How to Order Custom Shirts for Large Groups (Bulk T Shirt Ordering Guide 2026)
Bulk Ordering for Large Groups
Ordering custom shirts for a big group can feel overwhelming at first. There are sizes to collect, designs to finalize, deadlines to hit, and about a hundred tiny decisions in between.
The good news is that bulk t shirt ordering does not have to be complicated. In fact, when it’s done right, it can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of planning your event, outfitting your team, or bringing your group together.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly how to order custom shirts for large groups, step by step, so you can feel confident, stay organized, and end up with something everyone is excited to wear.
What Is Bulk T Shirt Ordering?
Bulk t shirt ordering simply means purchasing a large quantity of custom shirts at once, with the same design printed across all garments.
Ordering in bulk comes with some big advantages:
Lower cost per shirt
Consistent, professional look across your group
Streamlined production process
Better print quality for larger runs
This is why bulk orders are perfect for:
Company swag and team apparel
School spirit wear
Family reunions
Fundraisers and events
Clubs, organizations, and group trips
If you have a group of 20, 50, or even 500 people, bulk ordering is the smartest and most cost-effective way to go.
Step-by-Step: How to Order Custom Shirts for Large Groups
Step 1 – Determine Your Quantity
Start by figuring out how many shirts you actually need. This impacts everything from pricing to printing method.
A quick tip we always share with customers: order a few extras. People forget to submit sizes, last-minute additions happen, and having a small buffer saves stress later.
Step 2 – Choose the Right Shirt Style
Not all shirts are created equal. Think about your audience and how the shirts will be used.
Ask yourself:
Is this for a one-day event or long-term wear?
Do you want a budget-friendly option or something premium?
Would your group prefer t-shirts, long sleeves, or hoodies?
We help customers choose styles every day, and it makes a huge difference in how the final product feels and wears.
Step 3 – Finalize Your Design
This is where your vision really comes to life.
You will want to think about:
Logo or graphic placement
Color combinations
Front, back, or sleeve prints
Design size and readability
If you already have artwork, great. If not, this is where working with a design team makes a huge difference.
At The Awesome Company, our in-house design team helps you:
Create custom artwork from scratch
Clean up and refine existing designs
Choose colors that print well on your selected garments
Mock up your shirts so you can see exactly what you are getting
A strong design is what turns a basic shirt into something people actually want to keep and wear.
Step 4 – Pick the Best Printing Method
For bulk t shirt ordering, the printing method matters.
The two most common options we recommend are:
Screen Printing
This is the gold standard for bulk orders. It is cost-effective at higher quantities, produces vibrant colors, and holds up extremely well over time.
DTF (Direct to Film)
This is a great option for designs with a lot of detail or multiple colors. It allows for flexibility without sacrificing quality.
We guide our customers through this decision based on their design, quantity, and budget so they get the best result possible.
Step 5 – Set Your Timeline
Timing is everything, especially for events.
Bulk orders typically require time for:
Design approval
Production
Quality checks
Our advice is simple: order earlier than you think you need to. This gives you breathing room and ensures everything arrives on time without stress.
Step 6 – Place Your Order
Once everything is finalized, it’s time to place your order.
You will typically need:
Size breakdown (S through 3XL or more)
Total quantities
Finalized artwork
Deadline or event date
We make this process incredibly smooth by walking you through each step and double-checking everything before production begins.
How Much Does Bulk T Shirt Ordering Cost?
Pricing depends on a few key factors:
Total quantity
Number of ink colors in your design
Type of garment
Number of print locations
The good news is that the more you order, the lower your cost per shirt becomes. That is one of the biggest advantages of bulk t shirt ordering.
At The Awesome Company, we keep pricing transparent and help you find options that fit your budget without sacrificing quality.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering in Bulk
We have seen it all, and these are the most common pitfalls:
Ordering too few shirts and running out
Not double-checking size breakdowns
Using low-quality artwork that does not print well
Waiting too long to start the process
Choosing the wrong printing method for your design
Avoiding these mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration.
Why Choose The Awesome Company for Bulk T Shirt Ordering
There are a lot of places you can order shirts. What makes us different is how hands-on and collaborative we are with every customer.
When you work with us, you get:
High-quality printing that lasts
Expert guidance on styles, design, and printing methods
A real design team that brings your ideas to life
Clear communication from start to finish
A process that actually feels easy and enjoyable
We are not just here to print shirts. We are here to help you create something your group will be proud to wear.
Bulk Ordering for Events: Making It Memorable
Custom shirts are more than just apparel. They create a shared experience.
We have seen it at company events, family reunions, school functions, and community gatherings. People hold onto these shirts for years because they represent a moment, a memory, and a connection.
When done right, your shirts become part of the story.
Let’s get an order started!
Bulk t shirt ordering does not have to be stressful or complicated. With the right guidance, it can be a smooth, creative, and even fun process.
If you are planning an event, outfitting a team, or bringing a group together, we would love to help.
Start your order today, work with our design team, and let’s create something awesome together.
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Typically, anything over 20 shirts is considered a bulk order, though price breaks usually improve as quantities increase.
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Most pricing tiers improve at 50, and 100+ units, depending on the project.
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Screen printing is usually the best option for bulk orders because it is cost-effective and durable.
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Production times vary, but most bulk orders take around 1 to 2 weeks after design approval.
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Yes, you can mix sizes easily. Mixing styles is possible too, but it may affect pricing depending on the garments selected.
