Small-Order Shirt Printing Costs: 12, 24 & 48 Shirts
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Plan the whole order
What does it cost to print 12, 24 or 48 shirts?
Compare the garments and decoration together. A small order spreads setup across fewer pieces, while a larger graphic, more ink colors or another placement can change which printing method makes sense.
Check what a quote includes before comparing the per-shirt headline.
Small-order printing examples from Bear’s current pricing
The table uses a Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-shirt in Black, size S, with one front design. Screen printing uses one artwork ink color with the configured underbase allowance; DTG uses an 8 × 10-inch design. The examples reuse the checkout pricing calculation and include setup and applicable order costs. They are planning estimates for the stated scenario, not a quote for artwork we have not reviewed.
| Quantity | Screen print 1 design color | DTG 8 × 10-inch print |
|---|---|---|
| 12 garments | $203.68$16.97 / garment*Garments $47.64 Decoration & order costs $156.04 | $229.31$19.11 / garment*Garments $47.64 Decoration & order costs $181.67 |
| 24 garments | $247.33$10.31 / garment*Garments $95.28 Decoration & order costs $152.05 | $416.43$17.35 / garment*Garments $95.28 Decoration & order costs $321.15 |
| 48 garments | $418.07$8.71 / garment*Garments $190.56 Decoration & order costs $227.51 | $752.13$15.67 / garment*Garments $190.56 Decoration & order costs $561.57 |
Planning estimates calculated Nov 7, 2026 using Bear’s current checkout pricing, standard production and a modeled economy-delivery allowance to Las Vegas, NV 89101. Includes garments, decoration, setup and applicable order costs; excludes sales tax, coupons and rush service. Screen-print examples include the configured underbase allowance; the final artwork can change the required screens. DTG uses an 8 × 10-inch front design. Your sizes, artwork, destination and confirmed shipping can change the total. *Per-garment figures are rounded; the order total controls.
The order total is more useful than multiplying an advertised blank starting price by your quantity. Setup is shared across the run, but not every cost is fixed: garment size, printing area and delivery can also change. These examples do not apply a coupon or promise an automatic blank-apparel bulk discount to decorated products.
Screen printing or DTG for a smaller order?
| Your project | What to compare | What changes the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Repeated spot-color logo | Screen printing against DTG at your exact quantity | Ink colors, underbase, setup and placements |
| Detailed or multi-color graphic | DTG using the real finished print dimensions | Print area, fabric, garment color and artwork preparation |
| Small stitched company logo | A separate embroidery quote | Digitizing, stitch count, placement and quantity |
| You already have a heat press | Blank garments plus DTF transfers | Transfer size, pressing labor, equipment and application testing |
DTF transfers are not the same purchase as delivered, printed garments. If you want us to supply a finished order, specify that when requesting a quote. If you plan to press it yourself, compare DTF transfer ordering separately and include your own application costs. Our DTF vs screen printing guide explains more of the decision.
Five ways to keep the quote useful—and the cost controlled
Use one agreed design
Tell us whether every garment uses the same artwork. Individual names, different graphics and extra placements are different jobs from repeating one front design.
Choose the garment first
Compare fit, fabric and the exact color. Start with the Gildan 5000 or review our screen-printing blank shortlist. A different garment price or blend can change the complete quote.
Share the real dimensions
A small chest graphic and a full-front design are not equivalent. Provide finished width and height, plus each placement, rather than relying on the image file’s canvas size.
Also consolidate the size breakdown before production and leave time for review. Late additions, changed artwork or an earlier deadline can require a new price. Ask about the actual savings at your quantities instead of assuming every extra piece moves you into a cheaper tier.
Need sweatshirts instead of T-shirts?
A heavier blank changes the garment and delivery calculation. Our custom Gildan 18000 crewneck page shows separate sweatshirt examples and helps you choose a print or embroidery direction. Do not apply the T-shirt totals above to fleece.
Send these details for a meaningful comparison
- Garment and color: exact style, preferred shade and any alternatives.
- Quantities by size: include extended sizes and youth or adult styles separately.
- Artwork and placements: finished width and height for the front, back or other location; include the file.
- Finished order or transfers: say whether you want decorated garments delivered or transfers to apply yourself.
- Destination and deadline: provide the delivery ZIP and the date you need the order in hand.
Get the price for your actual order
Send your artwork and size breakdown. We can compare the supported methods for your project and confirm the complete price, production requirements and delivery options.
Common small-order pricing questions
Is screen printing always cheaper at 24 pieces?
No. Compare the same garment, artwork, color count, placements and delivery requirements. A screen-print setup is spread across the run, while the other method may depend more on print dimensions. The current example totals above are more useful than a universal quantity rule.
Does the blank garment price include printing?
No. A blank garment price covers undecorated apparel. The example order totals on this page include garments and decoration under the stated assumptions. Review your actual decoration and checkout total before ordering.
Do I need to pay for embroidery digitizing?
Embroidery requires a stitch file rather than simply a high-resolution print image. Artwork, the intended size and whether a usable file exists determine the work needed. Ask for digitizing and setup to be included in the quote; do not assume a print-ready file eliminates them.
Can I order fewer than 12 pieces?
Ask about the selected garment and method. This guide compares 12, 24 and 48 pieces; it does not establish a universal minimum for all decoration services. The no-minimum policy for blank apparel is a separate offer.