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

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

When ordering custom t-shirts from a local print shop, selecting the right fabric is key to ensuring comfort, durability, and print quality. The most common fabric options are 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends—each with unique benefits. Here’s how to choose the best one for your needs.

1. 100% Cotton

• Feel: Soft, breathable, and natural—ideal for everyday wear.
• Durability: Holds up well over time but may shrink slightly after washing.
• Print Quality: Excellent for vibrant ink colors and detailed designs, especially with screen printing.
• Best For: Casual wear, promotional events, and eco-conscious buyers who prefer natural fibers.
• Considerations: Less stretchy and can wrinkle easily; may not be ideal for athletic use.

2. 50/50 Blend (50% Cotton, 50% Polyester)

• Feel: Slightly lighter and more durable than 100% cotton with a softer hand feel over time.
• Durability: Resists shrinking and wrinkling better than pure cotton.
• Print Quality: Great for screen printing and DTG (direct-to-garment) printing. Colors stay bright after washes.
• Best For: Budget-friendly giveaways, employee uniforms, or events where durability matters.
• Considerations: Less breathable than cotton; may retain odors more due to polyester content.

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

• Feel: Luxuriously soft with a smooth, vintage-like drape—often compared to a worn-in favorite tee.
• Durability: Resists shrinking and fading; rayon adds softness but may reduce longevity with heavy use.
• Print Quality: Produces a slightly muted, retro look that complements distressed or artistic designs.
• Best For: Fashion-forward apparel, boutique orders, or premium gifts.
• Considerations: Higher price point; not as sturdy for high-activity use.

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Project

• Budget: 50/50 blends offer great value. Tri-blends cost more but add a premium feel.
• Use Case: Choose cotton for comfort, 50/50 for durability, and tri-blend for style.
• Local Printing Tips: Visit or call custom t-shirt printing shops near you to request fabric swatches. Many local printers offer samples so you can feel the material before ordering in bulk.
• Care Instructions: Always follow garment care labels to maintain print and fabric quality.

By understanding the differences between 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends, you can choose the perfect fabric for your custom t-shirt printing needs—whether you’re designing for comfort, cost, or a high-end look.

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

Looking to order custom t-shirts in bulk? Whether it’s for your team, event, or business, getting the best price requires smart planning and insider knowledge. Here’s how to maximize savings through bulk quantity breaks and optimize your artwork for cost-effective printing.

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks for Lower Per-Unit Costs

The most effective way to reduce your custom t-shirt cost is by ordering in bulk. Most print shops offer tiered pricing where the price per shirt drops significantly as your order size increases.

• Understand Quantity Tiers: Most suppliers have standard breaks at 24, 48, 72, 100, 250, 500, and 1000+ units. Always ask for a detailed price breakdown across these tiers. Sometimes ordering just a few extra shirts can drop you into a lower price bracket.
• Consolidate Orders: Instead of multiple small batches, combine orders from different departments or events into one large order to reach higher volume discounts.
• Choose Standard Colors & Styles: Basic colors (black, white, navy, gray) and popular styles (crew neck, standard fit) are usually cheaper and more readily available in bulk, reducing production time and cost.
• Stick with One Shirt Type: Ordering multiple colors or styles increases setup and inventory costs. If possible, standardize your design across one shirt type to maximize bulk savings.
• Negotiate for Large Orders: For orders over 500 units, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Many suppliers are willing to offer additional discounts, free shipping, or even free design services for large commitments.

Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Printing Costs

The design you provide plays a huge role in determining production costs. Simple, well-prepared artwork can save you money and avoid delays.

• Simplify Your Design: Fewer colors = lower printing costs. Each additional color in screen printing requires a separate screen and setup fee. Stick to 1–3 colors whenever possible.
• Use Vector Files: Provide artwork in vector format (AI, EPS, or SVG) for crisp, scalable prints. Raster files (JPG, PNG) can pixelate when enlarged, leading to rework fees or poor quality.
• Avoid Gradients and Photographic Details: These are difficult and expensive to reproduce with screen printing. Opt for solid colors and bold lines instead.
• Check Color Matching: Specify Pantone (PMS) colors if color accuracy is critical. Otherwise, let the printer match colors from their standard palette to avoid custom ink mixing fees.
• Submit Print-Ready Files: Provide high-resolution files (300 DPI at actual size) with proper bleed and safe margins. This reduces the need for design corrections, which can add to your final cost.
• Limit Print Locations: Printing on one location (e.g., front only) is cheaper than multiple locations (front and back). Each additional print area increases labor and setup time.

Final Tips for Best Pricing

• Get Multiple Quotes: Reach out to at least 3–5 local or online suppliers. Ask for itemized quotes that include setup fees, ink colors, and shipping.
• Look for Promotions: Many printers offer seasonal discounts, first-time customer deals, or referral bonuses.
• Consider Print Method: Screen printing is cheapest for large runs with few colors. DTG (Direct-to-Garment) is better for complex designs but costs more per unit. Choose the method that fits your design and volume.
• Plan Ahead: Rush orders often incur 20–50% surcharges. Place your order well in advance to avoid expedited fees.

By combining strategic bulk ordering with print-friendly artwork, you can significantly reduce your custom t-shirt printing costs—without sacrificing quality.