Selling printed T-shirts is one of the shortest ways to start a fashion brand. However, it is not always easy to understand the costs associated with the business.
Luckily for you, we’ll, we are here with the deets. We’ll answer in detail how much are printed t-shirts. That includes some key influences on price, some price ranges, and how to score great deals.
You will get the info you need to leave your competition in the dust. Make better profits from your printed T-shirts today with custom t-Shirt manufacturers.
Alright, let’s cut to the chase.
Table of Contents
How Much Are Printed T-Shirts: Factors To Consider
1. The T-Shirt Itself
It goes without saying that the T-shirt you choose to go with will dramatically determine the cost. And the biggest thing to consider here is the fabric. Basic Cotton t-shirts will be more accessible, with prices ranging from $5 to $10 per shirt.
However, all cotton is not created equal as some Organic Cotton or Pima Cotton are premium. So, they fetch a pretty penny.
We are talking anywhere from $15 to $25 per t-shirt for these premium fabrics. The same applies to bamboo or triple-blend materials.
A brand that is well-known will be more expensive than a generic brand, which typically goes for about $5.
2. Printing Method
How you choose to put the designs on the t-shirt will change the price you get. Popular types of t-shirt printing​ include screen printing, DTG, Heat Transfer Printing, and Sublimation Printing.
Screen Printing: This has got to be the most common way to get things done. For smaller quantities, the price will be higher because of the setup cost. For example, you can get $5 per shirt for an order of 100 shirts.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: You come here when you need high-quality intricate designs. When you take this route, expect a price ranging from $10 to $30 for every t-shirt.
Heat Transfer Printing: Got custom designs for small batches? Heat Transfer will sort you nicely for about $8 to $20 per t-shirt. That will depend heavily on the materials used.
Sublimation Printing: This technique is golden for all-over prints. Plus, it works like magic on polyester fabrics. Put aside $15 to $25 per t-shirt in this one.
Pro tip: You should partner with businesses with modern tech. Be on the lookout for automated printing machines and advanced design software. Integration with e-commerce platforms is also a big thing.
– Dylan Gilligan, Custom Apparel Printing
3. Design Complexity
When considering cost, design complexity could significantly shoot up the price. Simple designs will fetch less in the market. We are talking $20 or, in most cases, way less. If you only roll with intricate designs, expect to cough up to $50 for every t-shirt.
Black and white printouts are also cheap. But going with full multicolor t-shirt options could escalate costs by $5 to $10 per shirt. Oh, like girls say, size does matter here.
Small prints are relatively easy to put down on a T-shirt and require little resources. Larger ones will be expensive. Also, splattering small designs across the T-shirt makes it rather expensive.
Suggested Reading: Mastering T-shirt Logo Size for Eye-Catching Designs
4. Quantity of Shirts
For the most part, production is a numbers game. Big quantities help reduce the T-shirt cost using economies of scale.
For example, your manufacturer’s 5 shirts cost around $20-30 per shirt. But if you step up to order 100 units, you’ll be dealing with $5-10. Of course, this assumes you are going with the cheapest cotton fabric, the simplest design, and Screen Printing.
Other factors could increase the pricing substantially. Bulk orders also mean that you have the leverage to negotiate discounts.
JaceApparel is the leading Private Label Clothing Manufacturer that Brings you great MOQs. You can negotiate with us based on your needs, and we will accommodate you.
Our bulk production allows us to give you the lowest factory pricing on each order. Get honest and transparent breakdowns of your quotes. You can easily mark up your products for more profits.
5. Don’t Forget Shipping!
Here are a few things that will add to your final cost. For example, how far you are from the manufacturer and the shipping partner you use go a long way. Some methods are more expensive than others, with air shipping being the priciest.
You should expect to pay more for manufacturers who give you faster shipping. Also, be on the lookout for deals that give you free shipping.
Although, you’ll get this with most online t-shirt design companies, it’s never free. They adjust your per t-shirt price to meet this. Sometimes, it’s better to cater for your own shipping.
Suggested Reading: How much does a t-shirt weigh?
6. Additional Fee
Miscellaneous charges are different from one manufacturer to the other. Some will ask you for setup fees. But that mostly happens for screen printing. Some businesses can charge you for design preparation.
Do you need your orders in a pinch? Well, they will charge you more to expedite things. You should be ready to pay anywhere from 20 to 50% of the normal price.
Extra features will also cost you. For example if you want something printed front and back on your t-shirt, you might part with at least $5 per t-shirt.
Always remember to ask for hidden charges as a rule of thumb. That keeps you ahead in that you will not be caught on the wrong side of a dizzying invoice.
Insider knowledge: I cannot emphasize how important a good team is to a growing business. They’ll help catch hidden details in contracts and improve innovation. Plus, they can shoot up your creativity and customer service.
– Anne Feldkamp de Martínez, Supply Chain Manager
Price Ranges: What to Expect
Budget-Friendly
Here, you get what you’re paying for this budget-friendly option. We are talking basic quality T-shirts that you can buy in bulk for $2 to $5. In terms of the material, you will get either cotton or polyester.
The printing costs still depend on the factors highlighted earlier. But expect to get only screen-printed T-shirts. The MOQ requirements vary greatly from supplier to supplier. But the most common is about 10 to 15 units.
JaceApparel is the Cut and Sew Manufacturer that gives you all the fabrics you need. Our offerings range from budget to premium and everything in between.
That includes cotton, Gore-Tex, mesh, neoprene, sports fleece, merino wool, or bamboo fiber. We also have polyester, microfiber, spandex fabric, calico, and other synthetic fibers. Offer people what they need and keep them coming back for more.
Recommended Reading:
Polyester Mesh Fabric: The Secret Ingredient for Breathable Clothing
Exploring the Versatility of Ripstop Nylon Fabric in Fashion and Functionality
Coolmax Fabric: Your Go-To Choice for Performance Apparel and Outdoor GearMid-Range
This is the sweet spot for affordability and quality. Typically, you will cash out anywhere from $13 to $35 for a t-shirt. The quality is decent, and you get a wide range of fabrics to play with. You will be getting softer, more vibrant printers.
The printing quest might be at $5 or more per T-shirt. The designs are flexible, and there is quite a lot on the table. So, the total cost will range between $15 to $40. Midrange offerings have so many uses, ranging from casual wear to promotional materials.
High-End
Here, you’re going all out with luxurious options for your T-shirts. No expense is spared. So expect to cough up anywhere from $35 to $100 per t-shirt.
You get all the primo quality materials for the prices highlighted earlier. And the printing costs will be anywhere between $5 to $15 per unit.
High-end offerings give you so much freedom. You can play around with collaborations, artists, limited editions you name it. So, the total cost per t-shirt will range from $35 to $120.
Expert insight: Working with other brands can take biz to a new level. You can partner with known influencers or other known designers or businesses in the space. So, you can tap into new audiences and attract new customers.
How to Get the Best Deal?
Negotiate
Yes, just like anything else, you can negotiate a good deal with your manufacturer. Ask for a clear breakdown of the costs. That should allow you to see what you don’t need and what you can change.
Also do ask for discounts as they apply here too. Asking where the t-shirt manufacturers can cut down on price is also helpful. If you are not lowballing, then most reasonable suppliers will reduce their prices.
Use Generic Fonts/Images
This strategy basically cuts down your expenses by avoiding royalties. Generic royalty free fonts and images that you pay zero licensing fees.
They are readily available on the Internet on sites like Pexels, Unsplash, and so on. Going with This strategy also means that you will not pay much for design fees.
JaceApparel holds your hand Through the entire process. You get a fleet of talented designers to bring your designs to life. You can consult with them to ensure you get what you need for free.
As an add-on, we throw in the dopest Custom Clothing Packaging to elevate your offering. That includes folding cartons, stickers, polybags, and bubble wrap. Offer products that stand out and sell more sales.
Off-Season Printing
The demand for printed t-shirts is seasonal. So, you can time the off-peak season to work with your manufacturers. It’s more affordable to do so during this time.
You can even negotiate better rates during this period. A lot of businesses offer off-peak discounts that you can also make use of. This savvy approach means you also get your orders pronto.
Consider Online Printers
Online Printers Might be a smart choice if you are beginning your t-shirt business. These folks normally have very little overhead costs allowing them to pass on the savings to you.
Plus, their offers come with customization with eye watering discounts. You can get premade design templates with popular online printers. That further cuts down on cost, giving you better savings.
Suggested Reading: Best Family Reunion T-shirts Designs
Shop Around
You need to look around and see what other manufacturers are offering you. Don’t be shy about requesting quotes. Research and compile what their prices and services are.
You can do this online or even in person for local printers. Don’t just look at the numbers, though. It is good to consider the overall value that each business brings you.
People Also Ask About How Much Are Printed T-shirts
1. Which printing technique is the most cost-effective?
Screen printing is hands down the king of T-shirt printing. It has low setup costs. Heat transfer is a close contender for the crown. However, the results do not last as long as screen printing.
2. Are there any customization fees for adding names or numbers?
The short answer is yes. Manufacturers will charge you for extra names or numbers. The actual cost depends on your manufacturer. But the ballpark figure is around $8 per name or set of numbers.
3. How do I choose the right size for a printed t-shirt?
You will begin by hitting up size charts and t-shirt size guides. A lot of businesses provide size charts for reference. Then, look into fit preferences. And then read those reviews for feedback on what customers want. If possible, offer try-on services for prospective customers.
4. Can I design my own printed t-shirt online?
Yes, you can absolutely design your own printed tissue online. There are plenty of paid and free services available. You have to scour the Internet to find the right one for you. Some common examples include Adobe Express, Custom Ink, and Canva.
What’s Next
Selling printed T-shirts is now within your reach with JaceApparel. This private label manufacturer gives you end-to-end service.
You don’t have to worry about designs with their A-star team. This comes with a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. And get An eagle-eyed QC team to give you only the best quality.
The branding and finishing are also on point. Get the latest printing techniques. Think DTG, Screen printing, Custom Embroidery, and sublimation printing.
Establish an unbeatable reputation in the fashion industry with the best manufacturer. Get your free quote today.
Sources:
Shopify – How To Start a T-Shirt Business: 2025 Guide
Quora – How much do printed t-shirts cost?
Statista – T-Shirts – United States