In Vancouver, t-shirt printing can often be completed anywhere from same-day to 7 business days, depending on the printing method, order size, and how ready your artwork is. For small orders with print-ready files, many local print shops can deliver within 24–72 hours.
The real answer is: speed is possible, but it depends on what you’re printing and how many shirts you need.
Typical t-shirt printing turnaround times in Vancouver
Here’s a realistic timeline based on common order types.
Fastest option: 1–3 business days (sometimes same-day)
This timeline is possible when:
- your artwork is ready
- quantities are low
- you choose a method that requires minimal setup
This is common for:
- last-minute event shirts
- small brand drops
- urgent business needs (staff shirts)
Standard turnaround: 3–7 business days (most common)
This is the most typical delivery window in Vancouver for custom t-shirt printing, especially when:
- you’re ordering medium quantities
- multiple sizes are needed
- the print is full-front or multi-location
- you want quality control done properly
Longer timeline: 7–14 business days (bulk or complex orders)
Bigger orders often take longer due to production capacity and finishing steps.
This is common for:
- large screen printing orders
- multiple ink colors
- custom packaging or folding
- strict brand consistency requirements
What affects how fast t-shirt printing can be done?
A lot of customers assume speed depends only on the shop. In practice, these are the biggest factors:
1) Printing method
Different printing methods have different production timelines:
Screen printing
- often takes longer because of setup
- best for bulk, but not always best for speed
DTF printing
- usually faster for small to medium orders
- great for detailed full-color designs
DTG printing
- flexible for small batches
- speed depends on pre-treatment + curing time
Heat transfer vinyl (HTV)
- can be fast for simple names/numbers
- slower for large, multi-color designs
2) Order quantity
Turnaround time changes dramatically depending on quantity:
- 1–10 shirts can be quick
- 10–50 shirts needs scheduling + batching
- 50–200+ shirts almost always requires additional production days
3) Artwork readiness
This is one of the biggest time-killers.
If your files are not ready, delays can happen due to:
- low-resolution logos
- screenshots instead of real design files
- missing fonts
- complex color separations (for screen printing)
If speed matters, sending a clean file at the start can cut turnaround by days.
4) Shirt availability
Sometimes the print shop is ready, but the blank shirts are not.
Delays happen when:
- a brand/color/size is out of stock
- you need special fabric or premium blanks
- you want matching shirts across multiple styles
How to get faster t-shirt printing in Vancouver
If you need quick turnaround, do these 5 things:
- send your logo/design in high quality (PNG or vector)
- choose a standard shirt option
- avoid too many print locations
- confirm sizing breakdown early
- approve mockups quickly (same day if possible)
Quick recommendation (best method for speed)
If you’re in a hurry in Vancouver:
- small order + detailed design: DTF printing is usually fastest
- bulk order + simple design: screen printing can still be fast, but needs scheduling
- names/numbers only: HTV works well
The best approach is choosing the fastest method for your actual design, not guessing.
If you’re working with a deadline, a local shop can recommend the best print method and production plan based on your order size and timeline.
