T-shirts have always been a canvas for self-expression—whether it’s a clever slogan, a bold design, or a nod to your favorite pop culture moment. But what if you could turn your creative vision into a wearable masterpiece without the hassle of inventory, printing, or shipping? That’s where the magic of Print on Demand (POD) comes in.
As the e-commerce landscape evolves, POD has surged in popularity, empowering artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers to launch custom t-shirt brands from the comfort of their homes. With no upfront costs and zero risk, it’s never been easier to transform your ideas into real, ready-to-wear products. In this post, we’ll walk you through the simple, step-by-step process of creating custom t-shirts using POD—so you can go from sketch to storefront in record time. Let’s turn your creativity into a business, one print at a time.
Top 7 Best How To Make Custom T Shirt Services (2026 Review)
Reviewed for Print Quality, Pricing & Turnaround Time
Expert Guide: Ordering how to make custom t shirt
Comparison of Custom T-Shirt Printing Methods
| Method | Best For | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Large orders, simple designs, bold colors | High – lasts many washes | Low to medium per unit (cost-effective for bulk) |
| DTG (Direct-to-Garment) | Detailed, full-color designs, small batches | Medium to high – may fade over time with frequent washing | Medium to high (higher for single items) |
| Heat Transfer | Quick turnaround, one-off designs, text or simple graphics | Low to medium – can peel or crack over time | Low upfront, but higher per unit for quality transfers |
100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-blends: Choosing the Best Fabric for Your Custom T-Shirt
When making custom t-shirts, the fabric you choose plays a crucial role in comfort, durability, appearance, and print quality. The three most popular options—100% cotton, 50/50 blend, and tri-blends—each offer unique benefits. Understanding their differences will help you pick the perfect material for your project.
100% Cotton: Classic Comfort and Softness
Pros:
– Soft and breathable: Ideal for warm weather and everyday wear.
– Natural feel: Loved for its classic, familiar hand-feel.
– Excellent printability: Holds screen prints and DTG (direct-to-garment) ink well, offering vibrant results.
– Eco-friendly option: Biodegradable and widely recyclable.
Cons:
– Prone to shrinking: Typically shrinks 3–5% unless pre-shrunk.
– Less durable over time: Can wear out faster with frequent washing.
– Wrinkles easily: Requires ironing for a crisp look.
– Holds odors and moisture: May retain sweat and smells more than synthetic blends.
Best For: Casual wear, vintage-style designs, eco-conscious brands, and customers who prioritize softness and natural fibers.
50/50 Blend: The Balanced Choice
What It Is: A mix of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, combining the best of both materials.
Pros:
– Reduced shrinkage: More stable than 100% cotton after washing.
– Durable and long-lasting: Resists pilling and wear better than pure cotton.
– Wrinkle-resistant: Holds its shape and looks fresh longer.
– Affordable: Often priced between cotton and tri-blends.
Cons:
– Slightly less soft: Can feel less breathable than 100% cotton.
– Less eco-friendly: Polyester is a synthetic, petroleum-based fiber.
– Print results vary: May require pretreatment for crisp DTG prints; ink can appear slightly less vibrant.
Best For: Active lifestyles, promotional apparel, events, and budgets where durability and cost are priorities.
Tri-blends: Soft, Lightweight, and Trendy
What It Is: Typically a blend of 50% polyester, 25% combed cotton, and 25% rayon (often from bamboo or viscose). Known for a buttery-soft, slightly heathered look.
Pros:
– Exceptionally soft: Feels luxurious and lightweight, with a slight drape.
– Great drape and fit: Conforms well to the body, ideal for fitted styles.
– Minimal shrinkage: Holds its shape after repeated washes.
– Stylish appearance: Offers a vintage, worn-in look that’s popular in fashion-forward designs.
Cons:
– Higher cost: More expensive than cotton or 50/50 blends.
– Less durable for heavy use: May pill or wear faster with rough handling.
– Print limitations: Requires careful settings in DTG printing; colors may appear softer.
Best For: Fashion apparel, boutique brands, gift items, and customers seeking premium comfort and a modern aesthetic.
How to Choose the Right Fabric
- Prioritize comfort and breathability? → Choose 100% Cotton
- Need durability and affordability for bulk orders? → Go with 50/50 Blend
- Want a soft, stylish, high-end feel? → Opt for Tri-blend
Consider your audience, intended use, design style, and budget. Ordering fabric swatches or sample t-shirts is a smart way to compare hand-feel, weight, and print quality before making a large commitment.
How to Get the Best Price for Custom T-Shirts (Bulk Quantity Breaks, Artwork Tips)
Custom t-shirts are a cost-effective way to promote your brand, organize group events, or launch a merchandise line. To get the best price—especially when ordering in bulk—it’s important to understand how quantity discounts work and how to prepare your artwork efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of key strategies to save money without sacrificing quality.
Take Advantage of 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 cost per unit.
- Know the breakpoints: Common quantity tiers include 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500+ units. Prices often drop significantly at these thresholds. For example, ordering 100 shirts may cost $8 each, while 250 could reduce the price to $5 per shirt.
- Consolidate orders: If you’re unsure about future needs, slightly increase your order to hit the next pricing tier. The savings per shirt typically outweigh the cost of a few extra units.
- Standardize styles and colors: Ordering the same shirt style and color in bulk maximizes your discount. Mixing styles or colors may increase setup and printing costs.
- Choose economical garments: Opt for value-priced blank t-shirts (e.g., Gildan, Hanes, or Bella+Canvas 3001). Premium brands cost more but aren’t always necessary for bulk orders.
Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Costs
The design process significantly impacts pricing—especially with screen printing, where each color adds to the setup cost.
- Limit the number of colors: Screen printing charges per color. A 1- or 2-color design is much cheaper than a 5-color one. Simplify your artwork by reducing color count without losing brand recognition.
- Use vector files: Provide your artwork in vector format (AI, EPS, or SVG). This ensures crisp printing at any size and reduces the need for costly file conversions.
- Avoid gradients and complex shading: These are difficult to print via screen printing and may require simulated process printing, which increases cost. Use flat colors or halftones when possible.
- Design for one print location: Printing on just the front or back reduces labor and setup time. Adding sleeves or pocket prints increases per-unit costs.
- Get approval on a physical proof: Request a physical print proof (not just digital) if color accuracy is crucial. This avoids costly reprints due to mismatched expectations.
Additional Tips to Save on Bulk Orders
- Compare multiple vendors: Get quotes from at least 3–5 reputable custom apparel printers. Look at both online services (e.g., Printful, Custom Ink, RushOrderTees) and local screen printers.
- Watch for seasonal promotions: Many suppliers offer discounts during back-to-school, holidays, or end-of-quarter sales. Sign up for newsletters to stay informed.
- Skip unnecessary extras: Avoid custom tags, individual poly-bagging, or embroidery unless essential—these add up quickly.
- Plan ahead: Rush orders often come with 25–50% surcharges. Place bulk orders well in advance to qualify for standard production times and lower pricing.
By leveraging bulk quantity breaks, simplifying your artwork, and choosing the right supplier, you can dramatically reduce the cost per custom t-shirt—making large orders both affordable and high-quality.
Choosing the right custom t-shirt provider requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure quality, reliability, and value. Start by evaluating the provider’s product quality, including fabric options, print durability, and available styles, to ensure the shirts meet your needs. Assess customization options such as printing techniques (e.g., screen printing, DTG, heat transfer), color choices, and design flexibility to match your creative vision.
Next, consider pricing and minimum order requirements—compare quotes from several vendors while watching for hidden fees. Turnaround time and shipping options are crucial, especially for time-sensitive events, so choose a provider with reliable delivery guarantees. Customer service and ease of use, including online design tools and responsive support, can greatly enhance your experience.
Finally, read customer reviews and request samples when possible to verify reputation and product satisfaction. By balancing quality, customization, cost, and service, you can confidently select a custom t-shirt provider that delivers professional results tailored to your project.
