How Much Does DTG Printing Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide for 2025

Introduction

If you’re planning to start a clothing brand, create merchandise for your business, or simply design a custom t-shirt for yourself, one question always comes up: How Much Does DTG Printing Cost?

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing has quickly become one of the top choices for custom apparel in 2025. Unlike traditional screen printing, it doesn’t require large orders or expensive setup. Instead, it gives you the freedom to print vibrant, full-color designs—even if you only need a single shirt.

Still, understanding the cost of DTG printing is important before you get started. Knowing the average price per shirt, what factors affect the cost, and how bulk orders work will help you budget smarter and choose the right provider.

This guide is perfect for small businesses, startups, creative brands, or even individuals who just want a unique one-off shirt. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of DTG printing cost per shirt, bulk pricing, and how DTG stacks up against other printing methods.

What Is DTG Printing?

Before diving deeper into how much DTG printing costs, it’s important to understand what DTG printing actually is and why so many people choose it today.

DTG, short for Direct-to-Garment printing, is a digital printing process where a specialized printer sprays ink directly onto the fabric—just like how an inkjet printer works on paper. The inks soak into the fibers of the shirt, creating a smooth and vibrant design that feels soft to the touch.

Why DTG Printing Is So Popular in 2025

There are several reasons why DTG is now one of the most trusted options for custom apparel:

• No Minimum Orders – Whether you need one shirt or one hundred, DTG can handle it without extra setup costs.
  
• Unlimited Colors & Detail – From bold graphics to photo-quality images, DTG can capture even the smallest details.
  
• Quick Turnaround – Perfect for small businesses or individuals who don’t want to wait weeks for printing.
  
• Soft & Comfortable Finish – Unlike heat transfers or vinyl, DTG prints blend into the fabric, making them breathable and long-lasting.
  

In simple terms, DTG printing makes it possible for anyone—brands, startups, or individuals—to create professional-quality custom shirts without breaking the bank. 

Average DTG Printing Prices in 2025

If you’re wondering, “How much does DTG printing cost in 2025?”, the answer can vary based on a few key factors—like the number of shirts you’re ordering, the color of the garment, and which printing provider you choose. While prices aren’t the same everywhere, there are some clear averages you can use to plan your budget.

General DTG Price Breakdown

Single White T-Shirt: $15 – $18

Single Dark T-Shirt: $20 – $30

Bulk Orders (50+ items)

• White T-Shirts: $8 – $10 per shirt
  
• Dark T-Shirts: $10 – $12 per shirt
  

Blank Garments (Base Cost to Printer): $1.50 – $4 per shirt

Why are dark shirts more expensive?

Printing on dark-colored garments requires an extra layer of white ink underneath your design to make the colors vibrant. This extra step not only uses more ink but also involves pre-treatment, which is why the DTG cost per print on dark shirts is always higher than on white ones.

DTG Printing Cost Table (2025)

Why This Breakdown Matters

By understanding what goes into the price, you’ll see that DTG printing cost per shirt isn’t just about ink. It’s about the garment, the design, and the production process as a whole. This makes it easier to compare providers fairly and identify where you can save money—like choosing lighter shirts or simplifying your design.

Key Factors That Influence DTG Printing Costs

The price of DTG printing isn’t the same for everyone—it depends on a few important details. Here are the main factors that can change how much you’ll end up paying:

• Garment Color – Printing on dark shirts usually costs more because they need an extra white ink underbase to make colors pop. This means more ink and extra prep.
  
• Order Quantity – A single shirt will always be more expensive per piece, while bulk orders bring the price down since setup and production get spread across many items.
  
• Design Complexity – It’s not about the number of colors but the amount of ink used. Larger or highly detailed prints require more ink, which increases cost.
  
• Garment Type and Material – 100% cotton works best with DTG, but premium fabrics or blends may cost more than basic tees.
  
• Ink Usage – Big, full-front designs need more ink than small chest logos, which impacts the overall price.
  
• Service Provider – Every printer has its own pricing model, and location also plays a role. A local shop may charge differently than a large online printer.
  

By keeping these factors in mind, you can better plan your budget and even make smart choices that reduce your total spend.

How to Save Money on DTG Printing

If you’re worried about the overall DTG printing cost, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses while still getting high-quality results. Whether you’re printing one shirt for personal use or managing a bulk order for your brand, these tips can help lower the DTG cost per print:

• Order in Bulk – One of the easiest ways to cut down the DTG printing cost per shirt is by ordering in larger quantities. The price per unit usually drops significantly once you cross certain volume thresholds.
  
• Pick Light-Colored Garments – Printing on white or light shirts is cheaper because it doesn’t require an extra white ink underbase. This reduces both ink usage and the overall cost of DTG printing.
  
• Simplify Your Design – Large, complex designs use more ink, which directly increases the DTG cost per print. By reducing coverage or scaling down the design size, you can save money without losing impact.
  
• Choose Standard Fabrics – Basic 100% cotton shirts are not only better for print quality but also more affordable than premium blends. This choice can make a big difference in your custom DTG printing budget.
  
• Compare Printers – Different DTG printing shops offer varying pricing models. Often, local DTG printing shops provide better deals than large online platforms, so it’s worth comparing before you decide.

If you run a small business or clothing brand, plan your orders ahead of time. Combining multiple small runs into one bulk order is one of the most effective ways to reduce your DTG printing costs long term.

DTG Printing Costs: Businesses vs. Personal Use

The cost of DTG printing isn’t the same for everyone. It really depends on whether you’re ordering as a business or just creating something for personal use. Let’s break it down:

1. For Small Businesses & Startups

If you’re running a clothing line, selling merch, or starting an online store, DTG printing cost per shirt becomes a big factor. Businesses usually order in bulk, which brings the DTG cost per print down significantly. For example, instead of paying $20 for a single dark shirt, bulk orders can reduce the price to almost half. This makes custom DTG printing a smart choice for brands that want high-quality, full-color designs without investing in expensive screen setup fees.

2. For Personal or One-Off Orders

On the other hand, if you just want one or two shirts—maybe for a birthday, event, or personal style—the DTG printing cost will be higher per item. Single white shirts typically range from $15–$18, while dark shirts can go up to $30 each. While that may sound steep, the advantage is you get a professional-quality product with no minimum order requirements, which other printing methods can’t always offer.

DTG Printing vs. Other Methods (Cost Perspective)

When deciding on custom apparel, it’s natural to compare the cost of DTG printing with other popular methods. Each has its own pros, cons, and pricing models. Let’s take a closer look:

1. DTG vs. Screen Printing

Screen printing has been around for decades, and it’s still a go-to for bulk orders. However, it comes with high setup costs because each color needs its own screen. When printing only a few shirts, DTG is usually more affordable per piece because it doesn’t require the costly setup that screen printing does. But if you’re ordering hundreds of the same design, screen printing usually becomes more cost-effective.

2. DTG vs. DTF Printing

DTF (Direct-to-Film) has grown quickly in popularity because it allows prints on a wider variety of fabrics. Pricing for DTF vs. DTG is usually quite similar, but Custom DTF transfers can sometimes be more affordable for designs that need strong durability and flexibility. On the other hand, DTG still shines for detailed, photo-quality prints.

3. DTG vs. Heat Transfer

Heat transfer printing is often the most budget-friendly for small projects. However, while the upfront cost may be lower, it doesn’t match the durability and softness of custom DTG printing. Over time, DTG offers better value because the prints last longer and feel more professional.

Faq Section

Q1. Is DTG more expensive than screen printing?
Ans: For small runs, yes—DTG printing cost per shirt is usually higher than screen printing when comparing large batches. However, since DTG has no setup fees, it’s often more affordable for one-off orders or low-volume printing.

Q2. What’s the minimum order for DTG printing?
Ans: One of the biggest advantages of custom DTG printing is that there’s no minimum order. You can print just a single shirt without any extra charges or setup costs.

Q3. Does shirt color affect the cost? 
Ans: Yes. Dark garments require a white underbase, which uses more ink and adds to the DTG cost per print. That’s why printing on black, navy, or other dark colors is typically more expensive than printing on white or light-colored shirts.

Q4. Can I print a full-color photo with DTG?
Ans: Absolutely. DTG excels at handling complex, full-color, and photo-quality designs—something that would cost significantly more with traditional methods like screen printing.

Q5. How long does DTG printing usually take?
Ans: Turnaround times vary by provider, but since DTG requires no setup, it’s faster than screen printing. For small orders, production can often be completed within 1–3 business days, and some POD services even offer same-day printing.

Conclusion

So, how much does DTG printing cost in 2025? Single DTG-printed shirts typically cost between $15 and $30, while ordering in bulk can lower the price to around $8–$12 per shirt. DTG is ideal for full-color, detailed designs, no minimum orders, and fast turnaround times.

For businesses, it’s cost-effective for testing designs, and for individuals, it’s perfect for one-off custom shirts. By understanding the DTG printing cost per shirt and factors like garment color, design size, and order quantity, you can get high-quality prints while staying on budget.