Comparison Table: Screen Printing vs DTG vs Heat Transfer for Cheap Custom T-Shirt Printing

Guide to Choosing Fabrics for Cheap Custom T-Shirt Printing: 100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends

When ordering custom t-shirts on a budget, selecting the right fabric is essential—not just for comfort and durability, but also for how well your design will print. Here’s a breakdown of the three most common fabric types used in affordable custom printing: 100% Cotton, 50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend, and Tri-blends.

100% Cotton

Pros:
– Soft, breathable, and comfortable—ideal for everyday wear
– Absorbs ink well, making it excellent for vibrant screen printing and water-based inks
– Natural feel preferred by many customers
– Biodegradable and more eco-friendly than synthetic blends

Cons:
– Can shrink (especially if not pre-shrunk) after washing
– Less durable over time; prone to fading and pilling with repeated use
– Wrinkles easily and may lose shape faster than blended fabrics

Best For: Classic tees, eco-conscious brands, or designs needing soft-hand feel printing. Great for events, retail, or casual wear where comfort is a priority.

50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend

Pros:
– More durable and resistant to shrinking and fading than 100% cotton
– Holds shape better after washes
– Slightly cheaper than 100% cotton due to reduced cotton content
– Good balance of softness and performance

Cons:
– Can feel less breathable and slightly synthetic
– Polyester may resist certain ink types, requiring plastisol inks for best results
– Less eco-friendly due to synthetic content

Best For: Budget-friendly bulk orders like giveaways, team uniforms, or promotional events where durability and cost are key. Ideal if shirts will be washed frequently.

Tri-blends (Typically 50% Poly, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon)

Pros:
– Exceptionally soft with a lightweight, vintage-like drape
– Resists shrinking and fading better than 100% cotton
– Offers a premium look and feel at a mid-range price
– Great for fashion-forward or boutique-style apparel

Cons:
– More expensive than 100% cotton or 50/50 blends
– Rayon can be delicate; may require gentler washing
– Not as durable for heavy use or rugged environments

Best For: Trendy or lifestyle brands, women’s fit tees, or designs wanting a softer, lived-in aesthetic. Often used in retail or as premium giveaways.

Final Tips for Choosing on a Budget

• Prioritize print method: Screen printing works well on all three, but water-based inks shine on cotton and tri-blends.
• Consider end use: High-wear items (e.g., employee shirts) benefit from 50/50 durability; fashion tees suit tri-blends.
• Order samples: Always test print and feel before bulk ordering.
• Check fabric weight: Lightweight (4.0–4.5 oz) saves cost; heavier (5.3–6.1 oz) feels more premium.

By matching your fabric choice to your budget, use case, and design needs, you can get high-quality custom t-shirts without overspending.

How to Get the Best Price for Cheap Custom T-Shirt Printing (Bulk Quantity Breaks, Artwork Tips)

Getting affordable custom t-shirts in bulk doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. With smart planning and the right strategies, you can save significantly—especially when ordering in large quantities. Here’s how to get the best price on custom t-shirt printing while maximizing value through bulk discounts and effective artwork.

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks

One of the easiest ways to reduce the cost per shirt is by ordering in larger quantities. Most printers offer tiered pricing, meaning the more you order, the lower the price per unit.

• Know the Breakpoints: Common quantity tiers are 50, 100, 250, and 500+. Always ask for a price quote at each breakpoint to find the sweet spot between cost savings and over-ordering.
• Split Designs Across Sizes/Colors: Some printers allow you to combine different sizes and colors within the same design to meet bulk thresholds. This flexibility can help you qualify for lower rates.
• Plan Ahead: If you anticipate future needs (e.g., events, team uniforms, merchandise), place a larger one-time order instead of multiple small ones.

Choose the Right Printing Method

The printing technique significantly impacts cost and quality. For bulk orders, consider:

• Screen Printing: Most cost-effective for large orders (50+ units) with simple designs (1–4 colors). Setup costs are higher, but per-unit price drops dramatically with volume.
• DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Better for complex, full-color designs or low quantities. Less cost-efficient at scale, but great for detail.
• Heat Transfer or Dye Sublimation: Best for all-over prints or specialty fabrics, but often more expensive per unit.

Stick with screen printing for standard logos or text-heavy designs in bulk to save money.

Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Costs

Design choices can directly affect printing costs—especially with screen printing, where each color adds setup time and expense.

• Limit the Number of Colors: Use 1–3 spot colors instead of full-color gradients or photorealistic images. Each additional color increases screen setup fees.
• Use Vector Files: Supply artwork in vector format (AI, EPS, SVG) for crisp, scalable prints. This avoids extra charges for file conversion.
• Simplify Your Design: Remove unnecessary details that won’t reproduce well on fabric. Clean, bold graphics print faster and cheaper.
• Stick to Standard Print Areas: Printing on the front chest or center back is less expensive than sleeves, pockets, or all-over prints.

Compare Multiple Printers

Don’t settle for the first quote. Use online comparison tools or request quotes from at least 3–5 reputable bulk t-shirt printing companies.

• Look Beyond the Price Tag: Check reviews for print quality, turnaround time, and customer service.
• Watch for Hidden Fees: Some vendors charge extra for setup, art editing, or rush orders. Confirm all-in pricing upfront.
• Use Promo Codes and Seasonal Deals: Many printers offer discounts for first-time customers, holiday sales, or back-to-school promotions.

Choose Affordable, High-Quality Blank Tees

The cost and type of blank shirts impact your total price. You don’t need premium brands for every project.

• Opt for Value Brands: Brands like Gildan, Hanes, or Bella+Canvas offer durable, soft fabrics at lower price points.
• Stick to One Style and Color: Ordering all shirts in the same style and color reduces complexity and labor, saving money.
• Avoid Overly Thick or Specialty Fabrics: Standard 5.3–6 oz cotton shirts are usually the most economical for bulk printing.

Final Tips for Maximum Savings

• Bundle Orders with Others: Team up with clubs, coworkers, or family to reach higher quantity breaks collectively.
• Avoid Rush Fees: Plan ahead and allow 7–14 days for production to avoid expedited charges.
• Request a Physical Sample: Some printers offer a single sample at a discount before you commit to a large order—worth it to confirm quality.

By combining smart bulk ordering, artwork optimization, and strategic vendor selection, you can get high-quality custom t-shirts at the lowest possible price.