Screen Printing Cost Per Shirt: 2026 Pricing Guide
How Much Does Screen Printing Cost Per Shirt?
Screen printing can cost approximately $5.67 to $29.16 per shirt for standard bulk orders, depending on quantity, garment quality, printing colors, and print locations. Small orders generally cost more per shirt, while larger orders qualify for better volume pricing.
Whether you’re ordering custom shirts for a business, school, sports team, fundraiser, community event, or clothing brand, understanding screen printing costs can help you make smarter purchasing decisions.
Screen printing is one of the most cost-effective methods of producing custom apparel in bulk, particularly when ordering 100, 250, 500, or more identical shirts.
This 2026 guide explains average screen printing prices, how quantity affects cost, what increases production expenses, and how to save money on your next order.
Screen Printing Cost Per Shirt by Quantity
The following table provides estimated pricing for standard cotton T-shirts with a one-color design printed in one location.
| Order Quantity | Cost Per Shirt | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| 12 shirts | $19.44–$29.16 | $233.28–$349.92 |
| 24 shirts | $14.58–$22.68 | $349.92–$544.32 |
| 50 shirts | $11.34–$17.82 | $567–$891 |
| 100 shirts | $9.72–$14.58 | $972–$1,458 |
| 250 shirts | $8.10–$12.96 | $2,025–$3,240 |
| 500 shirts | $6.48–$11.34 | $3,240–$5,670 |
| 1,000 shirts | $5.67–$9.72 | $5,670–$9,720 |
Prices are illustrative estimates for standard cotton shirts with a one-color print in one location. Final pricing depends on garment selection, artwork, setup, production requirements, and order quantity. These are not guaranteed LocalBuz Shirts quotes.
Know How Many Shirts You Need?
Get an accurate screen printing quote based on your order quantity, shirt style, artwork, and delivery deadline. We can help you find the right custom apparel solution.
Get Your Custom Shirt Quote →Custom pricing available for bulk orders.
Why Does Screen Printing Get Cheaper With Larger Orders?
Screen printing involves several preparation steps before production begins. The printer must prepare the artwork, create screens, configure the equipment, and test the design before printing.
These preparation costs are relatively fixed regardless of whether you’re ordering 24 shirts or 500.
Example: $40 Screen Setup Cost
- 20 shirts: $2.00 setup cost per shirt.
- 100 shirts: $0.40 setup cost per shirt.
- 500 shirts: $0.08 setup cost per shirt.
As the quantity increases, setup costs are distributed across more garments, helping lower the overall cost per shirt.
What Determines Screen Printing Cost Per Shirt?
Several factors influence the final cost of custom screen printed shirts. Understanding these variables can help you reduce unnecessary expenses.
1. Number of Shirts Ordered
Quantity is usually the biggest pricing factor. Larger orders generally qualify for lower per-shirt prices because preparation costs are distributed across more garments.
If you’re considering ordering 75 shirts, it may be worthwhile to request pricing for 100 shirts to see whether a volume discount makes the larger order attractive.
2. Number of Ink Colors
Traditional screen printing generally requires a separate screen for each ink color in your design.
A simple one-color logo may cost less to produce than a design using four or five colors.
Reducing the number of colors can help lower production costs without sacrificing visual appeal.
3. Shirt Brand and Fabric Quality
The blank garment you select can significantly affect your total order price.
Basic cotton shirts are often the most economical option for promotional apparel, while premium garments may offer softer fabric, better fit, or heavier construction.
- Gildan: Affordable promotional apparel and employee uniforms.
- Bella+Canvas: Soft shirts with a modern retail-style fit.
- Next Level: Comfortable shirts with contemporary fits.
- Comfort Colors: Garment-dyed shirts with a relaxed, vintage-inspired appearance.
4. Number of Printing Locations
Printing only on the front of a shirt generally costs less than adding artwork to the back or sleeves.
Each additional printing location requires production time and may involve additional screens and setup charges.
5. Artwork and Design Preparation
Print-ready vector artwork can reduce the need for design corrections.
Complicated artwork, low-resolution files, or extensive design changes may increase preparation costs.
6. Production Deadline
Rush screen printing orders may involve additional charges because production schedules must be adjusted.
Planning ahead can help you avoid rush fees and provide more flexibility when selecting garments.
How Much Does It Cost to Screen Print 50 Shirts?
A standard order of 50 screen printed shirts may cost approximately $567 to $891 total, or $11.34 to $17.82 per shirt.
This quantity is popular for family reunions, small business uniforms, church groups, school clubs, and local events.
How Much Does It Cost to Screen Print 100 Shirts?
An order of 100 custom screen printed shirts may cost approximately $972 to $1,458, assuming standard cotton shirts with a single-color print.
One hundred shirts is a practical quantity for company apparel, school fundraisers, promotional merchandise, and clothing brands testing a new design.
How Much Does It Cost to Screen Print 500 Shirts?
Bulk orders of 500 shirts may cost approximately $3,240 to $5,670, depending on garment quality and printing specifications.
That represents an estimated cost of $6.48 to $11.34 per shirt.
Larger orders are particularly attractive for construction companies, restaurant groups, sports leagues, promotional merchandise distributors, and event organizers.
For orders of 500 or more, requesting a custom quote is usually the best way to identify available volume pricing.
Ordering 100, 250, 500, or More Shirts?
Bulk orders often qualify for better per-shirt pricing. Contact LocalBuz Shirts with your project details to receive a personalized quote.
Request Bulk Screen Printing Pricing →Screen Printing Setup Fees Explained
Some printing companies charge setup fees separately, while others include them in the quoted per-shirt price.
Setup charges may cover artwork preparation, screen creation, equipment configuration, and test printing.
Screen preparation charges can range from approximately $20 to $50 or more per color, depending on the provider.
Before placing an order, confirm whether your quote includes:
- Screen preparation
- Artwork adjustments
- All print colors
- Front and back printing
- Blank garments
- Shipping or delivery
- Applicable taxes
Is Screen Printing Cheaper Than DTF or DTG Printing?
The best printing method depends on order quantity, garment type, and artwork complexity.
Screen printing is generally an excellent choice for larger quantities of identical designs, especially when using a limited number of colors.
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing can be economical for smaller orders or artwork containing many colors.
Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is commonly used for detailed artwork, photographic designs, and smaller production runs.
| Printing Method | Common Best Use |
|---|---|
| Screen printing | Bulk orders and repeat designs |
| DTF printing | Small batches and multicolor artwork |
| DTG printing | Detailed designs and small quantities |
| Heat transfer | Names, numbers, and specialty applications |
How to Reduce Your Screen Printing Cost
Order More Shirts at Once
Combining multiple departments, teams, or event groups into one order may help you qualify for lower per-shirt pricing.
Use Fewer Ink Colors
A well-designed one-color print can look professional while reducing the number of screens required.
Print in One Location
Printing only on the front of a shirt generally costs less than adding artwork to the back or sleeves.
Choose the Right Garment
A basic cotton shirt may be appropriate for a promotional event, while a premium garment may be a better investment for retail merchandise.
Plan Ahead
Allow sufficient time for artwork approval, production, and shipping to help avoid rush charges.
Prepare Print-Ready Artwork
Providing clean vector artwork when possible can reduce design corrections and production delays.
Are Cheap Screen Printed Shirts Worth It?
The lowest price does not always represent the best value.
A poorly fitting shirt or low-quality print may discourage people from wearing the apparel, reducing the effectiveness of your investment.
For promotional shirts, employee uniforms, and retail merchandise, consider durability, comfort, fabric quality, and print consistency alongside cost.
The best screen printing order balances affordability with the intended use of the shirts.
Screen Printing in Sarasota and Venice, Florida
LocalBuz Shirts provides custom apparel solutions for businesses, organizations, schools, teams, and community events.
If you’re located in Southwest Florida, explore our Sarasota screen printing services for more information about custom printed apparel.
You can also learn more about ordering custom T-shirts in Sarasota, Florida for businesses, organizations, and events.
For specific order pricing, quantities, or production questions, contact LocalBuz Shirts directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing Costs
What is the average cost to screen print one shirt?
For standard bulk orders, screen printing may cost approximately $5.67 to $29.16 per shirt, depending on quantity and specifications. Very small orders may cost more.
How much does it cost to screen print 24 shirts?
A basic 24-shirt order with a one-color design may cost approximately $349.92 to $544.32, depending on the garment and production requirements.
How much does it cost to screen print 100 shirts?
An estimated 100-shirt order may cost $972 to $1,458 for basic cotton shirts with a one-color print.
Does adding more colors increase screen printing costs?
Generally, yes. Traditional screen printing requires additional preparation for each ink color. More colors can increase setup and production costs.
Is screen printing good for 500-shirt orders?
Yes. Traditional screen printing is often well suited to high-volume orders using the same artwork across hundreds of garments.
What is the cheapest quantity for screen printing?
There is no single cheapest quantity. Larger orders generally have lower per-shirt costs, but the best quantity depends on your needs and budget.
Can I get a discount for ordering 500 or more shirts?
Many screen printing companies offer volume discounts for larger orders. Requesting a custom quote is particularly useful for orders of 500, 1,000, or more shirts.
Ready to Order Custom Screen Printed Shirts?
Whether you need 24 shirts for a family gathering, 100 shirts for a company event, or 1,000 shirts for a large promotion, LocalBuz Shirts can help you explore your custom apparel options.
Tell us your order quantity, preferred garment, artwork, printing locations, and delivery deadline so we can help determine the right solution for your project.
Contact LocalBuz Shirts for a Quote →Custom screen printing pricing for businesses, teams, organizations, and events.