Comparison: Screen Printing, DTG, and Heat Transfer for Custom T-Shirt Design Online Free

Guide to Choosing Fabrics for Custom T-Shirt Design Online (Free)

When creating custom t-shirts online, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right fabric. The material affects comfort, durability, print quality, and overall feel. Here’s a breakdown of three popular options: 100% Cotton, 50/50 Blend, and Tri-blends.

100% Cotton

Pros:
– Soft, breathable, and ideal for sensitive skin
– Offers a classic, natural feel
– Excellent for vibrant screen printing and DTG (direct-to-garment) printing
– Absorbs ink well, resulting in rich colors
– Biodegradable and eco-friendly

Cons:
– Prone to shrinking (especially if not pre-shrunk)
– Can wrinkle easily
– Less durable over time—may thin or pill with frequent washing
– Holds moisture, making it less ideal for athletic wear

Best For: Everyday casual wear, promotional shirts, fashion tees, and eco-conscious brands.

50/50 Blend (50% Cotton, 50% Polyester)

Pros:
– Resists shrinking and wrinkling better than 100% cotton
– More durable and long-lasting
– Lightweight with a slightly crisper feel
– Affordable option for bulk orders
– Holds up well to repeated washings

Cons:
– Slightly less soft than 100% cotton
– Polyester can trap odors and retain moisture
– May pill over time
– Not as breathable, which can feel hotter in warm weather

Best For: Workwear, events, giveaways, and budget-friendly custom tees where durability matters.

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

Pros:
– Ultra-soft, smooth texture with a vintage, lived-in feel
– Drapes beautifully, making it flattering for fitted styles
– Resistant to shrinking and fading
– Offers excellent print clarity and a slightly heathered look
– Great moisture-wicking properties

Cons:
– Typically more expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends
– Slightly less durable—can be prone to snagging
– Not as eco-friendly due to synthetic fibers

Best For: Fashion-forward tees, boutique brands, women’s cuts, and premium custom apparel with a soft hand-feel.

Final Tips for Choosing Online

• Consider the Use: Will the shirt be worn daily, for sports, or as a gift? Match the fabric to the purpose.
• Check Print Method Compatibility: Some fabrics work better with certain printing techniques (e.g., tri-blends shine with DTG).
• Review Garment Specs: Reputable online design platforms provide fabric weight (e.g., 4.5 oz vs. 6.1 oz) and care instructions—read them!
• Order Samples: Many free online design tools let you order sample shirts to feel the fabric before bulk ordering.

Choosing the right fabric ensures your custom t-shirt looks great, feels comfortable, and lasts—so take the time to compare these options when designing online for free.

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

Ordering custom t-shirts in bulk online can be a cost-effective way to promote your brand, event, or team. With the right strategies—especially around bulk pricing and artwork preparation—you can save significantly while maintaining high quality. Here’s how to get the best price on custom t-shirt designs online for free or at minimal cost.

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks for Lower Per-Unit Costs

Most custom t-shirt printing companies offer quantity discounts, meaning the more shirts you order, the lower the price per unit. To maximize savings:

• Order in larger quantities: Pricing tiers typically start at 12, 24, 50, 100, or 250 units. Jumping to the next tier (e.g., from 48 to 50 shirts) can drastically reduce your per-shirt cost.
• Compare tiered pricing across vendors: Use side-by-side quotes from multiple suppliers (e.g., Printful, Custom Ink, Vistaprint, Gooten) to identify the best bulk discount.
• Consolidate designs: If ordering multiple designs, try to standardize colors and sizes to qualify for bulk pricing on each design.
• Plan ahead: Bulk discounts are worth it only if you’ll actually use the shirts. Forecast your needs to avoid over-ordering.

Get Free Design Tools and Templates

Many online printers offer free design software and templates to help you create professional-looking artwork without hiring a designer:

• Use built-in design studios like Custom Ink’s Design Lab or Printify’s design tool.
• Download free vector templates (e.g., .AI or .SVG files) from the printer’s website for precise logo placement.
• Choose from free clipart, fonts, and icons provided by the platform.

Optimize Your Artwork to Avoid Extra Fees

Poor artwork can lead to added costs or low-quality prints. Follow these tips to keep your design print-ready and cost-efficient:

• Use high-resolution files: Aim for 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the actual print size. Low-res images get pixelated and may require redesign.
• Stick to fewer colors: Screen printing charges extra for each color. Simplify your design to 1–3 colors to reduce costs.
• Use vector graphics (SVG, AI, EPS): Logos and text should be in vector format for crisp scaling.
• Avoid gradients and shadows: These can be difficult to print and may require pricier printing methods like DTG (Direct-to-Garment).
• Submit correct file formats: Most printers accept PNG (with transparent background), JPG, PDF, or SVG. Confirm specs before uploading.

Choose the Right Printing Method for Your Budget

Different printing techniques affect both cost and quality:

• Screen Printing: Best for large bulk orders with simple designs. Lower per-unit cost with higher setup fees.
• DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Ideal for complex, full-color designs on smaller runs. No setup fees, but higher per-shirt cost.
• Heat Transfer: Good for detailed artwork but less durable. Best for small orders.

Look for Promo Codes and Free Shipping Offers

• Sign up for newsletters from top vendors to receive discount codes and free shipping deals.
• Check deal sites like RetailMeNot or Honey for active coupons.
• Some companies offer free design services or free samples—take advantage!

Compare Quotes and Request Samples

• Use quote tools on multiple platforms to compare pricing, shipping, and turnaround times.
• Order a sample shirt before committing to a bulk order to assess print and fabric quality.

Final Tips for Maximum Savings

• Choose basic, in-stock t-shirt colors (like black, white, or navy) to avoid upcharges.
• Avoid premium brands unless necessary—generic or mid-tier blanks are cheaper.
• Bundle your order with other items (hats, tote bags) if the vendor offers combo discounts.

By combining smart bulk ordering, optimized artwork, and free design tools, you can get high-quality custom t-shirts online at the best possible price—often with no design fees and significant quantity savings.