When I first started producing shirts for clients, almost every new brand asked me: “What is the cheapest way to print a logo on a shirt?” I used to think it was just about finding a low-cost printer. Later, after doing many orders, I learned that the cheapest way depends on quantity, logo size, and method.
The cheapest way to print a logo on a shirt is screen printing for bulk orders and heat transfer for very small runs. For 100 or more shirts, screen printing offers the best price per piece. For fewer than 30 shirts, heat transfer or vinyl logos cost less.
I remember one of my early clients who ordered only 15 shirts. They used heat transfer for their first batch. Later, when they grew and ordered 200 shirts, we switched them to screen printing, which cut the cost per shirt almost in half.
Table of Contents
- Why is screen printing the cheapest for bulk logo orders?
- What is the cheapest way for small orders?
- How much does DTG (direct-to-garment) cost compared to screen printing?
- Are small logos cheaper to print than large designs?
- Can one-color logos reduce the cost?
- How much does it cost to print 100 shirts with a small logo cheaply?
- Tips for keeping logo printing costs low
- Conclusion
Why is screen printing the cheapest for bulk logo orders?
Screen printing has a setup cost, but it becomes cost-effective when the order is large.
For 100 shirts or more, screen printing is the cheapest way to print a logo. After the screens are prepared, the cost per shirt drops quickly.
- Initial screen preparation cost is shared across all shirts
- Fast production speed for large orders
- Works best for simple 1–3 color logos
One of my customers paid around $3.50 per shirt for a 200-piece one-color logo order using screen printing.
For more details: Printful – Screen Printing vs Other Methods
What is the cheapest way for small orders?
For small batches, the setup cost of screen printing makes it expensive.
Heat transfer or vinyl logo application is the cheapest way to print logos for small orders under 30 shirts.
- Screen printing has setup fees
- Heat transfer needs no setup, so you pay only per shirt
- Works best for simple chest logos
For a small local gym, I once printed 20 shirts with vinyl logos. It cost about $8 each, while screen printing would have been $12 per shirt.
How much does DTG (direct-to-garment) cost compared to screen printing?
DTG is good for complex, full-color logos but costs more.
DTG is more expensive than screen printing for bulk orders but can be a good choice for small runs with detailed logos.
- 20 DTG shirts: $10–$15 each
- 100 screen-printed shirts: $5–$8 each
One client with an 8-color logo chose DTG for 25 shirts. Later, for 150 shirts, we simplified the logo and used screen printing.
Are small logos cheaper to print than large designs?
Yes, logo size makes a big difference.
A small chest logo is the cheapest print option. Large full-front logos use more ink and take more time, which increases the price.
- Small chest logo: Cheapest option
- Large front logo: Higher cost
- Front + back logo: Almost doubles the cost
If you want to save money, keep the logo on the chest only.
Can one-color logos reduce the cost?
Absolutely.
One-color logos are the cheapest to print because each additional color in screen printing adds a new screen and setup.
- Single color = one screen
- Two colors = two screens
- Multi-color = more alignment work
I always suggest new brands start with a one-color logo to control costs.
How much does it cost to print 100 shirts with a small logo cheaply?
This is one of the most common orders I get.
For 100 basic cotton T-shirts with a small one-color logo using screen printing, the cost is usually $500–$800 total, or $5–$8 per shirt.
Example:
- 100 shirts, 1-color screen print: ~$550
- 100 shirts, 2-color screen print: ~$700
Bulk ordering reduces the price significantly.
Tips for keeping logo printing costs low
You can reduce costs with a few simple choices.
Choose a small logo, use one color, order at least 50–100 shirts, and select standard cotton blanks instead of premium fabrics.
- Keep the design simple
- Combine orders with your team or group
- Avoid multiple placements (just front)
- Use screen printing once your quantity grows
I have seen small businesses save hundreds of dollars by following these steps.
Conclusion
The cheapest way to print a logo on a shirt depends on your order size. For bulk orders, screen printing is the most cost-effective. For very small runs, heat transfer or vinyl is cheaper. Keeping the logo simple and using one color lowers the price even more.