"How much does custom apparel cost?" is the most common question buyers ask — and the honest answer is "it depends," because a few clear factors drive the price. Once you understand them, you can budget confidently and make choices that get you the best value. Here's the complete breakdown.
1. The garment itself
Your base cost starts with the blank. A basic budget tee costs less than a premium ring-spun or heavyweight blank; a polo, hoodie, or jacket costs more than a t-shirt. Choosing the right garment for the job — rather than the most expensive one — is the first lever on price.
2. The decoration method
Each method prices differently:
- Screen printing is priced largely by number of colors (each color is a separate screen with its own setup) and by quantity. It gets dramatically cheaper per piece as quantity rises.
- Embroidery is priced by stitch count — the size and density of your design — not color. A small left-chest logo costs less than a large, dense back design.
- DTF/DTG is priced more per piece with no per-color setup, which makes it economical for small runs and complex, full-color art.
3. Quantity
This is the biggest single factor for screen printing. Setup costs spread across the order, so the per-piece price falls sharply as quantity climbs. Ordering 100 shirts costs far less per shirt than ordering 12. For small quantities, DTF/DTG often wins because there's no setup to amortize.
4. Number of colors and print locations
More colors (screen printing) means more screens and higher setup. More print locations (front + back + sleeve) means more work per piece. Simplifying your design is one of the easiest ways to lower cost.
5. Artwork preparation
If your artwork is print-ready, there's no extra prep. If it needs cleanup, recreation, or (for embroidery) digitizing, we can do it for you for free.
How to get the best value
- Order in the right quantity for your method (bulk favors screen printing).
- Keep designs simple (fewer colors, fewer locations).
- Choose the garment that fits the job, not the priciest.
- Provide clean artwork to avoid prep fees.
Transparent pricing with us
At 24 Hour Apparels, we believe pricing should be straightforward and tailored to your project. Every quote is based on the garment you choose, decoration method, artwork, print locations, and order quantity, ensuring you receive accurate, competitive pricing with no hidden fees. If you're unsure which option offers the best value, our team will guide you through the available choices and recommend the most cost-effective solution based on your budget, timeline, and branding goals.
Ready to see real numbers? Browse our apparel and build your order to get instant, transparent pricing — no surprises.