2025 DTG Printing Costs Key Trends for Custom Apparel

Imagine having a brilliant T-shirt design you're eager to bring to life. Or perhaps you're launching a small apparel brand and need a cost-effective way to test your designs. Maybe you simply want unique custom shirts for your team. Whatever your needs, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing might be your ideal solution. But one question remains: How much does DTG printing actually cost?

In 2025, DTG printing has solidified its position as a leader in custom apparel. Unlike traditional screen printing, DTG requires no large minimum orders or expensive setup costs. It offers the freedom to print vibrant, detailed designs—even for a single shirt.

Before examining costs, it's essential to understand what DTG printing is and why it has become so popular.

DTG printing is a digital process where specialized printers apply ink directly onto fabric—similar to how inkjet printers work on paper. The ink bonds with the shirt's fibers, creating smooth, vibrant designs with a soft hand feel.

Several factors make DTG printing one of the most trusted options today:

• No minimum orders – Whether you need one shirt or hundreds, DTG handles it without additional setup costs.
• Unlimited colors and detail – From bold graphics to photorealistic images, DTG captures even the finest details.
• Fast turnaround – Ideal for businesses or individuals who can't wait weeks for production.
• Soft, comfortable finish – Unlike heat transfers or vinyl, DTG prints become part of the fabric, making them breathable and durable.

In short, DTG printing enables anyone—brands, startups, or individuals—to create professional-quality custom shirts without significant upfront investment.

DTG printing costs vary based on several factors: order quantity, garment color, and your chosen provider. While prices differ across vendors, these averages can help budget planning.

• Single white T-shirt: $15 – $18
• Single dark T-shirt: $20 – $30
• Bulk orders (50+ pieces):
  • White T-shirts: $8 – $10 per shirt
  • Dark T-shirts: $10 – $12 per shirt
• Blank garment (base cost): $1.50 – $4 per shirt

Why are dark shirts more expensive? Printing on dark garments requires an additional white ink underbase to make colors pop. This extra step uses more ink and involves pretreatment, increasing costs compared to white shirts.

For single custom shirts, expect to pay $15 to $30 per item. Bulk ordering dramatically reduces per-unit costs—sometimes by more than half. This makes DTG ideal for startups and small apparel brands. You can test designs with small batches and scale up as demand grows.

DTG pricing involves more than just ink on fabric. Understanding these components clarifies why costs vary and what you're actually paying for.

The foundation of any order is the blank shirt itself. Depending on brand and quality, blank tees range from $1.50 to $4 each. Premium brands or specialty garments cost more than basic cotton shirts.

DTG relies on water-based inks. The amount needed depends on design complexity and size. Light shirts require less ink, while dark garments need extra white ink layers, increasing costs.

A small chest logo uses less ink and time than a full-front design or multiple print locations (front and back). Larger, more detailed prints raise overall costs.

While less labor-intensive than screen printing, DTG still requires time for garment prep, dark fabric pretreatment, and machine operation. This labor contributes to final pricing.

Online orders typically add shipping costs. Large bulk orders may qualify for discounts or free shipping, but this remains a pricing factor.

Several elements influence final DTG pricing:

• Garment color: Dark shirts cost more due to additional white ink underbase requirements.
• Order quantity: Bulk orders lower per-unit costs by spreading setup and production across more items.
• Design complexity: Not color count, but ink volume. Larger or highly detailed prints require more ink, increasing costs.
• Fabric type: 100% cotton works best for DTG, but premium fabrics or blends may cost more than basic tees.
• Service provider: Each printer has unique pricing models. Local shops may differ from large online platforms.

Several strategies can lower costs while maintaining quality:

• Order in bulk: The simplest way to reduce per-unit costs. Quantity thresholds often trigger significant price drops.
• Choose light garments: White or light shirts avoid white ink underbase needs, reducing ink usage and costs.
• Simplify designs: Smaller or less ink-intensive designs save money without sacrificing impact.
• Select standard fabrics: Basic 100% cotton shirts offer better print quality and lower costs than premium blends.
• Compare providers: Different DTG shops offer varying pricing. Local providers sometimes provide better deals than large online services.

How does DTG stack up against alternatives?

Screen printing remains the go-to for large orders but carries high setup costs (separate screens per color). For small batches, DTG is typically more affordable. For identical designs in hundreds, screen printing often becomes more cost-effective.

Direct-to-film (DTF) printing has grown popular for its fabric versatility. Pricing is often similar to DTG, but DTF transfers may be more affordable for designs requiring extreme durability.

Heat transfers are generally cheapest for small projects but can't match DTG's durability and softness. Over time, DTG offers better value with longer-lasting, professional-feeling prints.

A: For small batches, yes—DTG's per-unit costs typically exceed screen printing at high volumes. However, DTG's lack of setup fees makes it more affordable for one-off or small orders.

A: One of DTG's greatest advantages is no minimums. You can print a single shirt without additional fees.

A: Yes. Dark garments require white underbases, using more ink and increasing costs. This makes black, navy, or other dark shirts pricier than white or light alternatives.

A: Absolutely. DTG excels at complex, full-color, photorealistic designs—which would cost significantly more with methods like screen printing.

A: Turnaround varies by provider, but DTG's lack of setup makes it faster than screen printing. Small orders often complete in 1-3 business days; some print-on-demand services offer same-day production.

In 2025, single DTG-printed shirts typically cost $15 to $30, while bulk orders can reduce prices to $8–$12 per shirt. DTG excels for full-color, detailed designs with no minimums and quick turnarounds. For businesses, it's cost-effective for testing designs; for individuals, it's perfect for one-off custom shirts. Understanding per-shirt costs—and factors like garment color, design size, and order quantity—helps secure high-quality prints within budget.