How Many Shirts Do You Need for Screen Printing?

Direct Answer

A+ Images has no minimum garment quantity. Screen printing has a setup fee when fewer than 12 shirts are ordered. A $20 minimum order value applies to all customers except approved wholesale/reseller accounts. For one or a few shirts, our team can compare screen printing with DTG or DTF based on your artwork and garment.

Why Screen Printing Has Setup Costs

Screen printing requires preparation before production begins. Each color in the design requires a separate screen, and the printer must set up the press and mix inks before printing starts. This setup process takes time, so producing only one or two shirts would make the cost per item extremely high. By printing multiple shirts at once, the setup cost is spread across the entire order.

A+ Images Order Rules

Order the quantity you need. The final quote depends on garment cost, decoration method, design, placements, and any applicable setup charges. A quantity of 12 is the screen-printing setup threshold, not a minimum quantity requirement.

See our current retail and wholesale price lists for decoration information. Send the actual garment and artwork details for an itemized project quote.

When Screen Printing Makes the Most Sense

Screen printing is usually the best option when:

• ordering 12 or more shirts
• printing simple designs
• producing bulk event apparel
• creating company uniforms

For larger orders, screen printing often produces the lowest cost per shirt.

What If You Only Need One Shirt?

If you only need one or a few shirts, digital printing methods are usually better.

DTG Printing

DTG printing applies ink directly to the garment and works well for detailed designs.

DTF Printing

DTF printing transfers designs using heat and works on many types of fabric.

These methods allow printers to produce small orders without extensive setup.

Why Larger Orders Cost Less

Printing costs decrease as order quantities increase because the setup cost is distributed across more garments.

For a meaningful comparison, keep the garment, artwork, print size, and placements the same when requesting prices at different quantities. Use the current price lists and your project quote rather than a generic per-shirt estimate.

Final Thoughts

Screen printing remains one of the most affordable and durable methods for decorating custom apparel when producing larger quantities. Understanding setup costs and garment requirements helps businesses and organizations compare decoration options for their needs.

For smaller orders, digital printing options such as DTG or DTF may provide better flexibility.