How to Get the Lowest Price Per Shirt on Bulk Screen Printing

The Short Answer

The price per shirt on a bulk screen printing order comes down to the blank you choose, the number of ink colors, the number of print locations, and your quantity. Screen printing has a one-time screen setup for each ink color in each print location, so the setup is shared across every shirt: the bigger the order, the lower the price per piece. At Custom Ink & Thread in Los Angeles, every order gets a digital proof before production, and we match comparable quotes.

1. Choose a Core Blank

The garment is usually the largest part of the price. Core styles such as the Gildan 5000 or Port & Company basics cost less than premium or fashion blanks and still print beautifully. Compare styles in our t-shirt catalog.

2. Use Fewer Ink Colors

Each ink color needs its own screen. A one- or two-color design costs less to set up than a full-color design, and bold, simple artwork often reads better from a distance anyway.

3. Print Fewer Locations

A front print plus a back print means two sets of screens. If budget matters most, a single front or left-chest print keeps the setup to one location.

4. Order Everything at Once

Because the screen setup is shared across the order, one order of 100 shirts costs less per piece than two orders of 50. Collect sizes from your whole team, school, or company first, then order together.

5. Keep the Same Design Across Shirt Colors

Printing the same design on several shirt colors reuses the same artwork; just make sure the ink colors work on every garment color you choose. Your proof shows each combination.

6. Compare DTF for Small or Full-Color Orders

For a handful of shirts, or for a photo or many-color design, DTF printing is often cheaper because it has no setup fees and no extra charge per color, priced by print size. See DTF vs screen printing for when each one wins.

7. Ask for a Quote Match

If you have a comparable quote for the same garment, print locations, ink colors, and delivery timeline, send it with your request and we will match it.

Quick Checklist

To lower your price	Why it works
Core blank	Lower garment cost
1–2 ink colors	Fewer screens
One print location	Fewer screens
Order in one batch	Setup shared across more shirts
DTF for tiny or full-color runs	No setup fees

Frequently Asked Questions

Is screen printing cheaper than DTF in bulk? For a simple design in a few colors on a larger order, screen printing usually costs less per shirt. For small orders and full-color designs, DTF usually wins.

Can I mix sizes in one bulk order? Yes. Sizes are collected into one order, so the whole order shares the same setup.

Will I see the design before it is printed? Yes. Every order gets a digital proof showing print size, placement, and colors before production.

Get Your Bulk Price

Start with bulk t-shirt printing, design online, or request a free quote with your quantity, design, and deadline. Visit us at 4000 S Broadway, Los Angeles, or call (747) 333-7919.