The Best Places to Buy Custom Printing Online and In-Store

You found our list of custom printing companies.

Custom printing companies are providers that offer printing services that let you tailor the final product to your exact design and material specifications. These businesses can print materials like business cards, brochures, banners, and promotional materials. Examples include Printful, Vistaprint, and GotPrint. The purpose of these companies is to give you customization options for your company’s branding mediums, including banners, fabrics, and posters.

These companies are similar to corporate swag companies and can print on swag bag ideas and employee gifts.

This article contains:

• online printing services
• screen printing services
• wholesale custom printing companies
• custom fabric printing companies
• custom banner printing companies
• custom envelope printing companies
• custom poster printing companies
• the best print shops

Here we go!

List of custom printing companies

In recent years, custom printing services have exploded in popularity as more individuals and corporations seek out unique and personalized advertising options. These firms provide various services for businesses and individuals that want to make a statement via their branding, such as creating customized T-shirts, business cards, banners, and promotional materials. The following are some companies that offer custom printing services.

1. Printful

If you are looking for online printing services, then Printful is a top choice. The company provides a wide variety of printing services, including direct-to-garment, cut-and-sew, sublimation, and embroidery, and they offer customization for over 220 distinct products. You may also personalize your product with stickers, inserts, and tags.

Printful is a top pick among custom fabric printing companies because of the breadth of its offerings and the ease of personalization. These offerings include logo creation and mockup tools for items and T-shirts. It is easy to locate what you are searching for in Printful’s catalog, whether it is clothing, prints, wall art, or accessories.

For an extra fee, you may put your company’s name and logo on your goods and packaging, including shipping boxes, inside labels, and inserts. Printful also provides graphic design services and marketing videos. Also, for most printed goods, customers may request free samples and pay a small fee to collaborate with a designer.

Printful’s mockup generator simplifies the personalization process, and the platform’s compatibility with all the most popular shopping carts and marketplaces makes it a no-brainer. Products are usually ready for shipping within two to five business days.

Learn more about Printful.

2. Vistaprint

Since its inception in 1995, Vistaprint has been the industry leader in providing desktop publishing services to clients online. The company is also perhaps the sector’s most recognizable brand. Due to its efficient and mainly automated mass printing process, Vistaprint can provide competitive pricing and quick turnaround.

Vistaprint is an excellent service provider because its simplified workflow allows clients to design and print almost any product with little effort and at competitive pricing. Although Vistaprint’s initial focus was on business cards, the firm has now expanded to provide about every promotional product conceivable, including brochures, postcards, flyers, mugs, coasters, magnets, posters, flags, banners, clothes, and even websites.

Customers of Vistaprint can start with ready-made templates and get guidelines for selecting artwork, sizes, materials, special add-ons, and finishes.

Learn more about Vistaprint.

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3. GotPrint

GotPrint offers customers the best value since it provides promotional print materials for less money than competitors and guarantees satisfaction for new clients. GotPrint is a family-run online printing company that helps local businesses promote themselves with high-quality printed materials. GotPrint customers can use a pre-made template, upload their designs, or pay extra to collaborate with a professional designer.

Aside from business cards, you can also get promotional items like mugs, mousepads, caps, and T-shirts printed with your company’s logo. Like many others in the industry, the firm provides free product sample kits to potential customers. Even though GotPrint’s turnaround is a little long, they offer a two-day rush for an additional fee. The usual shipment time is between two and four days, although the firm does not provide overnight shipping.

Check out GotPrint.

4. MOO

MOO focuses on making outstanding design accessible by integrating professional design with the accessibility and reach of the web. MOO’s primary concern is product excellence. The firm’s printing is of superior quality; however, this commitment to excellence translates to premium rates.

MOO produces business cards and a wide variety of other marketing and promotional items, including posters, stickers, invitations, and notebooks. Additionally, MOO provides free sample packs of business cards and stationery. You can also get fast shipping on select products.

Check out MOO.

5. PrintNinja

PrintNinja specializes in high-quality custom printing, particularly for books, cards, and unique projects. With over a decade of experience, PrintNinja is known for working with authors, publishers, and businesses. The firm delivers vibrant prints and focuses on offset printing technology. PrintNinja offers customization options, an online calculator for instant quotes, and resources for preparing print-ready files.

Learn more about PrintNinja.

6. Jakprints

When searching for custom poster printing companies, consider Jakprints. Along with posters, Jakprints is a versatile custom printing company that offers a diverse range of services, including apparel printing, stickers, banners, and business cards. Renowned for its top-notch printing quality, the firm also provides unique finishing options like foil stamping, spot UV, and die-cutting. Jakprints provides an intuitive online platform to effortlessly design and order custom print products that suit your needs.

Learn more about Jakprints.

7. PsPrint

PsPrint specializes in delivering premium offset and digital printing solutions tailored for various marketing materials. From business cards and brochures to postcards and flyers, PsPrint covers a wide spectrum. The company offers an extensive selection of paper options and finishes, allowing customers to achieve their desired aesthetic. With user-friendly design tools and templates, PsPrint empowers customers to create their own designs or upload custom artwork to bring their visions to life.

Learn more about PsPrint.

8. Threadless

Threadless is an innovative hub that melds custom printing with an array of artist-designed apparel and accessories. Collaborating with independent artists, Threadless offers a diverse collection of designs. Shoppers can order products like T-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, and home decor items. Beyond simply selecting from a wide range of options, customers can submit their own design ideas, fostering a vibrant artist community.

Learn more about Threadless.

9. Snapfish

Snapfish was one of the original online picture-sharing and printing businesses, launched years before the widespread use of digital photography. Snapfish offers printing for a vast selection of picture cards, calendars, and photo gifts. In addition to traditional photos, the firm also prints on mugs, pillows, clothing, magnets, puzzles, and phone covers. Prints on canvas, glass, and metal are also available.

Snapfish facilitates straightforward uploads from social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google Photos, and your PC. An easy-to-navigate online interface allows for basic tonal and luminance manipulation and access to preset filters. In addition, the company uses high-quality photo paper to print all images, ensuring vivid colors and sharp details. Snapfish was deemed superior to most screen printing services because of the quality of its prints and the simplicity of its customization tools.

Snapfish’s picture goods have delivery dates ranging from four to eight days. You can also pick up photo, card, and calendar orders at local CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart locations.

Learn more about Snapfish.

10. Canvaspop

Canvaspop is one of the top custom banner printing companies because of its superior print quality, carefully produced goods, and individual quality assessments of completed orders. Canvaspop provides its consumers with high-quality canvases, framed prints, and individualized service.

Canvaspop specializes in different photo print types, including canvas prints, framed prints, photo collages, and triptychs. Therefore, the firm can focus on making fewer high-quality items and improving the ordering process. After an order, the company assigns a personal designer who consults with the client and makes any necessary tweaks to the image’s contrast, saturation, and brightness.

Regarding their materials and printing method, Canvaspop does not skimp. Canvaspop’s dedication to high-quality materials and skilled execution makes them a great option for canvas prints. The company has a quick ordering process, but the shipping times are longer because of the quality assurance procedures.

Learn more about Canvaspop.

11. Minted

Minted began as a crowdsourcing site for artists to showcase their stationery creations. Graphic designers from all 50 states and over 100 nations have contributed to the company’s growing library of stationery, art, gift, and home décor options.

First, customers choose a design made by individual artists from Minted’s catalog. Customers may request a customized sample invitation with their picture and wedding information before placing an order, and most designs are amenable to some degree of customization. At Minted, you can hire a personal designer for as little as $300.

Whether you are looking for a save-the-date card, thank-you note, seating chart, or welcome poster, Minted is one of the custom envelope printing companies with a wide variety of options. You can choose from several design styles, including foil press, letterpress, floral, and watercolor. Letterpress or metallic foil embellishments on invitations raise the price. Minted is one of the top picks because of its wide variety of high-quality designs and personalization choices.

Learn more about Minted.

12. Zazzle

Zazzle, which launched in 2005, is a web-based printing company best known for its personalized gifts and clothes. The firm collaborates with legitimately licensed businesses, so buyers may utilize their favorite characters in their projects.

Zazzle offers printing for a broad selection of items and is a great option for wholesale custom printing companies. Instead of working from preexisting templates, Zazzle allows customers to upload their artwork, adjust it for usage on various product types, or outsource the design entirely to a paid designer.

Zazzle is the finest platform to create personalized licensed items because of the company’s relationships with prominent media companies. You may print Disney or Sesame Street figures on pillows or backpacks for your kids, while adults in touch with their inner child can have a blast making their own Star Wars merchandise.

Learn more about Zazzle.

13. Printify

Printify allows businesses to personalize up to 300 products with different options, including embroidery, sublimation, and direct-to-garment printing. Printify also lets you choose the most reliable domestic vendor for swift and inexpensive delivery. This feature, of course, also implies that delivery timelines and product quality will differ depending on what vendor you choose.

Businesses with heavy volumes may take advantage of Printify’s substantial price reductions with the Premium and Enterprise services. In addition, the global reach of Printify’s printing partner network is one of the service’s most distinctive features. This approach allows companies to tailor their printing setup to their target market’s specific speed and cost needs. To sum it up, Printify has one of the biggest selections of items and the best margins.

Learn more about Printify.

14. Lulu xPress

When it comes to print services, Lulu xPress is among the best options for creative professionals, authors, photographers, and teachers who already have an established audience and are looking to monetize their work. Lulu allows you to transform your digital work into a tangible product, such as publishing your webcomics as a coffee table book. The best part is that you can still use other, larger distribution channels in addition to Lulu, including brick-and-mortar bookstores and Amazon.

Lulu xPress is a straightforward platform for experimenting with new concepts. Additionally, you can keep more of your earnings thanks to the site’s ability to let you sell directly to customers under your own brand while sidestepping the conventional publishing industry’s many intermediaries.

Learn more about Lulu xPress.

15. TPOP

TPOP is a leading European print-on-demand provider whose French facility handles all orders. This print-on-demand service mainly caters to the garment and accessory industries and provides its customers with 36 distinct products to personalize.

TPOP is a full-service, white-label, print-on-demand provider featuring adaptable packing slips and boxes. This business is also environmentally conscious, using only 100 percent recycled paper packing slips and no plastic packaging. Your brand will be prominently visible in every delivery experience, from the box to the packing slip. You may include your branding on items’ inside labels for an additional fee.

Learn more about TPOP.

16. JetPrint

JetPrint offers printing on watches, shoes, yoga equipment, and even household goods. The company provides many customization options for customers. This printing service will instantly produce high-quality, professional-looking product pictures showcasing your items from all angles after you submit your designs. Usually, orders are packed and shipped within three to five working days.

Learn more about JetPrint.

17. Apliiq

With print-on-demand companies like Apliiq, you can make private-label items of retail quality using a variety of designs. Additionally, compared to other POD providers, Apliiq provides lower wholesale prices, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to create a fashion company. Apliiq prioritizes design and quality. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this company is the industry leader in print-on-demand garments. Apliiq provides you with a wide variety of possibilities for personalization, allowing you to design high-quality private-label clothing for sale in stores.

Apliiq is a terrific partner for individuals looking to launch a fashion brand and sell via various online and offline retail channels, offering higher wholesale pricing than other print-on-demand suppliers, beginning at 20 percent off for a bulk purchase of ten.

The company has an upgraded plan that includes 100 custom-woven labels. Instead of giving a price break on samples as most businesses do, the firm charges a premium for quality control, during which a production staff member will examine your order and suggest small changes that will improve the final product. That way, you can ensure that your consumers get the highest quality goods possible when the time comes.

Learn more about Apliiq.

18. All Over Print Plus

All-over-print items are AOP+’s primary focus. All-over-print is the practice of printing designs directly onto fabric before cutting and sewing them into the finished product. The AOP+ app is perhaps the quickest print-on-demand software to launch since all you have to do is submit a design and choose the items you want to make. The designs are printed in-house for increased efficiency and a higher quality standard.

Shipping prices vary by product, and repeat customers can save money by purchasing many items at once. AOP+ is one of the best free print-on-demand firms, but its subscription plans are where it excels. The premium plans provide additional perks, such as discounts and personalized settings.

Learn more about AOP+.

Conclusion

Custom printing services provide several advantages for firms and individuals seeking fresh and distinctive advertising approaches. These businesses provide a wide range of services to help you take your brand to the next level, from personalized designs and innovative printing methods to responsive support staff and complementary advertising tools.

Custom printing companies that do more than simply print. These firms also offer consultations on marketing, design, and website creation. Any company that does not have its own marketing or design team may benefit from these supplementary services.

Next, check out these promotional product companies and office supply companies to produce your small business promotional items and promotional products.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Have you ever gotten on an airplane or walked into a restaurant and encountered a whole crowd of people sporting the same t-shirt? While the effect may seem a bit cheesy, there’s definitely something fun and appealing about custom t-shirts that elevate celebrations and special occasions to the next level. They make the perfect swag gift at weddings, too, providing your guests with a unique (wearable) memento.

Custom t-shirts also offer an excellent method of marketing and branding your small business, as well as building community and morale for charitable organizations and local sports teams. Or, they can serve as the perfect, unique, one-of-a-kind gift for your bestie, soul mate, or favorite sibling (not that you play favorites).

Whatever your custom t-shirt needs are, there’s a place online to fulfill them. 

What to keep in mind when order custom t-shirts online

Custom t-shirts are an excellent way to make a statement with your business, special event, or organization. To make sure you end up with the best results possible, though, there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s not just as simple as finding the best white t-shirts for men or women; you need to make sure you have a quality design to put on them.

Design

To ensure your design is of a high enough quality for printing (and won’t come out all pixelated), save it in a high resolution, preferably vector format. Also, do not use anything that may have copyright issues. Most online design editing tools allow you to experiment with different placements of your artwork on the shirt as well as adding in any text. Make sure to choose an ink color that goes well with the color of the shirt.

Shirt quality

If you’ve spent considerable time creating a graphic, you probably don’t want to put it on a cheap, low-quality t-shirt. Consider the weight and fabric type you want, as well as the color. Most of the sites included here offer brand name t-shirts of good quality in a wide size range for your custom needs. 

Printing method

There are a few to choose from, including screen printing and direct-to-garment  printing. Each has its own individual limitations and advantages (described below in the FAQs). If you’re unsure which is best for your needs, contact the customer service department of the site you are ordering from. 

Timeline

While many companies offer rush production and shipping times, these services often come with a pretty steep cost. Endeavor to plan ahead and allow enough time for printing and shipping.

Our top picks for the best places to order custom t-shirts online

There’s something here for every budget and every level of design assistance you may need (including having someone completely design your artwork for you). There are even a couple sites that offer speedy production and shipping times if you’ve left your ordering to the last minute.

The Custom Ink site features an excellent online tool called Design Lab to create your artwork, which includes images and fonts you can incorporate into your design. Plus, their Custom Creations team is available to assist seven days a week. They’ll even send you a sample upon request for complicated designs.

The other cool feature of the site is its fundraising tool. If you’re involved in an organization or cause (small business, charity, school) that you think people would be interested in supporting, you can design a t-shirt and sell it on the site where you’ll raise funds with each sale (buyers can also add donations). Custom Ink takes care of all the logistics and fulfillment of orders for you.

Specifications:

• Size Range: YXS – Adult 4XL
• Shipping: Free for 2-week shipping, rush shipping for a fee
• Returns: Refund within 15 days if your product differs from what you created, is flawed in some way, or arrives late
• Best for: Complicated designs when you might need some input from a professional
• How long it takes: 2 to 14 days
• Prices starting at: $11.40 each for 25 items

What we like:

• Customer service is available 7 days a week
• Carry brand name t-shirts
• Free shipping and design review

What we don’t like:

• Website can be a bit overwhelming with so many options

Custom Ink

The Custom Ink site features an excellent online tool called Design Lab to create your artwork, which includes images and fonts you can incorporate into your design

Vistaprint is a huge company that offers custom printing of paper products as well as t-shirts. You can choose to have your design printed in a variety of ways, including direct-to-garment and screen printing. 

In direct-to-garment printing the ink is sprayed directly onto the t-shirt and absorbed into the fibers, which means you have unlimited colors and virtually no design limitations. Plus, there’s no minimum order, so if you simply want to create a one-of-a-kind t-shirt with your own custom artwork, you can.

Or, if you want a durable, value option for bulk orders, choose a screen-printed design where ink is applied to the garment through a mesh screen. This creates a design with a smooth, slightly raised feel that you’re likely familiar with in mass-produced  logo t-shirts.

Specifications:

• Size Range: S to 3XL
• Shipping: Starting at $8.99
• Returns: If items arrive damaged or defective, you can receive replacements free of charge
• Best for: Bulk orders of simple designs
• How long it takes: 10 days
• Prices starting at: $7.95 each for 150; $11.95 for one

What we like:

• Simple design creation interface
• Comprehensive catalog of images to add to your design

What we don’t like:

• Customer service wait times can be long (it’s a very large company)

Vistaprint

You can choose to have your design printed in a variety of ways, including direct-to-garment and screen printing

You can create your own designs or shop products made by other Zazzle members (similar to an Etsy type experience) on the site. Zazzle also allows you to customize your t-shirt with your favorite logos and images from television, movies, and pop culture, like Sesame Street characters or the Batman logo.

They offer “classic” printing or “vivid” printing. In classic, no white base layer is used and any white present in your design will be printed transparently, allowing the color of the t-shirt to show through. Vivid printing utilizes a white base layer.

The site also includes tutorials and articles to assist you in making your own designs look as professional as possible.

Specifications:

• Size Range: S-3XL
• Shipping: Unlimited free standard shipping with a Zazzle Plus membership (419.85 a year with a free 30-day trial).
• Returns: Yes within 30 days for defective or damaged products (they ask for images to be uploaded as documentation)
• Best for: High-quality t-shirts with ultimate customization options
• How long it takes: 2 – 10 days
• Prices starting at: $16.11 each

What we like:

• No minimum quantities
• You can edit pre-existing designs
• Many color, style, and fabric options

What we don’t like:

• Can be expensive compared to others

Zazzle

Zazzle also allows you to customize your t-shirt with your favorite logos and images from television, movies, and pop culture, like Sesame Street characters or the Batman logo

Underground printing offers a range of t-shirts that you can add your custom design to including, heavy cotton, women’s scoop neck poly-cotton, cotton heritage garment dyed, and a unisex ultra-blend tee from a variety of brands including Gildan, Hanes, Nike, and many more.

Their online design editor is equipped with a catalog of clip art and design ideas to facilitate your creative process. They have in-person locations in 24 states if you think you’d benefit from some hands-on design assistance. Select t-shirts are also available for a fast two-day turnaround.

Specifications:

• Size Range: XS – 4XL depending on specific t-shirt used
• Shipping: From free to 10 days to $5.95 each for 4 days
• Returns: 100% satisfaction guarantee; must contact them within 15 days
• Best for: When you’ve waited until the last minute to order
• How long it takes: Quickest turnout is 2 days for select t-shirt styles; most are 10 days
• Prices starting at: $8.89 each for 64 items (some t-shirts have no minimums or minimums as little as six) 

What we like:

• Wide range of colors and styles
• Excellent customer service
• Quick turnaround time

What we don’t like:

• Some may not like that you have to set up an online account in order to save your designs

Underground Printing

Their online design editor is equipped with a catalog of clip art and design ideas to facilitate your creative process

Canvas Prints has an easy process to upload images and add text. They use 100% cotton t-shirts with no minimum orders. One of the biggest reasons to use them is if you have a design that entails printing in both the front and back of the t-shirt. You can print on both sides for the same price

They offer blind shipping, which removes any Canvas Print logos from packaging and the finished product.

Specifications:

• Size Range: S -2XL
• Shipping: 1-5 days
• Returns: Yes, if the product is defective; must document with photos
• Best for: Designs on both front and back
• How long it takes: 3-5 days; you can also select priority production so that your order will ship the day after it is received
• Prices starting at: $26.99 

What we like:

• No minimum order quantities
• 100% cotton t-shirts
• Simple, easy to use design editor

What we don’t like:

• Shipping costs a bit high compared to others

Canvas Prints

Canvas Prints has an easy process to upload images and add text. They use 100% cotton t-shirts with no minimum orders

GotPrint is a large custom printing company (though they are still family owned and run) that offers a variety of custom items including stationary, signs, and apparel. Their online design editor is easy to use and they also have downloadable templates you can open in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Acrobat to create your custom artwork. They also have a reseller/broker program if you’re a graphic designer or print shop owner.

Specifications:

• Size Range: XS – 2XL
• Shipping: $9.56 for 2-7 business days, $16.61 for 1-6 business days
• Returns: Yes, for first-time customers only; must notify within 6 business days
• Best for: When you need a design template to start from
• How long it takes: 3 to 5 business days
• Prices starting at: $12.66 per shirt 

What we like:

• Design editor is easy to use
• Huge catalog of templates available
• Reseller program

What we don’t like:

• Some reviewers say the customer service isn’t the best

GotPrint

Their online design editor is easy to use and they also have downloadable templates you can open in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Acrobat to create your custom artwork

Shutterfly custom t-shirts make the perfect personalized gift. It's super easy to upload your photo and add text. There’s also an online photo editor that allows you to correct red-eye, crop, and otherwise enhance your photos before having them printed. Shutterfly (as you may know) began as a photo storage/photo book printing company. They’ve recently added custom apparel options to their site.

Specifications:

• Size Range: S-3XL
• Shipping: Free economy in 6-10 business days, faster times for a fee
• Returns: Yes, returns for reasons other than Shutterfly’s error will incur a 50% return fee
• Best for: Creating one-of-a-kind personalized gifts using photos
• How long it takes: From 2-10 business days; faster production times cost extra money
• Prices starting at: $26.99 each

What we like:

• Easy to use
• Good print quality
• Online photo editor

 What we don’t like:

• Not as many t-shirt colors available as some other sites

Shutterfly

Shutterfly custom t-shirts make the perfect personalized gift. It's super easy to upload your photo and add text

Allied Shirts features an easy-to-use online design tool as well as no minimum quantities on orders. They have templates and a clip art library to use if you need some inspiration. And, if you require even more help, their design services are free if you order 12 or more shirts. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, Allied Shirts makes it easy to create custom shirts for your local sports team or special event.

Specifications:

• Size Range: S-4XL
• Shipping: Free shipping; rush shipping available for a fee
• Returns: Return policy says they are willing to work with you if you are unhappy
• Best for: When you need shirts for a local sports team or graduation
• How long it takes: 10 business days to arrive guaranteed for standard t-shirt orders
• Prices starting at: $13.96 per shirt

What we like:

• Good value
• Will match price if you find a better one
• Free shipping on full price orders

What we don’t like:

• Print quality not as high as some other sites

Allied Shirts

Allied Shirts features an easy-to-use online design tool as well as no minimum quantities on orders

Printed Marketplace is an Etsy based shop that sells high-quality t-shirts and hoodies printed with your artwork. After ordering, email your file and they’ll send you a proof within one business day. After your approval, your shirt will ship in one more day. There is no design editor tool, but they’ll assist you with your customization if needed. The shop owner is very responsive and helpful.

Specifications:

• Size Range: S-2XL
• Shipping: Free
• Returns: No
• Best for: When you already have your artwork/logo created
• How long it takes: 2-8 days
• Prices starting at: $23.99 each

What we like:

• Excellent customer service
• Small business
• Free shipping

What we don’t like:

• No returns

Printed Marketplace on Etsy

Printed Marketplace is an Etsy based shop that sells high-quality t-shirts and hoodies printed with your artwork

Discount Mugs is another huge online retailer offering a wide range of custom products and event swag. They’re great if you're on a serious budget and need a large (we’re talking over 100) number of items (prices start as low as $2.69 each for 5000). Its online design tool is also powerful and easy to use. 

And, if you’ve procrastinated on your project, some items are available to receive within one day.

Specifications:

• Size Range:S-3XL
• Shipping: Free for orders over $75.00
• Returns: No, unless an error has been made by Discount Mugs. Then they will replace for free
• Best for: When you’re on a serious budget and need a lot of t-shirts
• How long it takes: 6-10 business days
• Prices starting at: $2.69 each for 5000 or more

What we like:

• Can start from a template or from scratch
• Powerful, intuitive online editor
• Free shipping for orders over $75

What we don’t like:

• Costume service not as good as at some other places

Discount Mugs

Discount Mugs is another huge online retailer offering a wide range of custom products and event swag. They’re great if you're on a serious budget and need a large (we’re talking over 100) number of items

Design Crowd is a service that consists of a community of designers who use your design brief to pitch options for your company or event. When you submit your design brief, you choose your budget, which will determine how many pitches you receive. Then, you pick the one you like the best and have the option to ask for alterations to it.

 If you don’t like any of the designs you receive, you can ask for a refund of your budget. This service is great for those who need a large number of custom t-shirts for their company or event and want to hire someone else to design them.

Specifications:

• Size Range: S-2XL
• Shipping: Standard and express for a fee
• Returns: Yes, if items are damaged or not as described within 30 days
• Best for: When you need a professional design for a large event or company
• How long it takes: Design process: from 3 to 15 days, then 9-11 days once the design is chosen
• Prices starting at: $99.00

What we like:

• Receive multiple design ideas to choose from
• Once you buy a design from the site, you own that design

What we don’t like:

• User interface can be confusing

Design Crowd

Design Crowd is a service that consists of a community of designers who use your design brief to pitch options for your company or event

Redbubble is a marketplace similar to Etsy where you can find a wide range of unique and creative products made by small creators and businesses. It’s not necessarily a place where you can create your own design (though you can sell your artwork) but more a place where you’ll be able to find almost anything you can think of on a t-shirt and purchase unique apparel that you won’t see in traditional stores. Each one is custom printed for you when you order it, so shipping times vary. Each artist has a profile that you explore and shop from.

Specifications:

• Size Range: S-5XL
• Shipping: Depends on the seller; standard or express for a fee
• Returns: Yes, if the item is damaged
• Best for: Supporting small businesses
• How long it takes: Everything is custom so it depends on the seller
• Prices starting at: $19.00

What we like:

• Unique designs
• Dedicated to supporting small creators and artists
• Quick delivery

What we don’t like:

• Quality of some items is not as good as others

Redbubble

Redbubble is a marketplace similar to Etsy where you can find a wide range of unique and creative products made by small creators and businesses

How we selected the best places to order custom t-shirts online

We selected these best places by experimenting with the online editors of each as well as reading countless reviews and researching company profiles. I’ve designed and ordered a range of custom print projects throughout the years (for my small business) and have personal experience with many of the companies included here. Also, as a film and television crew member, I’ve received a ton of custom-printed t-shirts as wrap gifts throughout my 32 years in the business, so I know a thing or two about different print processes and t-shirt qualities.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

What is the highest quality t-shirt printing?

The answer to this question lies partially in what kind of image or design you’re printing. Screen printing, a stencil-based technique that has been around for a long time is best suited for designs with fewer colors. It’s also quite durable. Direct-to-garment  printing utilizes an inkjet printer and allows you to adorn your t-shirts with complex designs and photographic quality images – though they do begin to wash out over time.

Then there are heat transfer methods which are extremely durable and allow you to print a design that covers the entire t-shirt. There are various heat transfer methods, including all-over-printing, direct-to-film (DTF) printing, and CAD heat transfer vinyl printing, all of which offer excellent durability against fading. Each has its limitations, though. For instance, all-over-printing works best on synthetic fabrics, while DTF creates a print that can feel a bit plasticky and stiff.

What is a good price for a custom shirt?

A custom-printed t-shirt can cost anywhere from around $10.00 to $50.00 depending on what kind of t-shirt you’re printing on (fabric content, and weight as well as brand) and how complex your design is (how many colors; images and text or just text, etc.). 

Is 40 dollars a lot for a shirt?

No—after all, it’s an average price for the best men’s workout shirts. But I should clarify that, as a person who also has a sewing and pattern-making career, I believe that most mass-produced clothing is woefully undervalued and many of the craftspeople who work in factories are underpaid and underappreciated. 

How do you create a t-shirt design?

T-shirt designs are super easy to create using many of the online design editors available on the sites included in this article. For most, you simply upload your photo or image, then add text or other elements as needed. If you’re interested in a more complicated design or feel yours does not look as professional as you’d like, many of these companies also provide design services and consultations.