T-shirt printing cost in Vancouver depends on three main things: printing method, quantity, and design complexity. There isn’t one fixed price, but most Vancouver printing shops price orders based on a tier system (small quantity = higher cost per shirt, bulk orders = lower cost per shirt).
Below is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect when pricing custom t-shirt printing in Vancouver.
Typical t-shirt printing price ranges in Vancouver (per shirt)
Here are common per-shirt price ranges you’ll see in Vancouver, assuming you’re ordering standard cotton tees and typical print sizes.
Screen Printing
- Best for bulk orders and simple designs
- Estimated range: lower cost in bulk, higher for small runs
- Usually becomes the cheapest option when you order higher quantities
DTF (Direct-to-Film)
- Best for detailed, full-color designs
- Estimated range: mid-range pricing, often better than DTG for value
- Great for small to medium quantities
DTG (Direct-to-Garment)
- Best for photo prints and soft feel
- Estimated range: often higher per shirt, especially for small orders
- Best when print quality matters more than lowest cost
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)
- Best for names/numbers or simple text
- Estimated range: depends heavily on size and layering
- More expensive if there are multiple colors/layers
Important note: The cheapest option is not always the best value. If the print cracks or fades quickly, that “cheap” shirt becomes expensive.
What affects t-shirt printing cost the most?
Most customers in Vancouver expect pricing to be based only on quantity, but in reality several factors influence the final quote.
1) Quantity (biggest factor)
This is the main pricing driver:
- 1–10 shirts: highest cost per shirt
- 10–50 shirts: better pricing
- 50–200+ shirts: best price per unit
If you’re a Vancouver business ordering uniforms, this is where you get the strongest pricing advantage.
2) Printing method
The print method can change the cost dramatically.
- Screen printing has setup costs, so it rewards larger quantities.
- DTF/DTG usually has lower setup, so it’s more predictable for small runs.
3) Print size and number of print locations
The size and placement matter more than people think:
- small chest logo (left chest)
- full front print
- full back print
- sleeve print
Each additional location typically adds cost because it increases production time and materials.
4) Number of colors (especially for screen printing)
For screen printing:
- 1-color logo is cheaper
- 2–4 colors increases cost
- complex multi-color can be expensive
If your artwork is full-color and detailed, DTF often becomes the smarter option.
5) Shirt quality (blank brand)
Your blank t-shirt choice changes everything.
Low-cost blanks reduce cost but can feel thin or shrink faster. Premium blanks cost more but feel better and look more professional.
Popular options Vancouver shops typically offer:
- budget cotton tees for events
- mid-weight tees for business uniforms
- premium fashion-fit tees for brands/merch
Cost examples (so you can estimate fast)
To help you budget quickly:
- Small order for a birthday/event (10 shirts): expect higher per shirt pricing
- Business uniforms (25–50 shirts): moderate per shirt pricing
- Brand merch (100+ shirts): best cost-per-shirt range
If you want the lowest cost per shirt, the winning combination is usually:
- simple design + bulk quantity + screen printing
If you want a high-end look for small quantity:
- detailed design + small run + DTF or DTG
Best way to get accurate pricing in Vancouver
If you want a quote that’s accurate (and not full of hidden costs), you should prepare:
- quantity
- shirt type (budget / premium)
- number of print locations
- artwork file (vector preferred, but not required)
- deadline
Most Vancouver print shops can quote fast if they have these details.
