“How much per shirt?” It’s the first question on everyone’s mind, and rightly so. You have a budget, and you need to know if your amazing idea for custom t-shirts, hoodies, or hats is going to fit within it. Here at USA Tees, we get this question dozens of times a day. While we wish we could give a single, simple answer, the truth is that the cost of a custom garment is a bit like the cost of a custom pizza—it all depends on the ingredients you choose.
Each project is unique, and that’s what makes it special. But to peel back the curtain and give you a clear understanding of what goes into the final price, let’s break down the four key factors that influence your cost per item.
1. The Garment Type
The garment you choose to print on is the foundation of your project and the first factor in its cost. A standard, 100% cotton t-shirt will be more budget-friendly than a premium, tri-blend fashion-fit tee or a heavy-duty work jacket. We offer a wide range of options—from basic tees and caps to soft hoodies and professional polos—each at a different price point. Think about the purpose of your apparel. Is it for a one-day event, or does it need to be a durable work uniform that lasts for years? Choosing the right garment is a balance between feel, function, and budget.
2. The Total Quantity
This is a big one. In the world of custom printing, more is almost always less (per item, that is). The setup process—preparing the screens, mixing the inks, and configuring the machinery—takes the same amount of effort whether we’re printing 12 shirts or 500. When you order a larger quantity, that initial setup cost is spread across more items, bringing the price per shirt down significantly. While we proudly offer no minimums for those smaller, personal projects, you’ll find that your price per unit drops substantially as your order size increases.
3. The Number of Print Colors
For screen printing, each color in your design requires its own custom screen. If your design is a simple, one-color logo on the front, that’s one screen and one setup. If that same logo has four different colors, it requires four separate screens and a much more detailed printing process to ensure every color aligns perfectly. This is why a one-color print is significantly more affordable than a multi-color or full-color photorealistic print. To manage costs, consider if your design could be simplified to fewer colors while still making a big impact.
4. The Number of Print Locations
Where do you want your design? Just on the front? Or on the front, back, and a sleeve? Each location you choose to print on is treated like a separate print job. Printing a logo on the front and a larger design on the back means we have to set up and print your shirts twice. This adds to the labor and time involved, which in turn affects the final price. A single-location print is the most cost-effective, but adding a second or third location can be a great way to add value and flair to your design.
Ready to see how these factors come together for your project? The best way to get a real-time estimate is to use our Quick Quote calculator. You can select your garment, quantity, and print options to get an instant price per unit and a total cost. It’s the easiest way to experiment with different scenarios and find the perfect combination that fits your vision and your budget.
