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

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

When creating custom t-shirts for breast cancer awareness, fundraising, or survivor events, selecting the right fabric is essential for comfort, durability, and overall impact. The three most popular fabric options—100% cotton, 50/50 cotton-polyester blend, and tri-blends—each offer unique benefits and trade-offs. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best fabric for your custom breast cancer t-shirt project.

100% Cotton

Pros:
– Soft and Breathable: Offers a classic, comfortable feel that’s ideal for everyday wear, especially in warmer weather.
– Eco-Friendly Appeal: Natural fiber that is biodegradable and preferred by those seeking sustainable options.
– Great for Printing: Absorbs ink well, making it excellent for vibrant, detailed designs and screen printing.
– Hypoallergenic: Ideal for people with sensitive skin.

Cons:
– Prone to Shrinking: Can shrink when washed in hot water or dried on high heat.
– Less Durable: More likely to wear out, pill, or fade over time compared to blended fabrics.
– Wrinkles Easily: Requires ironing for a crisp look.

Best For: Events in warm climates, supporters who prioritize natural fibers, or designs with bold, high-detail graphics.

50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend

Pros:
– Durable and Long-Lasting: Resists shrinking, fading, and pilling better than 100% cotton.
– Low Maintenance: Wrinkle-resistant and dries quickly, making it easy to care for.
– Affordable: Typically more budget-friendly than tri-blends, ideal for large group orders.
– Balanced Feel: Offers a soft hand feel with added strength from polyester.

Cons:
– Less Breathable: Polyester content can trap heat, making it less comfortable in hot weather.
– Print Quality: May not absorb ink as well as 100% cotton, potentially affecting print vibrancy.

Best For: Fundraising campaigns, large survivor groups, or outdoor events where durability and cost are priorities.

Tri-Blend (Typically 50% Polyester, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon)

Pros:
– Ultra-Soft and Lightweight: Provides a luxurious, vintage-style feel that’s soft to the touch.
– Excellent Drape: Flatters the body with a smooth, relaxed fit.
– Fade-Resistant: Holds color well over time, even after multiple washes.
– Moisture-Wicking: Polyester and rayon help manage sweat, enhancing comfort.

Cons:
– Higher Cost: More expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends.
– Delicate Care: May require gentler washing to maintain softness and shape.
– Less Structured: The soft drape may not hold up as well for very detailed or large prints.

Best For: Premium awareness campaigns, survivor纪念 shirts, or when a soft, modern, fashion-forward look is desired.

Final Tips for Choosing

• Consider the Audience: Survivors and supporters may prefer comfort and softness (tri-blend), while teams might value durability (50/50 blend).
• Think About Climate: Choose breathable cotton or tri-blend for warm regions; 50/50 blends work well year-round.
• Evaluate Budget: 100% cotton and 50/50 blends are typically more affordable; tri-blends offer a premium upgrade.
• Match Fabric to Print Method: Screen printing works best on cotton and 50/50 blends; tri-blends are great for soft-hand or water-based inks.

By understanding the differences between 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends, you can create custom breast cancer t-shirts that are not only meaningful but also comfortable, durable, and visually impactful.

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

Ordering custom breast cancer awareness T-shirts in bulk can be both meaningful and budget-friendly—if you know the right strategies. Whether you’re organizing a fundraiser, supporting a cause, or showing solidarity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, following these tips can help you get high-quality shirts at the best possible price.

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks for Lower Per-Unit Costs

One of the most effective ways to reduce your overall cost is by taking advantage of bulk quantity breaks offered by screen printing and custom apparel companies.

• Order more, pay less per shirt: Most printers offer tiered pricing—common breaks occur at 25, 50, 100, and 250+ units. For example, ordering 100 shirts may cost $8 per unit, while 250 shirts could drop the price to $5.50 each.
• Split sizes within the same design: You can mix sizes (S, M, L, XL) within your bulk order without increasing the price, as long as the total quantity qualifies for the tier.
• Avoid going just below a breakpoint: If you need 95 shirts, consider ordering 100 to unlock lower pricing—you’ll save money overall and have extras for giveaways or replacements.

Tip: Request quotes from multiple suppliers and ask specifically about their quantity break thresholds.

Choose the Right Shirt Style and Brand

The type of T-shirt you choose impacts both quality and cost.

• Opt for value-priced blanks: Brands like Gildan, Bella+Canvas, and Hanes offer affordable, high-quality options perfect for awareness campaigns.
• Stick to one style: Using the same shirt model across all sizes simplifies ordering and reduces setup costs.
• Consider color: White or light-colored shirts are usually cheaper to print on because they require less ink, especially with simple designs.

Simplify Your Design to Reduce Printing Costs

The complexity of your artwork directly affects pricing—especially with screen printing.

• Use fewer ink colors: Each additional color requires a separate screen and setup fee. A one- or two-color design (e.g., pink ribbon on white) is significantly cheaper than full-color printing.
• Limit print locations: Printing on just the front keeps costs low. Adding back or sleeve prints increases labor and materials.
• Avoid gradients and fine details: These require advanced printing methods (like DTG), which are more expensive. Stick to bold, clean lines and solid colors.

Provide Print-Ready Artwork

Suppliers often charge extra for design services. Save money by preparing your artwork correctly.

• Use vector files (AI, EPS, SVG): These scale without losing quality and are preferred by printers. Avoid low-resolution JPEGs or PNGs.
• Set correct dimensions and DPI: If submitting a raster image (like for DTG), use 300 DPI at the actual print size.
• Outline fonts and embed images: This prevents formatting issues when the printer opens your file.
• Keep design elements centered and properly spaced: Avoid placing artwork too close to seams or hems.

Pro Tip: Use free tools like Canva or Inkscape to create or convert your design, or hire a designer on Fiverr or Upwork for a low flat fee.

Time Your Order Strategically

Timing can influence pricing and turnaround.

• Order early: Avoid last-minute rush fees by placing your order at least 2–3 weeks before you need the shirts.
• Take advantage of promotions: Many suppliers offer seasonal discounts (especially around October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month) or first-time customer deals.
• Compare turnaround times: Faster delivery usually costs more. If your event isn’t immediate, choose standard production to save.

Get Multiple Quotes and Negotiate

Don’t settle for the first quote.

• Request quotes from at least 3–5 vendors, including local print shops and online services like CustomInk, Printful, or RushOrderTees.
• Ask about bundled discounts for large orders or repeat business.
• Negotiate setup fees: Some vendors will waive or reduce screen setup fees if you order a large quantity or plan to reorder.

Final Tips for Maximum Savings

• Bundle with other items: Some companies offer discounts if you order matching hats, tote bags, or sweatshirts.
• Ask about nonprofit discounts: If you’re a registered nonprofit or fundraising group, many suppliers offer special pricing.
• Reuse screens for future orders: If you plan to reorder, ask if the vendor can store your screens for a future date—this eliminates setup fees.

By combining bulk ordering, smart design choices, and strategic vendor selection, you can create impactful breast cancer awareness T-shirts at an affordable price—maximizing your budget and your message.