Custom T-shirts have become a staple in promoting businesses, celebrating events, and unifying groups. Whether you’re organizing a charity run, a corporate retreat, or looking to stock your small business with branded merchandise, ordering custom T-shirts in bulk offers several benefits. But buying 100 custom T shirts isn't as simple as picking a design and hitting "order." From material choices to design considerations, here's everything you need to know to make sure your order goes smoothly and meets your expectations.

Why Order Custom T-Shirts in Bulk?

When you order 100 custom T-shirts, you're not just saving time; you're also benefiting from cost savings, brand consistency, and impact. Here's why bulk ordering is a smart move:

Cost-Effective Pricing: Most suppliers offer discounts for bulk orders. The more shirts you order, the lower the price per unit. Ordering 100 T-shirts often puts you in a sweet spot where the cost-per-shirt dramatically drops compared to smaller orders.
Consistency in Branding: Ordering in bulk ensures all shirts look exactly the same, which is crucial for creating a consistent brand image, especially at large events. Matching shirts foster team spirit and make your brand look professional and organized.
Convenience: Placing one bulk order is easier than multiple smaller ones. You’ll save on shipping costs, time, and effort when managing the entire process at once.
Eco-Friendly and Less Wasteful: Ordering in bulk reduces waste from packaging and shipping, making it a more environmentally conscious decision.

Deciding on a Purpose for Your Custom T-Shirts

Before diving into the design process, think carefully about the purpose of your custom T-shirts. Are they meant to:

Promote your business or event?
Serve as giveaways or gifts for attendees?
Act as uniforms for employees or volunteers?
Be sold as merchandise for profit?

Your purpose will heavily influence everything from the design to the choice of material. For example, if you're creating T-shirts for a summer music festival, you'll likely want lightweight, breathable fabric. However, for corporate giveaways, a higher-quality, premium feel might be a better choice to leave a lasting impression on clients or employees.

Choosing the Right T-Shirt Material

Material matters when ordering custom T-shirts. The type of fabric you choose affects comfort, durability, and how well the design will be displayed. Here are the most common materials used in T-shirt production:

100% Cotton: The classic option for custom T-shirts. Cotton is soft, breathable, and versatile. It’s perfect for casual wear and provides a good canvas for most printing techniques. However, it may shrink slightly after washing if not pre-shrunk.
Cotton-Polyester Blends: Blended fabrics offer the best of both worlds—cotton’s softness and polyester’s durability. These blends are wrinkle-resistant and less prone to shrinking. If you're designing shirts for activewear or events where people will be moving a lot, this is a good choice.
Tri-Blends (Cotton, Polyester, Rayon): Tri-blend shirts are ultra-soft and have a vintage, worn-in feel. They tend to be more expensive but offer a premium look and feel, making them ideal for high-end merchandise or special events.
Performance Fabric: If you’re designing custom T-shirts for a sports event or outdoor activity, consider performance fabrics like moisture-wicking polyester. These materials help keep wearers dry and comfortable during physical exertion.

Design Considerations for Custom T-Shirts

The design is the heart of your custom T-shirt. Whether you're creating a logo, tagline, or artwork, keep these design tips in mind:

Simplicity is Key: Too many colors, intricate details, or a cluttered design can make your T-shirt look busy and unprofessional. Stick to simple, bold elements that are easily recognizable from a distance.
Choose Colors Wisely: The color of your T-shirts should complement the design. If your logo is dark, choose a lighter shirt color to make it stand out, and vice versa. Also, consider color psychology—blue is calming and professional, red is bold and attention-grabbing, and green is associated with nature and health.
High-Quality Files: Ensure that your design file is high-resolution. Vector files (such as .AI or .EPS formats) are ideal for printing because they can be scaled without losing quality. If you're using a .JPEG or .PNG, make sure the file is at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure crisp lines and details.
Placement: Consider where you want your design to be printed on the shirt. The most common locations are the chest, back, and sleeves. A front-chest logo is ideal for company branding, while larger designs can work well across the back for maximum visibility.
Consider the Printing Method: Screen printing is the most common method for bulk T-shirt orders because it’s cost-effective for large runs and produces vibrant, long-lasting results. However, if you need more intricate designs or smaller quantities, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing may be a better option. DTG offers more detailed prints but is more expensive for larger orders.

Sizing Options

When ordering 100 custom T-shirts, it’s important to get a range of sizes to accommodate different body types. Consider offering sizes from small to extra-large and beyond. It's helpful to ask for sizing preferences from recipients beforehand to avoid ordering too many of one size. Also, keep in mind that some T-shirt styles, like fitted or unisex designs, may run smaller or larger, so be sure to check the sizing charts from your supplier.

Lead Time and Delivery

When ordering 100 custom T-shirts, factor in production time and shipping. Many suppliers will offer rush options if you need your shirts quickly, but this usually comes at an additional cost. Generally, you should allow at least two weeks for production and delivery, though this timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the design, printing method, and supplier location.

Conclusion

Ordering 100 custom T-shirts is a fantastic way to promote your brand, unify a group, or celebrate a special event. By considering factors like purpose, material, design, and size options, you can ensure that your custom shirts meet your needs and make a lasting impression. Take the time to plan, choose high-quality materials, and work with a reliable supplier to get the best results possible. Whether you're preparing for a big event or outfitting your team, custom T-shirts are an investment that can yield great returns for your business or cause.

The Ultimate Guide to Ordering 100 Custom T-Shirts for Your Event or Business