Blog / How to Start a T-Shirt Wholesale Business?
How to Start a T-Shirt Wholesale Business?
Starting a t-shirt wholesale business is one of the easiest ways to break into apparel without needing your own factory. Whether you plan to sell to print shops, boutiques, event organizers, or online sellers, the key is choosing the right blanks, suppliers, and buying strategy from day one.
What Do You Need Before Starting a T-Shirt Wholesale Business?
Before you buy your first box of tees, you need a basic plan. Start by defining your niche. Decide who you are selling to and why they should buy from you. Some common wholesale buyers include print shops, small retail brands, pop-up vendors, schools, and online sellers.
Next, make sure your business is set up legally. This usually means registering your business, getting a resale certificate, and understanding local tax rules. Finally, plan your first inventory carefully. You do not need to buy everything at once. Many new wholesalers start by sourcing popular styles from reliable platforms like Jiffy’s blank apparel catalog.
Do you need a business license to sell wholesale t-shirts?
In most states, yes. A business license and resale certificate are typically required to buy and sell wholesale apparel legally.
How much starting inventory should you buy at first?
Start small. Test a few best-selling styles, colors, and sizes before committing to large quantities.
How to Choose the Right Wholesale T-Shirt Supplier
Your supplier can make or break your business. A reliable wholesale supplier should offer consistent stock levels, quality materials, fast shipping, clear pricing, easy returns, and a wide range of brands and sizes.
Look for suppliers that specialize in blanks and understand decorators’ needs. This guide on where to start with blank apparel breaks down what to look for when choosing a partner.
How do you check if a supplier has consistent stock?
Look for real-time inventory updates, multiple warehouse locations, and size run availability across colors.
Do they offer both budget and premium t-shirt options?
A strong supplier offers entry-level tees and premium styles so you can serve different customer budgets.
Best T-Shirt Fabrics for a Wholesale Business
Fabric choice matters more than most beginners expect. Cotton tees are affordable and easy to print. Ring-spun cotton offers a softer feel and smoother print surface. Poly blends and triblends are lightweight and popular for fashion brands. Heavyweight tees are durable and retail-ready, while lightweight tees are breathable and cost-effective.
Different fabrics react differently to printing methods, so knowing your customer’s decoration needs helps you stock smarter.
Which fabrics work best for DTF, HTV, or screen printing?
Cotton and ring-spun cotton work well across most printing methods. Blends require more care but offer great comfort.
Should beginners start with midweight or ringspun tees?
Midweight ring-spun tees are a safe starting point because they balance cost, softness, and print quality.
Top T-Shirt Brands Used by Wholesale Buyers
Wholesale buyers tend to trust brands that are consistent, affordable, and easy to decorate. Some of the most popular blank brands include Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Hanes, Next Level, Jerzees, and Comfort Colors.
Each brand serves a slightly different audience. Gildan is known for value and durability, Hanes for everyday reliability, and Jerzees for fleece and athletic options. You can learn more about these brands in guides like why we love Gildan, why we love Hanes, and why we love Jerzees.
Which brands offer smooth surfaces for high-detail printing?
Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and ring-spun Gildan styles are known for smooth print surfaces.
Which brands have the widest color options and size ranges?
Gildan and Hanes typically offer the broadest color and size availability.
Where to Buy Wholesale T-Shirts Online?
When buying wholesale online, compare suppliers based on price transparency, shipping speed, warehouse coverage, catalog depth, reviews, and customer support. A good platform should make pricing clear and allow you to order without strict minimums.
Many wholesalers choose platforms like Jiffy because it combines fast shipping, wide brand selection, and no minimum order requirements. This overview explains why Jiffy is a one-stop shop for wholesale apparel.
Does the site offer fast shipping and no minimums?
Fast shipping and low minimums help you manage cash flow and fulfill orders quickly.
Do they give clear pricing for bulk buyers?
Clear pricing helps you calculate margins without hidden costs.
How to Pick the Right T-Shirt Style for Your Business
Different customers want different styles. Crewnecks are the most versatile and popular. V-necks work well for retail brands. Long sleeves and hoodies are great for seasonal sales. Youth tees serve schools and teams. Pocket tees and oversized fits appeal to fashion-forward buyers.
This guide on best basic tees for everyday decorating helps narrow down which styles to stock.
Which styles work best for events or retail brands?
Crewnecks and relaxed fits are popular for events, while oversized and premium styles work well for retail.
Should you offer both lightweight and heavyweight tees?
Yes. Offering both gives customers flexibility for different use cases and seasons.
How Bulk Pricing Works in the Wholesale T-Shirt Market
Wholesale pricing usually improves as order quantity increases. Price breaks reduce cost per unit, but shipping fees and warehouse location also affect final cost. Always calculate landed cost, not just shirt price.
Buying too much inventory too soon can tie up cash, so balance price breaks with realistic demand.
What quantity gives the best price without over-stocking?
Mid-tier bulk quantities often offer the best balance between savings and flexibility.
How do shipping zones affect final cost?
Closer warehouses reduce shipping costs and delivery time.
Test Your T-Shirts Before Buying Large Quantities
Testing is a step many beginners skip and later regret. Always test print your blanks to check wash durability, color retention, print stretch, and shrinkage. Ordering samples from Jiffy’s blank apparel selection makes testing easy.
Does the print crack or fade after the first wash?
If it does, the fabric or printing method may not be a good fit for wholesale.
How much shrinkage should you expect from 100% cotton?
Expect some shrinkage unless the shirt is pre-shrunk, especially after the first wash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to buy t-shirts wholesale online?
Reliable platforms with wide selection, fast shipping, and clear pricing like Jiffy are popular choices.
Which t-shirt brands are best for printing?
Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Hanes, and Jerzees are commonly used by printers.
Do I need a lot of money to start a t-shirt wholesale business?
No. Many businesses start small by testing styles before scaling inventory.
What fabric should I choose for bulk t-shirt printing?
Ring-spun cotton or cotton blends are versatile and beginner friendly.
How can I avoid bad-quality t-shirt blanks?
Order samples, test wash, and work with trusted suppliers.
Starting a t-shirt wholesale business does not require massive upfront investment, but it does require smart sourcing and testing. By choosing reliable suppliers, understanding fabrics, and buying intentionally, you set yourself up for long-term success.