How Much Does a Custom Shirt Cost?

Creating custom shirts is a popular choice for everything from business branding to special events and personal gifts. But one of the first questions people ask is, “How much does a custom shirt cost?” The answer depends on several factors, including shirt style, design complexity, order quantity, and the materials used. Whether you’re looking to create unique promotional items or personalized apparel for friends and family, this guide will break down the key cost factors and give you an idea of what to expect for your budget.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Custom Shirt

The cost of custom shirts can vary widely depending on specific choices you make. Let’s take a closer look at each factor that can impact the price.

1. Type of Shirt

The base type of shirt you choose has a significant impact on the cost. Here are some common types and their average price ranges:

Basic T-shirts: Standard cotton T-shirts are the most affordable, usually ranging from $5 to $10 per shirt before printing.
Premium T-shirts: High-quality or branded T-shirts, such as tri-blend or moisture-wicking materials, can range from $10 to $20 or more per shirt.
Long-Sleeve and Sweatshirts: Long-sleeve shirts and hoodies are more expensive due to the additional material, with base prices ranging from $15 to $40.
Polos and Button-Ups: These are popular for business and professional events, often costing between $20 and $50 before any customization.

The style and material of the shirt play a key role in the overall cost of your personalized apparel, so consider the occasion and audience when choosing the base type.

2. Quantity of Shirts Ordered

Ordering in bulk significantly affects the price per shirt. Most custom printing companies offer discounts on larger orders, allowing you to reduce costs as the order quantity goes up.

Small orders (1-10 shirts): The cost per shirt will be higher for smaller orders, typically in the range of $15 to $30 per shirt.
Medium orders (11-50 shirts): Many printing companies offer a lower per-shirt price for medium-sized orders, averaging between $10 and $20 per shirt.
Large orders (51+ shirts): For large orders, you can expect the price to drop further, often to $7–$15 per shirt, depending on the printing method and design.

Bulk ordering is cost-effective for businesses and organizations creating branded personalized apparel, as it allows for more savings per shirt.

3. Printing Method

The printing method you choose for your custom shirts will also impact the overall cost. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:

Screen Printing: Ideal for large orders, screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each color in your design. This method is cost-effective for designs with a limited number of colors, with average costs of $5 to $15 per shirt.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: DTG printing uses a digital printer to apply ink directly to the fabric, making it ideal for complex designs and small orders. DTG printing usually costs between $15 and $30 per shirt.
Heat Transfer: Heat transfer uses a heat press to apply pre-printed designs to the shirt. This method is more affordable for small orders, with prices ranging from $10 to $25 per shirt, but may not be as durable as screen printing or DTG.
Embroidery: For a professional look, embroidery is popular for polos and uniforms. Embroidery costs more than other methods, typically between $15 and $40 per shirt, depending on the design’s complexity.

The printing method affects not only cost but also the look and feel of your personalized apparel. Screen printing is often recommended for simple designs and bulk orders, while DTG works well for detailed, small-batch orders.

4. Design Complexity

The complexity of your design, including the number of colors and placement areas, influences the overall cost. Designs with more colors or multiple print locations are more expensive.

Single-Color Designs: A simple, single-color design on the front of the shirt is the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 per shirt.
Multi-Color Designs: Each additional color adds to the cost, especially with screen printing, where each color requires a separate screen. Multi-color designs typically cost $10 to $30 per shirt.
Multiple Print Locations: Adding designs to the back, sleeves, or other areas increases the cost. For example, adding a sleeve print can add $2 to $10 per shirt.

If you’re on a budget, opting for a single-color design in a single location is a good way to create personalized apparel without incurring high costs.

5. Customization and Additional Features

Beyond the basic design, customization options like tags, packaging, and special inks can affect the cost. Here are a few add-ons that can impact the final price:

Custom Labels or Tags: Adding custom tags or labels can increase the price by $1 to $3 per shirt.
Metallic or Glow-in-the-Dark Inks: Specialty inks add a unique touch but are more expensive, typically adding $2 to $5 per shirt.
Individual Packaging: For gifts or retail, individual packaging costs extra, usually around $0.50 to $2 per shirt.

These add-ons allow you to create unique personalized apparel but will increase the final price, so it’s important to consider which elements are essential.

Estimating the Cost of a Custom Shirt Order

To help you estimate the cost of a custom shirt order, here’s a sample scenario:

Imagine you’re ordering 100 basic cotton T-shirts with a two-color logo on the front, using screen printing. Here’s a breakdown of the potential costs:

Base T-shirt cost: $5 per shirt × 100 shirts = $500
Screen printing (two colors): $2 per color × 2 colors × 100 shirts = $400
Total Estimated Cost: $900 for 100 shirts, or $9 per shirt

This example provides a ballpark figure, but the actual cost can vary based on the specific choices you make.

Tips for Reducing Custom Shirt Costs

Creating high-quality custom shirts doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips for keeping costs manageable:

Order in Bulk: As mentioned earlier, ordering a larger quantity of shirts reduces the per-shirt cost.
Limit Colors: Opt for a single-color design or fewer colors in your logo to save on printing expenses.
Choose Standard Materials: Basic cotton or blended T-shirts are more affordable than premium materials like tri-blend or performance fabrics.
Work with a Reliable Printer: A trusted personalized apparel provider can help you optimize your design and printing choices, ensuring you get the best value.

By being mindful of these factors, you can create custom shirts that fit your budget without sacrificing quality.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance in Custom Shirt Costs

The cost of custom shirts varies based on multiple factors, from shirt type and quantity to design complexity and printing method. By understanding these components, you can make informed decisions that balance quality and affordability. Whether you’re ordering personalized apparel for a business event, a family gathering, or a fundraiser, planning ahead and working with an experienced printing company will help you create high-quality shirts at a price that meets your budget.

With the right approach, custom shirt printing can be a cost-effective way to create unique, memorable apparel that resonates with your audience.