How Much Does T Shirt Printing Cost for Bulk and Custom Orders
Introduction
For businesses, institutions, and event organisers, branded apparel is more than just clothing. It is a way to build identity, unity, and brand presence. At Unitees by Style Union, we know that the first question you ask before placing an order is how much does t shirt printing cost. Whether you’re ordering business t shirts with logo for your team or personalized polo t shirts for a corporate event, understanding the pricing helps you plan better and get the best value.
The cost of custom t shirt printing depends on factors like order quantity, printing method, fabric quality, and design complexity. Our focus is to make this process clear so you can invest in apparel that not only looks good but lasts long, represents your brand well, and arrives on time for your event or business needs.
Pricing Factors That Affect T Shirt Printing Costs
When asking how much does t shirt printing cost, it is important to look beyond a flat price. The total cost depends on several key factors that influence the final amount you pay for bulk and custom orders. Understanding these factors helps you plan your budget while ensuring you get quality garments that fit your needs.
Order Quantity
Larger orders usually reduce the price per unit because the setup cost is divided across more items. For example, printing 500 business t shirts with logo often costs less per piece compared to printing just 50. Bulk orders also give you better negotiating power and sometimes extra services like free delivery or priority processing.
Printing Method
Different printing techniques have different pricing models. Screen printing offers excellent durability for bulk orders but requires a higher setup cost due to the preparation of screens for each color. Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing is more flexible for small batches or detailed designs but can be slightly more expensive per unit in large orders. Heat transfer and embroidery are other options that vary in cost depending on complexity.
Fabric Quality and Type
The quality and type of fabric directly affect printing costs. A high-quality cotton t shirt will usually cost more than a polyester blend. If you opt for premium fabrics, such as those used in personalized polo t shirts, the base garment price will be higher, but the finished product will offer better comfort, durability, and brand presentation.
Number of Colors in the Design
More colors in the design mean higher costs, especially for screen printing, where each color requires its own screen. If your design has multiple shades or gradients, DTG might be a more cost-effective choice for smaller runs.
Design Placement and Size
Printing on multiple areas, such as the front, back, and sleeves, increases the cost because each placement requires separate setup and printing time. Larger designs also use more ink, which adds to the price.
Delivery and Turnaround Time
Urgent orders often have a rush fee attached. Planning your order in advance allows you to avoid extra charges and gives you more flexibility in choosing the best printing method for your budget.
Average Price Ranges for Bulk and Custom T Shirt Printing
When business owners ask how much does t shirt printing cost, they want price clarity that matches their order size and branding goals. While exact costs depend on factors like location, printing method, and garment type, having a realistic range helps with budgeting and supplier negotiations.
Bulk Orders
Best for large-scale needs: Orders of 100 pieces or more get the lowest per-unit cost because setup expenses are spread over a bigger quantity.
Common method: Screen printing is often used here for its durability and cost-effectiveness.
Price range: ₹180 to ₹350 per shirt for standard cotton tees, and ₹300 to ₹500 for premium fabrics like those used in personalized polo t shirts.
Extra benefit: Long-term relationships with suppliers can lead to better rates and added services.
Medium-Size Orders
Ideal for smaller teams: Quantities between 30 and 100 shirts suit businesses that want professional branding without overstocking.
Cost factor: Slightly higher per-unit cost than bulk orders due to fewer items sharing the setup cost.
Price range: ₹250 to ₹400 per shirt for high-quality business t shirts with logo, depending on design and fabric choice.
Small Custom Orders
Perfect for special events: Orders under 30 shirts are usually for product launches, giveaways, or VIP apparel.
Printing method: DTG is popular for detailed, full-color prints but comes with a higher cost per piece.
Price range: ₹350 to ₹700 or more per shirt for premium polos or intricate designs.
Key Takeaway for Business Owners
Order bigger, save more: The most cost-efficient strategy is to order in bulk with consistent designs and garment choices.
Keep it simple: Reducing color count, choosing standard fabrics, and sticking to one style lowers costs without sacrificing quality.
How to Choose the Right Printing Method for Your Business
Selecting the best printing method affects both the quality of your apparel and your overall cost. These steps will help you decide whether screen printing, DTG, or another technique is right for your needs.
1. Define the Purpose of the Apparel
Decide whether the shirts are for daily staff wear, event giveaways, or promotional sales. Bulk staff uniforms like business t shirts with logo require long-lasting prints, while limited-event items can focus more on design detail.
2. Set Your Budget Early
Know how much you can spend per shirt and for the total order. This will help you compare methods like screen printing, which is more cost-effective for large runs, against DTG, which works better for small batches or complex designs.
3. Consider Order Quantity
Larger orders often suit screen printing because the setup cost is spread across many items. Smaller runs might be more affordable with DTG, especially if you need personalized polo t shirts with multiple colors.
4. Evaluate Design Complexity
Simple designs with fewer colors work well for screen printing, keeping costs low. If your design has gradients, photographs, or multiple shades, DTG printing can capture these details better.
5. Match Fabric Type to Printing Method
Some methods perform better on certain fabrics. Screen printing works well on both cotton and blends, while DTG achieves the best results on 100% cotton garments.
6. Factor in Durability Requirements
If the shirts will be washed and worn frequently, choose a method known for longevity, such as high-quality screen printing. For short-term campaigns, DTG can offer the detail you want without over-investing in durability.
7. Check Supplier Capability
Ensure your printing partner has the equipment, expertise, and production capacity to deliver on time, especially for bulk orders. A reliable supplier will also guide you on the best printing choice for your needs.
Why Unitees is the Best Choice for Bulk and Custom T Shirt Printing
When deciding where to place your next apparel order, you want a partner who understands the balance between quality, cost, and delivery time. Unitees by Style Union is built around these priorities, making us the trusted choice for businesses, institutions, and event organisers across industries.
High-quality garments for every order: We use durable fabrics and precision printing to ensure your business t shirts with logo or personalized polo t shirts reflect your brand in the best way possible.
Expert printing methods: From screen printing for large, consistent bulk orders to detailed DTG printing for complex designs, we match the right method to your needs, ensuring both cost efficiency and quality results.
Bulk order advantages: Our streamlined process handles large volumes without compromising quality. Whether it’s 100 or 10,000 shirts, we deliver consistent printing, accurate colors, and professional finishes.
On-time delivery you can rely on: We understand the importance of deadlines for events, promotions, or staff rollouts. Our production schedules are planned to ensure your order reaches you on time, every time.
Clear and transparent pricing: We provide detailed quotes so you know exactly how much does t shirt printing cost for your order, with no hidden charges or unexpected fees.
With Unitees, you are not just getting printed shirts — you are getting a product that strengthens your brand presence, boosts team identity, and meets your expectations on every front.