Is a t-shirt business profitable?
How many designs do I need to start a t-shirt business?
How to start a print on demand t-shirt business in 10 steps
Not all t-shirts are created alike! Look through your POD partner's inventory to determine which of their t-shirts best fits your online t-shirt business. Focus on these three elements:
Fabric
Most t-shirt sellers select cotton, polyester, or a blend of both for their material base.
Cotton is soft, comfortable, and durable. If your niche involves eco-conscious customers, offer organic unisex t-shirts made with 100% certified organic ring-spun cotton. This unique fabric is grown naturally without chemical pesticides, fertilizers, or genetic modification. Its production benefits the environment, the farmers, and the communities where it’s produced.
The main drawbacks of cotton t-shirts are their tendency to shrink and fade after more than a few washes. Polyester is better at retaining its size and color over time but tends to pill and hold odors. It can also make wearers uncomfortable in hot weather. Blended fabrics combine the benefits of cotton and polyester but are often expensive to source and can create quality control challenges.
Weight
The fashion industry groups t-shirts into weights based on the thickness of the t-shirt’s fabric. Lightweight t-shirts are soft, breathable, and comfortable. They’re ideal for outdoor activities, workouts, or layering with other garments. Midweight t-shirts offer a good balance of durability and comfort and are less susceptible to shrinking and wrinkling than lightweight shirts. Heavyweight t-shirts are durable and long-lasting. They're best suited for workwear and cooler weather.
Fit
Slim-fit t-shirts are generally snug and tend to be popular with younger buyers. Regular-fit t-shirts have a classic feel that’s suitable for a variety of body types. Relaxed-fit t-shirts offer more room in the chest and waist area. They’re preferred by older buyers most concerned with comfort.
