Blog / Wholesale T-Shirts: How to Source, Price and Sell Profitably
Wholesale T-Shirts: How to Source, Price and Sell Profitably
Wholesale t-shirts are one of the most reliable entry points into apparel sales. Demand stays consistent, startup costs are relatively low, and there are endless ways to sell depending on your niche. If you understand sourcing, pricing, and positioning, wholesale tees can be a steady and scalable business.
What Makes Wholesale T-Shirts a Strong Business Opportunity?
Wholesale t-shirts are in constant demand across multiple industries. Custom printing shops need blanks for client orders. Events rely on shirts for merch and uniforms. Brands use tees for drops and promotions. Sports teams, schools, and online shops all depend on reliable t-shirt supply.
The low barrier to entry makes wholesale appealing. You do not need to manufacture apparel yourself. You can start by sourcing blanks from trusted platforms like Jiffy’s blank apparel selection, then focus on sales and relationships.
Why are wholesale t-shirts so popular for small businesses?
They are easy to store, easy to customize, and easy to resell. One product can serve many different customer types.
What types of customers buy custom or blank t-shirts?
Print shops, boutiques, event planners, schools, sports teams, online brands, and corporate clients all buy wholesale tees.
How to Source the Best Wholesale T-Shirts
Sourcing is about more than price. A strong supplier should have consistent stock, fast shipping, multiple warehouse locations, wide color and size availability, and a clear return policy. Catalog depth also matters so you can grow without switching suppliers.
If you are new to sourcing blanks, this guide on where to start with blank apparel breaks down what to look for before committing.
How do you know if a wholesale supplier is reliable?
Look for real-time inventory visibility, clear shipping timelines, strong reviews, and established brand partnerships.
Should you choose multiple suppliers or one main partner?
Many businesses start with one main supplier for simplicity, then add backups as they scale.
Key Fabrics and T-Shirt Types You Should Know Before Buying Wholesale
Fabric choice directly affects print quality, comfort, and customer satisfaction. Cotton tees are affordable and easy to print. Ringspun cotton is softer and smoother, making it popular for retail. Polyester blends and triblends are lightweight and flexible. Heavyweight tees feel premium, while lightweight tees are breathable and cost effective.
Knowing how each fabric reacts to printing helps you stock smarter.
Is it better to stock lightweight or heavyweight tees?
It depends on your customers. Lightweight tees are great for events and promotions. Heavyweight tees work well for retail brands and merch drops.
The Top Wholesale T-Shirt Brands to Consider in 2025
Certain brands dominate wholesale because they are consistent, decorator friendly, and widely trusted. Popular options include Gildan, Hanes, Bella+Canvas, Jerzees, Next Level, and Comfort Colors.
Gildan is known for affordability and durability. Bella+Canvas focuses on fashion-forward fits and smooth print surfaces. Comfort Colors offers garment-dyed styles with a premium feel. You can explore brand-specific options like Gildan, Bella+Canvas, and Comfort Colors.
Which brands give the smoothest surface for printing?
Bella+Canvas, Next Level, and ringspun Gildan styles are known for smooth, high-detail print results.
Which brands offer the best size and color range?
Gildan and Hanes typically lead in extended sizes and wide color selection.
How to Price Wholesale T-Shirts for Profit
Pricing starts with understanding your total cost. This includes the wholesale shirt price, printing cost, labor, packaging, shipping, and overhead. Once you know your cost per unit, you can set a markup that aligns with your market.
Wholesale pricing often uses lower margins than retail but relies on volume. Platforms like Jiffy help simplify pricing and logistics, as explained in this overview of Jiffy as a one-stop shop.
What’s a healthy profit margin for wholesale t-shirts?
Margins vary, but many wholesalers aim for consistent profit through volume rather than high markup per shirt.
Should you charge differently for retail vs bulk orders?
Yes. Bulk orders usually have lower per-unit pricing, while retail orders can support higher margins.
How Bulk Pricing and Discounts Work in Wholesale T-Shirts
Bulk pricing rewards higher quantities with lower cost per unit. However, shipping fees, warehouse location, and order timing also affect final profit. Buying smarter means calculating landed cost, not just shirt price.
This guide on buying carts together explains how combining orders can unlock better pricing.
How many units do you need to buy to get the best price?
Mid-range bulk quantities often provide the best balance between savings and inventory risk.
How do shipping fees change your final profit?
Shipping can quickly eat into margins, especially for heavy or oversized orders, so location matters.
How to Sell Wholesale T-Shirts Successfully?
Selling wholesale is about meeting customers where they already buy. Many sellers use online marketplaces, direct outreach to local businesses, partnerships with print-on-demand shops, event vending, group orders, and brand collaborations.
Niche focus often helps. Teams, schools, fitness studios, and events tend to reorder regularly.
Where can you find your first wholesale t-shirt customers?
Local print shops, small brands, schools, and community organizations are often the easiest starting point.
Should you focus on niche markets like teams or events?
Yes. Niches create repeat business and predictable demand.
Test Printing Before You Commit to Big Orders
Testing saves money and protects your reputation. Always test-print new blanks to check wash durability, color retention, stretch behavior, and overall feel before placing large orders.
Does the print crack or fade after washing?
If it does, the fabric or printing method may not be suitable for wholesale use.
How much shrinkage should you expect from cotton tees?
Some shrinkage is normal, especially on first wash, unless the shirt is pre-shrunk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy wholesale t-shirts online?
Platforms with wide selection, fast shipping, and clear pricing like Jiffy are popular choices.
What t-shirt brands are best for printing?
Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Next Level, Hanes, Jerzees, and Comfort Colors are widely trusted.
How much profit can you make selling wholesale t-shirts?
Profit depends on volume, pricing strategy, and overhead, but many businesses scale steadily over time.
Which fabrics give the best print results?
Ringspun cotton and cotton blends are versatile and decorator friendly.
How do I avoid buying low-quality t-shirt blanks?
Order samples, test wash and print, and work with established suppliers.
Wholesale t-shirts remain a strong business because demand is steady and entry is flexible. With smart sourcing, clear pricing, and testing before scaling, wholesale tees can be a reliable and profitable foundation for long-term growth.