Buying budget custom t-shirts sounds simple, but many people end up disappointed after the first wash. We\u2019ve seen it happen often. That\u2019s why our team at ApparelnBags<\/a> tested some of the most popular budget t-shirts ourselves. We printed them, wore them, washed them, and compared how they performed over time. Our goal was simple: finding the best budget custom t-shirts that offer quality, good printing results, and retain their shape over time.<\/p>\n In this guide, you\u2019ll get to know what are the best budget custom t-shirts for printing, which fabrics work best, what printing methods last, and how to get the best value for your money. By the end, you\u2019ll know exactly what to order without wasting money.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> We don\u2019t just rely on brand claims or reviews. We test the top 5 budget custom t-shirts ourselves, following the same conditions customers experience.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what we do:<\/em><\/p>\n Each shirt<\/a> we tested went through the same process so we could compare them fairly. Here\u2019s what we found:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The Gildan G500 heavy cotton t-shirt<\/a> is one of the most popular budget options online. We chose it because many small businesses start with this shirt<\/a> when they first order custom tees online<\/a>. Read here, \u201cHow to start a t-shirt business online in simple steps<\/a>\u201d!<\/p>\n We found that during testing, G500<\/a> softened after a couple of washes. Screen printing<\/a> went well, and the colors stayed bright even after multiple washes. However, the fabric does shrink slightly in the first two washes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Best for:<\/strong> Small businesses with tight budgets, ideal for company events Price<\/strong>: $4.36<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The Bella + Canvas 3001CVC<\/a> surprised us in testing. This shirt<\/a> feels noticeably softer than many budget custom tees. We tested screen printing<\/a> and Direct-to-Garment (DTG)<\/a> on this shirt<\/a>. The 3001CVC<\/a> has a heather texture that gives prints a nice depth.<\/p>\n It performed well with both, and we noticed the fabric kept its shape after a few washes. Compared to basic cotton, this fabric feels better, even at a budget price point.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Best for:<\/strong> Small run merchandise Price<\/strong>: $7.54\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> We included the Shaka Wear SHMHSS Max Heavyweight T-Shirt<\/a> because some customers prefer heavy-feel fabric. This shirt<\/a> is thicker than basic budget tees for printing, and you feel that weight when you hold it.<\/p>\n Testing showed it shrinks less than many lighter fabrics and takes screen printing<\/a> extremely well. The heavyweight fabric gives prints a richer look, and the shirt<\/a> holds up through repeat washes with minimal fading. The only drawback is that it can feel a bit heavy in hot weather compared to lighter options.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Best for:<\/strong> Employee uniforms<\/a>, street-inspired looks, outdoor use Price<\/strong>: $8.38<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The Port & Company PC380 Essential Performance Tee<\/a> takes us into the performance category. This is lightweight and moisture\u2011wicking, which makes it ideal for outdoor adventures and sports.<\/p>\n We tested the PC380<\/a> for both screen printing<\/a> and heat transfer<\/a> methods. It worked well with both, but we noticed that screen printing<\/a> on this budget custom shirt stayed visible and durable after multiple washes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Best for:<\/strong> Sports teams, trade shows, and outdoor promotions Price<\/strong>: $5.83<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The Next Level N6210 Men\u2019s Blended Tee<\/a> is recommended for people who want a fashion\u2011forward option that still fits a budget. It is made from CVC (Chief Value Cotton) blend that is highly resistant to shrinkage. Prints on this budget custom tee looked vibrant too and stayed same after multiple washes.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to see why Next Level<\/a> has a strong reputation for quality. Even though it costs slightly more than the simplest custom budget tees, the feel and quality make it worth a close look.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Best for:<\/strong> Merch, boutiques, branded clothing<\/a> Price: <\/strong>$6.91<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The right fabric makes a huge difference. Here are the common fabrics we tested:<\/p>\n 100% Cotton<\/strong><\/p>\n Cotton is soft, breathable, and natural. But, the only downside is that cheap cotton can shrink and feel stiff if it isn\u2019t pre-treated. For budget custom shirts, choose mid-range weight (160\u2013180 GSM) for better printing results and maximum comfort over time.<\/p>\n Cotton-Polyester Blends<\/strong>![\"Order](\"https:\/\/cdn1.apparelnbags.com\/wp-content\/order-print-on-demand-t-shirts-at-low.webp\")
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<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>But, First Know How We Tested Budget Custom T-Shirts<\/h2>\n
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Top 5 Tested Budget Custom T-Shirts for Printing<\/h2>\n
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Limitations:<\/strong> Slight shrinkage without pre\u2011treating<\/p>\n![\"Top](\"https:\/\/cdn1.apparelnbags.com\/wp-content\/bella-canvas-unisex-heather-3001cvc-t-shirt.webp\")
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\nLimitations:<\/strong> Slightly higher cost than the most basic shirts<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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\nLimitations:<\/strong> Heavier feel, not recommended for everyday wear<\/p>\n![\"Top](\"https:\/\/cdn1.apparelnbags.com\/wp-content\/port-company-pc380-essential-performance-tee.webp\")
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\nLimitations:<\/strong> Prints may look slightly less bold than on heavier cotton<\/p>\n\n
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\nLimitations:<\/strong> Slightly higher price than everyday shirts<\/a><\/p>\n![\"order](\"https:\/\/cdn1.apparelnbags.com\/wp-content\/budget-custom-t-shirts-h2.webp\" "\\"order")
<\/span><\/div>Compare Our Tested Budget Custom T-Shirts Before You Buy<\/h2>\n
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\n Budget Custom T-shirt<\/strong><\/th>\n Fabric Type<\/strong><\/th>\n Best Customization Methods<\/strong><\/th>\n Comfort Level<\/strong><\/th>\n Shrinkage<\/strong><\/th>\n Price (50+)<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n\n \n Gildan G500 T-shirt<\/a><\/td>\n Heavy Cotton<\/td>\n Screen Printing<\/a><\/td>\n Moderate<\/td>\n Slight<\/td>\n $4.36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Bella + Canvas 3001CVC<\/a><\/td>\n Cotton\/Poly Blend<\/td>\n Screen Printing<\/a>, Direct-to-Garment (DTG)<\/a><\/td>\n Very Soft<\/td>\n Minimal<\/td>\n $7.54<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shaka SHMHSS T-Shirt<\/a><\/td>\n Heavyweight Cotton<\/td>\n Screen Printing<\/a><\/td>\n Thick, Durable<\/td>\n Low<\/td>\n $8.38<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Port & Company PC380 Tee<\/a><\/td>\n Performance Polyester<\/td>\n Screen Printing<\/a>, <\/a>Heat Transfer<\/a><\/td>\n Lightweight<\/td>\n Minimal<\/td>\n $5.83<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Next Level N6210 Tee<\/a><\/td>\n Soft Blend CVC<\/td>\n Screen Printing<\/a>, Direct-to-Garment (DTG)<\/a><\/td>\n Very Soft<\/td>\n Minimal<\/td>\n $6.91<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> How to Choose the Best Fabric for Budget Custom T-Shirts?<\/h2>\n