How to Find a Good Tee Shirt Factory

How to Choose the Right Tee Shirt Factory (And What Most Startups Overlook)

If you’re planning to start a clothing brand, odds are you’ve Googled “best tee shirt factory” more than once—and quickly realised the internet is full of vague promises and conflicting information.

Choosing the right manufacturer isn’t just about ticking boxes on cost and turnaround. It’s about understanding fabrics, fit, MOQ terms, and whether a factory can actually support you as a startup, not just larger wholesale clients.

At IdealabGZ, we’ve helped dozens of first-time founders bring their t-shirt lines to life—without blowing their budget or getting burned by hidden costs.

If you’re still trying to figure out which direction to take, our Garment Sourcing 101course walks you through everything from sampling to supplier negotiation—step by step.

Why Your Tee Shirt Factory Choice Matters More Than You Think

Tee shirts are deceptively simple. They’re not technically complex garments. But because of that, factories often assume there’s nothing to get wrong—which ironically makes it easier to end up with poor stitching, off-centre prints, or fabric that shrinks after one wash.

If you’re trying to start a clothing brand and the tee shirt is your hero product (as it is for many brands), don’t just look for any factory. Look for one that’s set up to execute small runs properly, with fabric knowledge, consistent sizing, and high-quality finishing.

1. Fabric Knowledge: Cotton Is Not All Created Equal

The tee shirt market lives and dies on fabric quality. Your factory needs to understand not just “cotton”—but which type, from where, and how it behaves after dyeing, washing, and wear.

Here are the most common cottons you’ll encounter:

• Regular Cotton: Affordable and widely available, but prone to shrinking and shape loss if not treated or blended correctly.

• Egyptian Cotton: Long-fibre, premium feel, stronger and smoother. Ideal for premium tee shirt lines.

• Pima Cotton: Similar to Egyptian cotton. Known for its softness, colour retention, and durability.

• Organic Cotton: Eco-friendly and chemical-free, often a key selling point for sustainability-focused brands.

A good tee shirt factory should be able to recommend the right cotton for your market and price point—and guide you on fabric sourcing if you don’t already have a supplier.

2. Sizing and Fit: Don’t Assume They Get It Right

Factory sizing is one of the most overlooked aspects for new brands. If you’re working with a tee shirt factory that mostly produces for local markets, be aware that their “M” might not match your customer’s “M”.

What to request:

• A comprehensive size chart (with flat measurements, not just S/M/L)

• Options for custom fit development (oversized, cropped, tapered, etc.)

• Flexibility in grading (especially if you plan to size across genders or markets)

Bonus tip: Always sample multiple sizes before going to bulk production. One good medium sample does not guarantee a full size range works.

3. Printing: Outsourced or In-House, It Has to Be Good

Not all factories handle printing in-house—and that’s okay, if they have reliable print partners and solid quality control.

Ask how the tee shirt factory handles:

• Screen printing: Ideal for bulk orders with bold, simple graphics. Long-lasting and cost-effective at scale.

• Digital (DTG) printing: Better for complex, multicolour designs or smaller runs. Great for startup brands.

• Heat transfer or vinyl: Suitable for customisation, limited runs, or experimental drops.

Also confirm:

• What file formats they require

• How many colours you can include

• Whether Pantone matching is available

• If they provide a print placement template

4. Fabric Options: Cotton Isn’t the Only Player

While cotton dominates the tee shirt game, it’s not your only option. A good tee shirt factory should be able to explain fabric alternatives based on your brand’s goals.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Cotton – Breathable, soft, versatile

• Polyester – Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant

• French Terry – Soft, looped interior

• Linen – Light, airy, fast drying

• Modal/Rayon – Soft drape, modern feel

• Bamboo – Antibacterial, breathable

Matching fabric to your brand’s purpose is key. If you’re targeting streetwear, French terry or heavy jersey might be the better option. Going eco? Organic cotton and bamboo blends are worth exploring.

5. Understanding MOQs: The Real Numbers

Most factories will throw out a number like “MOQ 100” or “MOQ 300” without much explanation. But what they’re really referring to is:

• The MOQ per style

• The MOQ per colour

• The MOQ per fabric type

That “100” might only apply if you use in-stock fabric, standard colours, and a factory-approved fit.

How to negotiate:

• Ask for low-MOQ options using in-stock or leftover fabric

• Combine sizes or colours under one fabric order

• Use digital printing instead of screen (no setup costs)

And remember: low MOQ = higher unit cost. That’s normal. You’re paying for flexibility and lower risk up front.

6. Fabric Yardage & Cutting Fees: Know Before You Quote

Here’s a simple formula most startups miss: For a standard 60-inch fabric width, you’ll need ~1.25 yards per shirt for a basic medium-size tee. Multiply that by 100 units and you’re looking at 125 yards total—not including shrinkage and wastage buffers.

Cutting fee: Expect a fee of $0.50–$1.00 per unit for fabric cutting. This covers machine setup and labour. Don’t be surprised by it—it’s a standard part of the garment production process.

7. Washing Instructions: Not Just a Tag Detail

Ask your tee shirt factory what wash test procedures they follow. Shrinkage, fading, twisting—these are all preventable issues with proper fabric prep and post-wash care.

Cotton tees should ideally be:

• Pre-shrunk or washed before sewing

• Labelled with correct care instructions (machine wash cold, tumble dry low, mild detergent)

Factories that gloss over this are not looking out for your brand long-term.

8. Printing Is Often Outsourced—And That’s Okay

Not every factory prints in-house. In fact, many high-quality tee shirt factories outsource this part of the process to specialised printers with better equipment and expertise.

What matters more than who prints is how the quality is controlled. Make sure:

• You’re shown samples

• They QC every print batch

• The printer has references or a proven track record

Printing is one of the most common pain points for new brands. Don’t rush it.

Summary: What to Ask When Vetting a Tee Shirt Factory

Here’s a checklist you can use when evaluating your options:

✅ Do they have experience with cotton and tee shirt fabric blends?

✅ Can they customise fits and offer full size charts?

✅ Do they offer—or manage—printing in a way that ensures consistency?

✅ Can they explain their MOQs and offer alternatives for small runs?

✅ Will they walk you through sampling, fabric sourcing, and pricing transparently?

If the answer to these is “yes,” you may have found a strong partner.

Want Help Getting Started?

If you’re serious about launching a tee shirt line—or scaling your first test drop—we’ve built Garment Sourcing 101 to guide you through the process.

You’ll learn:

• How to find and vet tee shirt factories

• What to prepare before requesting a quote

• How to understand fabric pricing, MOQ trade-offs, and production timelines

• And how to turn your design idea into a real, ready-to-ship garment

If you’ve got designs or questions, drop us a message at enquiry@idealabgz.com. We’d love to help you get your brand off the ground.