Comparison: Screen Printing, DTG, and Heat Transfer for Custom T-Shirts Near Me

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

When ordering custom t-shirts from a local print shop or online provider near you, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right fabric. The material affects comfort, durability, print quality, and how the shirt feels over time. Here’s a breakdown of the three most common fabric options: 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends.

100% Cotton: Classic Comfort and Breathability

• Feel: Soft, natural, and breathable—ideal for everyday wear.
• Durability: Holds up well to frequent washing but may shrink slightly if not pre-shrunk.
• Print Quality: Excellent for screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing due to its smooth, absorbent surface.
• Best For: Casual wear, workwear, and promotional shirts where comfort is key.
• Considerations: Prone to wrinkling and may feel heavier than blended fabrics.

50/50 Blend: The Best of Both Worlds

• Composition: Typically 50% cotton and 50% polyester.
• Feel: Lightweight with a slightly smoother texture than 100% cotton. Resists shrinking and wrinkling.
• Durability: More durable than pure cotton due to polyester’s strength. Retains shape and color over time.
• Print Quality: Great for vibrant prints; polyester helps colors stand out.
• Best For: Active environments, school events, or giveaways where longevity matters.
• Considerations: Less breathable than cotton; may retain odors if not treated.

Tri-Blend: Softness Meets Style

• Composition: Usually a mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon (e.g., 50% poly, 25% cotton, 25% rayon).
• Feel: Exceptionally soft with a lightweight, slightly heathered look—often described as “vintage” or “luxe.”
• Durability: Softens with each wash but may be less durable than cotton or 50/50 blends over time.
• Print Quality: Ideal for detailed, soft-hand prints. The fabric’s texture enhances retro or artistic designs.
• Best For: Fashion-forward custom tees, boutique orders, or premium gifts.
• Considerations: Higher price point and may require more delicate care.

How to Choose the Right Fabric for You

• For Everyday Comfort: Choose 100% cotton.
• For Durability and Value: Go with a 50/50 blend.
• For a Premium, Soft Feel: Opt for a tri-blend.

When searching for “custom t-shirts near me,” ask your local provider about fabric samples. Testing the material in person helps ensure you’re happy with the final product. Whether you’re outfitting a team, promoting a business, or creating keepsakes, the right fabric makes all the difference.

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

Looking to order custom t-shirts in bulk? Whether it’s for your business, event, sports team, or promotional campaign, getting the best price without sacrificing quality is key. Here’s how to maximize your savings with bulk quantity breaks and smart artwork practices.

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks for Lower Per-Unit Costs

One of the most effective ways to reduce your cost per shirt is by ordering in larger quantities. Most reputable print shops offer tiered pricing based on volume.

• Know the thresholds: Prices often drop significantly at common quantity breaks like 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 units. For example, ordering 100 shirts may cost $12 each, but 250 might drop to $8 each.
• Order more than you need (strategically): If you anticipate future needs, ordering a larger batch can save money long-term. Extra shirts can be stored for reorders or future events.
• Combine orders with others: Team up with colleagues, clubs, or local organizations to reach higher quantity tiers and split the savings.
• Compare multiple vendors: Not all companies have the same break points. Use online quote tools from 3–5 suppliers to see who offers the best pricing at your target quantity.

Choose the Right T-Shirt Style and Material Wisely

Higher-end fabrics (like organic cotton or tri-blends) cost more. For maximum savings:

• Stick to basic styles: 100% cotton or cotton-polyester blends are usually the most affordable.
• Stick to one style and color: Mixing shirt types or colors increases setup and production costs.
• Order popular sizes in bulk: Avoid extremely large or small sizes unless necessary—they’re often priced higher due to lower availability.

Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Printing Costs

Your design has a major impact on pricing. Simplify it to save money.

• Limit the number of print colors: Each additional color increases setup and screen costs (especially with screen printing). A 1-color design is significantly cheaper than a 4-color one.
• Use vector artwork: Provide logos or designs in vector format (AI, EPS, or SVG). This eliminates extra fees for file cleanup or redrawing.
• Keep designs small and simple: Large or detailed prints require more ink and time. Opt for smaller chest or pocket prints when possible.
• Avoid gradients and photorealistic images: These require simulated process or digital printing, which costs more than standard screen printing.
• Stick to one print location: Printing on the front only is cheaper than adding designs to the back or sleeves.

Time Your Order Strategically

• Order early: Rush fees can add 20–50% to your total. Plan ahead to avoid expedited production and shipping.
• Look for seasonal promotions: Many suppliers offer discounts during slower months (e.g., late winter or mid-summer) or during holidays.

Get Multiple Quotes and Negotiate

• Use online quote tools: Enter your specs (quantity, shirt type, print colors, locations) on several websites to compare instant pricing.
• Call local shops: Sometimes calling a local print shop directly gets you a better deal or insight into upcoming promotions.
• Ask about discounts: Inquire about discounts for nonprofits, schools, or first-time customers. Some vendors offer price matching.

Final Tips for Best Value

• Request a physical sample or digital proof: Avoid costly mistakes by reviewing a mockup before full production.
• Consider print method: For simple designs and large quantities, screen printing is cheapest. For complex designs or small batches, DTG (direct-to-garment) may be better—compare both.
• Buy blank shirts in bulk separately? Only if you have in-house printing. Otherwise, bundled pricing from a printer usually offers better overall value.

By combining smart bulk ordering, simplified artwork, and strategic vendor selection, you can significantly reduce your custom t-shirt costs while still achieving professional results.