What you can make · Surface print
Custom t-shirts, hoodies & totes
T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, tank tops, tote bags. What they cost by quantity, the ways to get them made, what manufacturers need from you, and who makes them.
Commish turns your idea, or a photo of something close, into a spec with request images and a price ladder, then collects quotes from the manufacturers you pick. Free; you pay the manufacturer directly. In ChatGPT, install Commish once, then describe what you want.
What it costs
| Quantity | Per piece | Total | Cheapest way |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pc | $12-$32 | $12-$32 | Print-on-demand (DTG/DTF), made per order |
| 10 pcs | $10.80-$29 | $108-$290 | Print-on-demand (DTG/DTF), made per order |
| 50 pcs | $5.74-$15.22 | $287-$761 | Screen printing batch |
| 100 pcs | $4.76-$12.03 | $476-$1,203 | Screen printing batch |
| 500 pcs | $3.65-$8.70 | $1,825-$4,350 | Screen printing batch |
| 1,000 pcs | $3.63-$8.55 | $3,625-$8,550 | Screen printing batch |
Planning ranges in US dollars, including one-time setup (screens, molds, samples), before shipping and import duties. Real quotes depend on size, colors and materials.
Ways to get it made
Print-on-demand (DTG/DTF), made per order
Screen printing batch
Tips
- Under 24 pieces: print-on-demand. 24+ identical pieces with few colors: screen printing is 40-60% cheaper per shirt.
- Ask for a size breakdown early: it drives cost and waste.
Design rules
- Print file: PNG with transparent background at 300 DPI at print size (12 x 16 in = 3600 x 4800 px). AI images are about 1-2 MP, so upscale or redraw as vector.
- Screen printing is priced per ink color and per location: keep to 1-4 flat colors. Photos and gradients suit DTG/DTF instead.
- Avoid hairlines under 1 pt and text under 6 pt; keep 1 in away from seams and collars.
- Edge-to-edge 'all-over' print is a different process (sublimation on polyester), see cut_sew.
What manufacturers need from you
- Garment: t-shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt, long-sleeve, tank top, tote bag
- Garment color
- Print locations: front, back, left chest, sleeve
- Print size (optional): e.g. 11 x 14 in front
- Number of ink colors (optional): matters for screen printing
- Size breakdown (optional): e.g. S:5 M:10 L:10 XL:5
Files
- Print file (PNG, transparent, 300 DPI at print size)
- Mockup image showing placement
Safety and legal checks
- Children's apparel (under 12) in the US needs CPSIA tracking labels; drawstrings on kids' hoodies are restricted.
Who makes it
Manufacturers Commish works with for this, in a fixed order. You can also ask any manufacturer to quote through Commish, including local shops.
Printful
Large print-on-demand catalog with mockup and order APIs; good embroidery. Needs a free Printful account to order.
Order on Printful ↗Printify
Marketplace of print providers: lower base prices, quality varies by provider. Needs a free Printify account to order.
Order on Printify ↗Gelato
Prints close to the customer: faster delivery and fewer cross-border duties. Needs a free Gelato account to order.
Order on Gelato ↗Custom Ink
Team and event group orders (US).
Order on Custom Ink ↗Qikink
Indian print-on-demand with an order API. Needs a free Qikink account to order.
Order on Qikink ↗Printrove
Indian print-on-demand with an order API. Needs a free Printrove account to order.
Order on Printrove ↗Printo
Business printing and merch in India.
Order on Printo ↗Zazzle
Huge catalog of customizable products; good for one-off gifts.
Search Zazzle ↗Vistaprint
Business printing, signage and promo items.
Order on Vistaprint ↗Get quotes for your own design
Describe it in chat and Commish writes the spec, shows the price at each quantity and sends it to the manufacturers you choose. They reply on a private link, no account needed.
Do you make this? List your company free and get quote requests with a full spec.