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"How much does it cost to print custom shirts?" is the number one question we get at French Press Custom. The answer depends on several factors, but we believe in pricing transparency — so here is a real breakdown of what custom screen printing costs in 2026.
For a standard order of 50 t-shirts with a one-color front print on Gildan blanks:
Expect to pay $8 - $12 per shirt all-in.
For 50 shirts on premium Bella+Canvas blanks with a 3-color front and 1-color back:
Expect to pay $14 - $20 per shirt all-in.
But those ranges depend on many variables. Let us break them down.
Screen printing has an inverse cost curve — the more you order, the cheaper each unit becomes. This is because the setup costs (screens, ink mixing, press setup) are spread across more garments.
| Quantity | Approx. Per-Shirt Cost (1-color) | |----------|----------------------------------| | 12-24 | $15 - $22 | | 25-49 | $10 - $16 | | 50-99 | $8 - $12 | | 100-249 | $6 - $10 | | 250-499 | $5 - $8 | | 500+ | $4 - $6 |
These ranges include the blank garment (mid-range) plus printing. Premium blanks add $2-4 per unit.
Each color in a screen print requires a separate screen, ink, and press pass. More colors mean more setup time and materials.
Each print location (front, back, sleeve, etc.) requires its own setup and press pass.
The blank t-shirt itself is a significant portion of the total cost.
Standard plastisol ink is included in base pricing. Specialty inks cost more:
Most printers charge a one-time setup fee per screen. At FPC, our setup fees are:
If your artwork is not print-ready, expect art charges:
If you are comparing quotes, understand that cheaper is not always better:
At French Press Custom, our quotes include everything — no hidden fees. We use quality inks, proper curing, and back every print with our satisfaction guarantee.
Ready to see exact pricing for your project? Request a free quote from French Press Custom. Tell us your quantity, colors, garment preference, and design details, and we will have a quote back to you within 24 hours.
Call us at (562) 758-5110 or fill out our online quote form.
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