Comparison of Custom T-Shirt Printing Methods on Amazon

100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends: Choosing the Best Fabric for Custom T-Shirts on Amazon

When designing custom t-shirts on Amazon, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the fabric. The material affects comfort, durability, print quality, and overall feel. Here’s a breakdown of the three most common fabric options to help you choose the right one for your needs.

100% Cotton: Classic Comfort and Softness

Pros:
– Soft and Breathable: Offers a natural, soft feel against the skin and excellent breathability—ideal for warm weather.
– Great for Printing: Holds ink well, making it a favorite for screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.
– Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and made from a renewable resource.
– Classic Look: Provides a traditional, vintage-inspired appearance that many customers love.

Cons:
– Prone to Shrinking: May shrink after washing, especially if not pre-shrunk.
– Less Durable: Can wear out faster than blended fabrics, especially with frequent washing.
– Wrinkles Easily: Tends to crease and wrinkle more than synthetic blends.

Best For: Everyday wear, eco-conscious buyers, vintage-style designs, and customers who prioritize softness.

50/50 Blend: The Best of Both Worlds

Pros:
– Durable and Resilient: The blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester resists shrinking, stretching, and fading better than 100% cotton.
– Affordable: Often more budget-friendly than tri-blends.
– Low Maintenance: Wrinkle-resistant and dries faster than pure cotton.
– Good Print Surface: Works well with most printing methods, especially DTG.

Cons:
– Less Soft: Slightly rougher feel compared to 100% cotton or tri-blends.
– Less Breathable: Polyester content reduces breathability, which may be less comfortable in hot climates.
– Pilling Potential: Can develop small fabric balls (pilling) over time with friction.

Best For: Budget-friendly custom tees, promotional apparel, active use, and customers who want durability without sacrificing too much comfort.

Tri-Blend: Premium Softness and Style

Pros:
– Ultra-Soft Feel: Typically made from a mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon (often 50%/25%/25%), creating a luxuriously soft, lightweight fabric.
– Vintage Aesthetic: Offers a slightly heathered, worn-in look that’s popular in fashion-forward designs.
– Great Drape: Flows well on the body, making it ideal for fitted or stylish cuts.
– Resists Shrinkage: More stable than 100% cotton due to synthetic fibers.

Cons:
– Higher Price: Usually more expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends.
– Less Durable: The rayon content can make the fabric less durable over time, especially with heavy washing.
– Special Care Needed: May require gentle washing to maintain softness and shape.

Best For: Premium or fashion-oriented custom shirts, boutique-style designs, and customers who value softness and style over rugged durability.

Final Tips for Amazon Shoppers

• Read Product Descriptions Carefully: Look for fabric composition, weight (e.g., 4.5 oz vs. 6.1 oz), and pre-shrunk claims.
• Check Reviews: Real customer feedback can reveal how the fabric holds up after washing and wearing.
• Order Samples: If possible, order a sample to feel the fabric and test print quality before bulk purchases.
• Match Fabric to Use Case: Consider the purpose—casual wear, fitness, gifts, or branding—when choosing your material.

By understanding the differences between 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends, you can confidently select the perfect fabric for your custom t-shirts on Amazon.

How to Get the Best Price for Custom T-Shirts on Amazon (Bulk Quantity Breaks & Artwork Tips)

Looking to order custom t-shirts in bulk on Amazon? Whether for events, promotions, or resale, getting the best price requires strategy. Here’s how to maximize savings using Amazon’s bulk pricing and smart artwork practices.

Understand Amazon’s Bulk Pricing Structure

Amazon offers tiered pricing based on order quantity, meaning the more you buy, the lower the per-unit cost. Most custom t-shirt vendors on Amazon (like Amazon Merch on Demand, Custom Ink via Amazon, or third-party sellers) display quantity breaks such as:

• 1–24 units: $15.00 per shirt
• 25–49 units: $12.50 per shirt
• 50–99 units: $10.00 per shirt
• 100+ units: $8.50 per shirt

Pro Tip: Always check the “Bulk Order Pricing” section on the product page. Aim to hit the next pricing tier—ordering 50 instead of 49 shirts can save you significantly.

Choose the Right T-Shirt Style and Brand

Not all blanks are created equal—basic cotton tees are cheaper than premium or eco-friendly options. To save:

• Stick to 100% cotton or cotton/polyester blends from value-focused brands like Gildan, Hanes, or Bella+Canvas 3001.
• Avoid specialty items like organic cotton, tri-blends, or women’s fitted cuts if budget is a priority.
• Compare multiple vendors on Amazon—use filters for “Customizable” and sort by price (including customization fees).

Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Costs

Many vendors charge extra for complex designs. Keep your artwork simple to avoid upcharges:

• Use fewer colors: Stick to 1–3 colors max. Each additional color can increase printing costs.
• Avoid gradients and photo prints: These often require expensive printing methods like full-color digital or DTG (Direct-to-Garment). Opt for vector-based, solid-color designs.
• Stick to one print location: Printing on the front only is cheaper than front + back or sleeve.
• Provide high-resolution artwork (300 DPI): Prevents delays, reprints, or extra design service fees.

Use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save or Business Discounts

• If ordering recurring custom shirts (e.g., for staff uniforms), check if the vendor offers Subscribe & Save discounts.
• Enroll in Amazon Business to access business-only pricing, tax-exempt shopping, and volume discounts.
• Look for coupons or promo codes during checkout—Amazon often shows available savings for bulk orders.

Order Samples First

Before committing to a large bulk order:

• Purchase 1–2 sample shirts to verify quality, sizing, and print accuracy.
• Confirm the artwork looks good on the actual fabric.
• This avoids costly reprints due to sizing issues or design flaws.

Time Your Order Strategically

• Watch for Amazon sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, or seasonal promotions—vendors often offer limited-time discounts on bulk custom apparel.
• Order well in advance to avoid rush fees for expedited production or shipping.

Compare Multiple Sellers

Don’t assume the first listing is the cheapest. Use Amazon’s “Other Sellers” section to:

• Compare per-unit prices, setup fees, and shipping costs.
• Read reviews specifically about bulk order accuracy and print quality.
• Choose Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) sellers for faster, more reliable delivery.

By leveraging bulk quantity breaks, simplifying your artwork, and shopping strategically, you can significantly reduce the cost of custom t-shirts on Amazon—without sacrificing quality.