How Much Does Printing T-shirts Cost? A Guide On Custom Printed Tees

When it comes to custom T-shirts, whether for personal use, a business, or a special event, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much does printing T-shirts cost? The cost of custom printing varies depending on several factors, such as the type of T-shirt, the printing method, the complexity of the design, and the quantity of items you're ordering. In this blog post, we'll break down the costs of custom T-shirt printing for both adults and children’s sizes, as well as explore different types of T-shirts like crew neck and polo options. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of what to expect when ordering personalised T-shirts from eCommerce stores and where you might be able to order some today!

If you're based locally and planning an order, our Cornwall t-shirt printing service provides high-quality printing for businesses, clubs and events.

Factors That Influence Personalised T-Shirt Printing Costs

Before diving into specific prices, let's first explore the key factors that affect the cost of printing T-shirts:

Printing Method

There are several printing techniques available for custom T-shirts. The method you choose can greatly impact the final price. Here are the most common methods:

• Screen Printing: Great for bulk orders with simple designs, this technique uses a stencil to transfer ink onto the fabric. This is a cost-effective option when printing large quantities but might be expensive for small runs due to setup costs.
• Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: This method works similarly to a printer, directly applying ink to the fabric. DTG is ideal for smaller orders or designs with a lot of colors and intricate details. However, it tends to be more expensive for larger orders.
• Heat Transfer Printing: Involves using heat to transfer vinyl or a printed design onto the T-shirt. This method is more affordable for small batches but can look less durable compared to screen printing.

T-Shirt Type

Different types of tops come with different price points. For instance, a basic crew neck T-shirt will cost less than a high-quality polo shirt. Other factors like the fabric (e.g., cotton, polyester blends) also influence the price.

Design Complexity

Simple, single-colour designs are cheaper to print than complex, full-color artwork. If your design or logo has a lot of intricate details or requires special printing techniques (like embroidery or foil printing), expect the price to rise.

Quantity

Most eCommerce stores offer discounts for bulk orders. The more T-shirts you order, the lower the price per unit. This is particularly true for screen printing, where the setup cost is spread across multiple shirts, reducing the per-unit price.

Size and Fit

Adult sizes typically cost more than children's sizes, as they require more material. Crew neck T-shirts tend to be more affordable compared to polo shirts, which use higher-quality fabric and require more detailed work for embroidery (if that’s the chosen method). Sleeve length can also pay a part in the final price of your items.

Where Can You Buy Custom Printed T-Shirts?

You can buy custom T-shirts at great prices from us at Specialist Print!

For children’s custom T-shirts, creativity is key! Let your little ones design their own T-shirts with fun images and personalised text, making them perfect for birthdays, school events, or just everyday wear. Imagine a five-year-old’s birthday party where every guest gets a T-shirt featuring the birthday child’s own hand-drawn artwork, both a stylish and sentimental keepsake, perfect for school leavers! These standard children’s tops are crafted from 100% ring-spun cotton, ensuring they are soft, breathable, and durable enough to withstand playtime adventures. Plus, for children with sensory sensitivities, the pure cotton construction provides a comfortable fit without irritation.

For adults custom T-shirts offer a great way to showcase personal style with a unique design, promote businesses, or unify a group for an event. With shapes suitable for men and women! Whether you prefer a classic crew neck with a bold slogan or a detailed graphic print, these personalised T-shirts offer the ideal canvas for your design. Made from the same high-quality ring-spun cotton as the children’s version, they offer a soft feel while remaining tough enough for everyday wear. With various colour options and printing methods available, it’s easy to create a T-shirt that suits any occasion, from casual outings to company branding.

Cost Breakdown for Custom Printed T-Shirts

Now, let’s dive into the typical custom T-shirt costs you can expect when ordering from eCommerce stores like ours. We will focus on adult and children’s sizes, as well as crew neck and polo shirt options.

Printed Adults T-Shirts

For an adults custom crew neck T-shirt, prices range from £22.94 per item and £150.98 for 10 shirts. 

For an adults polo shirt prices range from £24.59 per item and £178.75 for 10 shirts.

Buy custom adults T-shirts here / Buy custom adults polo shirts here.

Printed Children's T-Shirts

For a children's custom crew neck T-shirt, prices range from £21.60 per item and £137.54 for 10 shirts.

Buy custom children's T-shirts here

Additional Costs to Consider

Aside from the base price of the T-shirt and printing, there may be additional charges depending on your order:

• Setup Fees: For screen printing, many eCommerce stores charge a setup fee, particularly for small orders. This can range but for large quantities, the cost is often absorbed into the price per shirt.
• Shipping: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping. Most stores offer free shipping on larger orders, but for small quantities, shipping can range anywhere from £5 to £10, depending on where you're located. We offer free shipping on all orders!
• Minimum orders: Many ecommerce stores will have minimum orders, this is usually from 10 items, with Specialist Print you can order any quantity from just 1 t-shirt!

How to Save on Custom T-Shirt Printing

Here are some tips for saving money on your custom T-shirts:

Order in Bulk: As mentioned earlier, the more T-shirts you order, the lower the cost per unit. If you need a large quantity, try to place a bulk order to save money.

Simplify Your Design: Stick to simpler designs with fewer colours. The more intricate the design, the more expensive it will be to print, especially if you're using a high-quality printing method like DTG.

Conclusion

The cost of bespoke T-shirt printing depends on factors like the printing method, T-shirt type, design complexity, and order quantity. Prices start from £22.94 for an adult crew neck T-shirt, £24.59 for an adult polo shirt, and £21.60 for a children's crew neck T-shirt. By considering these factors and comparing deals, you can create custom printed T-shirts without overspending, whether for personal use, events, or business needs. View our full range of printed products here.