Comparison of Custom T-Shirt Printing Methods: Front and Back

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

When designing custom t-shirts for your event, brand, or personal use, selecting the right fabric is crucial. The material affects comfort, durability, print quality, and overall feel. Here’s a breakdown of the three most popular fabric types—100% Cotton, 50/50 Blend, and Tri-blends—to help you make the best choice for prints on both the front and back.

100% Cotton

Pros:
– Soft and Breathable: Offers a classic, natural feel that’s comfortable for everyday wear, especially in warmer weather.
– Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and generally preferred by those seeking sustainable options.
– Great for Screen Printing: Holds vibrant ink well and is ideal for bold, opaque designs on both front and back.

Cons:
– Prone to Shrinkage: Can shrink after washing, especially if not pre-shrunk.
– Less Durable: More likely to wear out, fade, or pill over time with frequent washing.
– Wrinkles Easily: Requires ironing for a crisp look.

Best For: Casual wear, vintage-style designs, eco-conscious brands, and high-contrast prints.

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

Pros:
– Balanced Comfort: Combines cotton’s softness with polyester’s durability and moisture-wicking properties.
– Reduced Shrinkage: Holds its shape better than 100% cotton after repeated washes.
– Affordable: Typically more budget-friendly than tri-blends and offers good value.
– Good Print Surface: Works well with screen printing and DTG (direct-to-garment), especially for all-over or detailed designs on both sides.

Cons:
– Less Breathable: Not as airy as 100% cotton, which may be less comfortable in hot climates.
– Slight Sheen: Polyester content can give a subtle shine, which may not suit matte design aesthetics.

Best For: Promotional events, workwear, active environments, and cost-effective bulk orders with dual-side printing.

Tri-Blends (Typically 50% Polyester / 25% Cotton / 25% Rayon)

Pros:
– Ultra-Soft Feel: Offers a luxurious, lightweight drape similar to a vintage tee.
– Excellent Drape and Fit: Conforms well to the body, ideal for fashion-forward styles.
– Color Retention: Vibrant prints hold up well over time, making it great for intricate front-and-back artwork.
– Wrinkle-Resistant: Maintains a smooth look with minimal care.

Cons:
– Higher Cost: More expensive due to the blend and fabric quality.
– Less Durable for Heavy Use: May not withstand high-friction activities as well as cotton or 50/50 blends.
– Special Care Needed: Often requires gentle washing to preserve softness and shape.

Best For: Premium merchandise, fashion brands, boutique designs, and soft-hand feel prints on both front and back.

Final Tips for Front and Back Printing

• Consistency Matters: Use the same fabric across the entire shirt for uniform print results and comfort.
• Consider the Design: Bold logos? Go 100% cotton or 50/50. Subtle, detailed artwork? Tri-blend enhances softness and color depth.
• Think About Use: Will the shirt be worn daily or occasionally? Durability vs. luxury will guide your choice.
• Test First: Order samples to evaluate how ink adheres and how the fabric feels before bulk production.

Choosing the right fabric ensures your custom t-shirt looks great, feels comfortable, and lasts—whether it’s printed on the front, back, or both.

How to Get the Best Price for Custom T-Shirts (Front and Back) in Bulk

Ordering custom t-shirts with front and back printing in bulk can be a cost-effective way to promote your brand, event, or team. To maximize savings and ensure high-quality results, consider the following strategies focused on bulk pricing, quantity breaks, and artwork optimization.

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks

Most screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) providers offer tiered pricing based on order size. The more shirts you order, the lower the per-unit cost.

• Start with 50+ units: Many printers offer significant discounts starting at 50 pieces. Prices often drop further at 100, 250, and 500+ units.
• Compare tiered pricing: Request quotes for different quantities (e.g., 50, 100, 200) to identify the best value per shirt.
• Group orders: Combine orders from multiple departments, teams, or events to reach higher quantity tiers and reduce costs.
• Consider future needs: If you anticipate needing more shirts later, order in advance to lock in lower rates.

Choose the Right Printing Method

The printing technique impacts both price and design quality:

• Screen printing: Best for large, simple designs and bulk orders. Cost-effective for 50+ units, especially with fewer colors.
• Direct-to-garment (DTG): Ideal for complex, full-color artwork. More expensive per unit but great for detailed or photographic designs.
• Heat transfer or DTF (Direct-to-Film): Good for small runs or multi-color designs on dark garments. Can be pricier than screen printing at scale.

Optimize Artwork for Lower Costs

Your design choices directly affect production pricing—especially for screen printing.

• Limit the number of colors: Each color requires a separate screen, increasing setup costs. Stick to 1–3 colors when possible.
• Use vector artwork: Provide high-resolution vector files (AI, EPS, or SVG) to avoid reformatting fees and ensure crisp prints.
• Simplify design details: Avoid fine lines or tiny text that may not print well and could require special inks or screens.
• Standardize placements: Use common print locations (center chest, upper back) to streamline production and reduce labor time.
• Provide print-ready files: Follow the printer’s template and include bleed, color codes (Pantone), and proper resolution (300 DPI minimum).

Choose Affordable but Quality Garments

T-shirt material and brand significantly impact overall cost.

• Go with value-priced blanks: Brands like Gildan, Hanes, or Alta Grande offer quality at lower prices.
• Stick to one style and color: Mixing shirt types or colors increases setup time and cost.
• Avoid premium fabrics (e.g., tri-blends, organic cotton) unless necessary—these can double the base cost.

Get Multiple Quotes and Negotiate

Don’t settle for the first quote. Compare at least 3–5 reputable suppliers.

• Ask about setup fees: Some vendors waive or reduce screen setup fees for large orders.
• Inquire about bundle deals: Some printers offer free design services or free shipping for bulk orders.
• Negotiate: If you’re placing a large or recurring order, ask for a custom discount.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Rush Fees

Rush orders can increase costs by 25–50%. To save money:

• Place orders 2–4 weeks in advance
• Confirm turnaround times early
• Avoid holiday or peak season surcharges

Summary: Key Tips for Best Pricing

• Order 100+ shirts to access the best bulk rates
• Limit design colors and use vector artwork
• Choose screen printing for simple, bold designs
• Use affordable, consistent garment styles
• Compare quotes and negotiate fees
• Plan ahead to avoid rush charges

By combining smart ordering strategies with print-ready designs, you can achieve professional-quality custom t-shirts at the lowest possible price—both front and back.