Where Can I Get T-Shirts Screen Printed in the USA?

Screen printing is one of the most popular methods for customizing T-shirts. But finding a reliable screen printing service in the USA can be challenging, especially for bulk orders. Where can you get high-quality T-shirt printing at a competitive price?

The best screen printing services in the USA include Printful, RushOrderTees, Custom Ink, and local print shops. These companies offer bulk printing, high-quality ink options, and quick turnaround times. Choosing the right provider depends on budget, order size, and customization needs.

Understanding the cost, quality, and sourcing of T-shirts is essential for finding the best screen printing service. Let’s explore where to get T-shirts printed, the cost of production, and how to find high-quality garments.

Which Brands Make Good Quality T-Shirts?

Not all T-shirts are created equal. Some brands focus on affordability, while others prioritize durability and comfort. Which brands consistently produce high-quality T-shirts suitable for screen printing?

Brands like Bella+Canvas, American Apparel, Next Level, and Gildan are known for their premium fabrics and durability. These brands provide high-quality cotton blends that hold up well during screen printing, ensuring long-lasting designs.

Colorful t-shirts displayed on mannequins in a modern showroom
High-quality wholesale t-shirt collection

What Makes a T-Shirt Ideal for Screen Printing?

Screen printing requires T-shirts with smooth, absorbent fabrics. Key factors to consider include:

How Do the Best T-Shirt Brands Compare?

Here’s a breakdown of top-quality T-shirt brands for screen printing:

Brand Fabric Type Best For Price Range
Bella+Canvas Soft ring-spun cotton Premium retail-quality prints TBA
American Apparel 100% combed cotton High-end fashion brands TBA
Next Level Cotton-poly blends Bulk screen printing TBA
Gildan Affordable cotton Budget-friendly bulk orders TBA
Hanes Classic cotton tees General use, promotional wear TBA

Each brand offers different qualities suited for various printing projects. Choosing the right one depends on the intended use and budget.


How Much Does It Cost to Produce a Good Quality T-Shirt?

Screen printing businesses must consider the total cost of producing a T-shirt, including material, printing, and labor. But how much does it actually cost to make a high-quality printed T-shirt?

The cost of producing a good quality screen-printed T-shirt ranges from $5 to $15 per unit, depending on the fabric, printing method, and order quantity. Bulk orders lower the per-unit cost, making large-scale production more affordable.

Business owner reviewing clothing orders on a laptop with fabric samples
Wholesale apparel order management

What Factors Affect T-Shirt Production Costs?

Several key factors influence the price of producing printed T-shirts:

  • Fabric Quality4: Organic cotton costs more than basic cotton blends.
  • Printing Technique5: Plastisol ink is cheaper than water-based ink.
  • Number of Colors: More colors increase printing complexity and cost.
  • Order Quantity6: Larger orders reduce the per-unit price.
  • Printing Location: Domestic production costs more than overseas.

Cost Comparison of T-Shirt Printing by Volume

Here’s how bulk pricing affects T-shirt printing costs in the USA:

Order Size Basic Cotton ($) Premium Cotton ($)
10 – 50 $8 – $12 per unit $12 – $18 per unit
51 – 200 $6 – $10 per unit $10 – $15 per unit
201 – 500 $5 – $8 per unit $8 – $12 per unit
500+ $4 – $7 per unit $7 – $10 per unit

Bulk orders offer significant savings, making large-scale screen printing projects more cost-effective.


How to Find High-Quality Shirts?

Finding the right T-shirt for screen printing requires research on fabric quality, durability, and printing compatibility. But where should businesses look for the best wholesale options?

High-quality T-shirts can be sourced from manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and direct suppliers. Checking fabric samples, reading reviews, and verifying supplier reliability ensure good quality.

Business owner reviewing clothing orders on a laptop with fabric samples
Wholesale apparel order management

What Are the Key Features of High-Quality T-Shirts?

When sourcing shirts for screen printing, consider these features:

  • Fabric Softness7: Ringspun and combed cotton feel softer and more comfortable.
  • Shrink-Resistance8: Pre-shrunk materials prevent size inconsistencies.
  • Tight Stitching9: Reinforced seams improve durability.
  • Weight & Thickness: A good balance between lightweight and heavy fabric is ideal.

Where to Source High-Quality T-Shirts?

Businesses can find premium T-shirts from the following sources:

Sourcing Method Best For Pros
Wholesale Suppliers Retail and bulk printing Lower costs, bulk discounts
B2B Platforms (Alibaba, Faire) Custom orders and private labels Variety of options, direct factory pricing
Trade Shows (Canton Fair, MAGIC) Direct manufacturer contacts Supplier vetting, in-person quality checks
Local Manufacturers Sustainable, USA-made production Ethical sourcing, high quality

Choosing the right supplier ensures that T-shirts meet brand standards and customer expectations.


Where Are Shirts Usually Manufactured?

T-shirts are produced worldwide, but manufacturing locations affect quality, price, and availability. Which countries dominate the T-shirt production industry?

China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam lead global T-shirt production, offering cost-effective bulk manufacturing. However, for high-end apparel, Turkey, Portugal, and the USA provide premium alternatives.

Workers in a large-scale t-shirt factory sewing and inspecting garments
High-volume t-shirt manufacturing process

Why Are Most T-Shirts Made in Asia?

Asian countries dominate T-shirt production due to:

Comparison of Global T-Shirt Production

Here’s how different countries compare in T-shirt manufacturing:

Country Strengths Challenges
China Cost-effective, scalable production Rising labor costs
Bangladesh Lowest-cost bulk production Quality consistency varies
Vietnam Ethical labor, reliable quality Higher costs than Bangladesh
Turkey European-quality textiles Higher pricing
USA Sustainable, premium production Expensive labor

Choosing the right manufacturing location depends on budget, sustainability goals, and lead time requirements.


Conclusion

Finding a reliable screen printing service in the USA depends on fabric quality, printing techniques, and order volume. Brands like Bella+Canvas and American Apparel provide premium T-shirts, while bulk printing costs vary based on fabric type and customization. Whether sourcing locally or internationally, selecting the right supplier ensures long-lasting, high-quality printed T-shirts.


  1. Explore the advantages of these fabric types for screen printing to ensure high-quality results and durability. 

  2. Understanding GSM can help you choose the right fabric for durability and print quality in your projects. 

  3. Learn why pre-shrunk fabric is essential to prevent shrinkage and maintain print quality after washing. 

  4. Understanding fabric quality can help you make informed choices for cost-effective T-shirt production. 

  5. Learning about printing techniques can help you choose the most economical option for your T-shirt designs. 

  6. Exploring order quantity insights can lead to significant savings in your T-shirt production budget. 

  7. Understanding fabric softness can help you choose comfortable t-shirts that enhance customer satisfaction. 

  8. Learn why shrink-resistance is crucial for maintaining the fit and longevity of t-shirts after washing. 

  9. Discover how tight stitching contributes to the overall durability and quality of t-shirts, ensuring they last longer. 

  10. Understanding the benefits of low labor costs can help you grasp why many brands choose Asian manufacturers for T-shirts. 

  11. Exploring diverse fabric options will give you insights into the quality and variety available in T-shirt production. 

  12. Learning about export infrastructure can reveal how it facilitates efficient T-shirt distribution worldwide. 

elaine zhou

Business Director-Elaine Zhou:
More than 10+ years of experience in clothing development & production.

elaine@fumaoclothing.com

+8613795308071

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