T-shirt printing: which method to choose and what it costs
An adult T-shirt with print costs €15, a kids shirt €13, and there is no minimum order. Two things decide the right printing method: the fabric and the number of shirts. Cotton suits screen printing, heat transfer and DTG; polyester suits sublimation. Below is a comparison and the prices.
Published 7 min readMC Dizains
The four T-shirt printing methods at a glance
We print with one of four methods. We look at the fabric first, then the quantity and the design. The table shows what each method suits.
| Method | Fabric | Good for | Not for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat transfer | 100% cotton, cotton-polyester | One-colour logos, names, numbers, a few shirts | Photos and colour gradients |
| Screen printing | 100% cotton | Large runs, from 50 pieces | Small runs: the screen adds cost to every shirt |
| DTG (direct-to-garment) | 100% cotton, cotton-polyester | Photos, illustrations, many-colour designs | Jobs where a simple film logo is enough |
| Sublimation | Polyester, light fabrics | Sports shirts, a print you cannot feel on the surface | Cotton and dark fabrics |
Heat transfer: for one shirt, or each with its own name
With heat transfer we cut a logo, name or number from vinyl film and press it onto the fabric with heat and pressure. It is the best choice for a one-colour logo, a few shirts, or when every shirt needs a different name.
That is why we also use heat transfer for kids T-shirts for schools and sports clubs: the design is the same for everyone, but each shirt gets its own name or number. The film comes in about 30 colours, including metallic, gold and reflective.
Screen printing: when it pays off
Screen printing pays off from 50 pieces. Ink is pressed onto the fabric through a screen, but a screen has to be made for each design first. In small runs that preparation adds to the cost of every shirt, so we recommend heat transfer or DTG instead.
DTG and sublimation: for photos and sports shirts
A DTG printer prints straight onto the fabric, much like on paper. It suits photos, illustrations and designs with many colours that cannot be cut from film.
In sublimation, heat makes the ink soak into the polyester fibre and become part of the fabric, so you cannot feel anything on the surface. It only works on polyester and light-coloured fabrics. For cotton or dark shirts we choose another method.
How much T-shirt printing costs
An adult T-shirt with print costs €15 each, in sizes S to 3XL. If you already have the garments, printing on your fabric costs from €3 each, depending on quantity. We give you the exact total together with the layout.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult T-shirt with print, S-3XL | €15/pc |
| Kids T-shirt with print (B&C, 145 g/m² cotton) | €13/pc |
| Printing on your fabric | From €3/pc, depending on quantity |
| Minimum order | 1 piece |
| Production | 2-5 working days after layout approval |
Can I order from Riga or another town?
Yes. Ordering is done remotely, and we ship the finished shirts by courier or post anywhere in Latvia.
- You choose the garments and send the design by e-mail or WhatsApp.
- We prepare the layout and the price.
- Once you approve the layout, the shirts are ready in 2-5 working days.
- We ship them by courier or post, or you can collect them in Kuldīga.
How to wash a printed T-shirt so the print lasts longer
A print lasts as long as it is treated well in the washing machine and under the iron. A few simple rules are enough.
- Turn the shirt inside out before washing.
- Wash at no more than 30°C, with similar colours.
- Iron on the reverse side, never directly on the print.
- Do not use bleach or a tumble dryer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a printed T-shirt cost?
€15 for an adult T-shirt with print, sizes S-3XL. A kids T-shirt with print costs €13. Printing on your own fabric costs from €3/pc.
Can you print just one T-shirt?
Yes, there is no minimum order. For one or a few shirts with a one-colour logo we usually use heat transfer.
From what quantity does screen printing pay off?
From 50 pieces. With fewer, making the screen adds to the cost of every shirt.
Which print suits a polyester sports shirt?
Sublimation, if the shirt is light-coloured. For a cotton-polyester blend we use heat transfer or DTG.
Which print suits a photo?
DTG (direct-to-garment), because it reproduces many colours and gradients that cannot be cut from film.
How long does it take?
2-5 working days after the layout is approved. We ship shirts across Latvia.
Related services
Services connected to the topic of this article.
Send us your design and quantity, and you will see the layout and price before we start
We will recommend the method that suits your fabric and quantity.
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