Minimum Order Quantities for Custom Apparel
We make every effort to satisfy customers ordering anywhere from a single piece to thousands. Whether you need 1 t-shirt or 500 hoodies, we have a decoration method that fits. The right method depends on your quantity, your design, and your fabric — but no matter what you need, our team will help you find the most cost-effective approach.
Minimums vary by decoration method, not by us. Screen printing requires custom screen setup for each color, embroidery requires digitized stitch files, and digital methods (DTG and DTF) require no setup at all. The minimum is set by what's economically practical for each process.
Quick Answer
Here's the short version. Each method's minimum is shown below:
DTG Printing
Order as few as 1 piece. Full-color, photo-quality on cotton.
DTF Printing
Order as few as 1 piece. Full-color, works on any fabric.
Screen Printing
15-piece minimum per design. Best value at 25+ pieces.
Embroidery
6-piece minimum. Includes free digitizing on new logos.
Minimums by Decoration Method
Each method has its own minimum based on how the production process works:
| Decoration Method | Minimum | Best For | Setup Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTG Printing | No minimum (1+) | Small orders, full-color, photo designs | None — direct digital print |
| DTF Printing | No minimum (1+) | Small orders, any fabric, any color | None — digital transfer |
| Screen Printing | 15 pieces | Bulk orders, simple 1–6 color designs | Custom screen per ink color (free) |
| Embroidery | 6 pieces | Hats, polos, premium apparel | Logo digitized into stitch file (free) |
| Sublimation | Varies | Polyester apparel, mugs, all-over prints | Depends on item — see product page |
| Promotional Products | Varies | Drinkware, bags, branded items | Varies by item — see product page |
Find Each Product's Minimum on Its Product Page
The numbers above are general guidelines. Every product on our website has its specific minimum displayed right on the product page, so you'll always know exactly what's required for the item you're customizing.
On the Product Page
Browse to any product. The minimum order quantity is listed in the product details section, near the price and available sizes.
In the Design Studio
When you start customizing, the minimum is shown under the product description title — visible the entire time you're designing.
At Checkout
If you try to order below the minimum, the system will let you know and suggest a different decoration method or product that fits your quantity.
Why Minimums Exist
Minimums aren't arbitrary — they reflect how each decoration method actually works. Understanding the "why" helps you pick the right method for your quantity:
Screen Printing — 15-piece minimum
Screen printing requires preparing custom screens for each color in your design. One screen per ink color, hand-prepared for your specific artwork. The setup time is roughly the same whether we print 1 piece or 100. A 15-piece minimum keeps the per-piece cost economical for both you and us. For smaller orders, DTG or DTF are better choices — same look, lower cost, no minimum.
Embroidery — 6-piece minimum
Before any embroidery starts, your logo must be "digitized" — converted into a precise stitch file that tells the embroidery machine where every needle goes. We do this for free, but it's a real production step. The 6-piece minimum lets us offer free digitizing while keeping setup costs reasonable. If you need fewer than 6 embroidered pieces, contact us — we may be able to accommodate small orders with a one-time setup fee.
DTG and DTF — no minimum
These methods are fully digital. No screens, no setup, no preparation beyond loading your design file. We can print 1 piece or 100 with the same per-piece efficiency, which is why we don't need to set a minimum. This is what makes them perfect for small orders, samples, and individual gifts.
Promotional & specialty products — varies
Many promo items (drinkware, bags, hard goods) come from third-party suppliers who set their own minimums. We pass those minimums through to you transparently — they're listed on each product's page.
Combining Sizes & Products to Hit Minimums
The most common question we get: "Can I combine different items to meet a minimum?" Here's how it works:
Sizes count toward the same minimum ✅
If a product has a 15-piece screen printing minimum, you can mix sizes freely. 5 small + 5 medium + 5 large = 15 pieces, which meets the minimum. There's no separate minimum per size.
Same product, same design, different colors ✅
Ordering the same shirt in multiple colors with the same design counts as one order toward the minimum. 10 black + 5 white = 15 pieces, minimum met.
Different products with the same design ⚠️
Generally, the minimum applies per product type. 10 t-shirts + 5 hoodies of the same design typically wouldn't combine to meet a 15-piece minimum because they require separate setups. Contact us — depending on the method and design, we may be able to work with you.
Different designs ❌
Each unique design has its own minimum. Two different logos = two separate orders, each meeting their own minimum. This is true for all methods because each design requires its own setup.
Rush & Same-Day Order Minimums
Rushed timelines have specific rules about minimums and quantities:
- Rush (5 business days): Standard minimums apply for each decoration method. No different rules.
- Super Rush (3 business days): Standard minimums apply for each decoration method.
- Same-Day: Maximum 1,000 pieces total. Available on Screen Printing, DTG, and DTF only — not new embroidery (since digitizing takes time). Must be ordered by phone before 11 AM PT. Brand restrictions apply: Gildan, Smart Blank, Bella+Canvas, Lane 7.
For more details on timing options, see our Turnaround Time guide.
No-Minimum Product Categories
Looking for products you can order in any quantity, including just 1? Here are the categories with no minimums:
- Most apparel with DTG printing — t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts (cotton or cotton-blend)
- Most apparel with DTF printing — works on cotton, polyester, blends, performance wear
- Single-piece custom gifts — birthday shirts, memorial pieces, one-off designs
- Sample orders — order 1 piece to verify fit and print quality before placing a larger order
Browse our no-minimum products to see everything available with no quantity requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your minimum order for custom apparel?
Minimums depend on the decoration method:
DTG printing and DTF transfers have no minimum — order as few as 1 piece. Screen printing starts at 15 pieces per design. Embroidery requires a 6-piece minimum.
Each product's specific minimum is also shown on its product page and inside the Design Studio under the product description.
Why does screen printing have a minimum?
Screen printing requires preparing custom screens for each color in your design — one screen per ink color. The setup time is the same whether we print 1 piece or 100, so a minimum of 15 keeps the per-piece cost reasonable.
For smaller orders, DTG or DTF are better choices and have no minimum.
Why does embroidery have a 6-piece minimum?
Embroidery requires digitizing your logo into a stitch file, then setting up the embroidery machine for that file. This is a one-time setup process.
The 6-piece minimum allows us to offer free digitizing while keeping the setup cost economical. We always digitize new logos for free on qualifying orders.
Where can I find the minimum for a specific product?
Every product page on our website displays its minimum order quantity. You can also see it in the Design Studio under the product description when you customize a product.
If a product has a different minimum than our standard guidelines, it will be clearly noted there.
Can I order just 1 custom shirt?
Yes — for most products, you can order a single custom shirt using DTG or DTF printing. These methods have no minimum and produce full-color, photo-quality prints.
Screen printing isn't available for orders under 15 pieces, but our team will recommend the best method for your quantity at checkout or quote.
Do same-day or rush orders have different minimums?
Same-day orders have a maximum of 1,000 pieces and must be placed by phone before 11 AM PT. Same-day is available on screen printing, DTG, and DTF (not embroidery). Standard turnaround minimums apply otherwise.
Rush and Super Rush orders use the same minimums as standard production.
Can I combine different products to meet a minimum?
For screen printing and embroidery, the minimum applies to a single design and decoration method per product type. You can't typically combine 3 t-shirts and 12 hoodies to hit a 15-piece screen print minimum, but you can combine sizes (S, M, L, XL count toward the same minimum).
For embroidery on hats or polos, similar rules apply. When in doubt, contact us — we'll work with you.
What if I need fewer pieces than the minimum?
If you want screen printing but only need 5 shirts, we'll suggest DTG or DTF instead — both have no minimum and can produce identical or even better results for full-color designs.
If you need embroidery on fewer than 6 pieces, contact us — we may be able to accommodate small orders with a setup fee or recommend an alternative decoration.
