Custom shirts are a popular choice for businesses, brands, events, teams and organisations across Australia. Whether you need branded workwear, promotional clothing, corporate uniforms or personalised shirts for an event, understanding the cost involved helps you plan your budget effectively.
On average, custom shirts in Australia typically cost between $20 and $50 per shirt, depending on the garment quality, printing method, design complexity and order quantity. For larger bulk orders, prices can often reduce to around $10–$25 per shirt, while premium garments with embroidery or specialty finishes may cost $40–$70+ per shirt.
The final price depends on several factors, including the type of shirt selected, decoration method, number of colours in the design, and the total quantity ordered. Understanding these factors can help you choose the right custom shirts for your business or project.
There is no fixed price for custom shirts because every order is different. A small order with premium garments and detailed artwork will have a different cost compared with a large business uniform order using simple branding.
The main factors that influence pricing include:
Shirt quality and fabric type
Printing or embroidery method
Number of shirts ordered
Design complexity
Number of print locations
Special finishes or custom features
Turnaround requirements
1. Type of Shirt You Choose
The base garment is one of the biggest factors affecting the overall cost. Custom shirts are available in different materials, styles and quality levels.
Basic Cotton Shirts
Basic cotton shirts are an affordable option for businesses, events and promotional campaigns.
Average price range:
$20–$35 per customised shirt
Benefits:
Comfortable everyday wear
Affordable for bulk orders
Suitable for promotional campaigns
Works well with different printing methods
These shirts are commonly used for:
Events
Marketing campaigns
Community groups
Casual uniforms
Premium Quality Shirts
Premium shirts use higher-quality fabrics, improved fits and more durable materials.
Average price range:
$35–$60+ per customised shirt
Benefits:
Better comfort
More professional appearance
Longer lifespan
Premium brand presentation
Premium shirts are ideal for:
Corporate teams
Retail businesses
Fashion brands
Customer-facing employees
2. Printing Method Influences Custom Shirt Pricing
The decoration method used on your shirts plays an important role in determining the final cost.
Different printing techniques are suitable for different designs, quantities and budgets.
Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing
DTF printing has become a popular option for custom shirts because it works well on different fabrics and allows vibrant, detailed designs.
Average pricing:
Around $20–$40 per shirt depending on quantity and design
Advantages:
Suitable for small and large orders
Excellent colour reproduction
Works on cotton, polyester and blends
Ideal for detailed artwork
DTF is a great choice for businesses needing colourful logos, graphics or promotional designs.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
DTG printing directly applies ink onto the fabric, making it suitable for detailed artwork and smaller orders.
Average pricing:
Around $25–$50 per shirt
Best for:
Photographic designs
Artwork with gradients
Small personalised orders
DTG provides a soft print feel and works particularly well for creative designs.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is one of the most cost-effective methods for larger quantities.
Average pricing:
Around $10–$25 per shirt for bulk orders
Benefits:
Excellent durability
Cost-effective for large quantities
Ideal for simple designs
Great for company uniforms and events
Screen printing is commonly used for:
Sports teams
Festivals
Workwear
Promotional campaigns
Embroidery
Embroidery provides a premium stitched finish and is commonly used for professional uniforms.
Average pricing:
Around $25–$60+ per shirt
Benefits:
Professional appearance
Highly durable
Premium branding finish
Embroidery is ideal for:
Corporate shirts
Hospitality uniforms
Company logos
Staff clothing
3. Order Quantity Can Reduce the Cost Per Shirt
One of the biggest advantages of ordering custom shirts in bulk is lower pricing per unit.
For example:
Small Orders (1–20 shirts)
Estimated cost:
$30–$60 per shirt
Small quantities usually have higher costs because setup and production time are spread across fewer items.
Suitable for:
Personalised gifts
Small teams
Individual projects
Medium Orders (20–100 shirts)
Estimated cost:
$20–$40 per shirt
Suitable for:
Small businesses
Events
Clubs
Organisations
Large Bulk Orders (100+ shirts)
Estimated cost:
$10–$30 per shirt
Suitable for:
Corporate uniforms
Promotional campaigns
Large events
Merchandise production
Bulk ordering allows businesses to maximise value while maintaining consistent branding.
4. Number of Print Locations Affects Pricing
Where you place your design can also influence the cost.
Common printing locations include:
Left chest logo
Full front print
Back print
Sleeve print
Multiple branding locations
A simple left-chest logo will usually cost less than a full front-and-back design.
For example:
Front logo only:
More affordable
Ideal for uniforms
Front and back printing:
Higher cost
Better for promotional shirts and merchandise
5. Design Complexity Changes the Price
Simple designs are usually more affordable than detailed artwork.
Simple Designs
Examples:
Company logo
Text-based branding
Single-colour artwork
Benefits:
Lower production costs
Faster turnaround
Ideal for uniforms
Complex Designs
Examples:
Detailed illustrations
Multiple colours
Photographic artwork
These may require more advanced printing techniques and preparation.
Average Custom Shirt Pricing Guide in Australia
Order Type | Average Price Per Shirt |
Single custom shirt | $30–$60 |
Small business order (10–50 shirts) | $20–$45 |
Medium order (50–100 shirts) | $15–$35 |
Bulk order (100+ shirts) | $10–$30 |
Premium embroidered shirts | $40–$70+ |
How Businesses Can Reduce Custom Shirt Costs
Businesses looking to order custom shirts can reduce expenses by following these tips:
Order in Bulk
Larger quantities usually reduce the cost per shirt.
Choose the Right Printing Method
For large orders, screen printing may offer better value, while DTF is ideal for smaller orders with detailed designs.
Select Practical Garments
Choosing quality shirts that match your purpose helps avoid unnecessary costs.
Keep Designs Simple
Simple logos and fewer print locations can reduce production expenses.
Plan Ahead
Avoiding urgent production requests can help reduce rush fees.
Are Custom Shirts Worth the Investment?
For many Australian businesses, custom shirts provide excellent value because they combine uniforms, branding and marketing into one product.
A branded shirt can help businesses:
Improve brand recognition
Create a professional team appearance
Increase customer trust
Promote the business beyond the workplace
Unlike traditional advertising, custom shirts continue promoting your brand every time employees wear them.
Final Thoughts
The cost of custom shirts in Australia generally ranges from $20 to $50 per shirt, with prices changing based on garment quality, printing technique, order size and design requirements.
For businesses looking for affordable branded uniforms, bulk printed shirts offer excellent value. For companies wanting a premium appearance, embroidered or high-quality custom shirts provide a professional finish that represents their brand effectively.
By choosing the right shirt style, printing method and quantity, businesses can create custom apparel that fits their budget while delivering long-term branding benefits.
