How Much Does Custom Shirt Printing Cost
The cost of custom shirts depends on the garments you choose and the work needed to decorate them. Your quantity, artwork, print locations, and deadline all help determine the final quote. A catalog garment price or a decoration rate gives you one part of that total.
At A+ Images, you can start with our current price lists and send your project details for an itemized quote. The examples below explain how to read the pricing and compare options for your business, team, school, or event.
What belongs in a complete shirt quote
When you compare options, check that each quote covers the same project:
- Garments: the exact style, color, and quantity in each size.
- Decoration: the approved design, process, dimensions, and every placement.
- Preparation: any artwork preparation, digitizing, or setup that applies.
- Additional requirements: special finishes, handling, or rush service included in your request.
- Delivery and applicable tax: the amounts needed to understand the complete order total.
For a useful comparison, ask for both the complete total and the resulting cost per garment. Check the garment, artwork, and delivery details alongside the decoration rate so you know what each option includes.
For example, a shirt with one front design and a shirt with that design plus a back print are different projects. Specify both locations at the beginning so the quote reflects the finished item you want.
A real example of how quantity changes the print charge
These figures come from our retail price list dated June 8, 2026. The example assumes one identical black-ink design, screen printed in one location on compatible white T-shirts, with no underbase or special-production extras.
| Quantity | Screen-print charge per garment | Printing subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | $8.50 | $102.00 |
| 48 | $3.85 | $184.80 |
| 144 | $2.20 | $316.80 |
These are decoration charges only. Garments, artwork preparation, special requirements, shipping, and applicable tax are additional. The listed screen-print rates include screen and film charges. Prices may change; check the current list and your project quote.
As the quantity increases in this example, the printing charge per item falls while the printing subtotal rises. Compare both figures when deciding how many shirts to order. Our chart also flags combinations worth comparing with DTG or DTF; we can review the options for your actual artwork and garment.
Choose the garment around how it will be used
Start with the person who will wear the shirt. What matters most for this order: a specific fit, a preferred fabric, a broad size range, or keeping the total within a fixed budget?
Give us those priorities along with any styles you already like. If you want to compare two garments, request the same artwork and placements on both. You will be able to see what changes with the garment selection without also changing the rest of the project.
Include the size breakdown early. A total quantity alone does not tell us which sizes to price or check for availability. If your group needs coordinated adult and youth styles, identify both as part of the request.
Let the artwork help determine the decoration method
Screen printing, DTG, DTF, and embroidery have different production requirements. A design’s colors, detail, size, placement, and the garment itself can affect the options.
Screen printing can work well when the same artwork repeats across an order. DTG and DTF can suit detailed, full-color artwork on compatible garments. Embroidery creates a stitched finish and requires artwork prepared as stitch instructions.
Tell us what you want the finished item to look and feel like, and share the actual artwork. If you have a firm brand-color requirement, a preferred finish, or a placement close to a pocket or seam, include that information before the quote is prepared.
Make budget choices you can evaluate
If the first option is above your budget, compare a few specific changes:
A different garment. Ask for an alternative that still meets the fit, fabric, and sizing requirements you care about.
A different decoration plan. Decide which placements and design details are essential. Ask us to price an alternative before changing the artwork yourself.
A complete quantity from the start. Collect sizes and confirm who needs a shirt before submitting the request. If you are considering extras, compare the complete order totals at both quantities. Choose the quantity you can put to use, with the overall spend in mind.
A workable schedule. Provide the date the finished items must be in your hands. Explain whether they will be picked up or shipped so production and delivery can be considered together. Confirm a tight deadline with us before committing to it.
Common questions about shirt pricing
Is there a minimum quantity
A+ Images has no minimum garment quantity. A $20 minimum order value applies except for approved wholesale or reseller accounts. Screen-printing orders below 12 shirts have a setup fee. Your quote will show the charges that apply to your order.
Does the catalog price include printing
Catalog pricing covers the garment. Your project quote adds decorating and any applicable preparation or other charges. Check the itemized quote when budgeting for the finished shirt.
Can I supply my own shirts
You can request decoration on customer-supplied garments. Send the garment details for review before purchasing them for the project, and review our supplied-garment terms. Use the custom apparel quote route below for these requests.
Which printing method costs the least
That depends on the actual job. Compare complete quotes for the same garment, artwork, quantity, and placements. Tell us your budget and preferences so we can help you evaluate a suitable option.
Get a quote for your project
Have your garment styles and colors, quantities by size, artwork, placements, and needed-by date ready. Add any special requirements and let us know whether the order needs shipping.
For garments from our SanMar and S&S catalogs, build your apparel quote. For your own garments or items from another vendor, request a custom apparel quote.
Submitting a request does not place an order or reserve inventory. Our team will review the details, ask for anything else needed, and prepare your quote and mockup.