Ever wondered why custom t-shirt prices vary so wildly—from a few bucks to over fifty for seemingly similar tees? Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur launching your first apparel line or a business owner looking to gear up your team, understanding the cost behind custom tees is more important than ever. Enter Print on Demand (POD)—the game-changing trend that’s reshaping how we design, produce, and sell custom apparel. With no upfront inventory and the ability to personalize every order, POD has made it easier (and more affordable) than ever to bring unique designs to life. But while it promises accessibility, the pricing model isn’t always straightforward. From base costs and print techniques to platform markups and shipping variables, a lot goes into that final price tag. Let’s dive into what really influences custom t-shirt pricing in today’s booming on-demand landscape—and how you can make smarter choices, whether you’re buying or selling.
Top 9 Best Custom T Shirt Prices Services (2026 Review)
Reviewed for Print Quality, Pricing & Turnaround Time
Expert Guide: Ordering custom t shirt prices
Comparison of Custom T-Shirt Printing Methods
| Method | Best For | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Large orders, simple designs, vibrant colors | High – lasts many washes | Low per unit for bulk; high setup fee |
| DTG (Direct-to-Garment) | Small orders, detailed/full-color designs | Medium – may fade over time | Higher per unit; no setup fee |
| Heat Transfer | Small batches, quick turnaround, custom names | Low to Medium – can peel/crack | Low upfront; cost varies by transfer type |
100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-blends: Your Guide to Choosing Fabrics for Custom T-Shirt Prices
When designing custom t-shirts, fabric choice plays a key role not only in comfort and appearance but also in overall cost. Understanding the differences between 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends can help you balance quality, budget, and performance. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision.
100% Cotton: Classic Comfort with a Price Premium
100% cotton t-shirts are the traditional favorite for their soft feel, breathability, and natural composition. They’re ideal for everyday wear and offer excellent printability for custom designs.
- Pros:
- Soft, breathable, and comfortable
- Excellent for screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing
- Natural, eco-friendly material
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Holds vibrant colors well
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Cons:
- More prone to shrinking (especially if not pre-shrunk)
- Can wrinkle easily and may lose shape over time
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Generally more expensive than blended fabrics
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Price Impact:
100% cotton shirts typically cost more due to the higher cost of raw cotton and its popularity. Expect to pay a moderate to premium price, especially for higher thread counts or organic cotton.
50/50 Blend: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
A 50/50 blend combines 50% cotton and 50% polyester, offering a balanced mix of comfort and durability. This fabric is a popular choice for promotional apparel and bulk orders.
- Pros:
- Affordable and cost-effective
- Resists shrinking and wrinkling better than 100% cotton
- Durable and long-lasting
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Good print surface for most designs
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Cons:
- Slightly less soft than 100% cotton
- Less breathable, which may be less comfortable in hot weather
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Polyester can sometimes cause ink to sit differently during printing
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Price Impact:
50/50 blends are usually the most budget-friendly option, making them ideal for large orders or tight budgets. Lower material costs and reduced shrinkage mean fewer production issues and savings passed to you.
Tri-blends: Softness and Style at a Higher Cost
Tri-blend fabrics typically combine cotton, polyester, and rayon (e.g., 50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon). Known for their ultra-soft, vintage feel, they offer a premium aesthetic.
- Pros:
- Exceptionally soft with a lightweight, draping feel
- Resists shrinking and fading better than 100% cotton
- Offers a modern, heathered look popular in fashion-forward apparel
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Great for fashion tees and boutique-style branding
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Cons:
- Higher price point
- May require special printing techniques (e.g., low-heat curing)
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Slightly less durable than cotton or 50/50 blends
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Price Impact:
Tri-blends are typically the most expensive option due to the mix of specialty fibers and the premium market they target. Ideal for smaller, high-end runs or when brand image and comfort are top priorities.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Budget and Needs
- Best for Budget Orders: 50/50 blend – delivers durability and print quality at a low cost.
- Best for Everyday Comfort: 100% cotton – classic feel with reliable performance.
- Best for Premium Look & Feel: Tri-blend – soft, stylish, and modern.
Consider your audience, use case, and order size when selecting fabric. Each option offers distinct advantages—and price points—so matching the fabric to your goals ensures you get the best value for your custom t-shirts.
How to Get the Best Price for Custom T-Shirt Orders (Bulk Quantity Breaks & Artwork Tips)
Ordering custom t-shirts in bulk can be a cost-effective way to promote your brand, event, or team, but getting the best price requires strategy. Here’s how to maximize savings through smart ordering and artwork practices.
Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks
Most screen printing and embroidery companies offer tiered pricing based on order size—known as “quantity breaks.” Here’s how to take full advantage:
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Order at Threshold Quantities: Prices often drop significantly at common thresholds like 24, 48, 72, or 100+ units. For example, ordering 100 shirts may cost much less per unit than ordering 90. Always ask for a pricing chart to identify the best value point.
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Consolidate Designs: If you’re ordering multiple designs, try to consolidate them into fewer styles. Fewer designs mean fewer setup fees and faster production, lowering the overall cost.
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Group Orders: Coordinate with other departments, teams, or organizations to combine orders and reach higher quantity tiers together.
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Buy in Advance: Plan ahead for events or campaigns and order early. Larger lead times can sometimes unlock better pricing and avoid rush fees.
Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Costs
Your design can greatly impact production costs. Follow these tips to keep prices low without sacrificing quality:
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Simplify Your Design: Fewer colors and simpler graphics reduce screen setup and printing time. Stick to 1–3 colors whenever possible—each additional color increases cost.
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Use Vector Art: Supply artwork in vector format (e.g., .AI, .EPS, or .PDF) so printers can scale it without quality loss. This avoids extra fees for file redrawing.
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Avoid All-Over Prints: Full-shirt prints require more ink and time. Opt for smaller, centrally located designs (e.g., chest or back prints) to save money.
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Stick to Standard Print Locations: Printing on the front chest or back is cheaper than sleeves, pockets, or multiple locations.
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Avoid Photographic or Gradient Prints: These often require simulated process printing, which is more expensive. Instead, use solid colors and flat designs.
Additional Money-Saving Tips
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Choose Mid-Grade Apparel: Premium brands cost more. Opt for good-quality blanks like Gildan Softstyle or Bella+Canvas 3001—affordable, durable, and widely available.
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Compare Multiple Vendors: Get quotes from at least 3–5 suppliers. Look beyond the price—check reviews, turnaround times, and included services (e.g., free design help).
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Ask About Promotions: Many suppliers offer seasonal discounts, first-time customer deals, or free setup fees for bulk orders.
By combining smart bulk ordering with cost-efficient artwork, you can significantly reduce your custom t-shirt costs—without compromising on quality.
Choosing the right custom t-shirt provider requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure quality, reliability, and value. Start by evaluating the provider’s print quality and fabric options—look for high-resolution printing techniques (like screen printing or direct-to-garment) and a range of comfortable, durable materials. Consider customization capabilities, including design flexibility, color options, and order size requirements, to ensure they match your needs.
Customer reviews and reputation are vital indicators of reliability and service quality. Check for consistent feedback on product accuracy, shipping times, and customer support. Pricing should be transparent and competitive, but avoid choosing solely on cost—low prices may compromise quality.
Additionally, assess the ordering process for ease of use, proofing tools, and turnaround time, especially if you’re on a deadline. A provider that offers design assistance or mockups can be a valuable asset.
Ultimately, the best custom t-shirt provider balances quality, affordability, customization, and excellent customer service. Take the time to compare a few top contenders, order a sample if possible, and choose a partner that aligns with your vision, timeline, and budget. This thoughtful approach ensures a satisfying and successful custom apparel experience.
