Guides // Ordering
Custom team uniform minimums, explained
Short answer
Most custom apparel starts at a minimum of about 12 to 24 pieces, and the exact number depends on the product and the decoration method. Screen printing usually has a higher minimum than embroidery because the setup cost is spread across the run. Small teams, volunteer groups, and nonprofits can often order below the typical minimum, so it is always worth asking.
Why minimums exist
Custom decoration has a fixed setup cost. Screen printing requires burning a screen for each ink color, so a run of 12 shirts and a run of 200 shirts carry a similar setup. That setup is why very small runs cost more per piece and why printers set a minimum.
Embroidery works differently. The setup is digitizing your logo once, then each piece is stitched. Minimums on embroidery are often lower than on screen printing for that reason.
How to keep a small order affordable
If your group is small, DTF transfers can be more cost-effective than screen printing because there is no per-color screen to burn. For a handful of pieces, embroidery or DTF usually beats screen printing on price.
Combining orders also helps. If two teams or a team and its coaching staff order together, you clear the minimum and everyone pays less per piece.
Small teams and nonprofits
We keep minimums low for small volunteer groups and nonprofits so a ten-person team can look uniform without overbuying. If you have a small run, ask anyway. We will tell you the exact minimum for your product and the most affordable way to get there.