How Much Do Custom T-Shirts Cost?
Custom t-shirts are a great way to express yourself, promote a brand, celebrate an event or unite a team. But understanding the costs can be tricky because of all the variables that go into the final price. In this post we’ll break down all the elements that affect the cost of custom t-shirts and give you tips on how to get the best value for your money with Kavy’s Customs.
What Affects the Cost of Custom T-Shirts
Knowing what goes into the pricing of custom t-shirts will help you make informed decisions and customize your order to fit your budget and needs. Here are the main factors:
- T-Shirt Type
- Order Quantity
- Printing Method
- Additional Customizations
- Shipping Options
T-Shirt Type
The base cost of your custom t-shirt largely depends on the type and quality of the shirt you choose. Different fabrics, styles and brands have varying price points.
Common T-Shirt Types:
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Standard Cotton T-Shirts
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Type: 100% cotton, soft, breathable and affordable.
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Cost Implication: Most budget friendly option, great for large orders and events.
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Best For: Casual wear, promotional events, one-time use.
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Premium Cotton T-Shirts
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Type: Higher quality cotton, softer and more durable.
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Cost Implication: Slightly more expensive than standard cotton but better comfort and longevity.
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Best For: Corporate events, merchandise, gifts.
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Blended Fabric T-Shirts
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Type: Combination of materials like cotton, polyester and rayon, soft, durable and wrinkle resistant.
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Cost Implication: Moderately priced, balances comfort and cost effectiveness.
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Best For: Athletic wear, everyday use, fashion apparel.
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Performance/Dri-Fit T-Shirts
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Type: Moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry.
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Cost Implication: More expensive due to specialized fabric technology.
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Best For: Sports teams, outdoor events, fitness enthusiasts.
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Organic and Eco-Friendly T-Shirts
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Type: Made from organic or recycled materials, focus on sustainability.
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Cost Implication: Generally more expensive but eco-friendly.
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Best For: Eco-conscious brands, environmental campaigns, premium merchandise.
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Specialty Styles (V-neck, Long Sleeve, Tank Tops)
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Type: Various styles to suit different preferences and occasions.
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Cost Implication: Prices vary depending on style and fabric.
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Best For: Fashion brands, seasonal events, personalized gifts.
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Tips to Save:
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Think About Your Purpose: Choose the t-shirt type that suits your purpose. For one-time events, standard cotton might be enough, for merchandise, invest in premium quality.
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Consider Your Audience: Who will be wearing the t-shirts? Choose the style and comfort level accordingly.
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Bulk Ordering: Ordering in bulk can sometimes reduce the per unit cost even for premium t-shirts.
Order Quantity
The more t-shirts you order, the more the total and per unit cost. Generally, larger orders means lower cost per shirt due to economies of scale.
Quantity Pricing:
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Bulk Discounts
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Explanation: We have tiered pricing where the price per t-shirt decreases as the order quantity increases.
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Example: 100 shirts will be cheaper per piece than 10 shirts.
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Small Orders
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Explanation: Smaller orders have higher per unit cost because setup and production cost is spread over fewer items.
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Example: A single custom t-shirt will be more expensive per piece than ordering in bulk.
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Group Orders
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Explanation: Combining orders for multiple groups or events can maximize bulk discount benefits.
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Example: Ordering t-shirts for multiple departments within a company in one order.
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Tips to Save:
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Plan Ahead: Order in advance and order in bulk to take advantage of bulk discounts.
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Order Extras: Add extra shirts to account for unexpected needs or replacements, often at a minimal extra cost.
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Collaborate: Combine orders with others who have similar needs to increase quantity and reduce cost.
Printing Process
The method of printing your design onto the t-shirt affects the cost, durability and appearance of the final product. Choose the right printing method for your desired outcome within your budget.
Printing Methods:
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Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing
Description: Prints design onto a film which is then heat transferred onto the garment.
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Cost Implication: Flexible for various order sizes and design complexity; generally affordable with good durability.
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Quality: Produces bright colors and works on different fabric types.
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Best For: Versatile needs, designs with fine details and various fabric materials.
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Embroidery
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Description: Stitches design directly onto the fabric using threads.
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Cost Implication: More expensive due to labor and materials; cost increases with design complexity and stitch count.
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Quality: High-end professional look with excellent durability.
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Best For: Logos, corporate apparel, hats, polo shirts.
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Which Method to Choose:
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Design Complexity: DTF for complex, multicolored designs; embroidery for simpler designs.
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Fabric Type: Some methods work better on certain fabrics; DTF is versatile across different materials.
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Budget and Quality Needs: Balance your budget with your quality and durability requirements.
Tips to Save:
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Match Method to Need: Choose the printing method that fits your order size and design to save cost.
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Consult Experts: Get advice from Kavy's Customs experts to choose the most cost effective and suitable printing method for your project.
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Combine Methods: For large orders with varied needs, consider using multiple printing methods to balance cost and quality. For example, embroidered name on front chest and DTF logo on the back of the shirt.
Extra Options
Additional design options beyond the basic design can make your t-shirts more unique but also more expensive.
Extra Options:
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Multiple Print Locations
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Example: Print on front, back, sleeves or even tags.
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Cost Extra: Each extra print location
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Options:
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Multiple Print Locations
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Example: Print on front, back, sleeves or even tags.
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Cost Extra: Each extra print location
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Best For: Branding, promotional events, sports teams.
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Personalization
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Example: Individual names, numbers or other unique information on each shirt.
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Cost Extra: More if each shirt requires different information.
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Best For: Team uniforms, events, corporate gifts.
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Special Effects and Inks
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Example: Metallic, glow-in-the-dark, puff or foil inks for extra visual impact.
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Cost Extra: Specialty inks and effects due to material and application costs.
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Best For: Fashion designs, promotional materials.
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Labeling and Tags
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Example: Neck labels, hang tags or hem tags for professional branding.
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Cost Extra: Production and application cost but enhances brand presence.
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Best For: Clothing brands, retail merchandise.
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Packaging Options
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Example: Branded bags or boxes.
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Cost Extra: Overall cost but improves presentation and perceived value.
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Best For: E-commerce, gift items, premium products.
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Tips to Save:
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Focus on Must-Haves: Choose customizations that add the most value and fit your needs.
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Bundle Options: Combining some customizations can sometimes reduce individual cost.
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Talk to Us: Consult with Kavy's Customs experts to find ways to save on your customization.
Shipping
Shipping is the final step to get your custom t-shirts and the options you choose will affect the overall cost and delivery time.
Shipping Options:
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Standard Shipping
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Regular shipping with moderate delivery time.
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Cost: Often free or low-cost for orders above a certain amount.
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Example: 5-7 business days
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Expedited Shipping
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Faster shipping for urgent needs.
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Cost: Extra fee based on speed and distance.
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Example: 2-3 business days extra cost.
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International Shipping
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Shipping to different countries.
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Cost: Higher cost due to distance, customs and duties.
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Example: Variable delivery time and cost depending on destination.
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Bulk Shipping vs Split Shipping
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Sending all items to one location versus multiple addresses.
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Cost: Bulk shipping is more cost-effective; split shipping incurs extra fee.
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Example: Sending t-shirts to individual team members vs team manager.
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Tips to Save:
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Get Free Shipping: Order quantities that meet the minimum to get free standard shipping.
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Consolidate Shipments: Ship to one location when possible to save.
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Choose Your Speed: Select shipping options that balance cost and urgency for your needs.
Summary: Save on Your Custom T-Shirts
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Choose the Right T-Shirt: Match to purpose and audience.
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Order Smart: Take advantage of bulk discount by ordering the right quantities.
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Choose the Right Printing Method: Match your design needs to the most cost-effective and quality guaranteed printing process.
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Add-ons: Prioritize what adds value.
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Plan Ahead for Turnaround and Shipping: Avoid rush fees and choose economical shipping by ordering early.
At Kavy's Customs we offer custom t-shirts that fit your needs at affordable prices. Our Custom Creator makes it easy to design and order your custom apparel with our team’s support throughout the process.
Design Your Custom T-Shirts Now?
Start designing today with our Custom Creator and get hassle free customization, transparent pricing and great quality. Whether you’re preparing for an event, promoting your brand or creating personalized gifts, Kavy’s Customs got you covered!
Need Help? Contact our support team for personalized help during your custom t-shirt design process.
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