For thousands of t-shirts, screen printing is usually the most cost effective method, a classic cotton tee keeps the price down, and a size breakdown based on your people avoids leftovers. Allow about 10 business days after proof approval as a base, plus more time for 5,000 or more, and pack by location if shirts go to many sites.
Choose the shirt for the use
| Use | Shirt type |
|---|---|
| Event, volunteers, giveaway | Classic heavy cotton tee |
| Company apparel people wear on weekends | Soft, retail fit ring-spun tee |
| Lifestyle or campus look | Garment dyed heavyweight tee |
| Hot weather or athletic events | Polyester performance tee |
Print method at volume
Screen printing has a setup for each ink color, which is spread across the whole run, so it gets cheaper per shirt as quantity rises. For thousands of shirts with a design of a few colors, it is usually the best value. DTF suits full color designs on smaller quantities. Polyester performance tees need inks made for polyester.
Size breakdown
For a known group, use their sizes. For events and giveaways, use a size curve and add a small buffer of popular sizes. On 5,000 shirts, a few percent off on one size is over a hundred shirts in the wrong size.
Colors that stay in stock
Core colors such as black, navy, white and heather gray are deep in stock across sizes. Fashion colors can run short at large quantities. We confirm stock before you approve.
Packing and delivery
Bulk shirts are packed folded by size in cartons. For multiple locations, each carton is labeled with the location, count and sizes. Large single deliveries go by freight.
How to place a large merchandise order
Frequently asked questions
- What is the cheapest way to print 5,000 t-shirts?
- Screen print a design with few ink colors on a classic cotton tee, in a core color that is deep in stock.
- How long does it take to print 10,000 t-shirts?
- About 20 business days after proof approval as a planning figure, plus shipping.
- How do we decide sizes for a giveaway of thousands of shirts?
- Use a size curve and add a small buffer of the most popular sizes. The size mix calculator builds one.
- Can you ship bulk t-shirts to many locations?
- Yes, packed and labeled by location, anywhere in the United States.
Related tools
- Size mix calculatorTurn a headcount into an exact quantity per size, with spares.
- Decoration method advisorAnswer six questions and see whether screen printing, embroidery or DTF fits your item and logo.
- Order deadline plannerEnter your in-hands date and see when to send your brief, approve the proof and ship.