The True Cost of Making a T-Shirt: What Goes Into Pricing Custom Apparel?
- Wayne Allison
- Mar 13
- 5 min read
"Understanding the Cost of Making a Custom T-Shirt: A Breakdown of Pricing, Printing Methods, and Business Expenses"
Table of Contents
The Core Costs of Producing a T-Shirt
Blank T-Shirt Cost
Design & Setup Fees
Printing Costs
Production Labor
Packaging & Shipping
The Hidden Costs of Running a T-Shirt Business
Business Overhead & Equipment
Marketing & Website Costs
Introduction
Ever seen a $5 t-shirt at a big-box store and wondered why a custom-printed tee costs more? It’s a fair question. Many people assume a custom shirt should be just as cheap as a mass-produced retail one, but the reality is, quality, customization, and craftsmanship come at a cost.
Think of it this way: buying a custom t-shirt is like ordering a handcrafted meal from a small restaurant rather than picking up a pre-packaged snack from a gas station. One is made just for you, with better ingredients, skilled hands, and attention to detail—and that’s reflected in the price.
This blog will break down exactly what goes into making a custom t-shirt so you’ll know where every dollar goes and why quality matters.
The Core Costs of Producing a T-Shirt
Blank T-Shirt Cost
Before a single drop of ink touches fabric, the foundation of any custom tee is the blank shirt. Different materials and quality levels affect the price significantly.
Basic Cotton Tees: Standard cotton shirts are affordable but may shrink and fade faster (Printify, n.d.).
Cost Range: $3 - $7 per shirt
Premium Blends & Soft Tees: Higher-end materials like ring-spun cotton, tri-blends, and moisture-wicking fabrics increase durability and comfort (Printify, n.d.).
Cost Range: $8 - $15 per shirt
Specialty Shirts: Custom blanks, extended sizing, hoodies, and eco-friendly fabrics add to the base cost (Printify, n.d.).
Cost Range: $15 - $30 per item
Design & Setup Fees
Custom t-shirts require artwork that is print-ready, and design work comes with additional costs.
Customer-Supplied Artwork: Small adjustments may be needed.
Cost: Usually included
Custom Design Creation: If a design is created from scratch, graphic design labor is involved (Steve Apparel, n.d.).
Cost Range: $25 - $100+
Screen Setup Fees: Separate screens are needed for each color in screen printing (Steve Apparel, n.d.).
Cost Range: $15 - $50 per color
Printing Costs
Different printing methods impact cost, durability, and visual effects.
Screen Printing (Best for Bulk Orders):
Requires creating a separate screen for each color.
Cost Range: $5 - $15 per shirt (bulk orders) (Steve Apparel, n.d.).
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing (Best for Small Batches):
Uses a special printer to apply ink directly to fabric.
Cost Range: $10 - $30 per shirt (Logo Unlimited, n.d.).
Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing (Our Preferred Method):
Prints designs onto a special film before transferring them onto the garment using heat.
Works on cotton, polyester, and blends (Wikipedia, n.d.).
Cost Range: $3 - $10 per print
Production Labor
Beyond materials, there’s the human effort behind every shirt.
Printing & Pressing Time: Setting up, aligning, and applying ink.
Curing & Drying Time: Ink must be heat-pressed to prevent fading.
Quality Control: Ensuring each shirt meets standards.
Cost Range: $2 - $5 per shirt (Steve Apparel, n.d.).
Packaging & Shipping
Once a shirt is printed, it still has to be folded, packed, and shipped.
Basic Packaging: Usually included.
Custom Packaging: Adds branding but increases costs.
Cost Range: $1 - $5 per package
Shipping Fees: Flat-rate or weight-based.
Cost Range: $5 - $15+ per order
The Hidden Costs of Running a T-Shirt Business
Business Overhead & Equipment
Heat presses, embroidery machines, and DTG printers have significant startup costs.
Maintaining a workspace (rent, utilities, maintenance) adds to expenses.
Marketing & Website Costs
E-commerce fees: Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce charges.
Advertising: Social media ads, search engine optimization (SEO), and promotional campaigns.
How to Price a T-Shirt for Profit
Pricing a t-shirt involves more than just adding up costs. Business owners use several methods to determine pricing:
Cost-Based Pricing: Covers materials, labor, and overhead to set a base price.
Market-Based Pricing: Competitive research to align with industry standards.
Profit Margins: Most businesses charge 2.5x - 3x their cost per shirt to remain profitable.
FAQs: Understanding the Cost of Making a Custom T-Shirt
How much does it cost to make a custom shirt?
The cost of custom t-shirt printing depends on the blank shirt, printing method, design complexity, and order quantity. Basic t-shirts can range from $10-$15, while premium options or small-batch orders can increase the price.
What is the cheapest way to get custom t-shirts?
To lower costs, ordering in bulk using screen printing is the most cost-effective option. For smaller orders with full-color designs, DTF printing is the best alternative.
What is the best method for custom shirt printing?
Screen Printing: Best for bulk orders and simple designs.
DTG Printing: Best for small batches with high-detail prints.
DTF Printing: Our preferred method—offers full-color designs on different fabric types without high setup fees.
Can I order a custom shirt with no minimum quantity?
Yes! Many printing companies, including us, offer custom shirts with no minimum order using DTF or DTG printing. Keep in mind that one-off prints may cost more per shirt than bulk orders.
Where can I find custom shirt printing near me?
Local print shops often offer custom t-shirt printing services, and some even provide same-day custom printing. Be sure to check for their specific capabilities.
Can I print a custom shirt with my own design?
Yes! You can submit a high-resolution image for printing. If the image isn’t print-ready, some adjustments may be needed, which could incur a design setup fee.
How do I start a custom t-shirt business?
Starting a custom t-shirt business involves:
Selecting a printing method (Screen printing, DTG, DTF, etc.).
Choosing a blank shirt supplier.
Setting up a website or using platforms like Etsy and Shopify.
Investing in marketing and branding.
How long does custom t-shirt printing take?
Production time varies by printing method and order size. DTF and DTG prints can often be completed in 24-48 hours, while bulk screen printing orders typically take 5-7 business days.
Conclusion
By now, you can see that custom t-shirt pricing isn’t just about the fabric—it’s about quality, customization, and craftsmanship. From selecting the right blank tee to choosing the best printing method, handling labor, packaging, and shipping, every step adds value.
That’s why custom apparel isn’t just another t-shirt—it’s a unique, handcrafted product made with care, expertise, and high-quality materials.
At K&M Kustom Kreations, we take pride in offering premium custom prints at fair prices. Whether you need a single custom design, bulk orders for your business, or high-quality apparel that lasts, we’ve got you covered.
Looking for high-quality custom shirts?
Browse our shop: www.kmkustomkreations.com
Need a bulk order? Get a quote today: https://www.kmkustomkreations.com/custom-t-shirt-printing-services
Have a design idea? Let’s bring it to life! Contact us here: https://www.kmkustomkreations.com/subscribe
References:
Logo Unlimited. (n.d.). How much does it cost to print t-shirts? https://logounlimited.com
Printify. (n.d.). T-shirt printing business start-up cost. https://printify.com
Steve Apparel. (n.d.). Understanding t-shirt printing cost. https://steveapparel.com
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Direct-to-film printing. https://en.wikipedia.org
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