If you need one shirt, you want it to look great without paying for a bunch of setup that makes no sense for a single piece. If you need 100 shirts, you want the best price per shirt without ending up with prints that look rushed or cheap.
The most cost effective method comes down to four things: quantity, artwork, fabric, and print locations. Here’s the simplest way to choose.
What actually drives the cost?
Quantity matters, but it isn’t the whole story. Pricing changes based on:
- Artwork style: a clean logo costs less to produce than a full color illustration or photo
- Number of colors: more colors can increase cost for some methods
- Print size and placement: left chest vs full front vs back print makes a difference
- Number of locations: front only costs less than front and back plus sleeves
- Garment type: tees, hoodies, polos, and performance fabrics all print differently
If you want a fast answer based on your exact design and quantity, use this link to get a custom shirt printing quote.
Best option for 1 shirt
For one shirt, DTG printing usually makes the most sense.
DTG prints directly onto the fabric, which is perfect for one off orders because you aren’t paying for screens or large minimums. It also handles full color designs easily, so photos and detailed artwork look clean.
One shirt is often for a birthday, a gift, a test run for a brand, or a personal project. DTG keeps that kind of order simple and cost effective.
If you want to confirm what works best for your artwork, you can contact Phresh Prints Ink and send your design.
Best option for 10 to 25 shirts
This range is where people overpay because they pick the wrong method.
For 10 to 25 shirts, you’re usually choosing between DTG and DTF.
DTG still works great for full color designs and detailed artwork. DTF can be a strong choice when you want bold prints, solid coverage, and flexibility across different fabrics.
If your design is simple and you plan to reorder later, it can also be worth pricing screen printing just to see where the break even point starts for your specific order.
The easiest way to avoid guessing is to ask for a quick comparison. Use this link to check pricing for small batch shirt printing.
Best option for 25 to 100 shirts
Once you hit 25 plus pieces, screen printing often becomes the most cost effective option, especially for logos and bold designs.
Screen printing usually wins when:
- your design is 1 to 3 colors
- you want consistent prints across all shirts
- you are ordering for a team, school, business, or event
Screen printing has upfront setup, but that cost gets spread across the order. The larger the quantity, the lower the cost per shirt.
That said, if your design is highly detailed and full color, it can still be worth comparing DTF or DTG depending on the look you want and the fabric you’re using.
How to keep a 100 shirt order affordable
If your goal is the best value, these choices help a lot:
- keep the design to fewer colors
- stick to one print location unless you really need more
- choose standard garments when possible
- keep the layout clean and readable
A well designed one color print can look more professional than a busy design that costs more and reads worse.
Where embroidery fits
Embroidery isn’t usually the cheapest method, but it can be the best value when you want a more premium look and long term durability.
It’s a strong choice for:
- polos
- hats
- uniforms
- jackets
If you need staff gear that looks sharp and lasts, embroidery is worth considering.
Quick decision guide
If you want a simple shortcut:
- 1 shirt: DTG is usually the best choice
- 10 to 25 shirts: DTG or DTF depending on the artwork and fabric
- 25 to 100 shirts: screen printing is often the best value for simple designs
- Uniforms and polos: embroidery is often the better long term option
The easiest way to choose without wasting money
The quickest way to lock in the best method is to send your details and get an honest recommendation.
Share:
- your design
- quantity
- garment type
- print locations
Then get pricing based on what you actually need.
Start here: request a printing quote.