The price of custom t-shirts can vary depending on several factors, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry—we’ve broken down all the cost factors for you. Keep reading to learn more about pricing.
The average cost of a custom t-shirt
The cost of custom t-shirts can vary based on several factors. On average, a custom t-shirt typically costs between $15 and $30 each, depending on factors like quantity, design, and printing method. The price per shirt tends to decrease with larger orders due to economies of scale.
However, smaller orders, especially those requiring high-quality printing or specialty materials, usually cost more per item.
Factors that affect the cost of T-shirts
Quantity
The number of t-shirts you order directly impacts the price per piece. Generally, ordering in bulk reduces the cost per t-shirt since most printing services offer discounts for larger quantities. For example, ordering 500 t-shirts might cost $10 each, while ordering just 10 could increase the price to $20.
This applies to every company, including print-on-demand services, where you’ll often find discounts for larger orders.
Size
Many people don’t know this, but t-shirts in sizes 2XL and above are more expensive than standard sizes due to the extra material and production costs involved. While small, medium, large, and XL t-shirts typically cost the same, sizes 2XL and up can be 10%-30% more expensive.
Material
The cost of a custom t-shirt can vary significantly based on the material. The most common materials include cotton, polyester, cotton-polyester blends, and tri-blends (a mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon).
Pure Polyester
Polyester is one of the least expensive synthetic fibers, with a simple production process and low prices. Polyester t-shirts are typically the cheapest and ideal for mass production. However, they are not ideal for hot, humid environments.
Pure Cotton
Although cotton production costs slightly more than polyester, the market demand for cotton is high, and raw material prices are stable. As a result, pure cotton t-shirts are usually reasonably priced. High-quality cotton t-shirts, like combed cotton, are more durable and washable.
Cotton and Polyester Blends
Cotton-polyester blends combine natural cotton with synthetic polyester. This mix ensures comfort while reducing production costs. It’s generally more expensive than pure cotton. A popular blend is 50/50 cotton-polyester, offering a good balance of comfort and breathability.
Tri-blend (Cotton, Polyester, and Rayon Blend)
Tri-blend materials, made of cotton, polyester, and rayon, require more raw materials and may involve a more complex production process. Rayon itself is more expensive, and since tri-blend t-shirts combine the benefits of all three fibers, they are typically priced higher than other options
Printing technology
There are various ways to print custom T-shirts, but the most common methods are DTG, screen printing, sublimation, and embroidery.
DTG
DTG is the most cost-effective printing method. Whether you print 1 piece or 100 pieces, the price difference per unit is minimal.
Screen printing
Screen printing is ideal for large-scale orders because each additional color requires a separate screen, which increases the cost. For small orders, this method is less economical.
Sublimation
The cost of sublimation printing is similar to DTG. Both methods offer excellent pattern quality and durability.
Embroidery
Digital embroidery requires creating templates, which involves a fixed setup fee and takes more time. This method is better suited for high-end products. When using multiple colors, the cost of embroidery also increases. If your T-shirts are priced low, embroidery may not be the best option.
Many companies now offer print on demand embroidery, providing startups with the opportunity to sell embroidered T-shirts.
Printing area
The printing area significantly impacts the price of custom T-shirts. Typically, designs are printed on the front and back, but if the printing area expands to two or more sections, the cost of the T-shirt will increase.
Style
The style of the T-shirt plays a crucial role in the customization process. Unconventional styles, such as those featuring hole designs, added buttons, or unique ribbed collars, can increase the workload for workers, thereby raising the overall cost.
Branding
Branding options like custom collar labels, individual packaging bags, and hang tags can enhance your brand’s premium appeal but also add to the expense. While these branding methods may incur higher initial costs, they can provide additional value to your customers.
Shipping method
Shipping methods are another factor often overlooked when ordering custom T-shirts. Expedited shipping is more costly than standard options, so it’s important to consider whether you need the T-shirts urgently or can wait longer for delivery. For large orders that aren’t time-sensitive, sea shipping might be a more economical choice.
Is custom T-shirts profitable?
Custom T-shirts are profitable, especially for a manufacturing company.
For e-commerce sellers, turning T-shirts into a profitable product requires studying the niche market and achieving high profits through effective marketing strategies.
Custom t-shirts with print on demand services
If you want to start selling custom t-shirts without the hassle of inventory and upfront costs, print-on-demand services are an excellent option. These services manage production, printing, and shipping for you, allowing you to focus on creating awesome designs and growing your brand.
How much do custom t-shirts cost when using a POD service? Typically, the base price ranges from $10 to $25 per t-shirt, depending on the style, material, and printing options. While it’s slightly more expensive than bulk ordering directly from a manufacturer, the key advantage is the lack of inventory risk, allowing you to sell just one item at a time—perfect for small businesses or creatives.
Another perk of POD services is their integration with online platforms like Etsy or Shopify, which makes it easier to launch an e-commerce business with minimal upfront investment. Plus, you can test out different designs and target markets without worrying about unsold inventory.
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