What is the minimum order for custom T-shirts?

Custom T-shirts are one of the easiest ways to start a clothing line or promote a brand—but before you order, you’ll need to understand one key thing: the minimum order requirement.

The minimum order for custom T-shirts varies by supplier, but many manufacturers offer low MOQs starting from 10 to 50 units, especially for simple prints and stock fabrics.

Knowing how minimums work, what each shirt costs, and how to price for profit will help you launch with confidence.

Is there a minimum order for custom ink?

One of the most well-known platforms for T-shirt printing is Custom Ink—but how small can you go with them?

Yes, Custom Ink typically has a minimum order requirement depending on the printing method, but they also offer no-minimum options through digital printing for certain items.

How does printing method affect the minimum?

• Screen printing¹: Requires setup for each design color. MOQ usually starts at 6–12 shirts.
• Direct-to-garment (DTG)²: Great for full-color designs. Often no minimum required.
• Embroidery³: Usually requires 6–12 units as a starting point.

Custom Ink at a glance:

If you're just testing a design or need shirts for a small team, their no-minimum DTG service is a good place to start.

How much should a custom T-shirt cost?

Pricing is one of the most common concerns when starting out. So, how much should you expect to pay per custom shirt?

A custom T-shirt typically costs between $5 and $15 depending on the fabric, design complexity, printing method, and quantity ordered.

What factors impact the cost?

• Material⁴: Cotton is cheaper than tri-blend or bamboo
• Print type⁵: Screen printing is more affordable in bulk; DTG costs more per unit
• Number of colors: More colors = higher setup costs
• Order size⁶: Larger orders reduce per-shirt cost
• Custom features: Tags, packaging, embroidery all add cost

Sample cost breakdown:

Use samples to test quality and make sure what you’re paying for matches your brand’s standards.

What is the profit margin on printed T-shirts?

After you set your cost, the next question is: how much profit should you expect?

The typical profit margin on printed T-shirts ranges from 30% to 60%, depending on your target market and selling price.

How do you calculate profit?

Profit = Selling Price - Total Cost

Let’s say:

• Your cost per shirt is $6 (production, packaging, and shipping)
• You sell it for $20
• Your profit is $14 per shirt
• Your profit margin⁷ is 70%

Standard profit margin ranges:

Margins may shrink with discount promotions or shipping costs, so always factor those in before setting your price.

How many T-shirt sizes should I order?

Once you’re ready to order, the next challenge is picking the right size mix—especially if you’re working with a low MOQ.

Most brands start with 4–5 core sizes—S, M, L, XL, and sometimes XXL—focusing more heavily on medium and large sizes, which tend to sell the most.

Suggested size ratio⁹ for unisex T-shirts¹⁰:

Tips for choosing sizes:

• Check analytics if you’ve sold apparel before
• Consider your target market’s age and region
• If in doubt, order fewer smalls and more mediums and larges
• For women's fits, consider XS–XL and adjust the ratio accordingly

If you're producing just one sample per size for testing, ask your manufacturer if they can combine sizes under one MOQ¹¹—many low MOQ factories will say yes.

Conclusion

You don’t need a huge budget or warehouse to start selling custom T-shirts. By choosing a low or no-MOQ supplier, understanding your costs, and planning your size breakdown, you can launch smart, scale fast, and grow your brand with confidence.