How Much Does Custom T-Shirt Printing Cost in Canada? (2026 Guide)

Sticker shock usually comes from mixing up blank quality, print method, and quantity breaks. Here is how we quote custom tees for Canadian customers — and where the money actually goes.

If you are budgeting team shirts, event merch, or a one-off gift, you are really paying for three things: the blank, the decoration, and any rush or personalization.

Blank shirt costs

Promo-weight tees start around $4–$7 wholesale. Retail-quality ringspun cotton — what most customers want for branding — is often $6–$12 before decoration. Hoodies and performance fabrics run higher.

Browse ready-to-customize t-shirts to see live blank + print pricing on styles we stock.

Decoration costs

One-colour screen print — Great at 24+ pieces; setup spread across the run.
DTF full colour — Strong for photos and small qty; see our photo on t-shirt guide.
Extra placements — Back print, sleeve, or pocket logos add a flat fee per shirt.

Quantity breaks matter

Ordering 6 shirts for a cottage weekend costs more per piece than 60 for a corporate fun run — same presses, same files, but setup is divided differently. Print on demand vs bulk screen printing explains when each path saves money.

Rush and personalization

Names, numbers, and tight deadlines can add line items. Tell us your in-hand date up front — we will quote standard vs rush honestly.

Sample budget ranges

Order type	Typical total
6 event tees, one colour front	$180–$260
24 staff tees, two colours	$450–$650
72 fundraiser tees, full colour	$1,200–$1,800

Ranges are illustrative — your artwork and blank choice move the number. Request a free mockup for an exact quote.

Frequently asked questions

What is a realistic price for one custom t-shirt in Canada?

A single decorated tee on a mid-range blank often lands around $28–$45 all-in with one print area, depending on artwork and method. Price per shirt drops as quantity increases.

Why is setup charged on small orders?

Screens, digitizing, or film prep take the same labour whether you order 6 or 60. That is why print-on-demand and DTF are popular for small runs — less upfront setup.

Do dark shirts cost more to print?

Slightly. Dark garments need a white underbase for most decoration methods, which adds ink and time. The blank itself may cost the same.

Is shipping included in online quotes?

Our shop shows product pricing before checkout; shipping is calculated at checkout based on your Canadian address.

Ready to print?

Design online or send your art — we will quote same-day mockups for most jobs.

Shop custom apparel Get a free mockup