How Much Do Custom T-Shirts Cost in 2026? Real Pricing Breakdown
By Rasheed Omar, Founder of Wearmill · June 2, 2026 · 5 min read · Last updated June 2026
A custom screen printed t-shirt costs between $6.49 and $14.49 per unit in 2026, depending on the blank garment, print method, number of colors, and quantity. The two biggest price drivers are the blank you choose and how many you order. Below is a real pricing breakdown with actual numbers.
Screen printing pricing (1-color imprint)
Screen printing is the most affordable method for orders of 48 or more. Here's what it costs per unit across different blanks and quantities, including the blank garment:
| Blank garment | 24 units | 96 units | 288 units | 576+ units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan Heavy Cotton | $10.99 | $8.49 | $6.99 | $6.49 |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 | $12.49 | $9.49 | $8.49 | $7.49 |
| Comfort Colors | $14.49 | $10.99 | $9.49 | $8.49 |
| Nike Dri-FIT | $34.99 | $29.99 | $27.49 | $24.99 |
What affects the price
Number of print colors
Each additional color in a screen printed design adds roughly $2.00 per unit. A 1-color logo is the cheapest. A 4-color design on a Gildan tee at 96 units would run approximately $14.49/unit ($8.49 base + $6.00 for 3 extra colors).
Setup fees
Screen printing requires a setup fee of $25 per color per design. This fee is waived at 144+ units. So for a 1-color design at 48 units, add $25 to your total. At 144+ units, there's no setup fee at all.
Print locations
Front only is cheapest. Adding a back print or sleeve print is essentially a second job, so it roughly doubles the print cost (not the blank cost). A front + back print on Gildan at 96 units runs about $12.99/unit.
Blank garment quality
The blank is the single biggest variable. A Gildan Heavy Cotton runs about $3-4 wholesale. A Bella+Canvas 3001 runs $5-6. A Comfort Colors runs $7-8. The print cost stays roughly the same across all of them.
DTG pricing (no setup fee)
DTG (direct-to-garment) printing has no setup fee and supports unlimited colors, making it better for small orders or complex designs. The per-unit cost is higher than screen printing at volume:
- 1-11 units: $20-30/unit (varies by design size)
- 12-47 units: $15-22/unit
- 48+ units: $12-18/unit
The crossover point is around 48-72 units. Below that, DTG is usually cheaper (no setup fee). Above that, screen printing wins on per-unit cost.
Other costs to factor in
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Screen print setup | $25/color | Waived at 144+ units |
| Pantone color matching | $10/color | Optional, for exact brand colors |
| Rush order (under 7 days) | +15% surcharge | Subject to availability |
| Shipping | Varies | Free on orders over $500 |
| Repeat orders | 5% discount | We keep your files on hand |
FAQ
Why is there such a wide price range?
The blank garment, print method, number of colors, and quantity all affect the price. A 1-color Gildan at 576 units ($6.49) and a 4-color Comfort Colors at 24 units ($20+) are completely different jobs.
Can I get exact pricing without a full order?
Yes. Send us your logo, product choice, and estimated quantity. We'll send back an itemized quote within 24 hours with no obligation.
Related guides
- Screen Printing vs. Embroidery vs. DTG — compare methods by cost, durability, and use case
- How to Order Custom T-Shirts (Step-by-Step) — the full process from blank to delivery
- Screen Printing in Houston, TX — Houston pricing comparison
Get exact pricing for your order
These are general ranges. Your actual price depends on the specific blank, colors, and quantity. Send us the details and we'll give you an exact number.
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