The Custom Apparel Buyer’s Guide
Everything to know before you order custom shirts — pricing, artwork, garment choice, turnaround, and minimums — so your order comes out right the first time.
7 min read · Updated July 10, 2026
Ordering custom apparel for the first time can feel like there are a hundred decisions. There are really only a handful that matter, and this guide covers each one — what drives the price, what artwork to send, which shirt to pick, how long it takes, and whether there is a minimum. Get these right and the rest is easy.
The five decisions that matter
Nearly every custom order is shaped by five choices. Each one has its own deep-dive below, but here is the shape of it:
- Budget — what drives the per-shirt price, and how to bring it down.
- Artwork — the files that print cleanly (and how we fix the ones that don’t).
- Garment — the brand, fabric, and fit that fit your use and budget.
- Timeline — realistic turnaround, and how to plan around a deadline.
- Quantity — the low per-method minimums (DTF has none).
A quick word on getting it right the first time
The single biggest thing that prevents surprises is the proof. Before we print anything, you approve a digital proof showing your art, colors, placement, and garment. Nothing runs until you say go — so what you approve is what you get.
The second biggest thing is just talking to us early. Tell us your budget, deadline, and what the shirts are for, and we will steer the garment and method to fit. That guidance is free and it is the whole job.
Where to go next
Dive into whichever decision is on your mind — the cost guide is the most popular place to start — or just request a quote and we will walk you through all five in a couple of minutes.
- Five decisions drive every order: budget, artwork, garment, timeline, quantity.
- The proof is your guarantee — nothing prints until you approve it.
- Telling us your budget and deadline up front gets you the best fit.
- Low minimums (none on DTF), no setup fees — order what you need.
Read the deep dives.
How Much Do Custom Shirts Cost?
What actually drives the price of custom shirts — quantity, colors, garment, and method — plus practical ways to lower your per-shirt cost.
6 min readHow to Prepare Your Artwork for Printing
The file formats, resolution, and setup that print cleanly — and what to do if all you have is a logo off your website. A practical artwork prep guide.
6 min readHow to Choose the Right T-Shirt
Cotton vs. blends, budget blanks vs. premium tees, and how fit changes the feel. A practical guide to choosing the right shirt for your custom order.
5 min readHow Long Does Custom Apparel Take?
Standard turnaround, what affects it, rush options, and how to plan around a hard deadline like an event or game day.
4 min readDo You Need a Minimum Order?
Some methods have a minimum, some don’t. Here are TeeRabbit’s low per-method minimums — and how you can still order as few as one.
Quick answers.
What do I need to know before ordering custom shirts?
Focus on five things: your budget, your artwork files, the garment, your deadline, and quantity. Share those in a quote and we will recommend the best method and garment for your project — and you approve a proof before anything prints.
How do I make sure my order comes out right?
Approve the digital proof we send before printing — it shows your artwork, colors, placement, and garment. Nothing runs until you sign off, so what you approve is exactly what you get.
Ready to put this to work?
Screen Printing
Vibrant, long-lasting ink printed straight into the fabric — the most cost-effective choice for bold designs and bigger runs.
EmbroideryEmbroidery
Stitched thread that reads as premium and never cracks or fades — ideal for polos, hats, and workwear that has to look sharp for years.
ShopCustom T-Shirts
Soft, printable blanks from Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Gildan and more — the workhorse of custom apparel.
How Much Do Custom Shirts Cost?
What actually drives the price of custom shirts — quantity, colors, garment, and method — plus practical ways to lower your per-shirt cost.
6 min readHow to Choose the Right T-Shirt
Cotton vs. blends, budget blanks vs. premium tees, and how fit changes the feel. A practical guide to choosing the right shirt for your custom order.
6 min readHow to Prepare Your Artwork for Printing
The file formats, resolution, and setup that print cleanly — and what to do if all you have is a logo off your website. A practical artwork prep guide.
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