mix and match fabrics across your order—perfect for giving team members options. Whether you choose the classic comfort of 100% cotton, the reliable balance of a 50/50 blend, or the luxurious feel of a tri-blend, your custom apparel will look great and wear even better.

How to Get the Best Price for Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More

Ordering custom t-shirts in bulk from Big Frog (or similar custom apparel providers) can be an affordable way to outfit your team, event, or business—but getting the best price requires strategy. By leveraging bulk quantity breaks, optimizing your design choices, and planning ahead, you can significantly reduce your overall costs. Here’s how.

Understand Bulk Quantity Breaks

Big Frog and other custom apparel companies offer tiered pricing based on the number of shirts ordered. The more you order, the lower the price per unit.

• Know the thresholds: Most companies offer price drops at common volume levels—e.g., 12, 24, 48, 72, 144, 288+ units. Ordering just above a threshold (e.g., 49 instead of 48) may not yield a better rate, so aim for round break points.
• Consolidate orders: If you’re part of a group or organization, combine orders to reach higher quantity tiers.
• Split styles wisely: You can often mix shirt colors or styles (e.g., men’s and women’s cuts) within the same order and still qualify for bulk pricing, as long as the design and quantity meet the threshold.

Minimize Artwork Complexity to Save Money

The design of your shirt has a direct impact on the final cost. Simpler artwork means lower printing fees.

• Limit the number of print colors: Each additional ink color increases setup and printing costs. Stick to 1–3 colors whenever possible.
• Use standard print locations: Printing on just the front or back is cheaper than multiple locations (e.g., front, back, sleeve).
• Avoid photo-realistic or gradient designs: These often require costly printing methods like full-color process or DTG (direct-to-garment). Opt for vector-based, solid-color designs when possible.
• Provide high-resolution artwork: Submit your logo or design in vector format (AI, EPS, SVG) to avoid extra fees for redrawing or cleanup.

Choose the Right Shirt Style and Brand

Not all shirts are created equal—and price varies significantly by brand, material, and quality.

• Opt for value-priced blanks: Big Frog typically offers a range of shirt options from budget-friendly (e.g., Gildan, Hanes) to premium (e.g., Bella+Canvas, Next Level). Choosing a reliable but affordable brand cuts costs without sacrificing quality.
• Stick to one brand and style: Mixing too many shirt types can complicate the order and increase handling fees.
• Consider fabric weight and use: For events or casual wear, a lighter, cheaper cotton blend may suffice. Save higher-end fabrics for uniforms or resale.

Time Your Order Strategically

• Order early: Rush fees can double production costs. Plan your order at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
• Watch for promotions: Sign up for Big Frog’s newsletter or follow them on social media. Many locations run seasonal discounts, referral bonuses, or first-time customer deals.
• Avoid peak seasons: Ordering during high-demand times (e.g., back-to-school, holidays) may limit availability or increase prices. Plan ahead.

Get Quotes from Multiple Locations

Big Frog is a franchise, so pricing and deals may vary by location.

• Compare local shops: Contact 2–3 Big Frog stores near you (or online) to request quotes for the same order. Small differences in pricing or promotions can add up.
• Ask about package deals: Some locations offer discounts on add-ons like hats, hoodies, or tote bags when bundled with t-shirt orders.

Final Tips for Maximum Savings

• Order slightly more than needed: It’s often cheaper to order 72 shirts instead of 65 if it hits a bulk tier. Leftover shirts can be used as backups or sold later.
• Reuse screens or designs: If you plan future orders, ask if they can save your screens or artwork digitally for a discount on reorders.
• Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to ask, “Is this your best price?”—especially for large or recurring orders.

By combining bulk quantity breaks, smart design choices, and strategic timing, you can get high-quality custom t-shirts from Big Frog at the best possible price—without sacrificing style or durability.