Are you looking to buy lots of t-shirts for your business or club? Getting a reliable supplier and perfecting the ordering process are really important for any business that needs blank t-shirts, but they can be tricky to get right. That’s where our guide comes in.
We’re here to help you make the best choices when buying t-shirts in bulk. Whether you’re new to this or you’ve done it before, we’ve got some great tips to share. Let’s dive in and make your bulk t-shirt buying experience smooth and successful!
Why Choose Wholesale T-Shirts for Your Business?
Wholesale/bulk t-shirts offer a multitude of benefits for businesses of all sizes. A trip to the store might be the best option if you only need one t-shirt, but businesses usually want more. For printers, event organizers, retailers, or any business that needs uniforms or gifts for staff, you’re going to need enough t-shirts to make it worthwhile buying wholesale. There are several compelling reasons why:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Time saving
- Customization
- Versatility
Cost is the main reason for many businesses. Buy in bulk and you save money, which is always important. There are also other reasons– you tend to get more range with wholesalers, and you can get everything in one order, saving you time. If you need to add branding or other designs, you may be able to do that with the same supplier, which saves you time.
The only disadvantage is that you might need to plan a bit further in advance than if you just head to the mall, but most businesses like to plan in advance anyway, so this shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Choosing the Right T-Shirt Supplier?
So what do you need to consider when picking out your blank t-shirt supplier?
Quality
When buying bulk t-shirts, quality matters a lot. You want shirts that last, keep their colour and shape, and feel comfy. Good-quality shirts make your brand or team look good and keep everyone happy. So, when picking out bulk t-shirts, always go for durability, nice fabric, and good stitching.
You also have to consider price of course (more on that later). Sometimes you might have to compromise on one of them a little bit, so you need to consider your target audience, and your desired retail price. The good news is that there are companies who have huge experience making good-quality t-shirts for low prices, so you don’t need to compromise much if you get the brand right.
Brand
Choose t-shirts from reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Some are more expensive than others, but they all put a great deal of effort into maximizing their quality/price ratio, so with these specialists you know you’ll always get value for money.
Gildan
Gildan is a renowned name in the world of wholesale clothing, known for being one of the cheapest producers of high-quality products, with a wide range of offerings. Their focus is on quality, comfort, and affordability, and they provide excellent value for money. You can compare them with the competition here.
Bella+Canvas
A little more expensive, and a little better quality. Bella+Canvas is a popular brand for creating modern, fashion-forward apparel. They use eco-friendly materials and methods to make their clothes, so you can feel good about wearing them.
Next Level Apparel
Next Level Apparel is a leading wholesale brand in the United States. Their apparel is crafted with premium materials for superior comfort. A competitor of Bella+Canvas, you can read more about their subtle differences here.
There are other reliable brands of course, but the key is to use brands that have a well-established reputation for making quality blank t-shirts.
Fit & Style
When buying bulk t-shirts, think about how they’ll fit different body types. Choose styles and fits that look good on everyone. This might mean having a wide range, or for smaller stores, or companies that need uniforms, it might mean picking one style that works on a wide range of people. (You can’t go wrong with a relaxed fit crew neck).
Get t-shirts in various sizes to match people’s preferences. Use size charts to pick the right sizes and avoid returns. By getting the size and fit right you’ll have comfortable shirts for everyone.
This is where the range of your supplier comes into play. The last thing you want is to have to get your blank t-shirts in multiple different orders. So find a supplier that offers all the sizes, colours, styles, and fits that you need, so you can get everything in one order.
Materials & Customization
There are a few different materials you can make t-shirts from, but most t-shirts are made from cotton, a natural fibre known for its softness and breathability, or polyester, a synthetic fibre prized for its durability and wrinkle resistance, which makes it a great choice for sportswear or outdoor activities. You can also choose blends, to enjoy the benefits of both materials.
When you’re thinking about customizing bulk t-shirts, make sure the fabric and how it’s made are suitable for printing or embroidery. Depending on your chosen method, be it screen printing, heat transfer, embroidery, or sublimation, you’ll want to use either cotton, polyester, or a blend. This guide has more information.
Also, check the seams and how tightly the fabric is knit. Seamless designs and tight-knit fabrics make your logos or designs look clear and bright. Paying attention to these details ensures your customization looks fantastic and really stands out!
Pricing & Bulk Discounts
Take the time to compare prices from various brands to ensure you’re getting the best value for your budget. As mentioned, which price range you go for will depend on your own business, and target customer. You should always be getting discounts for bulk purchases.
Look for brands that offer discounts for larger orders, as this can significantly increase your savings. By buying in larger quantities, you not only save money per unit but also reduce shipping costs. For really large orders, contacting the company directly might result in an even better price.
Prices can change. So keep an eye out for special promotions or seasonal discounts that suppliers may offer, and join their mailing list. These seasonal discounts can further enhance your savings, and if you plan in advance you can really take advantage. Finding the right balance between price and quality ensures you get the best deal on your bulk t-shirt purchases.
Shipping & Delivery
The final thing to consider when buying bulk t-shirts is shipping and delivery. Find out where the supplier’s warehouse is located and consider factors like order volume and shipping carrier capacity. Choosing a supplier with efficient shipping services can prevent delays. Explore options for expedited delivery if you need your order quickly.
You also want to consider delivery costs. For large orders you can normally find cheaper, or free, delivery, so keep an eye out. By prioritizing shipping considerations, you can ensure a smooth and timely delivery process for your bulk t-shirt order.
It’s not always easy, but if you keep all these things in mind– it’s definitely possible to find the perfect blank t-shirt supplier!
We won’t lie to you, at Wordans we supply blank t-shirts, and part of the reason we wrote this post is the chance that you might notice that we have all the qualities you need when choosing a blank t-shirt supplier. If you do need to buy t-shirts in bulk, you can find them on our website, or head over to our Instagram page @wearewordans to find more ideas.
