Picture this: You’ve got a killer design, a powerful message, or a brand vision that deserves to be seen. Now imagine bringing it to life on a soft, stylish t-shirt—without the hassle of inventory, shipping, or upfront costs. That’s the magic of custom t-shirt ordering in 2024, fueled by the booming Print on Demand (POD) revolution.
POD isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s reshaping how creators, entrepreneurs, and even hobbyists turn ideas into wearable art. From eco-conscious production to AI-powered design tools and lightning-fast global fulfillment, the landscape of custom apparel has never been more accessible—or more exciting. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, promoting a cause, or just want tees that scream “you,” ordering custom t-shirts has never been easier. Let’s dive into how POD is changing the game, one print at a time.
Top 9 Best Ordering Custom T Shirts Services (2026 Review)
Reviewed for Print Quality, Pricing & Turnaround Time
Expert Guide: Ordering ordering custom t shirts
Comparison Table: Screen Printing, DTG, and Heat Transfer for Custom T-Shirts
| Method | Best For | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Large orders, simple designs, bold colors | High – lasts many washes | Low per unit (high setup fee) |
| DTG (Direct-to-Garment) | Small orders, detailed/full-color designs, photos | Medium – may fade over time | Moderate per unit (no setup fee) |
| Heat Transfer | Very small orders, one-offs, complex designs | Low to Medium – can crack or peel | Low upfront, higher per unit |
Guide to Choosing Fabrics for Ordering Custom T-Shirts: 100% Cotton vs. 50/50 Blend vs. Tri-Blends
When ordering custom t-shirts, one of the most important decisions is selecting the right fabric. The material impacts 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 choose the best option for your needs.
100% Cotton
Pros:
– Soft and breathable: Ideal for warm weather and everyday wear.
– Natural feel: Offers a classic, familiar cotton texture that many people prefer.
– Great for printing: Holds vibrant screen printing and direct-to-garment (DTG) inks well.
– Biodegradable: An eco-friendly option at end of life.
Cons:
– Prone to shrinking: Especially if not pre-shrunk or washed improperly.
– Less durable over time: May wear out faster with repeated washing.
– Can wrinkle and fade: Less resistant to wrinkles and color fading compared to blends.
Best for: Casual wear, promotional events, retail brands, and customers who prioritize a natural fabric feel.
50/50 Blend (50% Cotton, 50% Polyester)
Pros:
– Durable and long-lasting: Resists shrinking, fading, and pilling better than 100% cotton.
– Lightweight and breathable: Offers a good balance of comfort and performance.
– Affordable: Often more cost-effective than tri-blends.
– Low maintenance: Wrinkle-resistant and dries quickly.
Cons:
– Less soft initially: Can feel slightly rougher than 100% cotton or tri-blends.
– Less breathable: Polyester content reduces airflow compared to pure cotton.
– Less eco-friendly: Synthetic fibers are not biodegradable.
Best for: Corporate giveaways, school events, sports teams, and situations where durability and value are key.
Tri-Blend (Typically 50% Polyester, 25% Cotton, 25% Rayon)
Pros:
– Ultra-soft and smooth: Feels buttery and drapes beautifully, similar to a vintage tee.
– Excellent drape: Ideal for fitted or fashion-forward styles.
– Color retention: Vibrant prints, especially with DTG, due to fabric composition.
– Wrinkle-resistant: Maintains a clean look with minimal care.
Cons:
– Higher cost: Usually more expensive than cotton or 50/50 options.
– Less durable for heavy use: May pill or wear faster under frequent washing or abrasion.
– Not ideal for screen printing: The smooth surface can make plastisol inks less durable.
Best for: Fashion brands, boutique apparel, premium gifts, and customers seeking a luxury, vintage-inspired feel.
Final Tips for Choosing
- Consider the use case: Will the shirts be worn daily, at events, or as keepsakes?
- Think about your audience: Prioritize comfort, durability, or style based on customer expectations.
- Match fabric to print method: DTG works well on tri-blends and cotton; screen printing excels on cotton and 50/50 blends.
- Request samples: Always order swatches or sample shirts to feel the fabric firsthand before bulk ordering.
Choosing the right fabric ensures your custom t-shirts look great, feel comfortable, and meet your project goals. Whether you value breathability, durability, or softness, there’s a perfect fabric option for your custom design.
How to Get the Best Price for Ordering Custom T-Shirts (Bulk Quantity Breaks & Artwork Tips)
Ordering custom t-shirts in bulk can be a cost-effective way to promote your brand, event, or team—but getting the best price requires strategy. By leveraging bulk quantity breaks and optimizing your artwork, you can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
Take Advantage of Bulk Quantity Breaks
Most suppliers offer tiered pricing, meaning the more shirts you order, the lower the per-unit cost. Here’s how to maximize these savings:
- Order in Standard Increments: Suppliers often have preset quantity breaks (e.g., 25, 50, 100, 250, 500+). Ordering just above a threshold (e.g., 101 instead of 99) can lock in a lower rate.
- Consolidate Sizes and Colors: Reducing the number of unique size/color combinations simplifies production and lowers setup fees.
- Plan for Future Needs: If you anticipate needing more shirts later, order a larger quantity now to benefit from lower unit pricing.
- Compare Multiple Vendors: Use online quote tools from several suppliers to compare bulk pricing. Look for companies specializing in large runs.
Optimize Your Artwork to Reduce Printing Costs
Artwork directly impacts printing complexity and cost. Follow these tips to keep expenses down:
- Simplify Your Design: Fewer colors and less detail mean lower screen or digitization fees—especially with screen printing or embroidery.
- Use Vector Files: Provide high-quality vector artwork (e.g., .AI or .EPS) to avoid extra charges for file conversion or redrawing.
- Limit Print Locations: Printing on one side (typically the front) is cheaper than multiple locations (front, back, sleeves).
- Stick to Standard Print Areas: Avoid oversized or all-over prints, which increase ink usage and cost.
- Choose Cost-Effective Printing Methods:
- Screen Printing: Best for large quantities and simple designs with few colors.
- DTG (Direct-to-Garment): More economical for small runs and complex, full-color designs.
- Heat Transfer: Good for detailed artwork but less durable and cost-effective in bulk.
Additional Tips to Save Money
- Choose Mid-Grade Apparel: High-end brands cost more. Opt for reliable, mid-range blanks (e.g., Gildan, Bella+Canvas) that balance cost and comfort.
- Avoid Rush Fees: Plan ahead and allow 2–3 weeks for production to skip expedited charges.
- Bundle Orders: Combine multiple projects (e.g., event shirts and staff uniforms) into one order to increase volume and lower costs.
- Negotiate with Suppliers: For very large orders (500+ units), don’t hesitate to ask for a custom quote or discount.
By strategically using bulk pricing tiers and preparing print-ready artwork, you can achieve high-quality custom t-shirts at the best possible price.
Choosing the right custom t-shirt provider requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure quality, value, and satisfaction. Start by evaluating the provider’s product quality—look for durable fabrics, consistent stitching, and a range of material options like cotton, blends, or eco-friendly alternatives. Next, consider printing methods (such as screen printing, direct-to-garment, or heat transfer) and choose one that aligns with your design complexity, quantity, and desired longevity.
Customization options, including color choices, sizing inclusivity, and design tools, are also crucial for achieving your vision. Don’t overlook customer reviews and sample requests, as they provide real-world insights into the provider’s reliability and output. Pricing transparency and minimum order requirements should fit your budget and project scale, while turnaround time and shipping options must meet your deadline needs.
Finally, excellent customer service and responsive support can make a significant difference if issues arise. By balancing these factors—quality, customization, cost, service, and reliability—you can confidently select a custom t-shirt provider that delivers professional, durable, and stylish results tailored to your needs.
