Trend meets performance in the world of activewear—and custom Under Armour t-shirts are stepping up to the plate in a big way. As the line between personal style and athletic function continues to blur, more fitness enthusiasts, teams, and lifestyle brands are turning to personalized gear that performs as hard as it looks good. Thanks to the explosive growth of Print on Demand (POD) technology, creating custom Under Armour apparel is no longer reserved for pro athletes or corporate sponsors. Now, anyone can design, order, and wear a tailored version of their favorite moisture-wicking, form-fitting tee—without the bulk inventory or upfront costs. With POD reshaping the apparel landscape, customization is going mainstream, one high-performance shirt at a time.
Top 10 Best Custom Under Armour T Shirts Services (2026 Review)
Reviewed for Print Quality, Pricing & Turnaround Time
Expert Guide: Ordering custom under armour t shirts
Comparison of Customization Methods for Under Armour T-Shirts
| Method | Best For | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Simple designs with limited colors, large orders | High – withstands repeated washings well | Low to medium (cost-effective for bulk) |
| DTG (Direct-to-Garment) | Detailed, full-color designs, small orders or samples | Medium – may fade over time with frequent washing | Medium to high (less economical for large runs) |
| Heat Transfer | Complex graphics, low-volume or one-off orders | Low to medium – prone to cracking or peeling over time | Low for small batches, higher per unit for large runs |
100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends: Choosing the Best Fabric for Custom Under Armour T-Shirts
When customizing Under Armour t-shirts, selecting the right fabric blend is crucial for comfort, performance, durability, and how your design looks and feels. While Under Armour is renowned for its performance-driven apparel, understanding the differences between common fabric types—especially when customizing—helps ensure you get the ideal shirt for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, and tri-blends in the context of Under Armour’s typically technical fabrics.
100% Cotton: Softness and Simplicity
Pros:
– Ultra-Soft Feel: 100% cotton offers a classic, soft hand feel that many people love, especially after a few washes.
– Breathable: Natural fibers allow for good airflow, making cotton ideal for casual wear in moderate conditions.
– Great for Prints: Holds screen-printed designs well, with vibrant color results on lighter fabrics.
Cons:
– Poor Moisture Management: Cotton absorbs sweat but doesn’t wick it away efficiently, leading to heavy, damp shirts during activity.
– Prone to Shrinking: Especially if not pre-shrunk, cotton can shrink in the wash.
– Less Durable: Tends to wear out faster with repeated washing and stretching.
Best For: Casual wear, fashion-focused custom shirts, or low-intensity events where performance isn’t the priority.
50/50 Blend (Cotton/Polyester): A Balanced Approach
Pros:
– Improved Durability: The polyester adds strength, reducing pilling and wear.
– Less Shrinkage: Blends resist shrinking better than 100% cotton.
– Moderate Moisture Wicking: Polyester helps pull moisture away from the skin slightly better than cotton alone.
– Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than high-performance or tri-blend fabrics.
Cons:
– Still Not High-Performance: While better than cotton, 50/50 blends don’t match the advanced sweat-wicking and quick-dry features of dedicated performance fabrics.
– Can Feel Less Soft: May have a slightly rougher texture compared to 100% cotton or tri-blends.
Best For: Budget-friendly custom tees for light activity, promotional giveaways, or mixed-use apparel where some durability is needed.
Tri-Blends (Typically Cotton/Polyester/Rayon): Premium Comfort and Drape
Pros:
– Luxurious Softness: The addition of rayon gives tri-blends a silky, smooth feel often described as “buttery.”
– Excellent Drape: Creates a more fitted, flattering look that moves with the body.
– Better Moisture Wicking: The polyester improves moisture management compared to cotton-heavy fabrics.
– Reduced Shrinkage & Pilling: More stable than 100% cotton over time.
Cons:
– Less Structural Integrity: Softer fabric can stretch out more easily with heavy use.
– Not Ideal for High-Intensity Workouts: While comfortable, most tri-blends lack the engineered performance of Under Armour’s proprietary fabrics like HeatGear® or Charged Cotton®.
– Higher Cost: Typically more expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends.
Best For: Fashion-forward custom tees, lifestyle wear, or light activity where comfort and aesthetics are top priorities.
Key Takeaway: Under Armour’s Performance Edge
While traditional fabric blends have their place, Under Armour’s specialty lies in performance-engineered fabrics such as:
- HeatGear®: Ultra-light, moisture-wicking fabric ideal for hot conditions.
- Charged Cotton®: Combines the softness of cotton with moisture-wicking and quick-dry technology.
- Tech Mesh: Enhances breathability and stretch for high-output activities.
When customizing Under Armour t-shirts, consider opting for their performance-specific fabrics instead of standard cotton blends. These materials are designed to support athletic movement, manage sweat, and retain shape—making them superior choices for active wear, team uniforms, or fitness-related promotions.
In summary:
– Choose 100% cotton for soft, casual custom shirts.
– Select 50/50 blends for a budget-friendly, durable option.
– Go for tri-blends when luxury feel and drape are key.
– But for true athletic performance, opt for Under Armour’s proprietary performance fabrics—they’re built to move, breathe, and last.
How to Get the Best Price on Custom Under Armour T-Shirts (Bulk Discounts & Artwork Tips)
Ordering custom Under Armour t-shirts in bulk can be a smart investment for teams, events, or corporate branding—but maximizing savings requires strategy. Here’s how to secure the best price while maintaining quality and professional results.
Maximize Bulk Quantity Discounts
Under Armour and authorized decorators offer tiered pricing based on order volume. The more you buy, the lower the per-unit cost.
- Order in Larger Quantities: Most suppliers offer price breaks at 24, 48, 72, or 144 units. Jumping to the next tier (e.g., from 48 to 72 shirts) often yields significant per-shirt savings.
- Consolidate Orders: Combine orders across departments, teams, or events to reach higher volume tiers. A single large order is cheaper than multiple small ones.
- Choose Popular Styles and Colors: Basic colors (black, white, navy) and best-selling styles (like Tech 2.0 or Drive T-shirts) are typically priced lower and have faster turnaround times.
- Compare Authorized Distributors: Not all suppliers offer the same bulk pricing. Get quotes from multiple Under Armour-authorized apparel partners or screen printers to find the best deal.
Optimize Artwork for Lower Printing Costs
Your design directly affects production time and cost. Streamline artwork to reduce charges.
- Limit Print Colors: Each additional color increases setup and printing time. Stick to 1–3 colors to minimize cost. Use simulated process printing only if necessary.
- Simplify Your Design: Complex artwork with gradients or fine details requires more ink and precision. Opt for bold, clean graphics with solid fills.
- Use Vector Art: Provide artwork in vector format (AI, EPS, or PDF) to avoid re-drawing fees. Raster images (JPEG, PNG) may need conversion, which can incur extra charges.
- Standardize Placement: Print on one location per garment (e.g., left chest or center back). Multiple print locations increase labor and setup fees.
- Reuse Screens: If you plan future reorders, ask if the supplier can store screens for a small fee—this saves setup costs on repeat orders.
Additional Cost-Saving Tips
- Plan Ahead: Rush orders often carry a 20–50% premium. Place orders 4–6 weeks in advance to avoid expedited fees.
- Bundle Services: Some vendors offer package deals that include design help, digitizing, and free mockups when ordering large quantities.
- Negotiate: For very large orders (100+ units), don’t hesitate to negotiate pricing or request added value (e.g., free shipping or extra blank samples).
By leveraging volume pricing, simplifying your artwork, and shopping strategically, you can get high-performance custom Under Armour shirts at the best possible price—without sacrificing quality.
Choosing the right custom t-shirt provider requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure quality, value, and customer satisfaction. Start by assessing the provider’s print quality and fabric options—look for high-resolution printing methods like screen printing or direct-to-garment (DTG) and premium materials that suit your needs. Evaluate pricing and minimum order requirements to find a balance between affordability and bulk flexibility. User-friendly design tools, responsive customer service, and fast turnaround times are also essential for a smooth experience. Reading customer reviews and requesting samples can provide real-world insights into reliability and product quality. Ultimately, the best provider aligns with your budget, design vision, and delivery timeline while offering consistent quality and excellent support. Taking the time to research and compare options will lead to a successful custom apparel project.
