Custom T-shirt quote guide
What’s the Average Cost for a Batch of 50 Custom T-Shirts?
If you need a quote for 50 custom T-shirts, the average cost usually falls between $8 and $22 per shirt, or about $400 to $1,100 total, depending on the shirt brand, print method, number of print locations, number of ink colors, artwork complexity, sizes, and turnaround time.
For many business, startup, school, church, event, and team orders, a realistic working budget for 50 custom shirts is around $600 to $900. A simple one-color front print on a basic cotton shirt may come in lower, while a premium retail-quality shirt with front and back printing will cost more.
Quick Answer: How Much Should 50 Custom T-Shirts Cost?
A batch of 50 custom T-shirts typically costs $400 to $1,100 total. If you want a simple logo printed on one side of a standard shirt, expect the lower end of that range. If you want a softer retail-style shirt, multiple colors, a large back print, sleeve prints, or premium blanks, expect the quote to move toward the higher end.
The fastest way to get an accurate quote is to send Apparel Junction your shirt quantity, logo or artwork, desired shirt color, print location, deadline, and size breakdown.
Estimated Pricing for 50 Custom T-Shirts
The table below gives a practical estimate for a 50-piece custom T-shirt order. These are not one-size-fits-all prices, but they are useful planning ranges before requesting a final quote.
$8–$12 per shirt
$400–$600 total
Best for giveaways, volunteer shirts, school events, simple staff shirts, and one-color logos.
$12–$18 per shirt
$600–$900 total
Best for startups, small businesses, employee shirts, launch events, and branded team apparel.
$18–$22+ per shirt
$900–$1,100+ total
Best for soft premium blanks, front and back designs, detailed artwork, or shirts meant to be sold.
For additional background on cotton apparel and garment material choices, you can review educational resources from CottonWorks.
If someone asks, “What is the average quote for 50 custom T-shirts?” a fair starting answer is: about $750 total, or roughly $15 per shirt. The final price may be lower or higher once the shirt style, artwork, decoration method, and deadline are confirmed.
Why the Price Changes So Much
Custom T-shirt pricing is not based on quantity alone. A 50-shirt order can be very affordable or more premium depending on how the shirt is built. Here are the biggest price factors that affect your quote.
1. The Shirt Blank You Choose
The blank shirt is the base garment before printing. A basic cotton T-shirt costs less than a soft fashion-fit tee, garment-dyed shirt, heavyweight streetwear shirt, moisture-wicking performance shirt, or premium brand-name blank.
For budget orders, many customers choose standard cotton or cotton/poly shirts. For business apparel, startups, retail merch, and employee gear, many customers prefer a softer shirt that people will actually want to wear more than once.
2. The Number of Print Locations
A single front print usually costs less than a front and back print. Adding a sleeve logo, inside neck print, or large back graphic increases labor, setup, and production time.
| Print Setup | Common Use | Typical Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Left chest logo only | Business shirts, uniforms, staff apparel | Usually the most cost-efficient option |
| Full front print | Events, brand shirts, promotional shirts | Moderate cost depending on size and colors |
| Front and back print | Startup shirts, company apparel, team shirts, merch | Higher cost because there are two print locations |
| Front, back, and sleeve | Premium brand apparel or detailed company shirts | Highest cost because of added setup and handling |
3. The Number of Ink Colors
For screen printing, each ink color can add setup and production complexity. A one-color white logo on a dark shirt is usually easier to price than a three-color or four-color design.
If you want the lowest cost on 50 shirts, keep the design simple. If brand accuracy matters, it may be worth using additional colors to better match your logo.
4. The Print Method
Different decoration methods are better for different designs. Apparel Junction can help you choose the right method based on your artwork, shirt quantity, and budget.
| Print Method | Best For | When It May Affect Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Printing | Bulk orders, simple logos, spot colors, event shirts, business shirts | Best value when ordering enough shirts to spread setup cost across the order |
| DTF Printing | Full-color graphics, smaller batches, complex artwork, logos with gradients | Helpful when the design has many colors or details |
| Embroidery | Polos, hats, jackets, workwear, corporate apparel | Usually priced by stitch count, garment type, and placement |
| Sublimation | Polyester shirts, sportswear, all-over or bright full-color designs | Works best on specific fabrics and light-colored garments |
To compare decoration options, visit Apparel Junction’s custom apparel services.
5. Artwork Quality
Clean artwork can make your quote faster and more accurate. Vector files such as AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG are preferred for many logo jobs. If you only have a low-resolution image, screenshot, or rough mockup, the artwork may need cleanup before production.
6. Shirt Sizes
Most quotes assume standard adult sizes such as Small through XL. Extended sizes such as 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and above often cost more because the blank shirts cost more from the supplier.
7. Turnaround Time
Rush orders can affect cost, especially if shirts need to be sourced quickly, artwork needs to be repaired, or production has to be moved ahead in the schedule. If you have an event date, include it when requesting your quote.
Example Quotes for 50 Custom T-Shirts
Here are practical examples to help you understand what your quote may look like.
Example 1: Simple Event Shirt
- Quantity: 50 shirts
- Shirt: standard cotton tee
- Print: one-color front print
- Use: school event, volunteer group, giveaway, company event
- Estimated range: $400–$600 total
Example 2: Small Business or Startup Shirt
- Quantity: 50 shirts
- Shirt: soft retail-style tee
- Print: left chest logo plus back design
- Use: startup launch, employee apparel, customer giveaways, company merch
- Estimated range: $600–$900 total
Example 3: Premium Brand or Retail Merch Shirt
- Quantity: 50 shirts
- Shirt: heavyweight, garment-dyed, or premium fashion blank
- Print: detailed front and back design
- Use: clothing brand drop, retail merchandise, premium company apparel
- Estimated range: $900–$1,100+ total
What Information Do You Need to Get a Real Quote?
If you want a fast and accurate quote for 50 custom T-shirts, send the following information:
- Quantity: Confirm that you need 50 shirts.
- Shirt style: Basic, soft retail, heavyweight, performance, long sleeve, or other.
- Shirt color: White, black, gray, navy, safety color, or brand-specific color.
- Artwork: Upload your logo, design, or mockup.
- Print locations: Front, back, sleeve, left chest, or multiple placements.
- Ink colors: One color, two colors, full color, or brand-matched colors.
- Size breakdown: Example: 5 Small, 15 Medium, 20 Large, 8 XL, 2 2XL.
- Deadline: Include your event date or in-hand date.
- Shipping or pickup: Let us know if you need shipping or local pickup.
You can browse available apparel and start your order at Apparel Junction’s custom apparel catalog.
How to Lower the Cost of a 50-Shirt Order
If you are trying to stay close to the lower end of the price range, use these cost-saving tips.
- Use one print location. A front-only design is usually more affordable than front and back printing.
- Limit ink colors. A one-color or two-color design is typically easier to produce than a full-color design.
- Choose a standard shirt blank. Premium blanks feel better, but basic shirts can lower the quote.
- Order more if you can. Moving from 50 to 75 or 100 shirts may reduce the cost per shirt.
- Send clean artwork. Production-ready artwork can reduce delays and artwork cleanup needs.
- Avoid last-minute rushes. Planning ahead gives more flexibility on garment sourcing and production.
When Should You Choose Screen Printing, DTF, or Embroidery?
The best method depends on the look you want and the type of apparel you are ordering.
Choose Screen Printing If:
- You are ordering 50 or more shirts.
- Your design uses solid colors.
- You want a durable, classic T-shirt print.
- You want a strong value for business, event, or team shirts.
Choose DTF Printing If:
- Your design has many colors, gradients, or detailed artwork.
- You want full-color graphics without separating every color for screen printing.
- You need flexible decoration options across different garments.
Choose Embroidery If:
- You are ordering polos, hats, jackets, uniforms, or workwear.
- You want a professional raised logo look.
- You want apparel for staff, sales teams, office teams, or corporate wear.
For embroidery options, visit Apparel Junction’s embroidery services.
Best Uses for a 50-Shirt Custom Order
A 50-shirt order is a strong quantity for many organizations because it is large enough to unlock better pricing but still small enough to manage for a focused campaign, event, or team.
- Startup launch shirts
- Employee onboarding apparel
- Small business uniforms
- Trade show shirts
- School club shirts
- Church group shirts
- Family reunion shirts
- Restaurant or bar staff shirts
- Construction or service company shirts
- Event volunteer shirts
- Customer giveaway shirts
- Retail merch test runs
What Makes Apparel Junction Different?
Apparel Junction helps businesses, organizations, teams, and event planners create custom apparel that looks professional and fits the purpose of the order. The goal is not just to put a logo on a shirt. The goal is to help you choose the right shirt, the right decoration method, the right print placement, and the right budget for your project.
If you are ordering 50 custom T-shirts, Apparel Junction can help you compare options such as basic event shirts, soft retail-style shirts, screen printing, DTF printing, embroidery, branded merchandise, and corporate apparel.
Explore more options at Apparel Junction or view custom apparel services.
Need a Quote for 50 Custom T-Shirts?
Send Apparel Junction your logo, shirt quantity, preferred shirt color, print locations, size breakdown, and deadline. We can help you choose the best option for your budget, whether you need simple event shirts, polished business shirts, startup launch apparel, or premium branded merchandise.
Frequently Asked Questions About 50 Custom T-Shirts
What is the average cost for 50 custom T-shirts?
The average cost for 50 custom T-shirts is usually between $400 and $1,100 total, or about $8 to $22 per shirt. A simple one-color front print on a basic shirt is usually on the lower end. A premium shirt with multiple print locations or detailed artwork will cost more.
Is 50 shirts enough for bulk pricing?
Yes. A 50-shirt order is often a good starting point for bulk custom T-shirt pricing, especially for screen printing. It is enough quantity to spread setup time across the order, which can help lower the per-shirt cost compared with a very small order.
What is a fair quote for 50 custom shirts?
A fair quote depends on the blank shirt, print method, artwork, number of colors, and print locations. For planning, many 50-shirt orders fall around $600 to $900 total. The final quote should clearly explain the shirt style, decoration method, print locations, sizes, and any setup or artwork charges.
How can I get the cheapest price on 50 custom T-shirts?
Choose a standard shirt, use one print location, keep the design to one or two colors, provide clean artwork, and avoid rush production. Ordering more than 50 shirts may also lower the cost per shirt.
Why does a front and back print cost more?
A front and back print requires additional setup, handling, production time, and decoration on a second location. That usually increases the quote compared with a single front print.
What file type should I send for my shirt design?
Vector artwork such as AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG is preferred when available. High-resolution PNG files may also work for some designs. If you only have a screenshot or low-resolution logo, Apparel Junction can review it and let you know what is needed.
Should I use screen printing or DTF for 50 shirts?
Screen printing is often a strong choice for 50 shirts when the design has solid colors and the same artwork is used across the order. DTF may be a better option for full-color artwork, gradients, or complex designs. Apparel Junction can recommend the best method after reviewing your artwork.
Are premium T-shirts worth the extra cost?
Premium shirts are often worth it when the shirts represent your brand, are being sold as merchandise, or will be worn by employees or customers repeatedly. A softer, better-fitting shirt can make your brand look more polished than a low-cost giveaway shirt.
Do larger sizes cost more?
Extended sizes such as 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, and above often cost more because the blank garments cost more from the supplier. Include your size breakdown when requesting a quote so the estimate is accurate.
Can Apparel Junction help me choose the right shirt?
Yes. Apparel Junction can help you compare basic, standard, and premium shirt options based on your budget, audience, print method, and deadline.
To make this page more useful and visually stronger, add images that help the visitor understand pricing, quality, and ordering decisions.
- Hero image: A clean table or stack of 50 custom T-shirts with a visible printed logo.
- Price comparison image: Three shirt stacks labeled budget, standard, and premium.
- Print location image: A shirt mockup showing left chest, full front, back, and sleeve print areas.
- Artwork review image: A person reviewing a logo placement proof on a computer screen.
- Finished order image: Boxed custom shirts ready for pickup or delivery with branded packaging.