Where can you get the best custom T-shirts? Shopping for custom T-shirts has come a long way from what it used to be. Not that long ago, if you wanted to get shirts made for a family reunion, a sports team, or even just for fun, you'd have to find a local print shop, bring in your design on a disk or a piece of paper, and then wait days (sometimes weeks) while they set up the equipment. It was often expensive, the minimum order was high, and if you only needed a few shirts you were usually out of luck. For many people, the whole process just wasn't worth the hassle.
Best Option
Uber Prints has been making custom apparel simple since 2005, and they've built a strong reputation along the way. What used to be a time-consuming process that required a local shop and bulk orders is now as easy as a few clicks, thanks to their intuitive website and variety of printing options. Whether you need one T-shirt or a whole batch for an event, Uber Prints makes it painless to design, order, and enjoy.
Design studio that's easy to love
One of Uber Prints' biggest strengths is its online design studio. Because it's available 24/7, you can create whenever inspiration strikes - whether that's in the middle of the day or late at night. Love this kind of creativity? Uber Prints lets you go completely from scratch by uploading your own artwork. Not feeling particularly creative? You can still put together something fun using their extensive library of design templates - we spotted cute options for a cruise shirt, holidays, fraternities and sororities, and many more. The whole process is smooth, user-friendly, and designed to make sure your shirt turns out just the way you imagined.
Multiple ways to print
When it comes to getting your design onto fabric, Uber Prints gives you options:
That flexibility makes it easy to choose the printing style that fits your needs best - whether you're creating a single shirt for yourself or outfitting a whole team.
Not just T-shirts
Yes, T-shirts are the main attraction here, but Uber Prints goes far beyond the basics. You'll find tanks and sleeveless tops, performance fabrics, zip-up hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts, and much more. Their selection even includes hats, (trucker, snapback, baseball, beanie, you get the idea), aprons, bags, and pet apparel - so if you want to match with your dog, you can. The site makes it easy to browse using filters for fit, fabric, color, brand, and features, so you won't get lost in the massive selection.
Pricing that works for everyone
Uber Prints keeps things affordable. A single digitally-printed shirt starts at just $15.99, and if you're ordering in bulk, the per-shirt price gets even lower as your quantity increases. Screen printing and embroidery have minimums, but the pricing is competitive there too - expect prices like $8.29/each for 50 basic tees, $11.42/each for premium soft T-shirts, and so on. Shipping starts at $5.99 for digitally-printed apparel orders, but you'll get free shipping if your order includes screen printing or embroidery, or when it totals $100 or more - which is easy to hit if you're buying for a group.
Satisfaction guaranteed
On the off chance that you're not totally thrilled with your custom T-shirt order from Uber Prints, reach out within 30 days. The customer service team is easy to reach by phone or email, and they'll offer you a reprint or a full refund if your items are misprinted, flawed, or damaged in any way - hassle-free.
Happy customers everywhere
When it comes to reputation, Uber Prints is really tough to beat. On Trustpilot alone, this custom T-shirt shop has more than 16,000 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars (not to mention the "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau). Customers consistently rave about the quality of the shirts, the accuracy of the printing, and the speed of delivery. It's rare to see so few complaints for a company this size, which says a lot about how well Uber Prints delivers on its promises. We found so many reviews from people who were genuinely shocked to get such a great custom item for the price they paid - and to get such excellent customer service to boot. One customer accidentally placed the same order twice, and an Uber Prints rep reached out to double-check that the order was correct before putting it through. That's pretty uncommon these days.
Still our top pick
With its unbeatable mix of easy design tools, flexible printing options, competitive pricing, and huge variety of apparel, Uber Prints is still the clear winner among custom T-shirt retailers. Whether you need a single shirt or a bulk order, you'll find what you're looking for here - and it'll turn out just the way you want it. Uber Prints is still the king of the hill in our rankings, and we think you'll love them too.
Great
If you're looking for a straightforward, trustworthy way to make custom T-shirts, DesignAShirt should be near the top of your list. Around since 2003, this company has been focused on one thing above all else - quality custom shirts - and that dedication shows in their tools, services, and reputation. (But, as a side note, if you're looking for some custom merch to complement your T-shirt order, they can help. Just look for the Promo Products link in their menu. You're welcome.)
Backed by Anton Sport
In April 2024, DesignAShirt officially merged with its parent company, Anton Sport, which has been in the custom printing game since 1986. Don't worry, though: if you've ordered from DesignAShirt before, nothing about the quality or service has slipped. In fact, Anton Sport has been printing all DesignAShirt orders since day one, and their in-house facility can handle thousands of garments per day. This merger just means smoother billing and even more confidence that your order is backed by decades of expertise.
Prices are transparent now (no quote required)
One of the biggest updates we were glad to see since our last evaluation of DesignAShirt is how easy it is to see pricing right away. You don't have to build a design, set up an account, and wait for a "quote" email like you did in the past here. Instead, you can hop directly to the "no minimum" section of the site if you just want a single shirt - or move right into bulk pricing if you're organizing a family reunion, business event, or fundraiser. Within just a few clicks, you'll know how much you'll pay. Now, we're not over-the-moon with the single-item T-shirt pricing we found (around $23), so you might want to use DesignAShirt when you need something amazing for your whole squad and not just for you and your bestie. On the other hand, all orders here come with free 10-calendar-day shipping, so it might work out in the end - even on those single-shirt purchases.
Complimentary T-Shirt Concierge service
DesignAShirt knows that sometimes you don't have the time - or the eye - for design. That's where their free T-Shirt Concierge comes in. Their artists share over 60 years of combined experience, and you can hand off your vision to them in just three simple steps:
It's like having a professional design team in your pocket - and it comes at no extra charge. Trust us when we say that you're not going to find that with most rival custom T-shirt shops.
DIY design is doable
But, if you fancy yourself a designer, or you just enjoy doing that heavy lifting on your own, the tools on DesignAShirt are not complicated to use. Upload your own logo/image or choose from their gallery, put text in how you like it, and voilà. You should have no trouble pulling together the look you've got in mind - on the shirt's front, back, or even sleeve.
Making a difference: free organ donor shirts
DesignAShirt also stands out for how it uses T-shirts to help the community. Their Free Organ Donor T-Shirt Program lets you create up to five free tees to help spread awareness while searching for a donor. You can customize designs for any organ type, including kidney, liver, and more. It's a powerful example of how apparel can go beyond fashion to serve a meaningful purpose.
Impressive reputation and reach
With an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and countless positive customer reviews across social media, DesignAShirt has more credibility than many of its competitors. They also boast an impressive list of corporate clients - think Amazon, Starbucks, Target, Google, and PayPal for starters - which speaks volumes about the quality of their service. Their Instagram and Facebook feeds highlight happy customers, long-term clients, and real-life examples of designs that turned out great.
A few limitations (that we think are short-term)
We'd love to give you an updated take on DesignAShirt's satisfaction guarantee or refund policy; in the past, they gave customers just 10 days to report a problem after the order arrived. Unfortunately, possibly due to the merger with Anton Sport, the DesignAShirt site was under some "construction" at the time of our most recent visit - and that meant we found broken links as we tried to read up on those policies. Given this retailer's reputation, we have zero concerns that you won't get a supportive response from the customer service team if there's an issue, but it's something we felt was worth pointing out in advance.
Trusted by big brands and everyday people
DesignAShirt keeps its #2 spot on our list of the best custom T-shirt services because it does what it does best: making the process of creating custom apparel easy, transparent, and professional. Whether you're ordering one hoodie for yourself or a thousand tees for your company, you'll feel confident working with DesignAShirt.
Great
The story of Custom Ink begins in 1999, when three former college classmates - Marc Katz, Mike Driscoll, and Dave Christensen - decided to turn a simple idea into a business: making custom apparel easy, fun, and meaningful. Marc was seeking a career with heart, Mike was experimenting with early website design, and Dave brought his coding skills to the table. After months of planning on Marc's hand-me-down green couch, Custom Ink officially launched in March 2000, with a small team of "Inkers" committed to helping people express themselves through custom gear. Over time, the company grew rapidly, earning recognition on Inc. Magazine's Inc. 500 list in 2005, expanding its product catalog, and now offering a wide array of apparel, accessories, and promo products for nearly any event, organization, or team (and individuals are welcome too).
Design (lab) made simple
Custom Ink's online design lab makes creating your perfect T-shirt remarkably straightforward. You start by picking your product, then freely add text, graphics, emojis, mascots, and more. Unlike many competitors, you can place items anywhere on the shirt, giving you full control over the layout. Some products even allow personalized names and numbers on the back, which is ideal for sports teams, work groups, or family reunions. Need help? Real people are available 7 days a week to answer questions about your design, colors, or ink choices, ensuring your artwork looks its best.
Impressive selection and flexible minimums
One of the biggest improvements to Custom Ink in recent years is its purchase flexibility. Most T-shirts now have no minimum order requirement, and others only require as few as six shirts, making it easier to order exactly what you need. The selection is enormous, covering more than 50 quality brands including Augusta, Bella + Canvas, Carhartt, Champion, Comfort Colors, Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, Hanes, New Era, Next Level, Nike, Port & Company, and Sport-Tek. You'll also find specialty items like long sleeves, performance tees, tri-blends, women's styles, raglans, kids' apparel, and even items made in the USA or tailored towards Canadian shoppers.
T-shirts you can actually afford
Prices at Custom Ink vary depending on brand and style, from affordable basics at just over $11 to premium items like quarter-zips and button-downs. While the higher-end products sometimes require that small minimum quantity, the addition of "no minimum" options means you can now snag a single shirt here without breaking the bank.
Shipping is reasonable and flexible
Plus, you won't have any shipping fees to worry about either, if you're okay with getting your shirts with two-week standard delivery. Need your shirts in a week? That's an additional 15% of your order total; bump that up to 30% and you can have your order in three business days (!). Best of all, if you've got a distributed group (maybe your best man is in Boise and your groomsmen are in Georgia), you can pay $9.95 per address and have their shirts delivered directly.
Stellar track record for customer satisfaction
While Custom Ink offers a decent return policy (notify them within 15 days if anything is off with your T-shirts or they arrive later than promised), you'll probably never need to take advantage of it. Beyond the "A+" rating and accreditation from the BBB, Custom Ink customers consistently praise the quality of shirts and the design lab's usability. Trustpilot reviews back this up: over 10,000 five-star reviews and an average of 4.3 stars across nearly 13,000 ratings highlight speedy shipping, helpful customer service, and satisfaction with the final product. One happy customer even joked, "They made actually what I wanted. My husband got a hole in one. So we call him the ace hole. It's perfect."
Can help you support your community
Beyond shirts, Custom Ink helps people give back. Their fundraising tools allow organizations to sell custom gear to support causes and strengthen communities, reinforcing the company's belief that apparel can do more than just look good - it can bring people together.
One of the best options for getting custom T-shirts
Custom Ink stands out as one of the top destinations for custom T-shirts, whether you're ordering one or hundreds. The company's design tools, brand selection, flexible minimums, helpful customer service, and commitment to quality make it an excellent choice for individuals, teams, and organizations alike. With nearly 25 years of experience and a track record of very satisfied customers, Custom Ink earns a near-perfect score.
Great
VistaPrint has been around since 1995, long celebrated for its business cards and stationery. Over the years, it's grown into a one-stop shop for marketing and personal design needs, and now their custom T-shirt offerings make it easy to create shirts for yourself, your business, or any special event. Whether you're a small business owner, a nonprofit looking for promo wear, or just someone who wants a fun shirt for a party, VistaPrint has plenty to offer.
AI-powered design made easy
One of the highlights we found during testing was VistaPrint's Generate Designs AI tool. Still in beta at the time of our review, it already impressed us with just how easy it made the process. You can start with ready-made designs, upload an image, or simply describe what you're looking for. When we tested it with bakery concepts, we were delighted to see an adorable bear holding a croissant pop up among the options - a perfect fit for an aspiring pastry business. If you don't already have a logo or artwork ready to go, this tool could save you time, effort, and frustration. Otherwise, jump right in and create your custom T-shirt design using the "Start designing" button: we had no issues with lagging like we did in our earlier evaluation, and the tool is super-easy to use.
Plenty of shirt options and decoration methods
VistaPrint's T-shirt catalog includes styles for men, women, and kids, with cuts ranging from casual basics to more premium fits and fabrics. Prices usually start around $13, and most items can be ordered with no minimums - making it just as easy to order a single shirt as it is to buy in bulk. VistaPrint is also transparent about the "decoration technology" used for each design, such as direct-to-garment, screen printing, heat transfer, or embroidery. Some shirts even let you add designs to multiple areas, like both the front and back, so you can get exactly the look you want.
Competitive pricing and delivery
Costs at VistaPrint depend on the product you choose and the number of items you order: bulk orders get you a better price per unit, but one-offs are still very affordable. Shipping is straightforward too. You'll get free shipping on orders over $100, and delivery can be as quick as five days depending on the option you select. With three tiers of shipping speed, you can balance how fast you need your items with how much you want to spend.
Expand beyond T-shirts
One of VistaPrint's strengths is how seamlessly you can branch out into other products. Once you've created your design, it's simple to see how it looks on mugs, tote bags, baseball caps, or other promotional items. That makes it ideal if you're outfitting a whole event, putting together gift bags, or just wanting a consistent look across multiple products. Instead of juggling different vendors, you can get everything done in one place.
Customer feedback is strong
VistaPrint continues to have an excellent reputation. The company holds an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, and on Trustpilot, customers give VistaPrint an impressive 4.5-star average across more than 4,700 reviews. While shipping hiccups occasionally come up, many buyers highlight how responsive customer service is when issues arise. Overall, the vast majority of feedback points to high satisfaction with both the quality of the shirts and the ease of the ordering process - and it was reassuring to see so many of those 5-star reviews specifically mentioning custom T-shirts.
A trustworthy choice for custom T-shirts
VistaPrint has evolved far beyond business cards, and its custom T-shirts are a natural extension of its commitment to both business owners and everyday shoppers. With affordable and transparent prices, fast delivery options, a powerful AI design tool, and no-minimum orders on most shirts, it's easy to see why so many people trust VistaPrint for their custom apparel. Add in the ability to order matching promo products, and you've got a reliable one-stop solution for your business (or your bachelorette party).
Very Good
Founded in 2002 in Germany, Spreadshirt has grown into one of the leading e-commerce platforms for on-demand printing. Whether you're buying one personalized shirt or managing a full shop with custom designs, you'll find lots of ways to make it your own. With over 5.5 million products printed and 100,000 active sellers, you're in good company here.
Easy to design (but watch the price)
Designing your own shirt here is easy and actually pretty fun. Just click "Design Your T-Shirt," pick from more than 100 styles and colors, then upload your photo or choose from their million-plus free designs. Add some text, toss it in the basket, and you're ready to roll. We had a good time playing around with themes like "Crew" and "Star" or browsing bestsellers in the "Hot on Socials" category like "Sometimes I talk to myself and we both laugh." You can also add extras - like printing on both sleeves or the back - but be warned, each add-on increases the price quickly. A fully-loaded design landed us at $53.99 for a basic men's T-shirt. Ouch.
No minimums, but discounts when you order more
Still, you don't need to worry about meeting any minimums here. Order one shirt or a hundred, and if you're buying in bulk, discounts kick in starting at just three items for certain products (like baby clothes or cushion covers) or six items for most others. The bigger the order, the bigger the savings: for example, 10 men's T-shirts scored us a 20% discount. Shipping is straightforward too, with options ranging from about $5.99 for standard (7-10 days) to express (around 5 days).
Generous with returns
We also like Spreadshirt's 90-day hassle-free return policy. One reviewer shared how they were told to simply donate the too-large shirts they received rather than send them back - all in the name of green practices. That kind of attitude makes a lasting impression (no pun intended).
Reputation is definitely trending upward
Spreadshirt has come a long way from where it was just a few years ago. Once sitting near the bottom of our list, this custom T-shirt service has really turned things around. Today, customer satisfaction is way up, averaging 4.1 stars across more than 16,000 reviews on Trustpilot. They've also got an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, with only 10 complaints in the last three years. That's impressive, and it shows that Spreadshirt isn't just making shirts - they're making things right when problems come up. A few reviewers did mention glitches with the website (like login problems or saved designs disappearing), but customer service was responsive, if not always lightning-fast. With that said, the vast majority of shoppers walked away happy - and most said they'll order again.
A custom T-shirt shop we can recommend now
Spreadshirt isn't perfect, but it's gone from "maybe skip this one" to a solid choice for custom T-shirts. Yes, the price can climb fast if you get carried away with design extras, but between the easy-to-use tools, eco-friendly and hassle-free return policy, and major improvements in customer satisfaction, this company has earned its place much higher on our list.
Very Good
Contrary to what their official timeline might suggest, the story of Underground Printing actually began back in 1992 when co-founders Rishi Narayan and Ryan Gregg met in 6th grade. After years of friendship, small business experiments, and even a few broken eyeglasses, the duo landed on screen printing as their big idea during college at the University of Michigan. From those early days working out of a garage next to a couple of golden retrievers and a beat-up Chevy, they grew their venture into one of the nation's largest custom apparel providers. Today, Underground Printing (UGP) operates retail stores and offices across the country, with a reputation built on customer service, quality, and convenience.
Huge variety of apparel and more
UGP makes over 2.4 million custom products every year, so you're definitely not limited to T-shirts here. Their catalog spans outerwear, athletic gear, corporate apparel, sweatshirts, pants, hats, bags, drinkware, office supplies, and accessories. You'll also find plenty of American-made options if that's important to you. The brand partnerships add even more appeal: Nike, Champion, and The North Face are just a few of the big names they work with.
Easy-to-use design studio
One of the big perks of shopping with Underground Printing is how approachable their design tools are. Whether you're creating a shirt from scratch or working off one of their thousands of templates, you can jump right in with minimal effort. Upload your own artwork, add text, or experiment with clip art until you get it just right. If you've ever struggled with clunky design platforms at other companies, you'll probably appreciate how seamless this one feels. Still not sure? Just reach out to UGP and one of their designers will gladly work with you until you've got your custom T-shirts picture-perfect.
Transparent (but sometimes tricky) pricing
Prices at Underground Printing depend on garment choice, order size, printing method, and colors. They're upfront that larger orders bring the best deals, but we found that getting an exact quote for a single shirt can feel unnecessarily complicated. You often have to filter by items without minimums, pick specific colors, and then go through the design process just to find out what it'll cost. And, unfortunately, at the time of our visit, the "Get a Quick Quote" link on one shirt preview didn't actually take us anywhere. (Crazier still, when we clicked on the Reliable Basic short-sleeve T-shirt to start getting pricing ideas... it took us to the Port West Bizflame Rain FR Bomber Jacket. Definitely not basic - or a T-shirt.) It took some trial and error, but we finally found a basic Gildan T-shirt priced at $33.78 for a one-off order, available for delivery in about two weeks. And, shipping is always included in the price, which is a nice touch compared to other companies that tack on extra fees at checkout.
Satisfaction guaranteed
Mistakes can happen with custom orders, and UGP backs up every purchase with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If your order doesn't come out the way you designed it, you have 15 days to reach out, and they'll either replace the items or refund you in full. That's a reassuring policy, especially when you're committing to a large order.
What real customers are saying
For a long time, UGP felt a little too "underground" when it came to reviews. That's not the case anymore. With nearly 300 reviews across Yelp locations, the company averages an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers frequently mention the quality of the apparel (even compared to competitors), quick shipping, and helpful service reps who fix issues quickly. One repeat buyer highlighted how UGP's staff handled a shipping hiccup right away, while another praised the durability of sweatshirts that held up after a year of regular wear. Plus, the BBB gives Underground Printing a perfect "A+" rating. That said, not every experience has been perfect. A few customers have reported issues with uneven print placement or inconsistent quality. While UGP's customer service team does respond promptly - often offering refunds or discounts - the fact that mistakes slip through at all is something to be aware of.
Better than average for both bulk and single-shirt orders
Underground Printing is a strong contender if you want an easy design process, a wide variety of products, and the peace of mind of a satisfaction guarantee. Their track record with customer reviews is far more reassuring than it used to be, though occasional slip-ups still keep us from ranking them among the very best. Whether you're ordering in bulk or just a few custom T-shirts and want reliable service with a personal touch, UGP is worth a closer look.
Good
Zazzle has come a long way since we last checked in. What used to be one of the lowest-ranked custom T-shirt retailers is now moving up in the ratings, thanks to a huge expansion in inventory, fresh design trends, and an impressive community of creators. With more than two decades in business, partnerships with over 500 global brands (including Disney, Getty Images, and even the US Armed Forces), and a customer base of more than 30 million, Zazzle is more than just another T-shirt site - it's a full marketplace connecting customers, creators, and makers.
Huge variety of designs and templates
When you shop here, you'll notice that most of the designs come from independent creators. That means you get everything from playful Bootleg 90's Style T-shirts (seriously, Google it if you haven't seen them) to minimalist graphics and personalized templates. One designer we looked at had more than 31,000 positive ratings, which shows just how active and trusted Zazzle's community has become.
Creating your own custom shirt is (relatively) straightforward
If you'd rather design your own, Zazzle's step-by-step tool makes it pretty painless. You pick a base style (like short sleeve, long sleeve, ringer, or even a 3/4 sleeve; nothing fancy like performance fabrics or The North Face branded tees), click "Customize This Design," and upload your own images or choose from built-in icons and design elements. You can even add layers and text, all from your computer or phone. Once you're satisfied, you hit "Done," add it to your cart, and check out. It's that easy (in theory... more on that later). Plus, once your shirt is finished, you can slap that same design onto a tote bag, a denim jacket, or even a baby blanket without starting from scratch.
Pricing and shipping? You'll need an account
Unfortunately, Zazzle's final pricing isn't super transparent. You have to create an account just to see final costs, and the AI chatbot doesn't make it any easier - it couldn't give us even a basic shipping estimate. Zazzle does offer a "Plus" membership for $19.99+ per year, which gives you free shipping, but that's only worth it if you plan to order multiple times.
Satisfaction guarantee (with caveats)
Zazzle promises 100% satisfaction - if you don't love it, they'll exchange, credit, or refund your custom T-shirt order within 30 days. If your order arrives damaged or defective, they'll cover return shipping. For anything else, though, you'll pay to send it back yourself. Some shoppers have complained about being offered store credit instead of refunds, which was especially disappointing if their package never showed up in the first place.
Some mixed signals, reputation-wise
We weren't thrilled to see that Zazzle has a "D-" rating with the BBB for failing to respond to 22 complaints. But over on Trustpilot, nearly 26,000 reviewers give the store an average of 4.5 stars (79% 5-stars, 10% 1-star). Customers rave about quality and designs - often talking specifically about T-shirts - but negative reviews mention issues like faded colors, poor print quality after washing, and slow or unhelpful customer support. On the bright side, Zazzle reps are active on Trustpilot and usually follow up to make things right - though not always right away.
A little better than average - but a big jump up from last place
Zazzle isn't flawless: the not-helpful AI chat and some lackluster customer service responses may leave you frustrated. But if you want a massive library of trending T-shirt designs - or if you're excited to create your own and maybe even sell it - this marketplace gives you plenty of options. With its expanded inventory, responsive creator communities, and solid design tool, Zazzle has earned its bump up in our ratings.
Average
Established in 2013, Canva has grown into a leading online design platform, helping people worldwide create digital and print projects with ease. It's known for having a user-friendly design editor, a huge library of graphics and images, and the ability to collaborate in real time.
User-friendly design tools
For custom T-shirts, Canva offers a simple design experience, and getting started is straightforward. You can:
On the digital side, Canva really shines. The drag-and-drop editor, font library, brand kit options, and device compatibility make it easy to create polished designs quickly. Advanced features like a one-click background remover and a color palette generator add extra flexibility. Just be aware that you can print on the front, back, or both, but not on sleeves.
Safety and sustainability
All Canva T-shirts use Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing with certified Safe-for-Children inks. This method is cost-effective for small runs, produces vibrant full-color prints, and reduces garment waste since you can order only the number of shirts you need - no minimum required. Canva also emphasizes sustainability by planting a tree for every order, supporting mangrove and forest restoration in countries like Kenya, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Haiti.
Limited T-shirt styles, many templates are pay-to-view
Here is where Canva falls short compared to other custom T-shirt providers. Only one basic style is available for men, women, youth, toddlers, and infants - no long sleeves, performance fabrics, or alternative necklines. For someone who wants variety in shirt types, this is a major limitation. In addition, many of the top ready-to-use templates for T-shirt design are only available with a Canva Pro account, which costs about $120 per year. This makes it less accessible for casual users who just want quick design help - especially when compared with rival custom apparel shops who give you access to pros who can tweak (or create) your design for free.
Fixed-price shirts, free standard shipping
Another downside? At Canva, all shirts are $25 each, regardless of size or gender, with bulk discounts available for larger orders: 10% off for 6-19 shirts, 15% off for 20+. While the cost is pretty high given the super-basic styles of those T-shirts, free standard shipping softens the blow.
Good reputation overall, but what about T-shirts specifically?
Canva enjoys a strong reputation as a company, even earning an "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau, which speaks to its overall trustworthiness and responsiveness. That said, when it comes to T-shirts specifically, there's less clarity. Because apparel isn't their primary focus, it's harder to find detailed feedback on how well shirts hold up after multiple washes, whether colors stay true to what appeared on screen, or how consistent sizing feels. While customers generally praise the design experience, the T-shirts themselves feel like an afterthought compared with Canva's broader design offerings. And with no reviews to be found on Canva's T-shirt pages, we're all left in the dark.
Not bad, but doesn't really compete with custom T-shirt specialists
Canva is a powerhouse for digital design and makes T-shirt creation simple, eco-friendly, and visually appealing. However, its limited shirt styles and paywall for most popular templates keep it from being a top choice if your main goal is creating unique and varied T-shirts. It's a decent option for designers who want an easy way to transfer artwork to fabric, but if you're focusing solely on T-shirt printing, other sites offer far more flexibility.
Average
If you've been looking for a company with deep roots in the custom T-shirt industry, 4imprint is one of the biggest names you'll come across. Founded back in 1985 in London, this company has grown into a global player, serving customers in the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada. And if you're thinking beyond apparel, the site also covers categories like drinkware, tech, outdoor items, candy, awards, signage, and even home tools. If you can picture your logo on it, chances are 4imprint sells it. Surprised that such a long-standing retailer (still) only gets an "average" rating from us? We'll show you why.
A huge catalog at your fingertips
One thing you can't knock 4imprint for is variety. The T-shirt section alone has over 1,400 options for men, women, youth, toddlers, and babies. To make it easier on your conscience, the site also has "Better Choices" filters so you can narrow your selection to shirts made with sustainable cotton or items from better-certified workplaces.
How your shirt comes to life
When it comes to customization, 4imprint keeps the process straightforward. You can choose to print on the front (pocket or full), back, and sleeves - though be prepared for prices to go up with every extra color and print location. If you don't have finished artwork, you don't have to panic: their design pros will refine or even create your logo for free, and you'll always get a complimentary e-proof before production. Better yet, free samples are available so you can check sizing (and show off to your colleagues?) before committing to a bulk order. That's a nice touch, especially if you're nervous about pulling the trigger.
Pricing and minimums are definitely geared towards bulk orders
Here's where 4imprint shows both strengths and weaknesses. Prices can look very attractive at first glance - the lowest we found was $3.99 per shirt - but that was only if we ordered 1,008 shirts at once. Minimums are still in play, though they've improved a little: many styles require at least 12 pieces, down from the old threshold of 18. So yes, you can buy fewer than before, but this isn't the best place if you only want a couple of T-shirts. Shipping, at least, is always free, no matter how much you order.
Strong promises with their "Certain Guarantee"
4imprint offers one of the most aggressive satisfaction policies around:
It sounds great on paper, and for some customers, this guarantee really does come through.
You'll find polar opposites in customers' reviews
How about this store's reputation? With decades of experience, an "A+" rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, and an enormous selection of products, 4imprint certainly looks impressive at first glance. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find that customer experiences are split right down the middle - making this a classic "love it or hate it" option. On Trustpilot, for example, 4imprint only averages 2.9 stars across 100+ ratings. Some customers rave: "We've been ordering for years… they never disappoint. Shirts are soft, embroidery and screen printing are top-notch. They even replaced a whole order that we messed up - free of charge. That's integrity." Others are just as blunt in the opposite direction: "My second order never came, no customer service reply. My third order vanished too. Maybe you have to spend big to matter. For small orders, this company is a joke." And, those comments were left within just a few days of each other. That's the reality here: your experience might be flawless, or it might be frustrating from start to finish.
"Just average" rating because of awesome vs. awful customer experiences
4imprint has the history, product selection, and guarantees to make them look like one of the best custom T-shirt providers online. They've lowered some of their minimums, they'll happily send you free samples, and their BBB record couldn't be cleaner. But with such mixed customer reviews, you're taking a gamble when you order here. If you're placing a big order and want to see what free samples look like before committing, 4imprint could be worth a shot. Otherwise, you might feel safer going with one of the more consistently reliable custom T-shirt retailers on our list. And, if you're just looking for a cutesy one-off run for a special event (like six "bride squad" shirts for the bachelorette night or a family cruise matchy-matchy look), 4imprint won't even be an option.
Weak
CafePress has been around since 1999, once considered one of the pioneers of online custom merchandise. Known for its marketplace of pre-made designs and the option to create your own T-shirts and other items, the company built a reputation for quirky gifts and creative apparel. Unfortunately, what used to be a go-to platform for fun custom gear has slipped dramatically in recent years, and it's now at the very bottom of our list of custom T-shirt services. Read on to see why.
Wide variety of products
It's true that CafePress carries more than just T-shirts. You'll find everything from baby onesies and dog apparel to drinkware, home decor, even stationery and beyond. T-shirt styles cover men, women, kids, and even maternity fits, with prices ranging from about $19.99 to $59.99 depending on the garment. Sizes above XL usually come with an upcharge, and bulk orders don't come with much of a discount - so this isn't the most cost-effective option if you need bargain shirts for a team or event.
Limited customization tools
CafePress keeps things fairly basic when it comes to design. You can upload an image and add text in a variety of fonts and colors, but image placement is locked to the front center or pocket area of a shirt. The preview tool is handy for catching obvious problems, but compared to competitors that let you design sleeves, backs, or offer embroidery, CafePress feels outdated and restrictive. There isn't even an image gallery you can use to get started: if you don't have one to upload, you're out of luck here.
Shipping and returns are average
Orders are supposed to ship within 1-2 days of manufacturing plus up to 9 days in transit, with shipping fees starting around $6 (but you'll see your actual amount in the checkout, since it varies based on what you're ordering and how many). CafePress does offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee with returns or exchanges, but it isn't clear whether you'll have to pay for return shipping yourself.
Troubling customer feedback
Here's where CafePress really falls apart. Across nearly 200,000 Trustpilot reviews, the company averages only about 3 stars, with complaints far outweighing praise:
Positive reviews do exist, noting that shirts are soft and prints can be high-quality when orders arrive as expected - but the inconsistency makes CafePress a gamble.
Ownership changes and data breaches
CafePress has also gone through major upheaval. In 2020, its assets were purchased by PlanetArt, and the original business was renamed "Residual Pumpkin Entity" - which doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Worse, the brand has been hit by serious data breaches, including one in 2019 and another in 2024, raising concerns about customer privacy and account safety.
Last-place pick for custom T-shirts
There's no denying CafePress has history in the custom T-shirt market and still offers a huge catalog of designs. But with all of the issues we've highlighted, it's no longer a safe or dependable choice. We recommend that you stick with one of the higher-rated services on our list when you're ready to order your T-shirts.
Continued from above...
Shopping for custom T-shirts has come a long way from what it used to be. Not that long ago, if you wanted to get shirts made for a family reunion, a sports team, or even just for fun, you'd have to find a local print shop, bring in your design on a disk or a piece of paper, and then wait days (sometimes weeks) while they set up the equipment. It was often expensive, the minimum order was high, and if you only needed a few shirts you were usually out of luck. For many people, the whole process just wasn't worth the hassle.
Fast forward to today, and everything has changed. The rise of online retailers has made custom T-shirt ordering accessible to just about anyone. You can create your design right on the company's website, upload your own graphics, add text, and preview the finished product instantly. Instead of needing to buy dozens of shirts to make it worthwhile, most online stores now let you order as few as one or two, often at surprisingly reasonable prices. And thanks to advances in printing technology - like direct-to-garment printing and heat transfers - the finished shirts look professional, feel comfortable, and last through wash after wash.
Another major change is the sheer variety you'll find online. In the past, you might only be able to choose a basic cotton T-shirt in a few colors and sizes. Now you'll find retailers offering hundreds of styles, from slim-fit tees and long-sleeved shirts to performance fabrics, organic cotton, and even specialty apparel like hoodies, hats, or headbands. Whether you're looking to design something for a corporate event, a fundraiser, or just for yourself, you can usually find the exact type of garment you want, in the size and shade you're picturing.
Trends in custom T-shirt shopping also reflect how much people like to express themselves and connect with others. Personalized apparel has become a staple for small businesses promoting their brand, influencers building their merch lines, and even individuals creating one-off designs to celebrate life events (girls' cruise, anyone?). The ease of ordering online has fueled this growth, since you don't need to invest in a large inventory or deal with the risk of leftover stock - you can just order what you need, when you need it. Some retailers even integrate with e-commerce platforms, making it possible for you to design a shirt and start selling it online almost instantly.
Of course, with so many options, it can be tough to figure out which custom T-shirt retailer is the best fit (pun intended) for you. Some companies specialize in bulk orders, while others focus on single-piece customization. Pricing can vary widely, as can turnaround times. And while many online shops promise high-quality printing, not all of them deliver. That's why it helps to have a clear way to compare your options before you commit. So, keep these factors in mind:
Ordering custom T-shirts has never been easier, and there's no shortage of online stores ready to help you bring your ideas to life. To save you the time and trouble of trying them all yourself, Top Consumer Reviews has done the research: we've ranked today's most popular custom T-shirt retailers, highlighting which ones deliver the best quality, the fastest turnaround, and the greatest value - and which ones might not be worth your money. Whether you're ordering one shirt or a hundred, have fun bringing your ideas to life!
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