If you have ever looked into ordering custom shirts for a business, team, event, or personal project, one of the first questions that usually comes up is: how much does a custom screen printed shirt cost? The answer is not always a single fixed price because several things can affect the final cost.
At Choice Image, customers can explore different apparel options through the Custom Designer Lab, including standard T-shirts, hoodies, polos, and caps. The Designer Lab currently lists the T-Shirt Standard at $15, while other garments such as the Hoodie Standard and Fabric Cap are also listed at $15. The Polo Standard is shown at a sale price of $12. These prices give you an idea of the garment cost, but the total price of a finished custom shirt can depend on the artwork, printing requirements, quantity, and other project details.
What Goes Into the Cost of a Custom Shirt?
A custom shirt is more than just a blank garment with ink added to it. Several steps can be involved before the finished product is ready.
The first part is the shirt itself. Different materials, brands, styles, and garment weights can have different prices. A basic T-shirt may be a practical choice for a large event or promotional campaign, while a heavier shirt may make more sense for a premium company uniform.
Then comes the decoration. Custom screen print pricing can change depending on how many colors are included in the design, how many locations are being printed, and how complicated the artwork is.
Quantity also plays an important role. Ordering a larger number of shirts can make the overall project more economical because some setup costs can be spread across the entire order.
The Number of Shirts Matters
One of the biggest factors affecting the price of screen printing t-shirts is the quantity you need.
Ordering five shirts and ordering 100 shirts are two very different projects. When a larger order is produced, the setup and preparation involved in printing can be distributed across more garments.
For businesses, schools, sports teams, organizations, and events, ordering in bulk can therefore be a practical way to manage the cost per shirt.
That does not mean you should automatically order hundreds of shirts. It is better to estimate how many people actually need one and whether you will need additional shirts for new employees, replacements, or future events.
How Many Colors Are in Your Design?
Your artwork can also influence the cost.
A simple logo using one or two colors is generally easier to prepare for printing than a highly detailed design containing several colors. Every additional color can require additional preparation during the screen printing process.
This is one reason it is useful to think about your artwork before requesting a quote. If your goal is a clean company logo on the front of a shirt, you may not need an overly complicated design.
On the other hand, a large creative illustration for a concert, fundraiser, festival, or special event may require more preparation.
Where Do You Want the Design Printed?
The location of the artwork is another consideration.
A small logo on the left chest is different from a large graphic covering the front of a shirt. Adding a second print location, such as a design on the back, can also affect the overall project.
Before ordering custom silk screen shirts, decide where you want your artwork to appear. Front-only printing may be enough for a simple company uniform, while a front-and-back design may be better for an event or promotional campaign.
It is also worth considering how the shirt will actually be worn. A subtle chest logo can give a business-casual appearance, while a large graphic can make the shirt feel more promotional.
Choosing the Right Shirt
The blank garment is another part of the overall cost.
Not every shirt is the same. Fabric, fit, weight, color, brand, and style can all influence the price. The best shirts for printing are not necessarily the most expensive ones. The right choice depends on how the shirts will be used.
For example, a company ordering shirts for employees may want a comfortable everyday T-shirt. A restaurant might prefer a durable shirt that can handle regular washing. A sports organization may have different requirements altogether.
Choice Image’s Designer Lab gives customers several apparel options to explore, including T-Shirt Standard, Hoodie Standard, Polo Standard, and Fabric Cap.
Starting with the right garment can make a noticeable difference in the finished result.
Artwork Preparation Can Affect the Project
Good printing starts with good artwork.
If your logo or design is already prepared correctly for production, the process can be more straightforward. But artwork may sometimes need adjustments before it can be printed properly.
Small text, complicated details, low-resolution images, or designs with many colors can require additional attention.
This is particularly important for businesses using a company logo. You want the final printed design to look clean and recognizable rather than blurry or crowded.
Taking time to prepare your artwork properly can help avoid unnecessary changes later in the process.
What Are Printing Screens?
If you are new to screen printing, you may wonder why printing screens are part of the process.
Screen printing uses prepared screens to transfer ink onto the garment. Different colors in a design can require separate screens. The screens are prepared based on the artwork and then used during the printing process.
This preparation is one reason very small orders may have a different cost structure from larger orders. Once the necessary setup has been completed, producing additional shirts with the same design can become more efficient.
Understanding this process makes it easier to see why the cost of a printed shirt cannot always be calculated by simply adding the price of a blank shirt and a small printing fee.
Is a $15 Shirt the Final Cost?
Not necessarily.
The $15 T-Shirt Standard shown in Choice Image’s Designer Lab represents the listed garment price on that page. It should not automatically be treated as the final price for a fully custom screen printed shirt.
Your final project may depend on the shirt style, quantity, artwork, number of print colors, print locations, and production requirements.
That is why getting a project-specific quote is the best way to find out what your order will actually cost.
Rather than choosing a shirt based only on its initial price, consider the entire project. A slightly different garment may provide better comfort, durability, or appearance for your particular needs.
How to Keep Custom Shirt Costs Under Control
There are several simple ways to manage your budget without sacrificing the quality of the finished shirts.
Keep the design practical. A clean logo or simple graphic can be easier to reproduce than a highly complicated design.
Order the right quantity. Avoid ordering far more shirts than you need, but consider future requirements before placing a very small order.
Choose the garment carefully. The cheapest blank shirt is not always the best value if it does not meet your expectations for comfort or durability.
Plan your print locations. Decide whether you really need front, back, sleeve, or multiple placements.
Prepare your artwork early. Having your logo and artwork ready can make the ordering process easier.
Most importantly, discuss your project requirements before placing an order. A professional printing company can help you understand the options available for your budget.
Getting Started With Custom Screen Printing
So, how much does it cost to make a custom screen printed shirt? There is no universal price because every order is different.
The garment is only one part of the equation. Quantity, artwork, colors, printing locations, preparation, and the type of shirt you choose can all influence the final cost.
Choice Image’s Custom Designer Lab provides a starting point for exploring apparel options and currently lists several garments with their individual prices. From there, customers can request a quote based on their specific customization needs.
Whether you need shirts for a small business, employee uniforms, a team, an event, or a promotional campaign, taking a little time to plan the project can help you get better value from your order.
A good custom shirt should do more than carry a logo. It should fit the purpose, feel comfortable, represent the brand well, and hold up to regular use. With the right garment and a well-prepared design, custom screen print apparel can be a practical way to promote your business or bring a group together without making the process unnecessarily complicated.
📍 Address: 1420 Quail Street, Lakewood, CO 80215, USA
📞 Phone: 303-232-4250
📧 Email: info@choiceimage.com
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