Quick Answers
- Minimum order: 12 pieces for screen printing, no minimum for DTF
- Turnaround: 7–10 business days after proof approval
- Setup fees: One-time screen setup per color (screen printing), none for DTF
- Best method for bulk (24+): Screen printing
- Best method for small runs (1–23): DTF printing
- Most popular blank: Gildan 5000 (budget), Bella+Canvas 3001 (premium)
Choosing the Right Printing Method
The method you choose depends on three things: quantity, number of colors in your design, and budget. Here is how the two main methods compare for custom t-shirts.
Screen Printing
Screen printing presses ink through a mesh stencil onto fabric. Each color in your design requires its own screen. The result is a bold, vibrant print that bonds directly with the garment and holds up wash after wash. It is the industry standard for custom t-shirts because the per-unit cost drops significantly as quantity increases.
Best for: Orders of 12 or more pieces with 1–6 ink colors. The sweet spot is 48+ where per-piece cost drops substantially. If you are ordering t-shirts for a company, team, event, or promotional giveaway in any real quantity, screen printing is almost always the right call.
DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing
DTF printing transfers a full-color print from film onto the garment using heat. There are no screens to set up, no color limits, and no minimum order. The print quality is excellent — full CMYK color with gradients, shadows, and photo-level detail.
Best for: Orders under 24 pieces, designs with many colors or photographic elements, samples, prototypes, individual personalization, and small business runs where screen printing minimums do not make sense.
Other Methods
- Vinyl heat transfer — best for names and numbers on jerseys. Cut vinyl pressed onto fabric with heat. Sharp edges, solid single colors
- Sublimation — dye infused into polyester fabric for all-over prints. Only works on white or light polyester
- Puff print — raised, textured screen print using expandable ink. Popular for streetwear-style hoodies and sweatshirts, works on tees too
Choosing the Right Blank T-Shirt
The blank garment matters as much as the print. Different situations call for different shirts. Here are the most popular options and when to use each one.
Budget-Friendly
- Gildan 5000 / 5000L — the go-to budget tee. Heavy cotton, wide color range, available in every size. Perfect for events, giveaways, and large quantity orders where per-piece cost matters most
- Port & Company PC54 — core cotton tee, similar to Gildan but with a slightly softer hand feel
- Hanes 5250 — tagless comfort, reliable basics
Premium / Retail Quality
- Bella+Canvas 3001 — the premium standard. Soft, modern fit, retail-quality feel. Popular for brand merchandise, online stores, and any project where the shirt itself needs to feel high-end
- Next Level 3600 — lightweight, comfortable, and trendy. Great drape and fit
- Comfort Colors 1717 — garment-dyed, vintage feel. The most popular choice for event shirts, vacation shirts, and anything with a relaxed aesthetic
Performance / Moisture-Wicking
- Sport-Tek ST350 — 100% polyester, moisture-wicking, snag-resistant. For teams, athletics, and outdoor events
- Gildan G460 — performance core tee, polyester blend at an accessible price
Browse our full catalogs to see every style, color, and size available. Not sure which blank is right? Tell us your use case and budget — we will recommend the best option for your project.
Artwork Tips for the Best Print
- Vector files (.ai, .eps, .pdf) are always preferred — they scale perfectly and produce the sharpest results
- High-resolution PNG (300+ dpi, transparent background) works well for DTF
- Avoid low-resolution images — a blurry source file produces a blurry print
- For screen printing: fewer colors = lower cost. Simplify where possible without sacrificing the design
- For DTF: unlimited colors at no extra cost, so go wild with detail if you want
Need design help? Our in-house team handles logo cleanup, vectorization, and custom artwork. Basic file setup is free if it's under 15 minutes. Vector conversion and custom design are $65/hr after that; embroidery digitizing starts at $25. Learn more about artwork services.
Screen Printing Pricing
Per piece, per location. Pricing varies by number of ink colors and quantity.
| Quantity | 1 Color | 2 Colors | 3 Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12–23 | $8.50 | $10.50 | $12.50 |
| 24–47 | $6.00 | $7.50 | $9.00 |
| 48–143 | $4.50 | $5.75 | $7.00 |
| 144+ | $3.75 | $4.75 | $5.75 |
Screen setup fee applies per color. Garment cost is additional. View full pricing details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum order for custom t-shirts?
For screen printing, the minimum is 12 pieces per design. For DTF printing, there is no minimum — you can order even a single shirt.
How long does it take to get my shirts?
Most orders are completed within 7–10 business days after you approve the proof. Rush options may be available for tight deadlines — ask when you submit your project.
Can I mix sizes in one order?
Yes. You can order any combination of sizes within a single design. For screen printing, all pieces in an order share the same print — just specify the size breakdown when you submit your quote.
What if I do not have a logo or design?
Our in-house design team can create artwork for you. The Basic file setup is free under 15 minutes time are included with every order. For larger projects, design is billed at $65/hr with a. Design fees are non-refundable. Learn more about design services.
Can you print on shirts I provide?
Yes. We accept customer-provided garments for printing. Check our provided items policy for details and requirements.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We ship completed orders anywhere in the United States. Local customers can also pick up directly from our shop in Petoskey, MI.
Screen printing or DTF — which should I choose?
If you are ordering 24+ shirts with a simple 1–3 color design, screen printing will give you the best per-piece price. If you are ordering fewer than 24 pieces, have a full-color design, or need individual personalization, DTF is the better choice. Not sure? Tell us about your project and we will recommend the right method.
Why Order From Personal Graphics
We are not a marketplace or a broker. When you order custom t-shirts from Personal Graphics, your job runs on our presses, in our facility, overseen by our production team. That direct relationship means faster communication, consistent quality across reorders, and your artwork on file for whenever you need more.
We have printed thousands of t-shirt orders for businesses, teams, events, schools, and organizations. That experience means we can help you pick the right blank, the right method, and the right approach for your specific project — not just take your order and hope for the best.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit a quote request and include your artwork, quantity, and garment preferences. Our team will review your project and get back to you with full pricing and recommendations.
Two Ways to Get Started
1. Work With an Expert
Most customers choose this option because they want guidance and advice. We help you select the right products, confirm placement and artwork, and manage everything from start to finish.
2. Browse & Design Online
If you prefer to handle it yourself, you can browse products, upload your artwork, and submit your order online at any time.
Have questions? Chat with us using the button in the lower right — available 8am–10pm. Or call (231) 347-6347 or email us — we're here Mon–Fri 8am–4pm.
