How much does a custom t-shirt cost? It is one of the first questions we receive from those who want to create clothing for a company, a team, an event, or their own brand.
The answer depends on several choices: the t-shirt style, the quantity ordered, the graphic features, and the type of customization. Two seemingly similar t-shirts can have different prices precisely for these reasons.
Let's look together at what to consider to understand a quote and choose the most suitable solution.
1. The t-shirt style
The starting point is the garment itself. A lightweight t-shirt for a promotional event has different characteristics from a heavyweight t-shirt with an oversized fit designed for a streetwear collection.
The cost can be affected by:
- Material and composition: cotton, polyester, or blended fabrics.
- Fabric weight: the weight of the fabric per square meter.
- Fit: regular, slim, oversized, or other cuts.
- Finishes: collar, seams, and construction details.
The best choice depends on the use. For a one-day event, practicality and budget can be prioritized; for a garment to be worn often or resold, the feel, fit, and attention to detail also matter.
2. The quantity ordered
Making a single t-shirt and producing fifty requires a different organization.
Every order requires tasks such as file verification, graphic preparation, and production setup. For multiple identical garments, these steps can be spread across the entire production.
For this reason, by increasing the quantity, the price per individual t-shirt can decrease. However, the difference still depends on the chosen style and the technique used.
The presence of individual customizations also affects the production: an order with the same print on all garments is different from one that includes different names, numbers, or graphics for each t-shirt.
To receive an accurate quote, it is best to indicate the desired quantity and any differences between the garments right from the start.
3. Print size and position
A small logo on the chest and a large graphic on the back require different amounts of material and processing.
The number of positions also matters: printing only on the front involves fewer steps than customizing the front, back, and sleeve.
For example, these three requests can have different costs even on the same t-shirt:
- Small logo on the chest.
- Large print on the front.
- Logo on the chest and large print on the back.
The size of the graphic and the number of applications therefore contribute to the final price. For this reason, it is useful to specify where you want the print and how large it should be, even approximately.
If you do not know which size to choose, we can help you find the proportions that suit the garment and the result you want to achieve.
4. The customization technique
There are several techniques, each suitable for certain graphics, fabrics, and quantities.
DTF printing
DTF printing allows for the creation of color graphics, text, and highly detailed logos. The print format, the number of applications, and the presence of different graphics contribute to the customization cost.
Screen printing
Screen printing can be cost-effective for large productions with the same graphic, especially when there are few colors. The initial preparation affects the quote and is spread across the number of garments produced.
Embroidery
Embroidery offers a textured and recognizable effect, often requested for company logos and coordinated clothing. The cost also depends on the size of the design, the number of stitches, and the file preparation for production.
The technique should be chosen considering the desired result and the characteristics of the garment. A solution suitable for a small logo may be less appropriate for a very large illustration.
5. The quality of the graphic file
A well-defined logo allows the customization to be prepared with greater precision. A small, blurry image, or one captured from a screenshot, may instead require graphic work before production.
When available, it is useful to send the original vector file or a high-resolution image in the dimensions suitable for printing.
If the file needs to be recreated or modified, any graphic work should be considered in the quote. The work required can range from a simple adjustment to a complete logo recreation.
Sending the available material immediately allows us to check if it is suitable for customization and understand what work is needed.
So, how much does a custom t-shirt cost?
To provide a reliable price, you need to define what you want to create. A promotional t-shirt with a small print will have a different cost from an oversized model with a large graphic on the front and back.
The main elements to consider are:
- Quantity ordered.
- T-shirt style, material, and fabric weight.
- Number, size, and position of the customizations.
- Technique used.
- Any different names, numbers, or graphics.
- File preparation or modification.
- Delivery times and any additional services.
Even when comparing two quotes, it is useful to check that they include the same features and that it is clear whether VAT, shipping, and any graphic work are included.
A detailed quote allows you to understand what you are purchasing and choose based on your needs.
How to request a quote from Stritz
To help us prepare a proposal, send us:
- The quantity of t-shirts desired.
- The style you are looking for, for example regular or oversized.
- The color of the garments.
- The logo or graphic to be customized.
- The positions and approximate dimensions of the prints.
- The date by which you need them.
If you have not yet chosen all the details, you can start with the use and the budget: we will help you evaluate the garments and customizations that are most suitable.
Want to create your custom t-shirts? Contact Stritz and tell us about your project: we will prepare a quote based on your needs