Quick Answer
Custom shirt printing usually costs between $5 and $35 per shirt, depending on the order quantity, garment quality, number of print colors, and decoration method. Large screen-printed orders often cost the least per shirt, while small DTG or DTF orders may cost more due to setup and production factors.
Price Chart
Our detailed decorating price sheet can be found here:
Check out our full decorating price sheet
Key Factors That Affect Pricing
Quantity
Order size has the biggest impact on price. Larger orders reduce the price per shirt because setup costs are spread across more garments.
Garment Quality
Premium brands such as Bella+Canvas or Next Level cost more than basic shirts like Gildan.
Number of Colors
For screen printing, each color requires a new screen, which increases costs. For DTG/DTF, the number of colors doesn’t matter.
Print Locations
Each print location will increase the price of the product, regardless of the decorating method.
Design Size
With screen printing, pricing is based on number of colors, so design size doesn’t matter. When DTG, DTF, and Embroidery, design size plays a major role in cost.
Artwork Setup
Having print-ready artwork for your order will decrease costs.
Costs by Decoration Method
Screen Printing
Best for bulk orders.
Typical cost per shirt:
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$8–$15 for large orders
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$15–$25 for smaller orders
Screen printing becomes cheaper as order quantities increase.
DTG Printing
Best for small orders or detailed artwork.
Typical cost:
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$20–$35 per shirt
Because DTG requires little setup, it is ideal for small batches.
Embroidery
Best for polos, jackets, and hats.
Typical cost:
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$5–$20 per embroidered logo
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plus garment cost
Embroidery pricing is based on stitch count and design complexity.
Different decoration methods have different pricing structures:
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Screen printing – cheapest for large orders
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DTG/DTF printing – best for small orders
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Embroidery – typically priced by stitch count
Typical Price Ranges
Prices vary depending on garment brand and artwork complexity.
Ways to Reduce Costs
To keep costs lower:
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order larger quantities
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limit print colors
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choose economical garments
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print in one location
Related Questions
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What is the cheapest way to print shirts?
The cheapest method for printing custom shirts is usually screen printing for large orders or DTF/DTG printing for smaller orders. Screen printing becomes more affordable as quantities increase because the setup cost is spread across many shirts. For smaller quantities or complex designs, digital methods like DTF or DTG may offer better value.
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Screen printing vs DTG: which is better?
Neither is truly better. Each has it’s own benefits and limits.
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How many shirts do you need for screen printing?
We recommend a 12 piece minimum to keep costs down. The more you orders, the cheaper the cost per shirt will be. We can screen print just one shirt, but DTG/DTF is typically better.
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What shirts are best for printing?
Materials with smooth/flat surfaces typically print better because the ink lays on top easily and doesn’t get caught between the fibers.
Learn More About Custom Apparel Printing
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Final Thoughts
Custom shirt printing prices vary depending on the decoration method, order quantity, and garment quality. Screen printing is usually the most cost-effective option for large orders, while DTG printing works best for small orders with detailed artwork. Understanding these factors helps businesses and organizations plan their apparel budget more effectively.