If you've ever ordered custom t-shirts for your business, school, sports team, or event, you've probably wondered why prices can vary so much. The truth is, there isn't a single price for a custom shirt. Several factors determine the final cost, and understanding them can help you get the best value for your budget.
The biggest factor is how many shirts you order.
Screen printing becomes more cost-effective as your order size increases because the setup process is spread across more garments. A larger order usually results in a lower cost per shirt.
Each ink color requires its own screen during production.
A one-color design is generally the most economical, while a full-color design with multiple inks requires additional setup and production time.
Every print location adds to the production process.
Common locations include:
Front
Back
Left chest
Sleeve
Right chest
A front-only design costs less than a shirt printed on the front, back, and sleeve.
Not all blank shirts cost the same.
Budget-friendly options work well for giveaways and large events, while premium brands provide softer fabrics, better fits, and higher durability.
Popular choices include:
Basic cotton shirts
Soft ringspun cotton
Performance moisture-wicking shirts
Heavyweight premium tees
High-quality artwork produces better results.
Vector artwork is ideal because it scales without losing quality. If your artwork isn't print-ready, many print shops can recreate or clean it up before production.
While every project is different, here is a general idea for standard screen-printed shirts.
Small orders: Higher cost per shirt due to setup.
Medium orders: Excellent balance between price and quantity.
Large orders: Lowest cost per shirt and best overall value.
The more shirts you order, the lower the average cost tends to be.
For businesses, schools, construction companies, restaurants, sports teams, and nonprofits, screen printing remains one of the most durable and professional decoration methods available.
Benefits include:
Long-lasting prints
Vibrant colors
Excellent durability
Professional appearance
Lower cost for bulk orders
If you're trying to stay within a budget, consider these tips:
Order more shirts at one time.
Limit the number of print locations.
Use fewer ink colors.
Choose a stock garment color instead of specialty fabrics.
Submit print-ready vector artwork.
These small decisions can make a noticeable difference in your final cost.
Price matters, but so do quality, communication, and turnaround time.
A reputable print shop should help you choose the right garment, recommend the best printing method for your design, and provide clear pricing before production begins.
Whether you're ordering shirts for a small business, a family reunion, a charity fundraiser, or a company with hundreds of employees, investing in quality custom apparel helps your brand make a lasting impression.
At Trick Threads, we've been helping businesses, schools, nonprofits, sports teams, and organizations create high-quality custom apparel since 2014. From simple one-color prints to premium branded apparel, our team can help you find the right products at the right price.
Contact us today for a free quote and let us help bring your next project to life.
970.401.0291
trickthreads.com
