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

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

When designing custom volleyball t-shirts, selecting the right fabric is crucial for comfort, performance, and durability—especially during intense games and practices. The three most popular options are 100% cotton, 50/50 cotton-polyester blends, and tri-blends. Each has distinct advantages and drawbacks depending on your team’s needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best fabric for your custom volleyball apparel.

100% Cotton: Classic Softness and Comfort

Pros:
– Soft and breathable: Offers a classic, comfortable feel that many players love.
– Natural fiber: Ideal for sensitive skin and eco-conscious teams.
– Excellent printability: Holds vibrant screen prints and detailed designs well.

Cons:
– Absorbs moisture: Cotton soaks up sweat but doesn’t dry quickly, which can lead to heavy, damp shirts during long matches.
– Prone to shrinking: May shrink after washing, especially if not pre-shrunk.
– Less durable: More likely to wear out, pill, or lose shape over time with frequent use and washing.

Best for: Casual team events, fan shirts, or players who prioritize softness over high performance.

50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend: Balanced Performance

Pros:
– Moisture-wicking: Polyester helps pull sweat away from the skin, keeping players drier.
– Durable and shape-retentive: Resists shrinking, fading, and pilling better than 100% cotton.
– Lightweight and breathable: Offers a good balance of comfort and performance.
– Cost-effective: Typically more affordable than tri-blends while offering enhanced durability.

Cons:
– Slightly less soft: Can feel rougher than 100% cotton, though modern versions have improved.
– Less eco-friendly: Contains synthetic fibers, which are not biodegradable.

Best for: Competitive teams needing reliable, long-lasting performance shirts for practices and games.

Tri-Blend (Typically 50% Polyester, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon): Premium Softness and Style

Pros:
– Ultra-soft feel: Known for a luxurious, lightweight, and slightly stretchy texture—often compared to a vintage tee.
– Excellent drape: Flatters the body and moves well with the player.
– Good moisture management: Polyester content helps wick sweat, while rayon adds softness and breathability.
– Resists shrinking and fading: Holds up well over time with proper care.

Cons:
– Higher cost: More expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends.
– Less durable under stress: May not withstand intense abrasion or repeated heavy use as well as 50/50 blends.
– Print limitations: The soft texture can affect print opacity and durability; requires specialty inks or techniques.

Best for: Teams wanting stylish, comfortable shirts for tournaments, fan wear, or special events where appearance and feel are top priorities.

Final Recommendation

• Choose 100% cotton for soft, budget-friendly shirts ideal for casual use.
• Opt for 50/50 blends for durable, performance-ready jerseys that handle sweat and frequent washing.
• Go with tri-blends for premium, fashion-forward tees that feel great and look sharp—perfect for photo ops and fan gear.

Consider your team’s activity level, budget, and style preferences when selecting the ideal fabric for your custom volleyball t-shirts.

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

When ordering custom volleyball T-shirts in bulk, you can significantly reduce costs and ensure high-quality results by taking advantage of quantity breaks and optimizing your design process. Here’s how to get the best price without sacrificing quality.

Take Advantage of Bulk Quantity Breaks

One of the easiest ways to lower the per-unit cost of custom T-shirts is by ordering in larger quantities. Most screen printing and embroidery companies offer tiered pricing, where the price per shirt decreases as your order size increases.

• Know the Break Points: Common quantity breaks are at 24, 48, 72, 144, and 288 units. For example, ordering 144 shirts could cost $8 per shirt, while 72 might cost $12 each. Always ask for a pricing sheet to see where the best value lies.
• Team Up with Other Teams: If your team doesn’t need a large order, consider partnering with another team or club to meet higher quantity tiers.
• Plan Ahead: Order extra shirts (up to 10–15% more than needed) to account for growth or replacements. This keeps you within a bulk discount tier and avoids future rush fees.

Choose the Right T-Shirt Style and Brand

Not all blanks (unprinted shirts) cost the same. While premium brands like Bella+Canvas or Gildan offer great quality, they come at a higher price.

• Compare Cotton Blends: 100% cotton is soft but may shrink. Polyester blends are more durable and often less expensive, especially in bulk.
• Stick to Standard Colors: Basic colors (white, black, navy) are typically cheaper than specialty or fashion colors.
• Avoid Overly Expensive Features: Double-stitched seams or organic cotton increase cost—only pay for what you need.

Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Printing Costs

The complexity of your design directly impacts printing costs. Simplifying artwork can save money, especially with screen printing.

• Limit the Number of Colors: Each additional ink color requires a separate screen and setup fee. Stick to 1–3 colors for the best pricing.
• Use Vector Art: Supply your logo or design in vector format (AI, EPS, or SVG) to avoid extra design fees. Low-resolution images may require costly redrawing.
• Simplify the Design: Minimize fine details and gradients, which are harder and more expensive to print. Bold, clean graphics work best.
• Standard Print Locations: Chest prints are cheaper than full back or sleeve designs. Multi-location printing increases labor and setup time.

Get Multiple Quotes and Negotiate

Don’t settle for the first quote you receive.

• Compare at Least 3 Vendors: Look at local screen printers, online services (like CustomInk, Printful, or RushOrderTees), and regional suppliers.
• Ask About Hidden Fees: Make sure quotes include setup fees, ink colors, and shipping before comparing.
• Negotiate Based on Loyalty or Referrals: Some companies offer discounts for repeat customers or if you refer other teams.

Time Your Order Strategically

• Avoid Rush Orders: Standard turnaround is 7–14 days. Rush printing can double the cost.
• Order Off-Season: Many vendors offer promotions during slower months (e.g., late winter or early spring).
• Plan for Tournaments or Seasons: Order early to avoid last-minute surcharges and ensure delivery on time.

By combining smart bulk ordering, simple artwork, and strategic vendor selection, your volleyball team can get high-quality custom T-shirts at the best possible price.