If you’ve ever thought about creating your own custom T-shirts, whether for your business, event, or just personal style, you’ve probably asked the big question: how much do custom T-shirts cost?

The answer? Custom T-shirt pricing can range anywhere from $5 to $50 per shirt, depending on several factors like fabric quality, printing method, design complexity, and order quantity. 

In this blog, we’ll break down all the key factors that influence the cost and help you estimate what you can expect to pay.

Average Price of Custom T-Shirts

Let’s start with some ballpark numbers. 

Here’s a general breakdown of average custom T-shirt prices in the U.S.:

So if you’re ordering, say, 50 cotton T-shirts with a single logo, you might pay around $8–$10 per shirt. But if you’re ordering just a few with complex graphics, it could easily reach $20 or more per piece.

Breakdown of average custom T-shirt prices in Mexico:

6 Factors That Affect the Cost of Custom T-Shirts

Several variables go into custom T-shirt pricing. Let’s look at the most important ones.

1. Printing Method

The printing method you choose is one of the biggest cost drivers. Each technique has its own strengths and price range.

a. Screen Printing

• Cost: $5–$15 per shirt (depending on quantity).

• Best for: Bulk orders and simple designs.

• Why: Screen printing involves creating a stencil (or screen) for each color. The more colors you have, the higher the setup cost. However, once the screens are made, the cost per shirt drops significantly in bulk orders.

b. Standard Heat Transfer & DTF Printing

• Cost: $10–$20 per shirt.

• Best for: Custom designs, small batches, or on-demand printing.

• Why: This method transfers the design using heat and pressure. It’s versatile and works on different fabrics, but may not last as long as screen printing.

c. HTV (Heat Transfer Vinyl)

• Cost: $10–$20 per shirt.

• Best for: Simple logos, numbers, or lettering; small runs or personalized designs.

• Why: HTV involves cutting designs from vinyl sheets and pressing them onto fabric. It’s durable, flexible, and ideal for layered or metallic designs, but works best for smaller, simpler graphics.

d. White Ink Heat Transfer

• Cost: $12–$25 per shirt.

• Best for: Printing on dark fabrics where bright, opaque colors are needed.

• Why: White ink heat transfer allows for crisp, vibrant designs on dark or colored garments. It uses a heat press to transfer the design with a layer of white base ink, ensuring colors pop.

e. Specialty Heat Transfer Film

• Cost: $15–$30 per shirt.

• Best for: Unique textures and finishes like matte, glitter, metallic, or reflective designs.

• Why: These films create eye-catching effects that regular transfers can’t achieve. Each type of specialty film may slightly increase costs due to material and pressing requirements.

f. Crystal / Rhinestone Heat Transfer Film

• Cost: $20–$40 per shirt.

• Best for: Premium or fashion-oriented garments that need sparkle and dimension.

• Why: Rhinestone or crystal heat transfer adds a 3D, sparkly effect. It requires precise placement and heat pressing, which increases labor and cost, but creates a high-end, standout look.

g. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

• Cost: $15–$30 per shirt.

• Best for: Small runs or detailed, colorful designs.

• Why: DTG uses specialized printers to print full-color images directly onto the fabric. It’s great for complex artwork, but not as economical for large orders.

h. Embroidery

• Cost: $15–$35 per shirt.

• Best for: Polo shirts, uniforms, and premium branding.

• Why: Embroidery offers a professional look but comes at a higher price due to thread count and setup fees.

2. Fabric and T-Shirt Quality

The type of T-shirt you choose also has a big impact on price.

If you’re printing for a corporate giveaway or event, basic cotton shirts are usually enough. But if you’re creating merchandise for resale, a premium tri-blend or high-quality cotton will make your design stand out and feel more luxurious.

3. Order Quantity (Bulk Discounts)

Custom T-shirt printing usually follows the “the more you order, the cheaper per shirt” rule. Here’s an example of how quantity affects pricing for screen printing and aligning heat transfers:

Screen Printing Example

The setup costs (such as creating screens or preparing designs) are spread over a larger number of shirts. So if you’re printing for a large event, screen printing pays to order in bulk.

Heat Transfer (DTF) Example

Heat transfer has lower setup costs compared to screen printing. However, because each shirt still needs to be pressed individually, the labor cost per shirt stays relatively stable, meaning the bulk discounts aren’t as steep as with screen printing.

That being said, if you only need 10 to 30 shirts, heat transfer can actually be more cost-effective than screen printing since there’s no need to pay for screens or setup fees. But if you’re ordering hundreds of shirts, screen printing often becomes the cheaper option in the long run.

4. Number of Colors in the Design

A one-color logo on the front is cheaper than a full-color graphic that covers both sides. If you’re on a budget, stick with a one or two-color design to keep costs down.

5. Print Placement

Most standard prints are placed on the front chest area. But if you want prints on the back, sleeves, or even inside the collar, that’ll increase the cost.

6. Design Complexity

Highly detailed or photo-realistic graphics can increase costs, especially for embroidery or DTG printing. Designs with gradients or fine lines may require more setup time or higher-end printing technology.

3. How to Save Money on Custom T-Shirts

If you’re looking to get great custom shirts without overspending, here are a few smart tips:

• Order in bulk: Even if you don’t need all the shirts immediately, bulk orders give you the best cost per unit.

• Use fewer colors: Order pre-designed custom T-shirts with simple colors or limit your design to one or two colors. You’ll save a lot, especially with screen printing.

• Choose standard locations: Stick with a single front or back print instead of adding sleeve or tag prints.

• Choose basic fabrics: Opt for 100% cotton or cotton-blend shirts. They’re affordable, comfortable, and print well. At LOGEQI, all our custom tees use 100% cotton. 

• Compare printers: Different companies use different pricing structures. If you’re interested in getting custom T-shirts, you can contact us at service@logeqi.com before ordering.

Where to Get Custom T-Shirts Made? LOGEQI

LOGEQI Online Custom T-Shirts

LOGEQI custom T-shirts feature eye-catching pre-designed graphics that you can easily order online. Our custom T-shirts are perfect for one-time events, business promotions, branding projects, or even starting your own T-shirt line. 

We offer a range of printing options, such as white ink heat transfer, HTV, specialty heat transfer films, embroidery, and crystal or glitter transfers, to fit both your budget and business needs.

Local Print Shops

Alongside online stores, LOGEQI local print shops in Mexico and Chile are ideal for bulk orders, quick turnarounds, or when you need personal design help. Plus, you can inspect fabric samples in person in our shops. Find LOGEQI LOCAL Print Shops for Bulk Purchases. 

In addition to shopping online, LOGEQI’s local print shops in Mexico and Chile are perfect for bulk orders and fast turnaround times. You can also check fabric samples in person at our shops. ➡️Check out where LOGEQI local print shops are nearby for bulk orders.

Example Cost Breakdown 

Final Thoughts: What’s the Right Option for You?

So, how much are custom T-shirts? It really depends on your goals and quantity:

• For events or giveaways: Stick with basic cotton shirts and screen printing to keep costs low ($7–$10 each).

• For small runs or full-color artwork: Go with DTG or DTF printing ($15–$25 each).

• For premium merch or uniforms: Choose tri-blend fabrics or embroidery ($20–$35 each). 

Key Takeaway

Custom T-shirt prices vary based on fabric, printing method, design, and quantity. Expect anywhere between $5 to $50 per shirt, but most people pay around $8–$15 for a standard quality printed tee.