<p>This is one of those topics where most online articles get the basics right but miss the nuances that matter on the production floor. I've been making custom t since 2008. Here's what I'd tell a friend if they were starting a brand tomorrow.</p># Custom T-Shirt Manufacturer Guide
The t-shirt is the most fundamental garment in fashion. But 'custom t-shirt' covers an enormous range: from $5 promotional basics to $50 premium streetwear tees. Getting the fabric, construction, and print right makes the difference between a product customers love and one they discard.
T-Shirt Fabric Guide
Cotton
100% Cotton: The classic. Breathable, comfortable, print-friendly. Quality varies enormously by cotton grade.
Blends
50/50 Cotton-Polyester: Balanced breathability and durability. Less prOne to shrinkage than 100% cotton.
60/40 Cotton-Polyester: Slightly more natural feel while maintaining polyester benefits.
Tri-Blend (50/25/25 Cotton/Polyester/Rayon): Ultra-soft, vintage look. Popular in premium casual market.
Performance Fabrics
100% Polyester: Moisture-wicking, quick-dry, lightweight. Used for athletic and performance tees.
CVC (Chief Value Cotton): Mostly cotton blend, feels like cotton but has polyester durability benefits.
T-Shirt Weight (GSM) Guide
| Weight | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 120-150 GSM | Lightweight | Warm climates, promotional |
| 160-180 GSM | Mid-weight | Standard everyday tees |
| 180-200 GSM | Regular | Premium basics, streetwear |
| 200-220 GSM | Heavy | Premium streetwear |
| 220-280 GSM | Heavyweight | Luxury streetwear, boxy tees |
T-Shirt Construction
Crew Neck: Classic round neckline. Universal appeal. Most common by far.
V-Neck: More formal/casual hybrid. Popular in European markets.
Drop Shoulder: Modern streetwear fit. Sleeve seam falls off the shoulder point.
Boxy Fit: Wide, relaxed body. Dominant in streetwear since 2022.
Cropped: Shorter hem, popular in women's streetwear and Y2K aesthetic.
Customization
Screen Printing: Best for bold graphics, unlimited print area. Most common for t-shirts.
DTG (Direct to Garment): Full-color photographic prints on cotton. Soft feel, no minimum quantity.
Embroidery: Premium chest logo. Works best on structured fabrics, not thin tees.
Heat Transfer (DTF): Good for complex designs, small quantities. Slight plastic feel.
Finding a Quality Manufacturer
**Minimum viable requirements:**
**MOQ considerations:**
Pricing
| Weight | MOQ 50 | MOQ 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 160 GSM 100% cotton | $6-10 | $4-7 |
| 180 GSM combed cotton | $8-14 | $5-10 |
| 220 GSM heavyweight | $12-18 | $8-14 |
| 200 GSM tri-blend | $12-20 | $8-15 |
Contact Mughal Apparel for custom t-shirt manufacturing. MOQ 50 pieces, ring-spun cotton available.
About the Author
Salman AhmadManaging Director
Salman leads Mughal Apparel's strategy and global client relationships. 17+ years in apparel manufacturing, based in Daska, Sialkot District.
Meet the full team →Tags:
Ready to Start Manufacturing?
Get a free quote from Mughal Apparel. MOQ 50 pieces. Response within 24 hours.
Get Free Quote
