Is there a minimum order quantity? When you’re shopping for custom shirts, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Do I have to order a certain number to get started?” Not every project is the same—sometimes it’s just a single shirt or a handful for a special occasion, while other times it’s hundreds (or even thousands) for a company event, fundraiser, or merch drop. That’s why most providers keep order policies flexible while still offering the best value at larger quantities.
Small Orders vs. Bulk Orders
The short answer: No strict minimum is required for many printing methods. While a suggested minimum of around 24 pieces is common, single shirts are often available if that’s all you need. This is perfect for one-off designs, gifts, or testing how your artwork looks on fabric before committing to a bigger batch.
That said, pricing works on a sliding scale. The more shirts you order, the lower your cost per piece. This is because setup, ink mixing, and production time are spread out across a larger number of garments.
- Small batches: Best for custom gifts, prototypes, or test runs.
- Medium orders (12–50 pieces): Perfect for small businesses, clubs, or local events.
- Large runs (50–500+ pieces): Ideal for schools, corporations, non-profits, or brands looking to resell merchandise.
Printing Methods and How They Affect Minimums
Order minimums can vary depending on the printing method chosen:
- Screen Printing:
Recommended minimum of around 12 pieces. This method requires setup for each ink color, so larger orders help balance out setup costs. The more you print, the more affordable it becomes. - Embroidery:
Often recommended for 6+ items, since embroidery machines take time to digitize and set up your design. Perfect for polos, hats, and uniforms. - Sublimation & Specialty Methods:
Some processes may have suggested order minimums, depending on the garment type and artwork complexity. It’s best to confirm specifics before placing an order.
Why Bulk Orders Save You Money
It’s not just about economies of scale—it’s about efficiency.
- Setups spread out — Preparing screens, threads, or designs takes the same effort whether you’re making 1 shirt or 100.
- Better cost per unit — With bulk orders, the price per shirt drops significantly.
- Consistent quality — Printing in one run ensures all garments look identical—perfect for uniforms or event merch.
- Faster turnaround — Larger orders are often processed in a streamlined way, saving both time and cost.
Flexible Options for Different Needs
Not every project requires hundreds of shirts at once, and many providers offer flexible solutions such as:
- Sample printing so you can see your design on a garment before placing a large run.
- Tiered bulk pricing that rewards you for scaling up.
- Mix-and-match orders (different sizes, fits, or even colors) as long as the print design stays the same.
This flexibility makes custom apparel a good fit for individuals, small businesses, and large organizations alike. Whether you need just a few pieces or a bulk order, there are options to match your project and budget.
Common scenarios include:
- Launching merch and unsure of demand? Start small with a batch of 12–24 and scale up once you see interest.
- Outfitting an entire company or school? Save on bulk screen printing with 100+ shirts.
- Specialty embroidery for your team? Check recommended minimums to find the most cost-effective order size.
Reach Out to Shirt.Co Today to Start Your Apparel Order — No Matter the Minimum
Our goal is to make custom shirt ordering as simple, and affordable, as possible. Whether you want just one shirt to test your design or you’re ready to bulk order 500 for your next big event, we’ll find the best method, price point, and timeline for you.
Remember: There’s no hard minimum to get started at Shirt.co. The right quantity depends on your goals, your budget, and your timeline—and we’re here to guide you through it. Call us right away at 636-926-2777 or get a free quote online.
