
Custom t-shirts can be a great way to promote your business, organisation, or even just yourself. The cost of a custom t-shirt can vary depending on the number of shirts ordered, the type of shirt, the printing method, additional features, and how soon you need it. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50 per shirt, with an average price of around $20 per shirt. If you're purchasing a small number of shirts, you can expect to pay retail prices, which can range from $20 to $30 per shirt. However, if you're buying in bulk, the price per shirt can go down to $5 to $10 each. The type of shirt you choose will also affect the price, with standard cotton tees being the most affordable option, starting at around $7 to $10 per shirt, while premium shirts can cost upwards of $20.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of shirts ordered | The more shirts ordered, the lower the cost per shirt. |
Type of shirt | The brand and fabric type of the shirt will affect the price. For example, a Nike shirt is likely to cost over $20, while a Gildan shirt can cost under $10. |
Printing method | Digital printing is more cost-effective for lower-quantity orders and designs with many colours, whereas screen printing is better for larger quantities. |
Additional features | Custom embroidery, tag printing, hem tags, foil printing, folding and polybagging will all add to the cost. |
Turnaround time | The quicker the turnaround, the more expensive the order. |
Shirt size | Sizes 2XL and above will cost more than standard sizes. |
What You'll Learn
- Quantity of order: The more you buy, the more you save
- Quality of shirts: The price depends on the fabric type, brand and size of the t-shirt
- Number of print locations: Multiple print locations increase the cost
- Customisation method: Digital printing, screen printing and embroidery have different pricing models
- Number of ink colours: More colours increase the cost
Quantity of order: The more you buy, the more you save
When it comes to ordering custom t-shirts, the general rule is: the more you buy, the more you save. This is because of the way that bulk or wholesale pricing works.
The price of a custom t-shirt can vary depending on the number of shirts ordered, the type of shirt, the printing method, additional features, and how soon you need it. The average cost of a custom t-shirt is around $20, but prices can range from $10 to $50 per shirt.
If you're purchasing a small number of custom t-shirts, you can expect to pay retail prices—around $20-$30 per shirt. However, if you're buying in bulk, the price per shirt decreases. For example, an order of 50 shirts will cost between $5-10 each, and for 100 or more shirts, the price is closer to $5 each. This is because larger orders gain efficiency with screen printing—while it takes time to set up, the actual printing process is fast, with an automatic press able to produce over a thousand shirts in an hour.
Some companies offer tiered pricing, with volume price breaks at certain quantities such as 12, 36, 72, and 144. This means that the more you order, the greater the discount. Other companies offer rolling volume pricing, with incremental discounts for each additional item ordered.
It's important to consider the type of shirt you want when thinking about quantity. Standard cotton t-shirts are typically the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $7 to $10 per shirt for bulk orders. However, if you choose a premium shirt made from a tri-blend fabric, the cost per shirt will increase to around $9-$13 each.
In addition to the type of shirt and quantity ordered, other factors such as printing method, number of print locations, customization method, number of ink colours, and additional personalisation can also impact the cost.
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Quality of shirts: The price depends on the fabric type, brand and size of the t-shirt
The price of a custom T-shirt depends on several factors, one of the most important being the quality of the shirt. The quality of a T-shirt is determined by the fabric type, brand, and size.
Section 1: Fabric type
The fabric of a T-shirt plays a significant role in determining its price. Cotton T-shirts, for example, are usually the most affordable option. Cotton is a natural fabric that is soft, comfortable, and breathable. However, it tends to hold moisture, wrinkle, shrink, and fade over time. Ringspun cotton, which is softer and more durable, is more expensive than regular cotton. Premium cotton shirts may also be made with Pima or Egyptian cotton, which have a smoother and softer feel, and are more resistant to wrinkles and fading.
Polyester T-shirts, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive than cotton ones. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and resistant to stains, wrinkles, and shrinking. However, it may not be as breathable as cotton and can be irritating to some people's skin.
Blended fabrics, such as cotton/polyester blends, offer the benefits of both types of fabric. They are typically softer and more comfortable than pure polyester, while also being quick-drying and resistant to wrinkles and shrinking. However, they tend to cost more than pure cotton T-shirts.
Other fabric types, such as linen, flannel, corduroy, and twill, are also used for T-shirts, each with its unique properties and price points.
Section 2: Brand
The brand of a T-shirt can also impact its price. Well-known brands, such as Adidas, Nike, and Champion, tend to be more expensive due to their reputation for high quality and their logo recognition. Lesser-known brands may offer similar quality at a lower price point.
Section 3: Size
Finally, the size of a T-shirt can also affect its price. While small to extra-large sizes typically have the same price, larger sizes such as 2XL, 3XL, and 4XL can cost upwards of 25-50% more due to the additional material and production costs.
In conclusion, the price of a custom T-shirt depends on various factors, including the fabric type, brand, and size. By considering these factors, you can better understand the pricing of custom T-shirts and make informed decisions about your purchases or business strategies.
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Number of print locations: Multiple print locations increase the cost
The cost of a custom t-shirt varies depending on several factors, including the number of shirts ordered, the type of shirt, the printing method, additional features, and the desired turnaround time. One significant factor that affects the cost is the number of print locations.
Multiple print locations can increase the cost of each shirt significantly. For example, a t-shirt with prints on the front, back, and both sleeves can be almost twice as expensive as a shirt with a single print location. The price increase for multiple print locations depends on the number of colors used in each location. The more colors used, the higher the cost per piece, as each color requires a separate screen to be burned and set up on the press during the screen printing process.
If you're considering a design with multiple print locations, it's important to factor in the additional cost per shirt. This can add up quickly, especially for larger orders. To optimize your budget, you may want to consider consolidating your design to fewer print locations or choosing specific locations that will have the most impact.
It's worth noting that the cost of custom t-shirts also depends on the quantity ordered. Generally, the more shirts you order, the lower the cost per shirt. This is due to volume discounts offered by print companies. However, it's important to strike a balance between maximizing your purchase and not over-ordering to avoid unnecessary expenses.
In summary, multiple print locations can significantly impact the cost of custom t-shirts, and it's a crucial factor to consider when planning your order. By understanding the pricing structure and optimizing your design, you can make informed decisions to stay within your budget while creating eye-catching custom t-shirts.
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Customisation method: Digital printing, screen printing and embroidery have different pricing models
The customisation method you choose will have a significant impact on the overall cost of your custom t-shirt order. Here's a breakdown of the pricing models for digital printing, screen printing, and embroidery:
Digital Printing
Digital printing is generally more cost-effective for lower-quantity orders and designs with multiple colours. This method uses 4-colour processing (CMYK) to create full-colour prints. It is the most common method for on-demand storefronts, and the cost for a single shirt can range from $25 to $50 or more. There are usually fewer volume discounts offered with digital print orders. Digital printing is also well-suited for small runs but can be more expensive for larger quantities.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is ideal for larger quantities as the cost per shirt decreases significantly with volume orders. However, it requires initial setup costs based on the number of colours in the print, making it less economical for small orders, especially those with many colours. Screen printing is a good option for natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo, which absorb ink well. It also works on light and dark garments but may require pre-treatment for darker colours to ensure print quality.
Embroidery
Embroidery uses a pricing model based on the thread count, which is determined by the number of stitches required. This is calculated based on the embellishment size and complexity. Therefore, embroidery is typically used for smaller designs, such as a logo on the chest area. Embroidery can add an extra fee to your custom t-shirt order but can be a great way to add a personalised touch to your garments.
When deciding between these customisation methods, it's important to consider the quantity of your order, the number of colours, and the complexity of your design. Each method has its own advantages and pricing structure, so choosing the right one can help you stay within your budget and achieve the desired look for your custom t-shirts.
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Number of ink colours: More colours increase the cost
The number of colours used in a custom T-shirt design is a significant factor in determining the overall cost. For screen-printed T-shirts, the cost per piece increases with the number of colours in the design. This is because each colour in the print requires a unique screen to be "burned" and set up on the press, which increases production time and costs for the process, screens, ink, and so on.
The impact of colour on cost can be mitigated by using half-tone colours, which allow for different shades of the same colour (e.g., pale grey, medium grey, and charcoal grey) to be approximated using only one screen, thus reducing the overall printing cost. However, if you are set on using multiple colours in your design, it is important to be aware of the potential increase in price.
Using two or more colours in your design can increase the base cost of the T-shirt by $2-3 per shirt. This price increase is due to the additional ink colours required, as well as the added complexity of the printing process. If you are ordering a large quantity of custom T-shirts, this price difference can add up quickly. For example, an order of 50 shirts with a two-colour design would incur an additional cost of $100-$150 compared to a one-colour design.
To optimise your budget, it is recommended to keep the design simple and use a limited colour palette. This will help reduce the cost per shirt and make the overall order more affordable, especially if you are ordering in bulk. However, if you feel that multiple colours are necessary for your design to be visually appealing and effective, then it may be worth the extra investment.
In summary, the number of ink colours used in a custom T-shirt design directly influences the final cost, with more colours resulting in higher prices. To minimise expenses, consider using half-tone colours or reducing the complexity of your design. However, if multiple colours are essential to your vision, be prepared for a potentially higher price tag.
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Frequently asked questions
Depending on the printer, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 for a custom t-shirt, with an average price of around $20 per shirt. The price can vary based on the quality of the shirt, the number of colours used, and the customisation method.
The more shirts you order, the lower the cost per shirt. For example, an order of 12 custom printed t-shirts with a single-colour design can cost anywhere from $11 to $20 per shirt, whereas an order of 96 shirts may cost between $6 and $10 per shirt.
Outside of the customisation costs, the price of the blank shirt itself will also be a factor. The brand and material of the shirt will impact the cost, with well-known brands such as Nike or American Apparel having a higher price point. Shirt size can also affect the price, with extended sizes often costing more.