How to Order Custom T-Shirts for Your Company (Step-by-Step)
By Rasheed Omar, Founder of Wearmill · June 2, 2026 · 5 min read · Last updated June 2026
Ordering custom t-shirts for your business takes four decisions: the blank garment, the printing method, the artwork, and the quantity. Get those right and the rest is straightforward. This guide walks through each step with real pricing so you know what to expect before you reach out to a printer.
Step 1: Choose your blank garment
The "blank" is the shirt before anything is printed on it. The blank you pick affects the feel, fit, and price of the finished product. Here are the most common options for business orders:
| Blank | Feel | Price range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan Heavy Cotton | Sturdy, classic fit | $6.49-$10.99/unit | Events, giveaways, everyday wear |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 | Soft, modern fit | $7.49-$12.49/unit | Retail-quality merch, brand tees |
| Comfort Colors | Pre-washed, relaxed | $8.49-$14.49/unit | Trendy, vintage look |
| Nike Dri-FIT | Performance, moisture-wicking | $24.99-$34.99/unit | Athletic teams, premium gifts |
If you're ordering for the first time and want a safe choice: Gildan Heavy Cotton is the industry standard for bulk orders. If you want something people will actually want to wear again: Bella+Canvas is softer and fits better.
Step 2: Pick a printing method
For most business t-shirt orders, screen printing is the right choice. It's the cheapest per unit at 48+ quantities and the print lasts 50+ washes. If your design is full-color or photographic, DTG (direct-to-garment) is better. See our full comparison of printing methods.
Step 3: Prepare your artwork
The best file formats for custom printing are vector files: .AI, .EPS, .SVG, or .PDF. These scale to any size without losing quality. If you only have a .PNG or .JPG, it needs to be at least 300 DPI at the print size (typically 12 inches wide for a front chest print).
Don't have a print-ready file? Most printers (including us) can clean up your logo for you. Send what you have and we'll let you know if it needs work.
Step 4: Decide on quantity and sizes
Most custom printers have a minimum of 24 units. You can mix sizes and colors within the same order. The total count across all variations determines your price tier.
Sizing tip: If you're ordering for a group and don't know everyone's size yet, a safe distribution for 100 shirts is roughly: 5 S, 25 M, 35 L, 25 XL, 10 2XL. Adjust based on your team.
Step 5: Request a quote and approve your proof
Send your artwork, product choice, quantity, and sizes to your printer. A good printer will send back an itemized quote within 24 hours, plus a free digital proof showing exactly how your logo will look on the shirt.
Don't approve the proof until you're satisfied with the placement, colors, and sizing. Once you approve, production starts and changes aren't possible.
Step 6: Receive and inspect your order
Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days after proof approval. When your order arrives, check a few shirts for print quality, color accuracy, and correct sizing before distributing. Any reputable printer will fix errors at no charge.
FAQ
How far in advance should I order?
Allow 2 weeks minimum: a few days for quoting and proof approval, plus 5-7 business days for production and shipping. For events, order at least 3 weeks out to have a buffer.
Can I order just one custom shirt?
With DTG printing, yes. For screen printing, the minimum is typically 24 units because of the screen setup involved.
What if I need them faster?
Rush orders (under 7 business days) are usually available for a 15% surcharge. Ask your printer about availability before placing the order.
Related guides
- Custom T-Shirt Pricing in 2026 — exact per-unit costs by blank and quantity
- Promotional Products for Trade Shows — what to order beyond t-shirts
- Screen Printing in Houston, TX — what to look for in a local printer
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