How much does one custom t-shirt cost?

A single custom shirt is most affordable with DTF or heat transfer, since there's no minimum and no per-color setup. Screen printing a single shirt isn't cost-effective because of the setup — for one-offs, DTF is the way to go.

Is there a minimum order for custom t-shirts?

Screen printing starts at 24 pieces. DTF, heat transfer, and embroidery have no minimum, so we can do a single piece or thousands.

How can I make my order cheaper?

Order more of the same design, keep screen-print colors and print locations to what you need, and choose a standard blank. If you're near a quantity price break, rounding up often lowers the per-shirt cost.

Do you charge setup fees?

Screen printing has a per-color setup fee that's included in your quote; it's spread across the order, so it shrinks per shirt as quantity grows. DTF has no setup fees.

How Much Do Custom T-Shirts Cost? A 2026 DFW Pricing Guide

July 26, 2026

The honest answer to "how much do custom t-shirts cost?" is: it depends — but on a small number of things you control. Here's exactly what moves the price so you can budget your Dallas–Fort Worth order with confidence.

The five things that set your price

Quantity. This is the biggest lever. Setup costs spread across the order, so the per-shirt price drops sharply as you go from 12 to 50 to 250 shirts.
Decoration method. Screen printing is cheapest at volume; DTF is best for small, full-color runs; embroidery is priced by stitch count.
Number of colors / print locations. More screen-print colors and more print locations (front + back + sleeve) add cost. DTF doesn't charge per color.
The garment. A basic cotton tee costs less than a premium ring-spun or performance shirt. We'll match the blank to your budget.
Turnaround. Standard is 3–5 business days; a rush can add a fee depending on the job.

Why bulk is so much cheaper

Screen printing has a one-time setup per color. On 12 shirts, that setup is spread thin — the per-shirt cost is high. On 144 shirts, the same setup barely registers. That's why "the more you order, the cheaper each shirt" isn't a sales line — it's how the process works. If you're close to a price break (say 48 vs. 72), it's often worth rounding up.

Small order? You still have great options

You don't need hundreds of shirts to get a good deal. DTF and heat transfer have no minimum, so a handful of full-color shirts is easy and affordable. Embroidery also has no minimum, which is ideal for a few branded polos or caps.

What's included (and what to watch for)

Free mockups — you approve a digital proof before we print.
No hidden setup on DTF — screen printing has per-color setup; DTF doesn't.
Bulk discounts kick in automatically as quantity rises.
Reorders are cheaper — we keep your approved artwork and (for embroidery) your digitized logo on file.

How to get an exact number

Ballpark guides only get you so far — your real price depends on the five factors above. The fastest way to a firm number is to send us the details. Request a free quote with your quantity, artwork, and deadline, and we'll come back within one business day.

Frequently asked questions

Printing custom t-shirts in Dallas–Fort Worth?

Get your free quote — no minimums on most items, bulk pricing, and fast local service from our Irving, TX shop.

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