Whether you’re creating a single personalised t-shirt for a birthday, ordering branded apparel for your business, or printing shirts for a sports team or special event, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:
“How much does custom t-shirt printing cost in South Africa?”
The answer depends on a few important factors, including the quantity, printing method, garment quality, and design complexity.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what influences the cost of custom t-shirt printing so you know what to expect before placing your order.

What Determines the Price of a Custom T-Shirt?
No two custom t-shirt orders are exactly the same. Several factors influence the final price, including:
- The type and quality of the t-shirt
- The number of shirts ordered
- The printing method used
- The size and placement of the design
- Whether artwork needs to be created or adjusted
At Picami, we focus on providing high-quality custom apparel with transparent pricing and professional results, whether you’re ordering one shirt or a larger batch.
1. The Type of T-Shirt
The garment itself makes up a significant portion of the total cost.
Premium cotton shirts generally cost more than basic options, but they also provide:
- Better comfort
- Improved durability
- Longer-lasting prints
- A more professional finish
If you’re ordering shirts for your business, investing in quality apparel helps your brand leave a lasting impression.
Looking for premium custom apparel? Contact us to get your own Custom T-Shirts for your project or event.
2. Quantity Matters
One of the biggest factors affecting price is how many shirts you order.
Generally:
- Single shirts cost more per unit.
- Small batches offer better value.
- Larger orders reduce the cost per shirt.
This is why businesses, schools, sports clubs and event organisers often benefit from ordering everything together.
Whether you need one personalised gift or hundreds of branded shirts, Picami can help you choose the most cost-effective option.
3. Printing Method
Different printing methods are suited to different types of artwork.
DTF (Direct to Film)
DTF printing is ideal for:
- Full-colour artwork
- Detailed logos
- Photographs
- Small quantity orders
- Bright, vibrant designs
It offers excellent durability while producing sharp, professional results on a wide variety of garments.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is often preferred when printing larger quantities of the same design.
Benefits include:
- Excellent value on bulk orders
- Long-lasting prints
- Vibrant colours
- Consistent results
For businesses ordering uniforms or promotional clothing, screen printing is often the most economical solution.
5. Artwork Preparation
Already have your design? Perfect!
If not, don’t worry.
Picami can help prepare your artwork to ensure your final print looks clean, sharp and professional. Good artwork helps avoid blurry prints and ensures colours come out exactly as intended.
Need help getting your design ready? Contact our team, we’re happy to assist.

Is It Worth Paying More for Better Quality?
Absolutely.
A cheaper shirt that fades after a few washes rarely provides good value.
Choosing quality garments and professional printing means:
- Colours stay vibrant longer
- Prints don’t crack or peel easily
- The shirt feels comfortable to wear
- Your design continues to look great wash after wash
Whether you’re promoting your business or creating a memorable gift, quality always makes a difference.
What Are Custom T-Shirts Perfect For?
Custom apparel is incredibly versatile and suitable for almost any occasion, including:
- Business uniforms
- Company branding
- Promotional events
- Sports teams
- Family reunions
- Birthday celebrations
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties
- School events
- Fundraisers
- Clubs and organisations
- Personalised gifts
If you can imagine it, chances are we can print it.
Why Choose Picami?
At Picami, we believe ordering custom apparel should be simple.
When you order with us, you can expect:
✅ High-quality garments
✅ Professional printing
✅ Vibrant, durable colours
✅ Friendly local service
✅ Fast turnaround times
✅ Assistance with artwork if needed
Whether you’re ordering one shirt or hundreds, we treat every project with the same attention to detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order just one custom t-shirt?
Yes! We happily print single shirts as well as bulk orders.
Can I print my own design?
Absolutely. Simply send us your artwork, and we’ll make sure it’s ready for printing.
What file formats do you accept?
We recommend high-resolution PNG, PDF, SVG or AI files whenever possible. If you’re unsure, send us what you have and we’ll advise you.
How long does custom t-shirt printing take?
Turnaround times vary depending on the order size and current production schedule, but we’ll always provide an estimated completion date before production begins.
Ready to Create Your Own Custom T-Shirt?
Whether you’re designing a one-of-a-kind gift, launching your business, or organising your next event, Picami is here to bring your ideas to life with professional-quality printing and exceptional service.