Comparison of Custom T-Shirt Printing Methods: Screen Printing, DTG, and Heat Transfer

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

When designing custom t-shirts locally, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right fabric. The material affects comfort, durability, print quality, and overall look. Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular fabric options—100% Cotton, 50/50 Blend, and Tri-blends—to help you choose the best one for your custom tee.

1. 100% Cotton

Best for: Classic comfort and soft feel
100% cotton t-shirts are a timeless choice known for their natural softness and breathability. They’re ideal for everyday wear and are especially popular for casual, vintage, or eco-conscious designs.

• Pros:
  • Soft, breathable, and comfortable against the skin
  • Excellent for screen printing and vibrant ink absorption
  • Natural and biodegradable material
• Cons:
  • Prone to shrinking if not pre-shrunk
  • Less durable over time—can wear out or pill with frequent washing
  • May wrinkle easily and lose shape faster than blended fabrics

2. 50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend

Best for: Durability and budget-friendly options
A 50/50 blend combines equal parts cotton and polyester, offering a balance between softness and strength. This blend is a popular choice for promotional t-shirts, events, and workwear.

• Pros:
  • Resists shrinking and fading better than 100% cotton
  • More durable and long-lasting with repeated washes
  • Lightweight and affordable—great for bulk orders
• Cons:
  • Less breathable than pure cotton
  • Can feel slightly synthetic or less soft to some
  • May develop pilling over time with friction

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

Best for: Premium softness and modern, vintage look
Tri-blend fabrics are known for their buttery-soft texture and slightly faded, vintage appearance. They’re a favorite for fashion-forward brands and lifestyle apparel.

• Pros:
  • Incredibly soft with a luxurious drape
  • Resists shrinking and holds color well
  • Has a stylish, heathered look that ages gracefully
• Cons:
  • More expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends
  • Less breathable due to high polyester content
  • Requires careful printing techniques (e.g., low-cure inks) to avoid cracking

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Custom T-Shirt

• Consider the purpose: Is it for an event, retail, or daily wear? Cotton is great for comfort, while blends offer longevity.
• Think about print complexity: 100% cotton holds bold prints well; tri-blends work best with softer, vintage-style designs.
• Budget matters: 50/50 blends offer great value, while tri-blends are a premium upgrade.
• Check with local printers: Visit or contact “custom t-shirt design near me” shops to get fabric samples and printing recommendations.

By understanding the strengths and trade-offs of 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your design vision, audience, and budget—ensuring your custom t-shirt stands out for all the right reasons.

How to Get the Best Price for Custom T-Shirt Design Near Me (Bulk Quantity Breaks & Artwork Tips)

Looking for affordable custom t-shirt printing in your area? Whether you’re ordering for a team, event, or business, getting the best price involves smart planning, leveraging bulk discounts, and optimizing your design. Here’s how to save money while ensuring high-quality results.

1. Order in Bulk for Maximum Savings

One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost per shirt is by ordering in bulk. Most local and online screen printing shops offer tiered pricing based on quantity.

• Look for Quantity Breaks: Common tiers are 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500+. The more you order, the lower your cost per unit.
• Example: 25 shirts might cost $12 each, but 100 could drop to $6 each—a 50% savings.
• Tip: If you’re unsure about future needs, consider ordering slightly more than you need. Extra shirts can be stored or resold later.

2. Choose the Right Printing Method

Different printing techniques affect both cost and quality. For bulk orders, screen printing is usually the most cost-effective.

• Screen Printing: Best for large quantities and simple designs with few colors. Setup costs are higher initially, but the price per shirt drops significantly with volume.
• DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Better for detailed or full-color designs, but more expensive per shirt, especially in bulk.
• Heat Transfer: Costly for large runs; best for small batches or prototypes.

3. Simplify Your Design to Cut Costs

Complex designs increase printing time and setup fees. Keep your artwork simple to save money.

• Limit Color Count: Each additional color in screen printing requires a separate screen and more labor. Stick to 1–3 colors for the best pricing.
• Use Vector Art: Provide artwork in vector format (AI, EPS, SVG) for crisp printing and easier scaling.
• Avoid Gradients and Fine Details: These are harder to print and may require pricier methods like DTG.

4. Choose Affordable, High-Quality Blank T-Shirts

The type of shirt you choose significantly impacts the total cost.

• Go for Cotton Basics: 100% cotton shirts (e.g., Gildan, Hanes, Bella+Canvas) offer great value and print well.
• Compare Shirt Weights: Lighter fabrics (5.3 oz) are cheaper than heavy-duty (7 oz) options—choose based on need.
• Ask for Samples: Request shirt samples from local printers to assess quality before ordering in bulk.

5. Get Multiple Quotes from Local Printers

Don’t settle for the first quote you get. Compare pricing, turnaround time, and quality from multiple local providers.

• Search “Custom T-Shirt Printing Near Me”: Use Google Maps or Yelp to find top-rated local shops.
• Call or Visit: Speak directly with printers to negotiate prices, especially for large orders.
• Ask About Hidden Fees: Inquire about setup fees, screen charges, or rush fees that could inflate the final cost.

6. Prepare Print-Ready Artwork

Properly formatted artwork prevents delays and extra charges.

• Resolution: Use 300 DPI for raster images (JPEG, PNG).
• File Format: Provide vector files when possible; PNG with transparent background for simpler designs.
• Size: Design at actual print size (e.g., 10” wide for a standard chest print).
• Color Mode: Use CMYK or specified spot colors (Pantone) for accurate color matching.

7. Time Your Order Strategically

Printing shops often have seasonal demand fluctuations.

• Avoid Peak Seasons: Summer (events, festivals) and back-to-school periods may have higher prices or longer lead times.
• Ask About Off-Season Discounts: Some printers offer deals during slower months (January–February, October).

8. Consider Hybrid Ordering (Local + Online)

While supporting a local business is great, compare with reputable online bulk printers (like RushOrderTees, CustomInk, or Printful).

• Local Pros: Faster turnaround, easier revisions, and personal service.
• Online Pros: Often lower prices for bulk, automated design tools, and nationwide shipping.

Final Tips for the Best Deal

• Bundle Orders: Combine requests with friends, teams, or organizations to reach higher quantity tiers.
• Negotiate: Large orders give you leverage—ask for discounts or waived setup fees.
• Proof Everything: Request a digital or physical proof before full production to avoid costly mistakes.

By following these steps—ordering in bulk, simplifying design, choosing the right materials, and comparing local options—you’ll get high-quality custom t-shirts at the best possible price near you.