Lets dive into how much does it cost to print a photo on a Tee shirt.
The cost to print something such as a photo or text on to a shirt starts at $19.00 AUD for the GILDAN HeavyCotton Tee 5000. This price is for printing on one side. If you want to print both front and back the cost of printing will only be $30.00 AUD. For your reference t shirt printing on the AS Colour Staple Tee (printing on both sides) is just $39.99.
Now this price can be higher for hoodies, sweatshirts and polos. As you can see the brand, the shirt style and even the placement can affect the price of a printed apparel. We will talk about how to reduce tee shirt printing cost in this article.
During the COVID Pandemic while people stayed at home they got used to online shopping, placing orders for custom printed shirts with their favorite designs. In 2023 printing on shirts has exploded in popularity, allowing individuals to showcase their unique style, businesses to promote their brand, and events to be commemorated. The customers are now using the knowledge and skills acquired during the lock-down months of COVID in Australia to now design and print their own shirts online.
The cost of shirt printing varies based on factors like:
printing method,- print areas such as printing one side (front) or both sides of the garment (front and back or possibly even on sleeves and collars,
- some print methods the size of the image or logo can affect prices. Examples are:
- in embroidery and heat transfer image size affects the price of decoration.
- extra large images quite often doubles the price because its like printing two images.
- In screen printing how the artwork is laid out may affect the price. If separate prints are to be prepared then that affects prices.
- direct to garment or DTG printing the area allowed is 28cm width and around 32 to 35 cm height. The machines are set to this print area and cannot be changed. For clients to print multiple images or text on the front and back (all within the designated design area) will only pay the set price that is reflected on the website. This can be the most cost effective way to print especially for small quantities.
- turnaround time (is it urgent rush print job) or the normal 2 week turnaround schedule that most printers abide to, and
- minimum quantities (some print methods require a certain number (quantity) of shirts to make the print run cost effective for the business and customer.
We will dive into each of the above in more detail below.
In Australia, the T-shirt printing industry offers a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Let’s dive into the details and explore the possibilities for you.
1. Different Types of Printing Methods
There are several methods available for T-shirt printing, each with its own advantages, limitations, and cost implications. Depending on what garment you want to print on and the number of shirts in the order to the colors in your graphics the selection of the right method will determine how expensive or cheap a printed shirt will be. Lets look at each of these methods more in detail below.
Screen Printing:
Screen printing can be perceived to be expensive when clients are trying to print too many colors and or have too few shirts to print.
Screen printing is ideal for occasions such as bowls clubs, Teams such as swimming, soccer. rugby, football, netball, school team shirts, etc.
- Description: This method uses a stencil (or a screen) to apply layers of ink on the printing surface. Each color is applied using a different stencil, one at a time, combined to achieve the final look.
- Advantages: Durable, ideal for large orders, vibrant colors.
- Limitations: Not cost-effective for multiple colors or small orders.
- Cost: Generally cheaper for bulk orders, but the setup cost can be high. The setup costs are high because every color in a logo needs a new stencil to be created. This is the expensive part of the printing besides the ink. This is why we generally educate clients that up to 4 colors are best for screen printing. Another cost is replacing screens that get damaged while the printing is happening. If screens are not cleaned properly they get clogged and are not able to allow ink through to print shirts. Caring for the screens is very important in the screen printing department.
Best Shirt Brands Suited for Screen Printing in Australia
Gildan
Style: Gildan 64000 Unisex Soft Style T-Shirt
Description: The Gildan 64000 is a top seller known for its modern classic fit. It’s a unisex shirt that offers a blend of affordability and quality. Key features include a double-stitched bottom hem and sleeves, ensuring durability. The shirt is known for its comfort, length, and a loose fit, making it ideal for screen printing.
Another style that is widely used is the Gildan HeavyCotton Tee 5000
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shirt for Screen Printing:
Fabric Type:
- Cotton: Cotton is a popular choice due to its soft fibers. It’s excellent for screen printing, producing vibrant and clear colors.
- Polyester: While not as refined as cotton, polyester is durable and lightweight.
- Ringspun Cotton: This type of cotton undergoes a rigorous spinning process, resulting in a premium, smooth, and comfortable fabric that’s also durable.
- Combed Cotton: By removing impurities from cotton, you get a soft, substantial, and superior quality cotton.
- Blends: A 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester offers a soft material, while a tri-blend fabric consists of 50% polyester, 25% cotton, and 25% rayon, making it elastic and soft.
Shirt Color: The color of the shirt should complement the design. Light-colored shirts are versatile, but dark shirts can make certain colors stand out more.
Size & Fit: Ensure the shirt fits well, as the print area might vary based on the shirt size.
Example of Screen Printing Prices!
Here is a recent example of a screen printing job for 3000 T-shirts that had to be printed. Recently we did a job for 3000 shirts for a event being held in Samoa. The client needed a budget shirt to be printed on the front and back and wanted shirts in various colours (Yellow, Red, Blue, Green and Black) in a number of sizes (Mediums, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL and 4XL).We decided to opt for a Gildan 64000 Tee as its just the right shirt that came in all the Tshirt colours the client needed, and at the right price. We picked screen printing for this screen printing job as we only had to print one colour on the garments. And best of all it gave the client the best price for the event. Each shirt came in at $11.27 AUD each. So if you are looking for a large number of shirts to be printed, have a limited number of colors in your graphics then select screen printing.
In conclusion, while Gildan is highlighted as a top pick for screen printing in Australia, it’s essential to consider the fabric type, shirt color, and fit when selecting a shirt for screen printing. Don’t forget the number of colors that need to be screen printed. Sticking to 4 or less colors is ideal. This ensures not only a great print but also comfort and durability.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing:
Description: DTG works like a regular home printer that prints on paper. But instead of paper, it prints directly onto the fabric.
- Advantages: Great for detailed designs, no setup fees, suitable for small batches and urgent or rush T-shirt printing jobs.
- Limitations: Not as vibrant as screen printing.
- Cost: More expensive per shirt than screen printing but cheaper for small quantities.
DTG print is ideal for last minute rush printing for birthday shirts, office party shirts, 21st birthday shirts. Age birthday shirts, golf shirts, funeral or memorial shirts, small run of business logos to be printed on shirts.
Best T Shirt Brands Suited For DTG Printing
1. Gildan Brand
Style: Gildan 64000 Unisex Soft Style T-Shirt
Description: The Gildan 64000 is a top seller known for its modern classic fit. It’s a unisex shirt that offers excellent affordability. Notable features include a double-stitched bottom hem and sleeves, ensuring durability and comfort. The shirt is reasonably long and boasts a loose fit, making it ideal for various body types.Style: Gildan HeavyCotton Tee 5000
Description: The Gildan HeavyCotton Tee 5000 is a classic, durable t-shirt made from 100% cotton. It offers a comfortable fit, making it ideal for everyday wear. Its heavyweight fabric ensures longevity, while its seamless double-needle collar and taped neck and shoulders provide added durability.Style: Gildan Hammer Short Sleeve T-shirt (H000)
Description: Classic Fit, 203 g/m² (193 g/m² in White), 100% combed ring spun cotton preshrunk jersey knit, Sizes: S-2XL. Taped neck and shoulders, Seamless non-topstitched 2.2cm collar.
Style: Gildan Ladies Heavy Cotton Soft T-shirt (5000L)
Description: Semi-fitted contoured silhouette, Sizes S – 2XL, 100% Cotton preshrunk jersey knit, 180 g/m² (170 g/m² in White), Side seamed, Taped neck and shoulders, Cap sleeves.
2. AS Colour
Description: AS Colour is a brand frequently mentioned in the context of DTG printing in Australia. They offer a variety of styles suitable for DTG printing, ensuring quality and durability.
Style: AS Colour Mens Block Tee (5050)
Description: Regular fit, Crew neck, Heavy weight, 200 GSM, 20-singles. 100% carded cotton (marles 15% polyester), Neck ribbing, side seamed, shoulder to shoulder tape, double needle hems, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage.Style: AS Colour Mens Lowdown Singlet – 5007
Description: Regular fit, Regular singlet shape. Light weight, 150 GSM, 34-singles. 100% combed cotton (marles 15% viscose). Self-fabric bindings, double needle bottom hem, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage.Style: AS Colour Mens Staple Tee 5001B
Description: Regular fit. Crew neck. Mid weight, 180 GSM, 28-singles. 100% combed cotton. Neck ribbing, side seamed, shoulder to shoulder tape, double needle hems, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage.Style: AS Colour Womens Maple Tee 4001
Description: Regular fit. Crew neck. Mid weight, 180 GSM, 28-singles. 100% combed cotton (marles 15% polyester). Neck ribbing, side seamed, shoulder to shoulder tape, double needle hems, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage.
3. Ramo
Description: Ramo is another brand that is particularly suited for DTG printing in Australia. They provide a range of shirts that are known for their quality and compatibility with the DTG printing process.
Style: Ramo Ringer Tee T525RN
Description: 200 gsm, 100 combed cotton, spandex rib, contrast neck and sleeve line for style, slim fit.Style: Mens 320gsm Soft cotton/bonded polar fleece Hoodie F360HZ
Description: 320 gsm, outler: 100% combed cotton jersey (marl and heather colours contain poly/cotton), lining: bonded micro polar fleece, zipper through front, zipper Side pockets., Trendy cut, sporty look, longer tail, Warm and comfortable.
4. Baby Blanks
Description: Baby Blanks is a brand that, as the name suggests, specializes in blank apparel, making it a great choice for DTG printing. Their shirts are designed to be printed on, ensuring that the final product looks professional and lasts a long time.
Style: Baby Short Sleeve Bodysuit (onesie)
Description:Cotton / Elastane Combed Jersey Fabric, 190 gsm Weight,Collar Tear-away labels, Unbranded Size & Care Labels, Firm fit, Envelope Collar,Short Sleeves,Self-fabric binding,Double-needle stitching,Body-coloured snap studs,Low Fire Danger Warning Label,Pre-Washed to minimize shrinkage.Style: Ramo Baby Fleece Hoodie F100PP
Description: 320 gsm, 80% cotton 20% poly fleece hoodie, Inner jersey lining
Kangaroo pocket, Size 00 0 2 4 6 , Half Chest 30 32 34 36 39.
Conclusion:
When considering DTG printing in Australia, it’s essential to choose brands and styles that complement the printing process. Brands like Gildan, AS Colour, Ramo, and Baby Blanks are top picks in the industry, offering a range of styles that ensure your design looks vibrant and lasts long on the shirt. Always consult with your DTG printing provider for specific recommendations based on your design and requirements.
Heat Transfer Printing:
The heat printing shirt jobs we have done are: birthday gifts, business logos printed for tradies, sponsors names on shirts, sports numbers for Year 12 school jerseys.
- Description: Designs are printed on a special paper and then transferred to the shirt using heat.
- Advantages: Good for small orders, quick turnaround.
- Limitations: Not as durable as other methods, can feel heavy. Can peel with heat such as a hot iron or dryer.
- Cost: Moderate, but can be cheaper for small quantities.
Some of the brands best suited for Heat Vinyl Transfer Printing are:
AS Colour:
Styles: Classic Tee, Staple Tee, Block Tee, Raglan Tee.
Description: AS Colour is known for its high-quality cotton shirts that are both durable and comfortable. Their shirts are often used for printing purposes due to their smooth texture and consistent quality.
Gildan:
Styles: Heavy Cotton Tee, Softstyle Tee, Ultra Cotton Tee.
Description: Gildan is a globally recognized brand that offers a range of shirts suitable for heat press printing. Their shirts are known for their affordability and decent quality.
Sportage:
Styles: Surf Tee, Newport Tee, Panama Long Sleeve Tee.
Description: Sportage is an Australian brand that offers a variety of shirts suitable for both casual wear and sportswear. Their shirts are often chosen for their durability and comfort.
Ramo:
Styles: Greatness Tee, Living Tee, Beaming Tee.
Description: Ramo offers a mix of casual and sporty shirts that are suitable for heat press printing. Their shirts are known for their vibrant colors and consistent quality.
It’s always a good idea to consult with local printing professionals or suppliers in Australia to get the most up-to-date recommendations and insights on the best shirt brands and styles for heat press printing.
Sublimation Printing:
Sublimation printing for t-shirts is a technique where designs are transferred to shirts using heat. It involves turning dye in solid form directly to gas, bypassing the liquid stage. This ensures vibrant, long-lasting prints that won’t peel or fade, making it ideal for detailed and colorful t-shirt designs.
Sublimation is used for jerseys used by footy and rugby teams, lawn bowls members, car rallies, cycling shirts, trademens, etc.
- Description: Uses heat to transfer dye onto materials.
- Advantages: Seamless print, lightweight feel.
- Limitations: Only works on polyester or polymer-coated items.
- Cost: Can be expensive due to the materials used.
- Turnaround: 5 to 6 weeks
- Minimum quantities needed are 20 shirts.
Brands Best Suited For Sublimation
1. AS Colour:
Styles:
- Staple Tee: A regular fit, crew neck, mid-weight shirt.
- Block Tee: A regular fit, crew neck, heavy weight shirt.
- Ink Tee: A lightweight shirt specifically designed for sublimation.
2. Gildan:
Styles:
- Performance Tee: Made of 100% polyester, it’s ideal for sublimation.
- Softstyle Tee: While primarily cotton, they do offer a 100% polyester version suitable for sublimation.
3. Sportage:
Styles:
- Surf Tee: A lightweight polyester tee perfect for sublimation.
- Marathon Tee: Another 100% polyester option designed for sports and sublimation.
4. Biz Collection:
Styles:
- Rival Tee: A 100% polyester tee with moisture-wicking properties.
- Sprint Tee: Designed for sports, this polyester tee is also suitable for sublimation.
When considering sublimation printing, it’s essential to choose shirts that are 100% polyester or have a high polyester content. This ensures that the dye from the sublimation process bonds correctly with the fabric, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting prints.
If you’re looking for specific brands and styles available in Australia, I recommend visiting local suppliers or checking online platforms that specialize in apparel for printing. They often provide detailed information about the suitability of each product for different printing methods.
2. Turnaround Times
The time it takes to get your shirts printed can vary based on the method chosen and the quantity:
- Screen Printing: Typically 3 to 4 weeks. Larger orders may take longer.
- DTG Printing: 2-5 business days for small orders. We can do these Same Day. Normally turnaround is 2 weeks for not urgent orders.
- Heat Transfer Printing: 3-7 business days.
- Sublimation Printing: 5 to 6 weeks.
3. Minimum Quantities
Some printing methods require a minimum order quantity:
- Screen Printing: Often requires a minimum of 20 shirts due to the setup involved. The more the shirts the cheaper screen printing does become. Another factor that affects the cost of a screen printed shirt is the number of colors in the artwork. The maximum number we suggest to clients i 5 colors. The more colors in the artwork the more expensive it gets as each color will need a separate screen to be specifically made for that color to be applied onto the shirt.
- DTG Printing: No minimum order, making it ideal for one-offs or small batches. Ideal for birthday tshirts, halloween shirts, funeral shirts and small office events.
- Heat Transfer Printing: Typically no minimum order. This method suits people who want to print sports numbers on singlets, jerseys and hoodies. Also works well for logos on trade shirts.
- Sublimation Printing: May have a minimum depending on the provider. To make this cost effective we suggest at least starting with 20 shirts.
4. Expected Prices in Australia
So how much does it cost to print something like a photo or text on a shirt? Prices can vary based on the design’s complexity, the number of colors, shirt quality, and the printing method. Here’s a rough estimate for a single-sided, one-color print on a standard cotton T-shirt:
- Screen Printing: AUD $18 per shirt for small quantities. This estimate is when you should order 100 shirts in an order. Prices decrease with bulk orders. Minimum quantity is 20 shirts or hoodies in one order per design printed.
- DTG T Shirt Printing: AUD $19 – $28.99 per shirt. Gildan shirts are $19 to print one side. While the AS Colour Staple Tee will cost you $28.99 to print one sided. This is for a 2 week turnaround. However if you do want shirts quicker we can print. The lowest price for urgent printing starts at $30 a shirt (Gildan HeavyCotton Tee) one sided print, and $34.99 for an AS Colour Staple Tee to be digitally printed via DTG method.
- Sublimation Printing: AUD $25 – $50 per shirt. Prices will depend on the quantity ordered.
- Heat Transfer Printing: Starts at AUD $30 per shirt. Here the price will depend on the
- number of shirts you need printed, as well as
- the number of positions on the shirt. We charge per position.
Watch this video on how much does T shirt printing cost: Click Here!
Note: These prices are indicative and can vary based on specific requirements and providers. The above prices should give you an idea of costs to print shirts in Brisbane or Melbourne.
5. Surface Areas To Print Images or Text
The price of printing t-shirts often varies based on the number of print areas required. For instance, printing on the front, back, and sleeves would involve multiple print areas. Each additional area necessitates extra setup, materials, and printing time. Machines need to be recalibrated and repositioned for each section, consuming more ink and labor. Moreover, intricate designs on multiple areas increase the chances of errors, leading to wastage. As a result, the more areas you print on, the higher the production costs.
Here is an example using AS Colour Staple Tee.
- Printing on front only: $28.99
- Printing on the front and back: $39.99
- Printing on one sleeve plus both front and back: $50.99
- Print on front and back and both sleeves: $61.99
So if you looking to keep costs down when printing T-shirts its best to limit the number of sides you like to print on.
How Do I Print Something On My Shirt?
Printing a personal design, Text or photograph on a T-shirt is a fantastic way to showcase your creativity and make a statement. Whether it’s a cherished memory, a favorite quote, or a unique design, wearing it proudly on your shirt can be immensely satisfying. If you’re wondering how to embark on this DIY journey, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Step 1. Preparing the Artwork
Your design is the heart of the project. Here’s how to get it ready:
- Choose Your Design: Decide whether you want a photograph, a graphic, text, or a combination of these. Keep the final outcome in mind. If you are thinking of printing on darker coloured shirts then you may want to have your designs lighter in color. Contrast is better.
- Digital Format: Ensure your design is in a digital format. If it’s a hand-drawn image or a physical photo, scan it at a high resolution (at least 300 dpi) to maintain clarity.
- Editing: Use graphic software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Canva to refine your design. Adjust colors, add text, or apply filters to enhance the image. Ensure the design’s dimensions match the print area on the shirt. Generally use a canvas of 3000 pixels by 4200 pixels to work with in Canva. Unwanted background should be removed and the images have transparent backgrounds. You don’t want to be printing a black background seen in an image on to a black shirt. The final printed shirt will not look good.
- File Type: Save your artwork in a print-ready format. PNG, EPS, PDF formats are preferred due to their lossless compression, ensuring high quality.
Step 2. Selecting the Right Shirt
The canvas for your artwork is just as crucial. Here’s what to consider:
- Material: Cotton is the most common choice due to its comfort and print-friendliness. However, blends like cotton-polyester can also work well.
- Cotton is ideal for DTG printing, screen printing and heat trasnfer
- Polyester is suitable for screen printing, heat transfer and sublimation
- Color: Choose a shirt color that complements your design. Light-colored shirts are versatile and work well with most designs, but dark shirts can make certain colors pop.
- Size & Fit: Ensure the shirt fits well. Remember, the print area might vary based on the shirt size. Singlets and Hoodies have different print areas as compared to T shirts. Check your supplier before you place an order on line. Your artwork will need to be in the right width and height to suit different garments. For example:
- Using the DTG method of printing, when you print on a T shirt you need dimensions of 30 cm by 40 cm (3000 pixels by 4200 pixels) to work with.
- However when you print on the front of a hoodie the printed area is generally smaller due to the pockets in front. To make the image properly work with a print area of 30cm width and a height of 22cm.
- For screen printing, heat transfer and sublimation there is more flexibility as to how big an image can be as well as where you can place images.
PS: When printing T shirts and Hoodies in a batch make sure you have separate images created for the front of each type of apparel. By doing this you will ensure your images can potentially use the full design area in case you want the image to be as large as possible.
For screen printing, heat transfer and sublimation there is more flexibility as to how big an image can be as well as where you can place images.
Step 3. Choosing the Printing Method
Different designs and shirt materials may require different printing techniques. We will cover the methods again briefly. Here are the most common ones.
Screen Printing: Best for designs with limited colors and bulk orders. It offers vibrant colors and durability but might be overkill for a one-off print. Minimum quantities needed here are 20 Tees in one batch. Screen printing cannot be done as an urgent print. Most suppliers will require at least 3 weeks to fulfill a screen printing run. Check with your printing supplier to see if they can squeeze you in for urgent printing.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG): Ideal for detailed designs and photographs. It prints directly onto the fabric, making it suitable for one-offs or small batches. This suits people who have last minute orders such as a forgotten birthday gift, logos to be printed for a business or trade event, memorial or funeral shirts, or any other fast printing needs you may have.
Heat Transfer: Good for DIY enthusiasts and small orders. Designs are printed on special transfer paper and then ironed onto the shirt. Heat transfers if done well can last long time. The only precaution is not to allow heat from hot irons or dryers to come close to the printed surfaces on the shirts. If you were to iron a printed shirt the vinyl transfer will begin to bubble and peel.
Sublimation: Perfect for all-over prints and polyester shirts. It offers a seamless and lightweight feel but requires specific shirt materials. Ideal for footy, soccer and rugby clubs, lawn bowls shirts, cricket shirts, etc.
Step 4. Printing the Design
Once you’ve chosen a method, it’s time to print:
DIY or Professional: If you’re using heat transfer, you can do it at home with a quality transfer paper and an iron. For other methods, especially if you’re looking for a professional finish, consider using a T-shirt printing service. Vinyl transfers done by a professional is not cheap. Its best to get a quote first before you decide to go with heat transfer. This method can be very intensive and hence the extra cost to print.
Positioning: Ensure the design is centered and straight. Use measuring tapes to check the distance from the shirt’s collar and sides.
Printing: If you’re doing it at home, follow the transfer paper’s instructions closely. If you’re using a service, provide them with the design file and any specific instructions.
Step 5. Turnaround Time
The time it takes to get your shirt printed will vary:
DIY: Heat transfers can be done within an hour at home. A T shirt printing company will take 3 to 5 days to do the job.
Professional Services: Depending on the method and the service’s workload, it can take anywhere from a day to a week. DTG is usually quicker, while screen printing might take longer, especially for bulk orders. Urgent printing is usually done via DTG printing and can be done the same day for rush printing.
Conclusion
Printing on a T-shirt is a blend of creativity, preparation, and technique. While the process might seem intricate, the satisfaction of wearing your unique design is well worth the effort. Whether you choose to DIY or go professional, following these steps will ensure you get the best results. So, roll up your sleeves and let your creativity shine on your shirt!