- Apparel
Custom T‑shirt costs, explained
How much do custom t shirts cost is a buyer’s question about the per‑unit price of a decorated shirt, which varies by garment choice, decoration method, and order quantity.
Why this question matters
You can pay as much for a single custom tee as you would for a midrange retail shirt, or much less per unit when you order in bulk. We’ve watched buyers underestimate the blank‑shirt choice and decoration complexity more often than they underestimate artwork costs. The three levers you control are: the blank (brand, fabric weight), the decoration method (screen print, DTG, embroidery), and the quantity/size mix.
In our experience sourcing decorated tees, the decision rule is simple: if you need only a few shirts or full‑color photographic prints, digital methods usually win; if you’re ordering many identical shirts, screen printing typically lowers the per‑unit price despite setup fees.
What to look for when budgeting
- Garment: branded or premium blanks cost more but wear better and often raise perceived value.
- Decoration: color count, stitch density (for embroidery), and print area change cost more than you expect.
- Quantity: many suppliers reduce unit price at common breakpoints; ask for size‑split pricing.
- Fees: artwork cleanup, screens/setup, proofs, rush charges, and shipping can add to small orders.
Always request quotes that use the same blank and the same artwork file so you compare apples to apples.
Related terms
See our product page for practical ordering, minimums, and decoration options for custom t shirts. Other related glossary entries to check are blank tee, screen printing, direct‑to‑garment (DTG), and minimum order quantity.
Frequently asked
How much does a custom T-shirt cost per shirt?
Per‑shirt cost varies widely: a single custom tee often costs roughly the same as a retail shirt plus decoration, while bulk orders lower per‑unit price significantly. The three biggest levers are garment quality, decoration method, and quantity—get firm quotes by specifying brand/weight, print type, and exact order sizes.
What affects the price most?
Garment choice (brand, fabric weight), decoration method (screen print, DTG, embroidery), and order quantity have the largest impact. Setup fees, color count, ink type, size/split complexity, and turnaround time add extra cost. Always compare quotes using the same blank and artwork to avoid hidden differences.
Is screen printing always cheaper than DTG?
Not always. Screen printing has setup costs that favor larger runs and simple color separations; it becomes more economical as quantities rise and when printing many shirts with the same design. DTG is usually cheaper for one‑offs or complex, full‑color artwork on small orders because it has no screen setup.
What extra fees should I expect?
Expect possible setup or screen fees, separations for multi‑color art, artwork cleanup, digital mockup/proof charges, rush fees, and shipping. Branded blanks or specialty inks (metallic, puff) add cost. Ask suppliers for a full quote listing per‑item price, any setup charges, sample costs, and estimated shipping.