The custom printing partner for your clothes can sometimes be hard to find. The options range from large clothing printing web pages to small local shops. So, it can be pretty confusing especially when you are not sure where to hunt first.
The answer is straightforward. The preferred company is specific to every individual. Your project is significant in this regard. The number of items in the order is essential. What your design looks like is important. The time you have is a deciding factor too. Here are the steps for you to follow so that you can choose the correct partner for either your brand or event.
Step One: Profile Your Project
Getting to know what you need is a must before you start looking for clothing printing companies. You will need to answer a set of questions beforehand. This will be helpful to you. You will not waste time and be able to find the right match much faster.
Order Quantity (The MOQ Factor)
What is the quantity of the items you require? This is a crucial query. A company that is perfect for 10 shirts may not be viable for 500 at all.
* 1-10 pieces: This is a great starting point for Print-on-Demand (POD) services. You can run samples of your designs. You can also get a single gift item.
* 25-100 pieces: This level can be easily managed by many local shops. Certain online printers may also do this.
* 100+ pieces: This is a bulk order. The per item price is the lowest you can get. Look for a partner who can efficiently process large orders.
Design Complexity & Colors
How does your design look? A simple, single-color logo is a world apart from a photo with several colors. Some printing methods are more suitable to a simple style while others are great for the complex details.
Garment Type & Quality
What fabric do you want to print on? A normal t-shirt for a one-day event will require different elements than a high-quality type being sold as a retail. Be sure about your demands.
Turnaround Time
How quick do you need your order to be ready? The standard production typically needs a week or two. If you want your order sooner, you should look for a company that offers rush services. These might cost more than usual.
Budget
Your budget should be in your mind throughout the process. Consider the cost per shirt. Also look at the total cost. A discounted shirt might seem like a good deal until the print design is of bad quality.
The Basic Printing Methods
When talking with clothing printing companies you must learn their language. Knowing the basics on how to print on clothes will help you make a selection. Using the appropriate method for your project is of great importance.
| Printing Method | Best For… | Feel on Garment | Durability | Cost-Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Good for bulk (25+) orders, simple designs with few colors, logos. | Slightly raised, very durable ink layer. | Excellent. Lasts for years. | Very high for bulk orders. |
| DTG Printing | Good for complex, full-color, photos, small orders, no minimums. | Soft, breathable, ink is in the fabric. | Good, but can fade over time with washes. | High for single items, not for bulk. |
| Heat Transfer | Simple names/numbers (jerseys), some synthetic fabrics. | Smooth, sometimes plastic-like layer on top. | Varies. Can crack or peel over time. | Good for small, simple orders. |
Screen Printing: The Best Choice for Bulk-Lot
Screen printing forces ink through a mesh screen onto fabric. Each color in your design uses its own screen. Thus, the setup is a pretty idea for big jobs. The prints are fabulous. They are very bright and bold. They are also incredibly durable. Screen printing is the method of choice especially for professional merchandise and huge events. The setup time makes it costly for just a few shirts. For a detailed explanation on this method, please consult our guide on screen printing.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG): For Detailed, Low-Quantity Prints
Direct-to-Garment, or DTG, is similar to an inkjet printer for fabric. The fabric soaks it up. This method is fantastic for printing photos. It also works well for designs with many colors and details. There are no setup costs per color, which makes it affordable for just one shirt. DTG works best on 100% cotton garments. It can end up being too costly if you are producing a lot of hoodies at once.
Heat Transfer (Vinyl & Digital)
Heat transfer takes your design from special paper. This method applies it to the shirt using heat and pressure. It can be used with vinyl for simple shapes. It can also use digital print for more complex images.
Fancy Prints: Transforming Your Design
Expert clothing printing companies provide much more than just the basics. Advanced methods can make your design stand out. One popular option is puff printing, which creates a 3D texture. This is awesome for trendy items like a unique puff print hoodie. You can read about this eye-catching method in The Ultimate Guide to Puff Screen Printing.
Choosing the Partner Type
All clothing printing companies are not the same. They have different business models. This is the reason why it is important to understand the types of printing companies so that you can find the right partner to achieve your goals. Whether you want one shirt or many, this is how to do it.
The National Print-on-Demand (POD) Giants
These are the large online platforms you see advertised everywhere. The platform enables users to upload a design and create an individual item. It is printed and sent to you directly.
* Best for: Online retail shops without stocks, testing new designs, buying a single custom gift.
* Pros: Simple and fast to use website tools. No need to hold stock. Huge catalog of products.
* Cons: Each item is charged at a high rate. You have little control over print quality. Customer support can be slow.
The Local Printing Company
These are shops that are mostly situated in your city or town. They target local businesses, schools, and events. Working with them will give you a more personal experience.
* Best for: Local businesses, bands, or anyone looking for samples in person.
* Pros: You get personalized service and can build a relationship. You are supporting a local business. You can often pick up your order to save time and shipping costs.
* Cons: They might have limited garment options. They may not be as advanced in tech as the big ones.
* A good example is a regional vendor like Newark Tees that showcases a range of services for the community. In the same way, local companies like Custom Tees TX often highlight their fast, local service and direct customer interaction.
The Clothing Manufacturing Partner
These are companies dedicated to high-volume, professional production. They work with established clothing brands and bigger companies that are searching for consistent, high-quality results.
- Best for: Big clothing brands, large corporate orders, any entity that wants 100+ of the same design.
- Pros: They offer the best price on bulk orders, expert advice, and outstanding quality control. Extra services such as custom tags and branded packaging are provided.
- Cons: They have high minimum order requirements (MOQs). They are not set up for small, one-off jobs.
Your Vetting Checklist
We have collaborated with hundreds of brands in the clothing making industry. Consequently, we have learned that asking the right questions from the outset is key. Here is a list of questions to ask any potential clothing printing company.
- Can I see or order a sample? A good company will readily show you samples they have produced. They should allow you to order a printed sample. This will give you the best idea of the quality. A company that refuses to send samples is a bad sign.
- What are your art file requirements? A professional printer will ask for high-quality files. They want AI, EPS, or PSD formats to ensure printing quality. They should make it clear what they need. If they don’t ask about the quality of the files, be careful.
- What is your guaranteed turnaround time? Ask for a specific date, not just a ballpark figure. This should include both production and shipping time. A responsible partner gives you a definite time frame and meets it.
- Can you provide a detailed, all-inclusive quote? You should have a quote that describes all costs. It should mention goods and services including printing, setup fees, and shipping. This helps you eliminate ambiguity on possible charges in the future.
- What is your policy on misprints? Errors can happen. A quality partner will have a formal policy that misprinted items are reprinted free of charge. Any unclear or missing policy is a red flag.
- Which garment brands do you recommend for my goal? An adept printer will behave like a consultant. They should listen to you, your goals, and your budget. Then they should introduce some clothing brands that would be a suitable fit.
- Do you offer services beyond printing? If you are building a brand, ask about added services. Can they place custom neck tags, hang tags, or fold and bag each item individually? This illustrates their potential to grow alongside your business.
Beyond the Print: Finishing Services
Small details play a crucial role in the success of a clothing brand. They can convert a printed tee into a professional, retail-ready product. Superior clothing printing companies are the ones that include these final touches.
- Custom Neck Tags: Eliminate the manufacturer’s tag and print your logo in the neck of the garment. This is the symbol of a real brand.
- Hang Tags: These provide space for your logo, pricing, website, and story.
- Folding & Poly Bagging: Each shirt is neatly folded and placed in a clear plastic bag. This protects the garment and makes it look professional for customers.
- Fulfillment & Warehousing: Some partners can store your inventory and ship orders directly to your customers.
Hiring a full-service clothing manufacturer can make this process easier. As you scale up your operation, seek a partner who offers more than printing. Many of the top 10 custom clothing companies are known for having a wide range of services that assist the growth of other businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost to print a custom t-shirt?
The price varies widely and depends on factors like the number of shirts, the printing method, and the shirt quality. A single shirt printed using the DTG method can cost around $25-$40. A bulk order of screen-printed shirts might come in under $10 each. Always get a specific quote for your project.
What’s better for logos, screen printing or embroidery?
For t-shirts and hoodies, screen printing is typically preferred, as it conveys detail well and feels good on the fabric. For items like hats, polos, and jackets, embroidery provides a classic and durable style. The best option will depend on the product and the style you want.
How can I ensure my colors match my design?
The best clothing printing companies use the Pantone Matching System (PMS) for screen printing to get precise colors. For DTG, colors can appear slightly different on fabric than on a screen. Always ask for a digital proof. If your order is large, require a physical sample to approve colors.
What does “minimum order quantity” (MOQ) mean?
MOQ is the least number of items you must order. Screen printing has an MOQ, generally between 24 to 50 pieces. This is because of the setup work that needs to be done. DTG printing usually has no MOQ, which allows you to order just one item.
Can clothing printing companies help me with my design?
Yes, many do. Some offer simple help like adding text for free, while others have designers who can create a full design for a fee. This is an important service to ask about when you select a t shirt printing company.
