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

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

When designing custom funny t-shirts, the fabric you choose impacts comfort, durability, print quality, and overall style. Understanding the differences between 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends helps you pick the perfect material for laughs that feel as good as they look.

100% Cotton: Classic Comfort with a Vintage Vibe

100% cotton t-shirts are the traditional choice, known for their soft feel and breathable nature. They’re excellent for everyday wear and ideal if you want that classic, slightly loose, vintage softness.

Pros:
– Soft and breathable – Ideal for warm weather and sensitive skin.
– Excellent print surface – Holds vibrant screen prints and DTG (direct-to-garment) inks well.
– Natural feel – Loved for its authentic cotton texture and drape.

Cons:
– Prone to shrinking – Especially if not pre-shrunk; always check garment specs.
– Less durable over time – Can wear out faster with frequent washing.
– May wrinkle easily – Not the best for travel or long wear without ironing.

Best for: Classic comedy tees, nostalgic designs, eco-conscious buyers, and those who prefer a soft, broken-in feel.

50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend: The Balanced Performer

A 50/50 blend combines cotton and polyester, offering a middle ground between comfort and durability. This blend is popular for promotional and event t-shirts because it’s affordable and long-lasting.

Pros:
– Resists shrinking and fading – Holds shape and color better than 100% cotton.
– Lightweight and durable – Great for frequent wear and washing.
– Affordable – Often more budget-friendly than premium cotton or tri-blends.

Cons:
– Less breathable – Polyester can trap heat, making it less ideal for hot climates.
– Slight sheen – May give prints a different appearance than on pure cotton.
– Not as soft initially – Can feel stiffer than cotton or tri-blends.

Best for: Casual funny tees, giveaways, school events, or when durability and cost are top priorities.

Tri-blend (Cotton/Polyester/Rayon): Softness Meets Style

Tri-blend fabrics typically mix approximately 50% polyester, 25% cotton, and 25% rayon. The result is a luxuriously soft, slightly drapey shirt with a vintage look and modern performance.

Pros:
– Ultra-soft and smooth – Feels broken-in from the first wear.
– Vintage aesthetic – Develops a worn-in look over time, great for retro or ironic designs.
– Resists shrinkage and wrinkles – More stable than 100% cotton.
– Excellent drape – Flatters the body and moves well.

Cons:
– Higher price point – More expensive due to complex fabric blend.
– Can pill over time – Especially with rough surfaces or frequent friction.
– Prints may look softer/muted – The fabric’s texture can give a slightly faded, artistic effect.

Best for: Trendy, fashion-forward funny shirts, sarcastic slogans, or when a premium, soft hand-feel is essential.

Final Tips for Choosing Your Funny T-Shirt Fabric

• Consider the wearer: Is it for lounging, daily wear, or a special event?
• Think about the design: Bold graphics pop on 100% cotton or 50/50 blends; vintage or retro designs shine on tri-blends.
• Check care instructions: Some blends require gentler washing to maintain quality.
• Order samples: Always test print and feel before bulk ordering.

By matching your funny design to the right fabric, you ensure your message not only gets a laugh—but feels great while doing it.

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

When ordering custom funny t-shirts in bulk, you can save significantly by leveraging quantity discounts and optimizing your design process. Here’s how to secure the best price without sacrificing quality or creativity.

Bulk Quantity Breaks: Maximize Savings

1. Order in Larger Quantities
   Most screen printing and DTG (Direct-to-Garment) companies offer tiered pricing. The more shirts you order, the lower the per-unit cost.

2. Example pricing tiers:

   • 10–24 shirts: $10 each
   • 25–49 shirts: $8 each
   • 50–99 shirts: $6 each
   • 100+ shirts: $5 each
     Tip: Even if you don’t need 100 shirts right away, buying in bulk and storing extras can save money long-term.

3. Stick to One Design and Colorway
   Each unique design, color variation, or print location increases setup costs. Use the same funny design across all shirts to benefit fully from volume discounts.

4. Choose Standard Shirt Colors
   White or light-colored shirts are typically cheaper to print on (especially with vibrant ink). Dark shirts require an underbase (white ink layer), increasing cost and print time.

5. Compare Multiple Vendors
   Use online quote tools from suppliers like Custom Ink, Printful, RushOrderTees, or local screen printers. Request bulk quotes and ask about upcoming sales or promotions.

6. Avoid Rush Fees
   Plan ahead and allow 2–3 weeks for production and shipping. Rush orders can increase costs by 20–50%.

Artwork Tips to Reduce Costs and Improve Quality

1. Use Vector Art (EPS, AI, SVG)
   Vector files scale infinitely without losing quality—ideal for printing. If you’re designing humor graphics, use Adobe Illustrator or free tools like Inkscape.

2. Simplify Your Design
   Fewer colors = lower printing costs. A one- or two-color funny design (e.g., black and red) is much cheaper to screen print than full-color artwork.

3. Avoid Gradients and Photo Detail (for Screen Printing)
   Screen printing works best with solid colors and bold lines. For detailed or colorful funny graphics, consider DTG printing—but know it’s pricier for large runs.

4. Use High-Resolution Raster Images (if needed)
   If submitting PNG or JPG, ensure it’s at least 300 DPI at the intended print size (e.g., 12″x12″ at 300 DPI = 3600×3600 pixels).

5. Provide Proper File Setup

6. Outline all fonts (in Illustrator) to avoid type issues.
7. Include a transparent background for clean printing.

8. Submit both print-ready PDF and original editable file.

9. Get Approval Before Printing
   Request a digital proof or physical sample. Fix alignment, sizing, or color issues early to avoid costly reprints.

Final Tips for Best Value

• Bundle with Accessories: Some vendors offer discounts when adding hats, hoodies, or tote bags.
• Join Loyalty Programs: Frequent buyers often get early access to sales or free shipping.
• Negotiate for Large Orders: If ordering 200+ units, contact the vendor directly—many offer custom pricing.

By ordering smartly in bulk and preparing clean, print-ready artwork, you can get hilarious custom t-shirts at the lowest possible price—perfect for events, teams, or promotions!