There’s something undeniably satisfying about slipping on a soft, well-fitted T-shirt—one that feels like it was made just for you. These days, that feeling isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s a reality thanks to the booming world of custom Gildan tees and the explosive rise of print-on-demand (POD) technology. No longer reserved for big brands with deep pockets, creating personalized, high-quality apparel has never been more accessible. From fitness coaches branding their merch to artists turning designs into wearable art, POD platforms are empowering creators to launch custom Gildan T-shirts with ease—no inventory, no upfront costs, just creativity on demand. In this post, we’ll dive into why Gildan remains a go-to choice for print-on-demand pros and how you can leverage this trend to make your mark, one custom tee at a time.
Top 10 Best Custom Gildan T Shirts Services (2026 Review)
Reviewed for Print Quality, Pricing & Turnaround Time
Expert Guide: Ordering custom gildan t shirts
Comparison: Screen Printing, DTG, and Heat Transfer for Custom Gildan T-Shirts
| Method | Best For | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Large orders, simple designs, bold colors | High – lasts many washes | Low per unit (high setup cost) |
| DTG (Direct-to-Garment) | Small orders, detailed/full-color designs, photos | Medium – may fade after 30–50 washes | High per unit (low setup cost) |
| Heat Transfer | Small batches, quick turnaround, complex art | Low to Medium – may crack or peel over time | Medium (varies with transfer type) |
100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends: Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Custom Gildan T-Shirts
When customizing Gildan T-shirts, the fabric you choose significantly impacts comfort, durability, print quality, and overall appearance. Understanding the key differences between 100% cotton, 50/50 cotton-polyester blends, and tri-blends will help you select the best option for your needs.
100% Cotton: Classic Comfort and Softness
Pros:
– Soft and breathable: Offers a natural, comfortable feel ideal for everyday wear.
– Excellent printability: Absorbs inks well, making it perfect for vibrant screen printing and detailed designs.
– Eco-friendly: Biodegradable and made from a renewable resource.
– Classic look and feel: Preferred for a traditional T-shirt aesthetic.
Cons:
– Less durable: More prone to shrinking (especially if not pre-shrunk) and wear over time.
– Wrinkles easily: Requires more ironing or steaming.
– Holds moisture: Takes longer to dry and can feel heavy when wet.
Best For: Casual wear, retail, promotional giveaways where softness and print quality are top priorities.
50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend: The Balanced Workhorse
Pros:
– Durable and long-lasting: Resists shrinking, fading, and pilling better than 100% cotton.
– Low maintenance: Wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying.
– Affordable: Offers a good balance of quality and cost-effectiveness.
– Holds shape well: Retains its fit after multiple washes.
Cons:
– Slightly less soft: Can feel a bit coarser than 100% cotton, though modern versions are much improved.
– Less breathable: Polyester content reduces airflow compared to pure cotton.
– Not ideal for moisture-wicking: May feel clammy during physical activity.
Best For: Employee uniforms, event shirts, school apparel—where durability and consistent appearance matter.
Tri-Blend (Typically 50% Poly, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon): Premium Softness and Drape
Pros:
– Ultra-soft and smooth: Feels buttery against the skin—often compared to vintage or high-end tees.
– Excellent drape: Flatters the body with a slightly slimmer, more tailored look.
– Resists shrinking and fading: More stable than 100% cotton.
– Great for fashion-forward designs: Ideal for lifestyle brands and boutique apparel.
Cons:
– Higher cost: More expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends.
– Less breathable: Due to high polyester content.
– Delicate print care: Requires gentle washing to preserve print and fabric integrity.
– Not as durable for heavy use: May wear faster under constant friction or industrial laundering.
Best For: Fashion brands, retail merchandise, gifts, and premium giveaways where softness and aesthetics are key.
Final Tips for Choosing Your Gildan Fabric
- Consider the end use: Is it for daily wear, uniforms, or a high-end product?
- Think about care instructions: Will the wearer machine wash frequently? Opt for blends for low maintenance.
- Match fabric to print method: 100% cotton and 50/50 blends work well with screen printing; tri-blends are great for soft-hand prints.
- Order samples: Test different Gildan styles (like G1000, G64000, or G18500) to feel the fabrics firsthand before bulk ordering.
By weighing comfort, durability, cost, and purpose, you can confidently choose the ideal fabric to make your custom Gildan T-shirts stand out.
How to Get the Best Price for Custom Gildan T-Shirts (Bulk Quantity Breaks & Artwork Tips)
Ordering custom Gildan T-shirts in bulk can be a cost-effective way to outfit a team, promote your brand, or sell merchandise. To maximize your savings and ensure high-quality results, consider both strategic ordering and smart artwork preparation. Here’s how to get the best price without sacrificing quality.
Take Advantage of Bulk Quantity Breaks
One of the most effective ways to reduce the per-unit cost of custom Gildan T-shirts is by ordering in larger quantities. Most screen printers and online apparel suppliers offer tiered pricing, known as “quantity breaks.”
- Understand Quantity Tiers: Common bulk tiers include 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000+ units. Prices typically drop significantly at each threshold.
- Example: 50 shirts might cost $8 each, but 100 could drop to $6 each.
- Order Ahead: If you anticipate future needs, consider ordering more now to reach a higher discount tier—even if you don’t need all the shirts immediately.
- Coordinate with Others: Team up with another group or event to combine orders and reach bulk pricing faster.
Choose the Right Gildan Style
Not all Gildan shirts are priced the same. Standard styles like the Gildan 5000 (Heavy Cotton) or Gildan 64000 (Softstyle) offer the best value for bulk orders.
- Gildan 5000: Durable, classic fit, lowest cost per unit—ideal for high-volume orders.
- Gildan 64000: Slightly more expensive but softer and more comfortable—great for retail or customer giveaways.
- Avoid Premium Styles for Large Runs: Specialty cuts (e.g., tri-blends, women’s fit) cost more and reduce your savings.
Minimize Print Costs with Smart Design Choices
Printing is often where costs add up. Simplify your design to keep expenses down.
- Limit Print Colors: Each additional color increases setup and printing time. Stick to 1–2 colors to reduce screen costs and speed up production.
- Choose Simpler Locations: Printing on one side (front only) is cheaper than front and back. Center chest or left chest prints are often less expensive than full front or sleeves.
- Avoid Discharge or Specialty Inks: Standard plastisol inks are the most affordable. Water-based or metallic inks increase cost.
Prepare Your Artwork Correctly
Poor artwork can lead to extra fees or delays. Proper preparation ensures clean prints and avoids costly revisions.
- Use High-Resolution Files: Submit vector artwork (AI, EPS, or PDF) whenever possible. If using raster images (JPEG, PNG), ensure they’re at least 300 DPI at print size.
- Outline Fonts: Convert all text to outlines to prevent font issues during printing.
- Separate Color Layers: Provide a color-separated version of your design if requested—this helps the printer set up screens efficiently.
- Confirm Size and Placement: Specify exact print dimensions and location (e.g., 10″ wide centered on chest) to avoid misprints and rework.
Compare Multiple Vendors
Don’t settle for the first quote. Get pricing from several reputable suppliers or local screen printers.
- Online Printers: Sites like Custom Ink, Printful, or Awkward Styles offer competitive bulk pricing and instant quotes.
- Local Print Shops: Often provide better service, faster turnaround, and may negotiate prices for large orders.
- Look Beyond Price: Consider print quality, customer service, and turnaround time—cheapest isn’t always best.
Time Your Order Strategically
- Avoid Peak Seasons: Summer and back-to-school periods often see higher demand and prices.
- Ask About Promotions: Many vendors offer seasonal discounts, free shipping, or waived setup fees for bulk orders.
By combining bulk quantity breaks, cost-effective design choices, and well-prepared artwork, you can get high-quality custom Gildan T-shirts at the best possible price. Plan ahead, compare options, and communicate clearly with your printer to ensure a smooth and affordable process.
Choosing the right custom t-shirt provider requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure quality, value, and customer satisfaction. Start by evaluating the provider’s print quality and fabric options—look for high-resolution printing techniques like screen printing or direct-to-garment (DTG) and premium materials that suit your needs, whether for comfort, durability, or design complexity.
Consider customization options, including print placement, color variety, and design tools. A user-friendly online design platform can streamline the process. Price transparency is essential—compare costs not just per unit but including shipping, setup fees, and bulk discounts.
Don’t overlook turnaround and shipping times, especially if you’re on a deadline. Read customer reviews and check for reliable customer service, as responsiveness can make a significant difference if issues arise. Sustainability and ethical practices may also matter to your brand or event, so inquire about eco-friendly inks or sourcing.
Lastly, order samples when possible to assess quality firsthand. By balancing quality, cost, service, and values, you can select a custom t-shirt provider that meets your specific requirements and delivers excellent results.
