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BUDGET VS PREMIUM T-SHIRTS (GARMENT COMPARISON PAGE)

Budget vs Premium T-Shirts for Custom Printing

Should You Print on Budget or Premium T-Shirts?

When ordering custom screen-printed t-shirts in bulk, garment choice significantly impacts cost, fit, feel, durability, and overall budget. Budget options like JBS Wear 1HT offer lower base costs, classic fits, and practical fabrics ideal for high-volume orders such as teams, schools, events, or promotions, saving about 15.4% per shirt—for 100 units, that's $17.47 versus $20.66 for premium AS Colour Staple Tee. Premium shirts provide softer fabrics, modern tailoring, and strong brand appeal for corporate branding, retail, or customer-facing roles where image matters. Select based on quantity, use case, budget per shirt, and desired presentation to optimize value.

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Key Takeaways

  • Budget t-shirts offer lower costs, classic fits, and excellent durability for bulk screen printing.
  • Premium t-shirts feature softer fabrics, modern fits, and stronger brand recognition.
  • For 100-shirt bulk orders, budget garments save approximately 15.4% per shirt ($17.47 vs $20.66).
  • Budget options are ideal for teams, events, schools, and promotions where cost efficiency is the priority.
  • Premium garments are better suited for corporate, retail, or customer-facing roles where appearance matters.
  • Consider order quantity, intended use, budget, and fit when choosing the right garment type.

Why Garment Choice Matters in Custom T-Shirt Printing

When ordering custom printed t-shirts, the garment you choose has a major impact on the final price, especially for bulk screen printing.

Two shirts may look similar, but differences in fabric, construction, and brand positioning can significantly affect:

  • Cost per shirt
  • Fit and feel
  • Long-term durability
  • Overall project budget

This page explains the difference between budget (value) garments and premium garments, and when each option makes the most sense.

What Are Budget (Value) T-Shirts?

Budget or value t-shirts are designed to provide good durability at a lower base cost. They are commonly used for bulk printing where price efficiency is important.

Common characteristics:

  • Lower garment cost
  • Durable cotton suitable for screen printing
  • Classic, practical fit
  • Designed for high-volume orders

Typical use cases:

  • Clubs and sporting teams
  • Schools and community groups
  • Large events and festivals
  • Promotional giveaways
  • Workwear and uniforms

Example of a budget garment:

  • JBS Wear 1HT

Budget garments are ideal when the priority is keeping the cost per shirt as low as possible, especially for large quantities.

What Are Premium T-Shirts?

Premium t-shirts are designed with higher-end fabrics, modern fits, and brand recognition. They generally cost more per unit but offer a refined look and feel.

Common characteristics:

  • Higher garment cost
  • Softer fabric feel
  • Modern or fashion-forward fit
  • Strong brand reputation

Typical use cases:

  • Corporate branding
  • Retail merchandise
  • Staff uniforms where presentation matters
  • Events where brand image is important

Example of a premium garment:

  • AS Colour Staple Tee

Premium garments are often chosen when appearance and brand perception are as important as price.

Budget vs Premium: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Budget Garments Premium Garments
Base cost Lower Higher
Fit Classic / standard Modern / tailored
Fabric feel Practical Softer, refined
Best for bulk orders Excellent Good (higher cost)
Brand recognition Lower Higher
Cost per shirt (bulk) Lowest Higher
Screen printing value Very strong Moderate to strong

How Garment Choice Affects Screen Printing Costs

For screen printing, setup costs are spread across the order quantity. This means:

  • Choosing a budget garment reduces the base cost, resulting in a lower final price per shirt.
  • Choosing a premium garment increases the base cost, even when the print setup is the same.

Real Example (Like-for-Like Comparison)

For a bulk order of 100 shirts with the same design printed front and back:

  • Premium garment (AS Colour): approx. $20.66 per shirt
  • Budget garment (JBS Wear): approx. $17.47 per shirt

This represents a saving of approximately 15.4% per shirt when choosing a budget garment.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose a Budget Garment if:

  • You’re ordering large quantities
  • Budget efficiency is a priority
  • The shirts are for teams, events, or promotions
  • You want the lowest possible cost per shirt

Choose a Premium Garment if:

  • Brand image matters
  • The shirts will be worn in customer-facing roles
  • You want a softer feel or a modern fit
  • You’re producing retail or staff merchandise

Not Sure Which Garment Is Right?

Choose a Budget Garment if:

If you’re unsure, consider the following:

  • Quantity
  • Intended use (uniforms vs events)
  • Budget per shirt
  • Desired fit and feel

You can also request a personalised quote and ask for garment recommendations based on your needs.

Explore Pricing & Next Steps

To see how garment choice affects real pricing:

Choosing the right garment ensures the best balance of cost, comfort, and presentation for your custom t-shirt project.

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