Login
Register

Free Shipping*/Pick Up

Get Extra 10% OFF Coupon Code: Cart10!

Get Quote Now

Average response time: 5-7 mins

*We will never share your info with anyone!

Home  >  Catalogue

By Aisha - 6 min read

Affordable Custom T-Shirts for Small Business Owners

Custom shirts are a basic need for a lot of businesses. Not merch. Not fashion. Just something decent to print on without spending more than you should. This isn’t about trends or premium labels. It’s about finding shirts that do the job, look clean, and don’t mess with your margins. Here’s how to keep it simple and affordable—and a few options that actually make sense.

 

Start Designing Now or Request a Quote

Why Custom T-Shirts Matter for Small Businesses

Custom t-shirts aren’t just for looks. They’re practical. When your team wears the same shirt, customers can tell who’s working. It helps people remember your name. It makes your business look more organized, even if things are still scrappy behind the scenes. Whether you're printing a few for your crew or giving them out to customers, shirts are an easy way to look legit without spending a lot. They work as uniforms, merch, and advertising all at once. Simple. Useful. Reliable.

What Makes a T-Shirt “Affordable” (Without Sacrificing Quality)

What counts as affordable?

Around $3 to $6 per blank tee is the usual range for basic styles. Anything above that should offer a better fit, fabric, or brand value.

 

How do you know if it’s still good quality?

Look for shirts with double-needle stitching, pre-shrunk fabric, and consistent sizing. Avoid ultra-light shirts under 4 oz—they usually feel cheap.

 

What printing methods work best on affordable shirts?

DTG works well on ringspun cotton. Screen printing is solid on heavier blanks. Stick with fabrics that hold ink—avoid poly if you’re unsure.

 

Are there brands that offer both price and quality?

Yes. Gildan Heavy Cotton (5000), Bella+Canvas 3001, and Jerzees Dri-Power 29M are reliable options that balance cost and quality.

 

What should you avoid?

Off-brand blanks with no size consistency. Super thin fabric. Anything labeled “fashion fit” but priced cheap usually means poor quality.

Best Printing Methods for Budget-Friendly Orders

 

DTG Printing: This is your best bet when you're ordering just a few shirts or want to use a colorful, detailed design. No setup, no extra fees for more colors. Just upload your design and print. Works best on 100% cotton shirts. Great for short runs or one-off pieces.

 

Screen PrintingThis method gives you clean, bold prints that last. It takes more work upfront, but once it’s set up, it becomes cost-effective when you’re ordering more shirts with the same design. Works best for simple logos or designs with fewer colors. Not worth it for tiny orders.

 

DTF TransferThis one’s flexible. You can print full-color designs on almost any fabric, and it holds up well after washing. It’s a newer method but solid for people who want something that looks sharp and doesn’t have the limitations of DTG or screen printing. Good for mid-size orders or designs with a lot going on.

 

What to Avoid: Skip sublimation unless you're using polyester shirts—it doesn't work on cotton. Avoid embroidery unless you’re doing hats, polos, or heavier gear. It's more expensive and doesn’t make sense for regular tees with flat designs.

Our Top 5 Affordable T-Shirts for Custom Printing

  • Material: 100% preshrunk cotton
  • Weight: 5.3 oz
  • Fit: Classic
  • Features: Double-needle stitching, tear-away label
  • Best For: Bulk orders, screen printing, general use​

 

A durable and versatile option, this tee is suitable for various printing methods and offers a wide color range.​

  • Material: 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
  • Weight: 4.2 oz
  • Fit: Tailored, unisex
  • Features: Side seams, shoulder taping
  • Best For: Retail-quality prints, DTG, fashion-forward designs​

 

Known for its softness and modern fit, this tee is ideal for high-quality prints and a polished look.​

  • Material: 100% pre-shrunk cotton
  • Weight: 6.0 oz
  • Fit: Classic
  • Features: Double-needle stitching, quarter-turned body
  • Best For: Heavy-duty use, screen printing, workwear​

 

This heavier tee offers durability and is well-suited for environments requiring sturdier apparel.

  • Material: 100% combed ringspun cotton
  • Weight: 4.3 oz
  • Fit: Unisex
  • Features: Contrast collar and cuffs, tear-away label
  • Best For: Retro designs, events, standout branding​

 

With its distinctive ringer style, this tee adds a vintage touch to custom designs.​

  • Material: 100% combed cotton jersey
  • Weight: 4.3 oz
  • Fit: Youth sizes
  • Features: 1x1 baby rib set-in collar
  • Best For: Youth events, school functions, team uniforms​

 

Designed for younger wearers, this tee offers comfort and quality suitable for various youth activities.​

How to Keep Costs Low Without Compromising Style

Stick to one print location: Front-only or back-only printing keeps pricing simple. Adding sleeves, tags, or double-sided prints drives the price up fast.

 

Limit the number of print colors: The more colors in your design, the more it costs to print. One or two colors still look clean and are way cheaper to produce.

 

Choose blanks that balance fit and cost: You don’t need the trendiest cuts. Go with trusted basics like Gildan or Bella+Canvas that still look sharp but don’t charge extra for the name.

 

Use cotton shirts when possible: Most affordable printing methods (like DTG and screen printing) work best on cotton. Avoid blends that cost more and print worse.

 

Keep the design simple: A bold logo, single phrase, or clean graphic can look better than a busy design—and it costs less to print.

 

Order a few extras: Ordering slightly more per batch brings the price per shirt down. It’s better than reordering a second small batch later.

How to Place an Order (and What to Expect)

Pick your shirt: Choose the style, fit, and color that makes sense for your order. Don’t overthink it. Stick to something you know will work.

 

Upload your design: Use a high-resolution file—PNG, PDF, or vector files work best. If it’s low quality, expect delays or blurry prints.

 

We’ll review and mock it up: You’ll get a digital preview before anything prints. This is your chance to tweak size or placement.

 

Approve and pay: Once you’re happy with the mockup, confirm the order. No setup fees, no surprise charges.

 

Production starts: Most orders are printed and ready to ship or pick up within a few business days. Rush options are available if you need it fast.

 

You get your shirts: Clean prints, packed right, and delivered on time. Ready to wear, sell, or hand out.

Ready to Order? 

You don’t need a big budget to get custom shirts that look sharp and feel right. Whether you're ordering for your team, your brand, or your next event, we make it simple. No setup fees. No minimums. Just solid prints on shirts that work.

 

Start Designing Now or Request a Quote

Affordable Custom T-Shirts for Small Business Owners

Click here to start your
Custom Order NOW!
Start Customizing

Follow us


Popular posts

Join us

Get blog articles and offers via email

Start Customizing

Related Posts


Your cart is empty