To compare custom T-shirt wholesale prices, give each supplier the same fabric, measurements, artwork, quantities by style and color, and packaging requirements. Then separate the garment price from sampling, setup, custom trims, freight, and any destination charges. A lower unit price is only meaningful when the specifications and included services are comparable.
When comparing custom t-shirt wholesale quotes, check each cost driver against the same specification. This guide covers fabric, decoration, quantity, packaging, and preparation, with UNIT-100’s order conditions as practical examples of what to confirm before committing.
Quick Answer: What Determines the Price of Wholesale Custom T-Shirts?
Custom T-shirt wholesale pricing depends on the fabric, quantity per style and color, decoration, construction, labels, packaging, and sample or setup work. Larger quantities may spread preparation costs across more garments, but a lower unit price does not necessarily mean a lower total spend. At UNIT-100, full custom starts at 100 pieces per style, per color; stock blanks with a logo start at 50 pieces per style. Compare the quote’s inclusions and shipping terms before choosing a route.
Cost Driver 1: Fabric
Start with the fabric specification. Two garments described simply as “cotton T-shirts” may use different weights, yarns, knit structures, or finishes, so the description alone is not enough for a price comparison.
Weight. GSM means grams per square meter. UNIT-100’s usual T-shirt range is 160–400 GSM, with 210–230 GSM frequently used. Its heavyweight T-shirts start at 240 GSM, commonly 240–300 GSM. Ask for a quote on the selected fabric and fit rather than assuming a fixed price increase for every extra GSM.
Fiber and yarn. Confirm composition, yarn specification, knit structure, and the actual sample. Combed, ring-spun, and blended fabrics are not interchangeable descriptions. Compare the quoted material and its performance rather than treating a fabric label or higher price as proof of better printing or durability.
Finishing. Pre-shrinking, softening, garment washing, and special treatments add processing steps and cost.
Request GSM, fiber content, and the approved fabric reference in writing, and ask the supplier to flag substitutions before production. A lower quote can reflect a specification change or an excluded service; identify the difference before deciding whether it is a saving.
Cost Driver 2: Quantity
Quantity affects how preparation work is spread across the order. Ask for comparable quotes at quantities you can realistically use, keeping fabric, sizes, colors, decoration, and packaging unchanged. A larger total split across several styles and colors is not necessarily priced like one continuous run.
At UNIT-100, stock blanks with a logo start at 50 pieces per style, with mixed colors and sizes subject to availability. Full custom starts at 100 pieces per style, per color, with mixed sizes. For example, two colors of one fully custom style require at least 200 pieces at that starting minimum, not 100 split between the colors. Ask for a current quote at each proposed quantity; no discount percentage is assumed here.
Cost Driver 3: Decoration
Printing and embroidery are often where quotes diverge most.
Screen printing. Additional color separations and placements add preparation work. Ask for a quote on the actual artwork rather than assuming a one-color design is always cheaper by a fixed amount. For artwork with more than about ten colors, UNIT-100 may suggest DTG as an alternative.
Embroidery. Ask for pricing against the final logo dimensions, stitch requirements, placements, and sample. UNIT-100 uses partner factories for embroidery and cautions that bigger or denser stitching is not automatically better. Confirm the appearance and fabric behavior on a sample before increasing density.
Digital printing. Ask the supplier to specify the method rather than quoting “digital” alone. UNIT-100 often considers DTF for smaller orders and DTG for many-color artwork. If DTF is selected, high-heat tumble drying can crack the print and damage fine detail; include the intended care method in sample approval.
Placement count. A chest print, a back print, and a sleeve detail each add cost.
If your budget is tight, simplifying the artwork is one of the most effective levers. Reducing the number of colors or the size of a graphic can lower cost without weakening the design.
Cost Driver 4: Construction and Fit
A standard tee uses an existing pattern and familiar construction. A custom cut, such as a boxy oversized fit, extra-long sleeves, or special seam details, requires new pattern work and sometimes more fabric.
Details such as collar rib, neck tape, seam construction, and reinforcement should be specified before quoting. They can change the work involved, but more material or stitching does not automatically improve the garment. Compare the sample against the intended fit and use.
Cost Driver 5: Labels and Packaging
Garment MOQ and packaging MOQ are separate. UNIT-100’s November 2026 starting quantities and preparation estimates are:
| Custom item | Minimum quantity | Preparation estimate |
| Neck labels | 500 | About 8–10 days |
| Care labels | 500 | About 8–10 days |
| Hangtags, stickers, or tissue paper | 500 per item | About 10 days |
| Printed bags | 5,000 | About 10–15 days |
A 100-piece garment order therefore does not imply that every custom packaging item can be ordered in quantities of 100. Confirm the quote and handling of unused materials. UNIT-100 says unused woven labels belong to the buyer and can be stored for later orders or shipped to the buyer.
Decide what you actually need. Uniform or giveaway orders may not need hangtags, while a retail line probably does. Ask the supplier to quote the packaging as separate line items so you can see the effect of each choice.
Cost Driver 6: Sampling and Setup
Confirm whether sampling, pattern development, print preparation, and embroidery digitizing are included in the quote or charged separately. Ask what a revised sample would involve before proceeding. Do not assume sample charges will be credited against bulk unless that is explicitly agreed for the order.
UNIT-100’s sample estimates depend on the work involved: 3–7 days for a plain garment, about 10 days for printing or embroidery, 12–13 days for both, and 14–18 days or longer for a washed sample. Standard bulk is estimated at 7–20 working days after sample approval; tie-dye, acid-wash, and snow-wash orders take about 20–30 days. Confirm revisions, fabric and trim readiness, and shipping separately. A quote should identify the actual route rather than use the plain-sample schedule for every product.
Cost Driver 7: Shipping, Duties, and Payment Terms
Unit price is only one part of the amount payable. Ask which freight, inspection, and destination charges are included and which remain outside the quote. Obtain freight estimates using the actual shipment weight, packed dimensions, destination, and service. Have the relevant destination charges confirmed for that shipment rather than treating a generic estimate as a final delivered price.
UNIT-100 reports a 30–50% deposit and the balance before shipping, with bulk photos or video sent before the balance payment. Confirm the actual payment schedule and arrange any buyer-appointed inspection in time to review its findings before shipment. Record accepted payment methods and any applicable transaction charges in the quote.
How to Read a Quote Line by Line
A useful quote lists:
- Product description, fabric, GSM, and fiber content
- Quantity breakdown by size and color
- Decoration method, number of colors, size, and placement
- Labels and packaging included
- Unit price at each quantity tier
- Sample cost and setup charges
- Lead times for sampling and bulk production
- Shipping terms and payment terms
If something is missing, ask. A reliable custom t-shirt supplier will fill in the gaps without hesitation. Vague quotes tend to produce surprise charges later.
Buying Guide: What to Compare Across Suppliers
| Factor | What to Compare |
| Fabric | Same composition, GSM, knit structure, finish, and reference |
| Quantity | Pieces per style, per color, and size breakdown |
| Decoration | Same method, artwork size, colors, placements, and approved effect |
| Labels and packaging | Separate minimums, included quantities, leftovers, and preparation time |
| Samples and setup | What is included, what is separate, and revision terms |
| Lead times | Sample type, bulk work, trim readiness, and transport separately |
| Quality control | Inspection stages, agreed tolerances, and defect handling |
| Reorders | New quote, material availability, retained records, and screen availability |
| Payment and freight | Payment dates, included charges, destination, and delivery responsibilities |
Request the same information from every supplier so the comparison is fair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Comparing unit prices without comparing specs. A lower price often reflects lighter fabric or fewer inclusions.
Ignoring setup and sample costs. They can change the real cost of a smaller order significantly.
Overcomplicating the artwork. Extra colors and placements raise cost, sometimes without improving the result.
Underestimating shipping. Freight, duties, and taxes can add meaningful cost to the final price.
Skipping the sample. Saving on sampling and receiving a poor first batch is rarely a good trade.
Buying more only to lower the unit price. Compare the total purchase commitment and the stock you expect to use. UNIT-100 notes that smaller reorders can cost more per piece because preparation costs remain, but that does not make excess inventory a saving.
Not asking about reorders. If specs and files aren’t stored, matching a future batch becomes harder.
Expert Tips
Request quotes at three quantities you could realistically order, keeping the same specification. Compare both the unit price and total amount payable. A quantity comparison is useful even when the supplier does not offer a lower price at every step.
Ask what could be changed to reduce cost without hurting quality, such as simplifying a print or adjusting packaging. Good suppliers usually have practical suggestions.
Keep a master spec sheet with fabric, GSM, artwork files, color references, placements, and approved sample photos. Send the same sheet to every supplier.
For reorders, request a new quote and reconfirm materials, artwork, and trim availability. UNIT-100 retains patterns and cutting markers permanently and print screens for six months. Same-style reorders with trims ready are estimated at about 15–20 days. Retained records do not guarantee an unchanged price, automatic reorder discount, or annual price lock.
Check payment terms against your cash flow before choosing, especially for larger orders.
UNIT-100: What to Confirm in a Wholesale Quote
UNIT-100 is the brand of Guangzhou Vision Clothing Co., Ltd., a family business founded in 2001. It owns a sewing factory in Shaxi, Zhongshan, and a print shop in Henglan, Zhongshan. Embroidery, garment washing, garment dyeing, and sublimation are handled by partners. Some sewing also goes to partners when its own lines are full. Ask which operations and inspections apply to your quoted order.
Send the garment reference or tech pack, fabric specification, artwork, print or embroidery dimensions, quantities by style and color, and packaging requirements. Ask UNIT-100 to identify the 50-piece stock-blank route or the 100-piece-per-style-per-color full-custom route in its reply. Request the sample plan, separate trim minimums, inspection arrangements, and freight terms alongside the price. Company-specific figures here come from Kenneth, the second-generation owner, and are dated October–November 2026; obtain a current quote for the actual specification.
FAQs
How is custom T-shirt wholesale priced?
Suppliers quote against the fabric, fit, quantity by style and color, decoration, labels, packaging, and preparation work. Ask what is included in the garment unit price and what is separate. This guide does not provide a fixed T-shirt price or discount schedule; request a current quote for your specification.
What is the minimum order quantity?
UNIT-100 starts at 50 pieces per style for stock blanks with a logo, with mixed colors and sizes subject to availability. Full custom starts at 100 pieces per style, per color, with mixed sizes. Custom labels and packaging have separate minimums.
Why do quotes from different suppliers vary so much?
Differences in fabric weight, fiber quality, decoration, included packaging, sample charges, and shipping terms often explain the gap. Compare specifications, not only the unit price.
How can I reduce the cost per shirt?
Compare a simpler decoration, fewer placements, suitable fabric, or simpler packaging using the same supplier and quantities. Request alternative quantities too, but compare total spend as well as unit price. Approve a sample of any specification change before bulk.
How long does sampling and production take?
UNIT-100 estimates 3–7 days for plain samples, about 10 days with printing or embroidery, 12–13 days with both, and 14–18 days or longer for washed samples. Standard bulk is 7–20 working days after sample approval; special wash orders take about 20–30 days. Confirm custom trims, revisions, and shipping separately.
What GSM should I choose?
UNIT-100 frequently uses 210–230 GSM for T-shirts and defines heavyweight as starting at 240 GSM, commonly 240–300 GSM. Choose against the fit, composition, intended use, and washed sample rather than assuming the heaviest option is best.
Can orders include private labels and custom packaging?
Yes, but confirm separate quantities and costs. UNIT-100’s custom neck and care labels each start at 500; hangtags, stickers, and tissue paper start at 500 per item; custom printed bags start at 5,000. Ask how unused materials will be handled.
Conclusion
Wholesale pricing stops being mysterious once you break it into its parts: fabric, quantity, decoration, construction, packaging, sampling, and shipping. Compare quotes on those terms instead of on the unit price alone, simplify where it doesn’t hurt the product, and judge each supplier on clarity and consistency as much as cost. A transparent custom t-shirt supplier that explains every line of the quote makes custom t-shirt wholesale orders easier to plan, easier to repeat, and far less likely to produce unwelcome surprises on the invoice.
