If you've never ordered custom work shirts before, the process can feel more complicated than it needs to be. This guide covers everything you need to know to get it right the first time — from figuring out how many shirts to order, to getting your logo print-ready, to knowing what questions to ask before you commit.

Start with quantity

The most common mistake first-time buyers make is ordering too few. Custom shirt pricing works on a per-unit basis, and the more you order, the less each shirt costs. The price difference between ordering 12 shirts and 24 shirts can be significant — sometimes as much as 30% per unit.

For a trade crew, a good starting point is two shirts per person. One to wear, one in the wash. If you want your crew looking sharp on every job, three per person is even better. Factor in new hires too — ordering a small buffer saves you from having to place a separate order six months later at a higher per-unit cost.

💡 At Turbo Tees, our 24-Pack starts at $297 flat — that's 24 shirts, front and back print included, mixed sizes at no extra charge. It's our most popular option for trade crews.

Choose your decoration method

For work shirts, you have three main options: screen print, DTF transfer, and embroidery. Each has its place depending on what you're putting on the shirt and how it'll be used.

Screen print

Best for larger orders with simple designs — logos with 1-4 colors, text-based designs, or bold graphics. Screen printing is durable and cost-effective at volume. The print sits on top of the fabric and holds up well through repeated washing and heavy use.

DTF (Direct to Film)

The best option for full-color, complex, or photographic designs. DTF transfers are applied with heat and bond to the fabric at a molecular level. They work on virtually any fabric color and don't require a minimum order, which makes them ideal for smaller crews or mixed-size orders. Turbo Tees uses DTF for most rush orders.

Embroidery

The premium option. Embroidered logos look professional on polos, hats, and jackets — especially for customer-facing roles. Embroidery holds up extremely well over time and gives a high-end look that print can't quite match. It's best for simpler logos since complex designs can get muddy at small stitch sizes.

Get your logo print-ready

This is where most orders slow down. If your logo isn't in the right format, it needs to be converted before printing can begin. Here's what you need to know:

Don't have a clean logo file? Don't worry — Turbo Tees offers free artwork help. We can work with what you have, clean it up, or recreate it from scratch if needed.

Know your timeline

Standard turnaround for most orders is 10–15 business days from artwork approval. Rush orders using DTF can be as fast as 5 business days. The key word is approval — your clock doesn't start until you've signed off on the proof. Review proofs promptly to avoid delays.

If you have a hard deadline — a job start date, an event, a trade show — tell us upfront. We'll confirm whether we can hit it before accepting the order. If we say yes, we mean it.

Sizing your order

One of the benefits of ordering through Turbo Tees is that you can mix sizes at no extra charge. XS through 4XL in the same order, same price per unit. For a crew with a range of body types, this matters.

Before you submit your order, get a headcount with sizes from your team. A quick group text or a sheet on the truck works fine. The more accurate your size breakdown, the smoother the order goes.

What to ask before you order

At Turbo Tees, a real person answers all of these questions by phone during business hours. Call 855-TSHIRT-5 and we'll walk you through everything.