Printing Planet UK
One of the most common questions we receive at Printing Planet UK is: “How much does it cost to print a custom t-shirt?” The honest answer is that it depends on several factors, but pricing does not have to be a mystery. This guide gives you a full breakdown of 2026 pricing, explains every factor that affects your final bill, and shows you how to keep costs down without compromising on quality.
What Affects the Price of Custom Printing?
Before looking at specific numbers, it helps to understand the four main cost drivers:
1. Quantity Printing is largely a fixed-cost business. The setup time per design is similar whether you print one shirt or one hundred, so the cost per unit falls significantly as your order size grows.
2. Print Method DTF, DTG, screen printing, and embroidery all carry different cost structures. DTG and DTF are well-suited to small runs with no setup fees. Screen printing becomes very competitive for large quantities of 50 or more, but involves a per-screen setup charge.
3. Garment Quality A budget cotton t-shirt blank might cost £2-4, while a premium organic garment can run to £8-12. The blank garment typically makes up 30-50% of your total cost, so your choice of brand and weight matters.
4. Design Complexity For DTG and DTF, full-colour photographic designs cost the same as single-colour logos. For screen printing, each colour requires a separate screen, so a 4-colour design costs more than a 1-colour design.
2026 UK Price Guide: Custom T-Shirt Printing
The table below uses mid-range garments (such as Gildan Softstyle) with a standard single-colour or multi-colour DTG or DTF chest print.
| Quantity | Price per Shirt (approx.) | Total Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | £20-25 | £20-250 |
| 11-25 | £15-20 | £165-500 |
| 26-50 | £12-15 | £312-750 |
| 51-100 | £9-12 | £459-1,200 |
| 101-200 | £7-9 | £707-1,800 |
| 200+ | From £6 | POA |
Prices include the garment, printing, and standard production. VAT may apply depending on whether you are a business or individual customer.
Tip: Orders over £100 at Printing Planet UK qualify for free delivery to anywhere in the UK mainland. Ordering in multiples of 12 or 24 (the way blank garments are supplied by wholesalers) can also help reduce waste and cost.
Cost Comparison by Print Method
Different printing methods suit different budgets and use cases. Here is how costs compare for a typical order of 25 shirts with a full front design:
| Method | Setup Cost | Per-Shirt Cost (25 units) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTG | None | £15-18 | 100% cotton, detailed artwork |
| DTF | None | £14-17 | Any fabric, dark garments |
| Screen printing | £20-40 per colour | £10-14 | 50+ units, simple designs |
| Embroidery | £15-25 digitising fee | £18-25 | Logos on polo shirts and workwear |
For small orders under 25 units, DTG and DTF almost always win on total cost because there is no screen or digitising setup fee. For larger orders with simple designs, screen printing can be the most cost-effective route.
See our detailed comparison of DTF vs DTG printing for a full method breakdown, or read about embroidery vs print if you are considering embroidered logos for workwear or corporate clothing.
Are There Minimum Order Quantities?
At Printing Planet UK in Putney, we print from one unit with no minimum order for DTG and DTF methods. Screen printing typically requires a minimum run of 25-50 units to justify the screen setup cost.
Our full guide to minimum order quantities explains how MOQs work across different printing methods and when they apply.
How to Reduce Your Printing Costs
A few practical steps can meaningfully reduce what you spend:
- Order more units. The price drop between 10 and 50 units is substantial. If you are close to the next price band, ordering a few extra blank shirts often works out cheaper overall.
- Choose a budget-friendly blank. Switching from a premium organic garment to a standard Gildan or Fruit of the Loom blank can save £3-6 per shirt.
- Simplify your design. For screen printing, reducing colours cuts the number of screens needed and lowers setup cost.
- Plan ahead. Rush or same-day orders carry a premium. Standard 3-5 day turnaround is always cheaper.
- Combine garment types. If you need t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags, placing them in one order can sometimes unlock better pricing.
What is Included in the Price at Printing Planet UK?
We believe in transparent pricing. Your quote from us always includes:
- The blank garment at your chosen quality level
- Full-colour print at the agreed placement and size
- Standard production (3-5 working days)
- Free artwork check and basic adjustments
- Free UK delivery on orders over £100
There are no hidden screen fees for DTG or DTF orders, and no surprise charges at checkout.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Whether you need one shirt or five hundred, the team at Printing Planet UK will give you a clear, no-obligation quote within a few hours. Call us on 020 3669 9854 or request a quote online and tell us your quantity, garment preference, and design details.