Buying Wholesale Shirts: A Guide For T-Shirt Businesses

If you're looking to start a T-shirt business, one of the first things you'll need to do is source your inventory. You can do this by buying shirts wholesale, using an on-demand printer, or producing the shirts yourself using a commercial press. Buying wholesale will save you money in the long run, but you will be required to buy the shirts in bulk.

When it comes to choosing a wholesale supplier, there are several options available to you. Sites like ShirtSpace, T-Shirt Wholesaler, and ShirtMax offer a wide range of blank T-shirts and apparel at wholesale prices. These sites carry a variety of brands, including Gildan, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, Bella + Canvas, and more. They also offer a range of sizes, colours, and styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit for your business.

In addition to finding a supplier, you'll also need to consider the type of printing you want to use for your T-shirts. There are several popular methods, including screen printing, heat transfers, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to do your research to determine which one is best for your business.

By sourcing your inventory from a wholesale supplier and choosing the right printing method, you'll be well on your way to starting a successful T-shirt business.

Know your niche

Knowing your niche is a crucial step in starting a T-shirt business. It is important to define your target market and focus on a specific type of customer. This will help you create marketable shirts and ensure that your brand stands out. Here are some tips to help you identify your niche:

• Choose a niche that you understand and have an interest in. This will make it easier for you to connect with your target audience and create designs that resonate with them.
• Evaluate your niche ideas based on your goals, timeline, and other criteria such as location and available time. Consider the pros and cons of each niche and conduct thorough research to make an informed decision.
• Your niche should be unique to help you stand out from the competition. Think about what sets you apart, such as price, quality, customization options, marketing, and packaging.
• Test your niche ideas by creating mock-up designs and posting them online to gauge customer feedback. Selling a small batch of shirts can also provide valuable insights into the viability of your niche.
• Consider your target customer's preferences, activities, and favourite brands. Understanding your customers will help you choose the right materials and designs for your T-shirts.
• Determine your niche by identifying the type of T-shirts you want to sell. For example, do you want to focus on witty quotes, band T-shirts, or activewear?

Understand the different printing methods

There are several printing methods to choose from when it comes to t-shirt printing, each with its own advantages and limitations. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: This method uses an inkjet printer to apply the design directly onto the garment, much like printing on paper. It is ideal for complex designs or photographs and works best on natural fabrics like cotton. DTG printing produces high-quality, full-colour prints and is more cost-effective for small batches. However, it can be expensive and may not perform well on synthetic or dark fabrics.
• Screen Printing: Screen printing is the most popular and traditional method, using a mesh screen stencil to apply ink onto the t-shirt. It is effective for producing vibrant, durable designs on various fabrics and is ideal for larger quantities. While it has high setup costs, it is cost-effective for large print runs. However, it is limited in terms of colours and can be messy.
• Dye Sublimation Printing: This method is ideal for printing on synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. The design is printed on special transfer paper and then transferred to the fabric using heat and pressure. Dye sublimation results in sharp, detailed, and vibrant images, and the fabric retains its original feel. However, it is not suitable for cotton or dark-coloured t-shirts.
• Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Printing: HTV printing is a common and easy technique where designs are cut from vinyl sheets and heat-pressed onto the t-shirt. It is suitable for simple graphics and is available in various colours and textures. HTV printing is durable and works on most fabric types except waterproof clothing. However, the vinyl may peel over time, and the texture may feel stiff.
• Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing: DTF printing is another type of heat transfer method where the design is printed on a film and then transferred to the t-shirt using adhesive powder and heat. It works on various fabrics and offers bright and detailed prints. However, the process is more complex and labour-intensive, and the print may feel plastic-like.
• Plastisol Transfer Printing: This is an indirect screen printing method that uses a plastic-based transfer sheet. It is similar to screen printing but applies ink to heat transfer paper instead of directly to the t-shirt. Plastisol transfers offer special effects like gloss and texture and are durable. However, they cannot be used for photographic images or large orders.
• Airbrushing: Airbrushing is a manual method that uses a small spray painting tool to apply paint to the fabric. It allows for highly detailed and gradient designs but is time-consuming and not suitable for intricate details or large orders.
• Embroidery: Embroidery is a durable and sophisticated method that uses a sewing machine to create designs on the t-shirt. It is eco-friendly and long-lasting but has strict design requirements and a limited print area and colour variations. It is also more expensive than other methods.
• Discharge Printing: This technique is used on dark-coloured garments, removing the fabric's original dye to create a soft print that becomes part of the fabric. It works well on dark clothing and achieves a stylish, washed-out look. However, colour outcomes may vary, and the process is more environmentally harsh than some water-based inks.

The best printing method depends on your specific needs, such as the design complexity, fabric type, order volume, and budget. For intricate and colourful designs on small orders, DTG is a good choice, while screen printing is ideal for simpler designs in large quantities. Dye sublimation is perfect for all-over prints on polyester, and HTV is a simple and cost-effective option for small-scale projects.

Choose a quality shirt supplier

Choosing a quality shirt supplier is a crucial step in the success of your business. The right supplier can provide you with the best goods and services for the right price and at the right time. However, the wrong one can cause significant problems, such as delayed deliveries, poor-quality products, and false expectations, which can lead to a loss of productivity, a decrease in sales, and a loss of reputation for your business. Here are some tips to help you choose a quality shirt supplier:

Determine Your Requirements

First, you need to list down your requirements. There are plenty of choices out there, and a list can help you narrow down your options. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How many shirts will you need?
• What type of shirts do you need (plain t-shirts, ladies-fit t-shirts, oversized shirts, polo shirts, etc.)?
• What type of fabric do you need?
• What sizes will you order?
• What colours do you need the t-shirts in?
• When do you need the t-shirts?
• What is your budget per t-shirt? Are you looking for bulk discounts?

Research the Supplier

After inquiring with different suppliers, you will have an idea of which ones fit your preferences. To further narrow down your options, look for reviews. Social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram are a good place to start. If your prospect sells their t-shirts online, check customer reviews on sites like Shopee and Lazada. While these reviews are from retail buyers, they will still give you an idea of what to expect in terms of products and services.

Learn About the Fabric Used

The quality of the fabric used in the t-shirts is essential. No matter how affordable a shirt is, it should not sacrifice quality. Imagine how your customers would react if they received a subpar shirt. Your reputation would suffer, and that's a risk you shouldn't take. Choose fabrics that are comfortable, durable, soft, low-maintenance, and affordable. Cotton-polyester blends are a great choice.

Ask About Bulk Discounts

If you have a t-shirt business, you will need to order a large number of shirts in different sizes regularly. The good news is that you can get a bulk discount if you reach a minimum number of orders. Bulk discounts help you earn a profit without increasing the price of your products.

Monitor the Supplier's Performance

Once you've decided on a t-shirt supplier, monitor their performance over time. Track their quality, delivery, lead time, price, and responsiveness. Remember that you'll be working with this supplier for a long time, so it's crucial that they consistently meet your expectations.

Mock up your designs

Mock-ups are an important step in the design process, allowing you to showcase your designs to clients and giving them an idea of what the final product will look like. Here are some steps to follow to mock up your T-shirt designs:

Choose a Mock-up Style

First, decide whether you want to use a model or a flat lay mock-up. Model mock-ups offer a lifelike depiction of how the T-shirt will look when worn, and can showcase various styles, from casual to high-fashion looks. Flat lay mock-ups, on the other hand, are simpler and may be more cost-effective.

Select a T-shirt Style

Consider the style of T-shirt that will best suit your target audience. For fitness enthusiasts, athletic-style shirts may be appropriate, while for a casual look, classic crew or V-necks could be more suitable.

Pick a Colour

Choose a T-shirt colour that complements your design. Light designs tend to stand out on dark shirts, while dark designs pop against light backgrounds.

Determine the Fit

Think about the desired fit of the T-shirt. Slim-fit mock-ups work well for trendy designs, while regular fits are more versatile and suit a wider range of body types.

Choose an Angle

The angle of the mock-up will depend on the placement of your design. Front views are great for showcasing chest designs, while back views are ideal for full-back prints. Side or angled views can showcase sleeve prints or wrap-around designs.

Use High-Quality Images

Ensure that your mock-up images are high-resolution, so that every detail of your design is visible and professionally displayed.

Find a Suitable Platform

There are various platforms available that offer T-shirt mock-up services, such as Smartmockups, Placeit, and Printful. Some platforms provide free mock-ups, while others require a subscription or long-term plan. Consider your needs and budget when selecting a platform.

Upload Your Design

Once you have chosen a platform, upload your design and customise the mock-up. You may need to adjust the size, colour, and placement of your design to ensure it fits well on the T-shirt.

Finalise and Download

Once you are happy with your mock-up, finalise the image and download it. You may need to select a resolution for your final image. Now you can use the mock-up to market your T-shirt design and showcase it to potential customers.

Find a sales venue

The next step is to secure at least one venue to sell your shirts. There are many options to choose from, including:

• A mall booth or kiosk
• Flea market or bazaar
• Physical storefront
• E-commerce website
• Online artisan marketplace
• Internet auction site

If you choose to sell your t-shirts online, you can host sales on your own website or use a third-party seller such as Etsy, Zazzle, Redbubble, Amazon, or social media.

If you opt for a third-party seller, you will need to create an account and set up your store. Check the prices of these services and consider which one will be the most sustainable for the long term.

Even if you're selling on a third-party marketplace, it's a good idea to build your own website to promote your t-shirt business. Here are some of the best e-commerce platforms for building an online store:

• Shopify: strong sales reporting capabilities and the ability to customize your storefront with design templates.
• Wix: free plans available and an easy user interface.
• Weebly: includes e-commerce in the lowest-price plan.

These platforms can be integrated with a print-on-demand service, allowing you to sell and promote your products however you choose. They can also ship merchandise directly to your customers so that you can focus on the creative side of things.

Frequently asked questions