• Whether you’re sourcing bulk t-shirts, men’s or women’s t-shirts, street t-shirts, polo shirts or customized t-shirt styles for your brand, the last thing you want to run into, but can’t avoid, is inconsistencies in quality between samples and bulk shipments, long lead times, or unclear answers from suppliers. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the trouble spots you can encounter during the sourcing process, evaluate suppliers from different perspectives to see if they’re right for your brand, as well as the advantages of working with a factory manufacturer, and introduce you to some reliable partners!

1. What problems do buyers encounter when customizing t-shirts?

• During the purchasing process, it is important to minimize risk and ensure consistency of products in the order, not just to get the lowest price. Here are some of the most common problems reported by buyers:

✅ Inconsistent Quality

• There may be samples that look flawless, but bulk orders arrive with misaligned prints, different fabric textures or poor stitching, making them unsellable. For customized T-shirts, this inconsistency can directly affect brand reputation!

✅ Communication Gaps

• Jet lag, language barriers and lack of transparency can often lead to misunderstandings on product specifications, print placement and even delivery schedules. One miscommunication can delay your entire retail launch.

✅ Hidden Costs and MOQs

• Many traders or middlemen won’t disclose minimum order quantities (MOQs), setup fees, or hidden shipping costs until the deal progresses. This makes budgeting difficult, especially for growing businesses testing new SKUs.

✅ Limited Customization Options

• Some vendors are resellers with no real production capability. As a result, you’re restricted to standard colors, prints, or fabric weights that may not suit your brand’s identity.

✅ Long Lead Times

• When working through layers of intermediaries, production time can stretch unnecessarily. What should take 15 days often turns into 30+, disrupting sales timelines or event deadlines.

2. Why Work with a Factory-Based Manufacturer Instead of a Trader?

While traders might offer a broader catalog, factory-based manufacturers deliver the consistency and transparency B2B buyers rely on.

• Direct Control over Production

Factories own or operate the production line, allowing you to work directly with the people who make your custom T-shirts. This means fewer miscommunications, quicker revisions, and more control over quality.

• Better Customization Capabilities

From cropped T-shirts to oversized fits, fabric dyeing, and label sewing—factories are equipped for deeper customization than trading companies. Whether it’s special cotton blends or Pantone-matched colors, a factory partner can do more than just offer “off-the-shelf” options.

• Transparent Pricing

You’ll usually get better unit pricing with factories, especially for bulk T-shirts. They can quote based on material usage and labor, not inflated resale costs. Plus, you’re less likely to run into hidden fees.

• Shorter Lead Times

Factories have a streamlined workflow and don’t need to outsource everything, meaning your custom T-shirt order can be completed faster—even during peak seasons.

• Certifications and Compliance

Reliable manufacturers offer OEKO-TEX, BSCI and WRAP certifications.

3. What distinguishes a great custom t-shirt manufacturer?

The makers of the top customized t-shirts all have the following in common:

Criteria	Why It Matters
Consistent Fabric Quality	Ensures your products look and feel the same across batches
In-House Sampling	Speeds up prototype and approval cycles
Flexible MOQs	Helps new brands scale up gradually
Strong Communication	Reduces revision rounds and errors
Full Customization	Enables brand-unique cuts, tags, packaging
Proven B2B Experience	Ensures understanding of bulk processes, deadlines, and retail cycles

4. Who Are Some Custom T-Shirt Manufacturers to Consider?

Here are a few manufacturers gaining traction in the B2B space for custom T-shirt production:

✅ Sheen Garment (Our Company)

We are a factory-based manufacturer specializing in custom T-shirts, bulk T-shirts, and fashion-forward cropped T-shirt styles. With over 10 years of experience, we serve clients across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Highlights:

• MOQ starting at 100 pcs per design
• Support for DTG, screen printing, embroidery
• Own sample room & QC team
• Certified OEKO-TEX and BSCI
• Short lead time: 10–20 days for bulk orders

Clients have told us we help them “sleep easier” because they no longer worry about late shipments or inconsistent sizing.

Bella+Canvas (USA)

Well-known for eco-friendly blank T-shirts, good for custom printing. Great quality but relatively higher pricing.

Ningbo X Company

A mid-sized factory with broad offerings, including athletic and casual T-shirts for men. Better suited for large-volume buyers.

DhakaWear

Offers low-cost solutions with high-capacity output. Best for ultra price-sensitive markets, but customization options are limited.

5. How to Evaluate the Right Manufacturer for Your Brand?

Before committing to a factory, ask yourself:

• Do they understand my market segment? (e.g., fashion vs. promotional wear)
• Can they deliver consistent sizing and quality across 1,000+ pcs?
• Do they support multiple decoration methods?
• Are they willing to provide real samples—not mockups?
• Can they communicate fluently and respond within 24 hrs?
• Can they share past customer references or case studies?

6. Case Study: Retail Chain Finds a Reliable Blank T-Shirt Supplier

Client: A fashion retail chain based in Europe with 50+ stores
Challenge: Their previous supplier failed to deliver on-time and with consistent sizing
Solution: Partnered with us (Sheen Garment) for monthly bulk orders of high-quality blank T-shirts
Outcome:

• Sample turnaround reduced from 10 days to 4
• Quality rejection rate dropped from 8% to <1%
• Annual savings of 17% on total sourcing cost
• On-shelf availability improved, boosting Q4 sales by 12%

7. FAQ / Tips for Sourcing T-Shirts

Q1: What’s the usual MOQ for custom T-shirts?
A: It depends on customization level. For printed blanks, we offer 100 pcs/design as a starting point.

Q2: How long is production time?
A: After confirming details, we typically deliver:

7–10 days for samples

10–20 days for bulk wholesale orders

25–35 days for fully custom-developed T-shirts

Q3: Can you match our color exactly?
A: Yes. We offer Pantone matching and can dye fabric to your exact shade.

Q4: Do you offer sustainable options?
A: Absolutely. We can produce T-shirts in organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled poly blends with GOTS and OEKO-TEX certifications.

8. Conclusion & Call to Action

Finding the right custom t-shirt manufacturer isn’t just about comparing prices; it’s about choosing a long-term partner who understands your brand standards, respects your timeline, and can grow with your business.

We work with startups, retail chains (WALMART, TARGET, KOHL’S) and global distributors to provide high-quality bulk t-shirts and fully customized apparel solutions. Ensure transparency, flexibility and consistent quality from the first sample to every shipment.

If you’re tired of order delays, limited customization options or inconsistent sizing, then maybe it’s time to talk to a manufacturer that supports your goals beyond just fulfilling orders!