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

Choosing the Right Fabric for Custom T-Shirts with Photos: 100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blend

When creating custom t-shirts with photo prints, the fabric you choose plays a crucial role in the final look, feel, and durability of your design. The three most popular fabric options—100% cotton, 50/50 blend, and tri-blend—each offer distinct advantages and trade-offs. Here’s a guide to help you decide which is best for your photo-based apparel.

100% Cotton: Classic Comfort and Vibrant Prints

Best for: Those seeking a soft, breathable, and eco-friendly option with excellent print clarity.

Pros:
– Soft and Comfortable: Especially after a few washes, 100% cotton feels natural and cozy against the skin.
– Eco-Friendly: Made from renewable resources and biodegradable (especially if organic).
– Excellent Print Quality: Provides a smooth, solid surface that holds vibrant ink colors—ideal for detailed photo printing.
– Widely Available: Found in a range of weights and fits, from lightweight to heavy-duty.

Cons:
– Prone to Shrinking: May shrink if not pre-shrunk or washed improperly.
– Less Durable: More likely to wear thin over time, especially with frequent washing.
– Wrinkles Easily: Requires ironing or steaming for a polished look.
– Can Fade: Colors may fade faster than on synthetic blends after repeated washes.

Ideal For: Casual wear, vintage styles, and photo prints where color accuracy and a natural feel are priorities.

50/50 Blend: The Balanced Choice

Best for: A mix of comfort, durability, and value—perfect for promotional or everyday wear.

Pros:
– Durable and Resilient: The polyester adds strength, reducing pilling and wear.
– Less Shrinking: Holds its shape better than 100% cotton.
– Affordable: Often more budget-friendly than pure cotton or tri-blends.
– Good Print Adhesion: Handles photo prints well, with decent color vibrancy.

Cons:
– Less Breathable: Polyester can trap heat, making it less ideal for hot climates or extended wear.
– Slight Sheen: May give photos a slightly less matte finish.
– Not as Soft Initially: Can feel stiffer than cotton or tri-blend until broken in.

Ideal For: Workwear, events, giveaways, or when you need a cost-effective, long-lasting shirt for photo designs.

Tri-Blend: Softness and Style in One

Best for: Premium, fashion-forward tees with a vintage or heathered look.

Pros:
– Ultra-Soft Feel: Typically made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and rayon, resulting in a buttery-soft texture.
– Excellent Drape: Flatters the body and reduces boxiness.
– Vintage Aesthetic: Often features heathered colors that give photos a retro, artistic vibe.
– Great for Sublimation: Ideal for all-over photo prints due to its smooth, absorbent surface.

Cons:
– More Expensive: Higher price point due to premium materials.
– Less Durable: Can be more delicate and prone to snagging or thinning over time.
– May Shrink Slightly: Requires careful washing to maintain size and shape.
– Colors May Mute: The heathered base can slightly mute photo colors compared to solid cotton.

Ideal For: Fashion tees, artistic photo prints, and boutique-style apparel where comfort and aesthetics are top priorities.

Final Tips for Photo Printing Success

• For Crisp, Vibrant Photos: Choose 100% cotton or a smooth 50/50 blend.
• For a Vintage, Soft Look: Opt for tri-blend, especially with heathered colors.
• For Longevity and Budget: 50/50 blends offer the best balance.
• Always Pre-Wash (if possible): Prevents post-print shrinking and warping.

Choosing the right fabric ensures your photo not only looks amazing but also feels great to wear. Consider the use case, audience, and desired aesthetic to make the perfect choice.

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

Ordering custom t-shirts with photos in bulk can be a cost-effective way to promote your brand, event, or team. To maximize savings and ensure high-quality results, understanding quantity breaks and optimizing your artwork is key. Here’s how to get the best price without sacrificing quality.

Leverage Bulk Quantity Breaks

Most custom apparel suppliers offer tiered pricing, where the cost per shirt decreases as your order quantity increases. Understanding and strategically using these breaks is the fastest way to save money.

• Know the Standard Break Points: Common bulk breaks occur at 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500+ units. The price per shirt often drops significantly at the 50 and 100-unit marks. Always ask for a pricing chart to see all available tiers.
• Order Just Above the Break Point: If 49 shirts cost $15 each but 50 cost $12 each, ordering 50 saves you money overall—even if you only technically need 49. The per-unit savings usually outweigh the cost of the extra shirt.
• Consolidate Orders: Instead of placing multiple small orders, combine needs (e.g., for different team members, departments, or events) to hit a higher quantity tier.
• Consider Future Needs: If you anticipate needing more shirts later, order a slightly larger batch now to lock in the lower rate. Store extras properly for future use.

Optimize Your Artwork for Cost and Quality

The way you prepare your photo artwork directly impacts printing costs and final appearance. Poor artwork often leads to extra fees or disappointing results.

• Use High-Resolution Images: For photo printing, use images with a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) at the intended print size. Low-res images (like those from social media) will appear blurry or pixelated when enlarged.
• Choose the Right Printing Method:
  • DTG (Direct-to-Garment): Best for detailed photos and full-color designs on lighter fabrics. Cost-effective for small to medium runs but can be pricier per unit in bulk. Ensure your image is high-res and in RGB mode.
  • Dye Sublimation: Ideal for all-over prints and vibrant colors on 100% polyester shirts. Great for photo murals but limited to light-colored synthetic fabrics.
  • Screen Printing with Simulated Process: Can handle photos on cotton but works best with simpler, high-contrast images. More cost-effective for very large bulk runs but has setup fees.
• Simplify Complex Photos: Reduce background noise or overly detailed areas. A focused subject with clean edges prints better and may reduce ink usage (especially in DTG).
• Provide Proper File Formats: Submit artwork as PNG (transparent background), TIFF, or high-quality JPEG. Vector files (AI, EPS) are ideal for logos but not photos. Always follow the printer’s file guidelines.
• Confirm Print Area and Position: Clearly specify where the photo should appear (e.g., centered on chest, full back). Larger prints use more ink and may cost more.

Additional Cost-Saving Tips

• Choose Standard Shirt Colors and Styles: White or basic colors (heather gray, black) are cheaper than fashion or specialty colors. Stick to popular, in-stock brands and cuts.
• Minimize Print Locations: Printing on just the front is cheaper than front and back. Each additional print location adds setup and production time.
• Compare Multiple Suppliers: Get quotes from at least 3 reputable bulk printers. Look beyond price—check reviews, turnaround times, and included services (like free design help).
• Ask About Discounts: Inquire about discounts for nonprofits, schools, or first-time bulk orders. Some suppliers offer promo codes or seasonal sales.

By combining smart ordering strategies with professional artwork preparation, you can achieve stunning custom photo tees at the lowest possible price per unit. Plan ahead, communicate clearly with your printer, and always request a physical proof if possible before the full production run.