Comparison: Screen Printing, DTG, and Heat Transfer for Cheap Custom T-Shirt Printing (No Minimum)

Guide to Choosing Fabrics for Cheap Custom T-Shirt Printing (No Minimum): 100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends

When ordering custom t-shirts with no minimum quantity and on a budget, selecting the right fabric is key to balancing comfort, durability, and print quality. Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular fabric options—100% cotton, 50/50 blend, and tri-blends—to help you make an informed decision for affordable, high-quality custom printing.

1. 100% Cotton

Best for: Classic feel, softness, and eco-conscious buyers

• Pros:
• Soft, breathable, and comfortable, especially in warm weather.
• Natural fiber, biodegradable, and preferred by environmentally conscious customers.
• Excellent ink absorption for vibrant screen printing and DTG (direct-to-garment) results.

• Widely available and often the most affordable option for basic custom tees.

• Cons:

• Prone to shrinking (especially if not pre-shrunk).
• Less durable over time—can wear out or pill with frequent washing.

• Wrinkles more easily and may lose shape faster than blended fabrics.

• Best Use Cases: Everyday wear, promotional shirts, events, and casual branding where comfort is a priority.

2. 50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend

Best for: Durability, affordability, and low maintenance

• Pros:
• Combines softness of cotton with the strength and resilience of polyester.
• Resists shrinking and wrinkling better than 100% cotton.
• Holds color well for printing, with a slightly smoother surface for sharp designs.

• More affordable in the long run due to longer lifespan.

• Cons:

• Slightly less breathable than 100% cotton.
• Can feel a bit synthetic or less “premium” to the touch.

• May retain odors more than natural fibers if not treated.

• Best Use Cases: Employee uniforms, school events, fundraisers, or any high-use application where shirts need to last.

3. Tri-Blend (Typically 50% Poly, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon)

Best for: Softness, drape, and vintage-style aesthetics

• Pros:
• Exceptionally soft with a lightweight, silky feel.
• Great drape and a slightly fitted, modern look.
• Offers a vintage or “lived-in” appearance that’s popular for fashion-forward designs.

• Resists shrinking better than 100% cotton.

• Cons:

• More expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends (though prices have dropped).
• Not as durable—can be prone to pilling or snagging.

• Printing may appear slightly faded (which can be desirable for a retro look).

• Best Use Cases: Fashion tees, boutique brands, gifts, and designs where aesthetics and feel are more important than rugged use.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Fabric on a Budget

• For lowest cost and simplicity: Go with 100% cotton—especially if you’re doing one-time events or large giveaways.
• For best value and durability: Choose a 50/50 blend. It’s often the sweet spot between cost, comfort, and longevity.
• For premium look and feel (without high MOQs): Try tri-blends from print-on-demand services that offer no minimums.
• Always check printing compatibility: DTG printers work well with all three, but ensure your provider recommends the fabric for your design type.

By matching your fabric choice to your needs—whether it’s cost, comfort, or style—you can get high-quality, custom t-shirts printed affordably with no minimum order required.

How to Get the Best Price for Cheap Custom T-Shirt Printing (No Minimum, Bulk Quantity Breaks & Artwork Tips)

Getting affordable custom t-shirts without a minimum order doesn’t have to break the bank—especially when you’re ordering in bulk. With smart strategies, you can take advantage of quantity discounts, reduce design costs, and ensure high-quality prints. Here’s how to get the best deal:

1. Choose Print-on-Demand Services with No Minimums

Many online providers now offer custom t-shirt printing with no minimum order requirement. Companies like Printful, CustomCat, Gooten, and Teespring allow you to print one shirt or thousands. These services are ideal for startups, events, or testing designs before a large run.

Pro Tip: Compare base shirt prices across platforms—some offer lower rates for specific brands or colors.

2. Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks

Even without a minimum, most printers offer tiered pricing—the more you order, the less you pay per shirt. For example:

• 1–24 shirts: $12.99 each
• 25–49 shirts: $9.99 each
• 50+ shirts: $7.99 each

Strategy: Plan ahead. If you’re close to the next tier (e.g., ordering 22 shirts), consider bumping up to 25 for significant savings.

3. Select Affordable Shirt Styles and Colors

Basic 100% cotton tees in white or natural are usually the cheapest. Specialty fabrics (polyester blends, organic cotton) or dark-colored shirts (which require underbase printing) increase costs.

Savings Tip: Stick with white or light-colored, standard-fitting cotton shirts for the lowest prices.

4. Optimize Your Design for Cost-Efficiency

Printing costs rise with:

• Number of print locations (front, back, sleeve)
• Number of ink colors
• Print size

Artwork Tips to Save Money:
– Use 1–2 colors max if doing screen printing.
– Opt for simple vector designs—they scale better and reduce setup fees.
– For DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Full-color designs are fine, but avoid large solid areas to reduce ink use.
– Submit high-resolution files (300 DPI) in PNG, SVG, or PDF to avoid rework fees.

5. Design In-House or Use Free Tools

Hiring a designer adds cost. Use free tools like Canva, Inkscape, or Adobe Express to create your artwork. Many print-on-demand sites have built-in design editors.

Bonus: Use free vector resources from sites like Freepik or Vecteezy (check licensing).

6. Bundle Orders and Share Shipping

Shipping can double your cost. To save:
– Consolidate orders into one shipment.
– Choose economical shipping (even if slower).
– For local groups or teams, collect orders and print in one batch.

7. Watch for Promotions and Coupon Codes

Sign up for newsletters from printing companies. They often offer:
– First-order discounts (10–20% off)
– Free shipping on bulk orders
– Seasonal sales (e.g., back-to-school, holidays)

Try: Searching “custom t-shirt printing promo code” before checkout.

8. Compare Quotes Across Multiple Vendors

Don’t settle for the first quote. Use side-by-side comparison tools or request quotes from 3–5 providers. Consider:
– Price per unit
– Shipping time and cost
– Print quality reviews

Some top budget-friendly options:
– RushOrderTees – Great bulk discounts
– Custom Ink – User-friendly design tool and group discounts
– Awkward Styles – Low base prices and no hidden fees

Final Tips for Maximum Savings

– Order slightly more than needed to hit a bulk discount tier. Extra shirts can be resold or used as backups.
– Avoid rush processing fees—plan orders at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
– Request a free sample or print test to check quality before mass printing.

With these strategies, you can get high-quality, custom-printed t-shirts affordably—no minimums, big savings, and professional results.