How Much Does Custom Screen Printing Cost? (Real Prices from a Print Shop)

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If you’ve ever tried to order custom t-shirts, you’ve probably asked the same question everyone else does:

“How much does screen printing cost per shirt?”

The honest answer is: it depends.

After running a screen printing shop and producing thousands of orders for businesses, schools, sports teams, and events, we’ve found that most customers dramatically overestimate or underestimate the cost of custom shirts.

The good news? Once you understand the four things that actually determine price, screen printing becomes surprisingly affordable.

In many cases, custom printed shirts cost less than $10 each.

Let’s break down how pricing really works.

The 4 Biggest Factors That Determine Screen Printing Cost

In our experience, the price of custom screen printing is determined by four main factors:

1. Quantity Ordered
2. Garment Type
3. Number of Print Colors
4. Number of Print Locations

Understanding these will help you estimate pricing before requesting a quote.

1. Quantity (The Biggest Price Driver)

Screen printing rewards larger orders.

This is because there are setup costs involved with creating screens and preparing the press, so the more shirts you print, the lower the cost per shirt.

Because of setup time, many professional shops don’t screen print orders under about 48 pieces.

For smaller runs, DTF (Direct-to-Film printing) is often the better option.

2. The Garment You Choose

The shirt itself is a major part of the cost.

For example, a premium fashion-fit shirt like the:

• Next Level 6210
• Bella+Canvas 3001cvc
• Premium tri-blend shirts like the Bella 3413 or Next Level 6010
• Comfort Colors - 1717

will cost more than a basic promotional tee.

However, these upgraded garments often feel better, fit better, and are more likely to be worn repeatedly.

A typical mid-tier shirt is often the sweet spot between quality and price.

3. Number of Ink Colors (The Most Misunderstood Factor)

The number of colors in the design is where customers most often misunderstand screen printing pricing.

Each ink color requires:

• A separate screen
• Additional setup
• More press time

So a design with:

• 1 color = lowest cost
• 2–3 colors = moderate cost
• 5+ colors = much higher setup and production time

For example, a two-color design is extremely common and cost effective.

4. Number of Print Locations

Printing on multiple areas of the shirt increases cost.

Typical locations include:

• Front print
• Back print
• Left chest
• Sleeve

Each additional location adds production time.

For example:

• Front only = lowest cost
• Front + back = moderate increase
• Front + back + sleeves = higher cost

A Real Example: What 100 Custom Shirts Actually Cost

Let’s look at a real order example.

A customer orders:

• 100 shirts
• Next Level 6210 black tees
• 2-color front print
• 2-color back print

Their price would be approximately:

$8.75 per shirt (S–XL sizes).

This surprises many customers who assume custom printed shirts cost $15–$20 each.

At higher quantities, screen printing is extremely efficient.

When Screen Printing Isn’t the Best Option

One of the biggest recent challenges we’ve seen involves AI-generated artwork.

Customers often bring designs generated by tools like Midjourney or other AI image platforms.

The problem?

These images can contain 25+ subtle color variations that don’t translate well to screen printing.

Screen printing works best with simplified artwork and limited colors.

When designs contain too many colors, there are two options:

Option 1: Simplify the Artwork

We reduce the design to a limited number of colors to make it screen-print friendly.

This usually lowers cost significantly.

Option 2: Use DTF Printing

For complex, full-color artwork, DTF printing may be the better solution.

However, the cost is typically higher.

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This is why artwork preparation can make a huge difference in pricing.

Expert Tip: Use the Shirt Color as Part of the Design

Here’s one trick we recommend to customers all the time.

Choose your garment color first.

Then build your artwork around it.

Why?

Because the shirt color can act as one of the ink colors in the design.

For example:

If you print on a black shirt, the black fabric can function as a design color.

This lets you create a 3-color design using only 2 ink colors, reducing setup costs and simplifying printing.

It’s one of the easiest ways to lower cost without sacrificing design quality.

Screen Printing vs DTF: What’s the Difference?

A good print shop will recommend the right process for your order, not just the one they prefer.

How to Get the Best Price on Custom Shirts

If you want the lowest possible price per shirt, follow these tips:

1. Order at least 48 pieces

This is where screen printing becomes cost effective.

2. Limit the number of ink colors

Two colors is often ideal.

3. Choose your garment color strategically

Let the shirt color become part of the design.

4. Simplify complex artwork

Especially if the design was created with AI tools.

Get a Custom Quote

Every order is a little different, so the best way to get an accurate price is to request a quote.

At Adver-T Screen Printing, we help businesses, schools, teams, and events throughout the Tampa Bay and Clearwater area create high-quality custom apparel.

Whether you need:

• company shirts
• event shirts
• team apparel
• branded merchandise

we’ll help you choose the best garment, printing method, and design approach to keep your costs down.

👉 Request a custom quote today

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