Print on demand sports apparel has revolutionized the way athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs create and sell custom activewear. This business model allows for personalized, made-to-order sportswear without the need for bulk inventory, reducing upfront costs and waste. But how much does it actually cost to produce print on demand sports apparel? This comprehensive article explores the pricing structure, factors affecting costs, popular providers, printing methods, and tips to optimize your print on demand sportswear business.
What Is Print On Demand Sports Apparel?
Print on demand sports apparel refers to athletic clothing that is printed only after a customer places an order. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which requires large inventory and upfront production costs, print on demand (POD) enables customization of garments such as t-shirts, leggings, hoodies, and jerseys on a per-order basis. This model eliminates inventory risks and allows for unique personalization, including logos, colors, and graphics tailored to individual or team preferences[5].
Factors Influencing the Cost of Print On Demand Sports Apparel
Understanding the cost of print on demand sports apparel requires considering several key factors:
1. Type of Apparel
The base garment significantly affects pricing. For example, a simple cotton T-shirt generally costs less than performance leggings or hoodies.
– Basic cotton T-shirts with DTG printing start around $9.25.
– Hoodies typically cost around $25.45.
– Premium or embroidered apparel can be more expensive due to additional labor and materials[1][14].
2. Printing Method
Different printing techniques vary in cost and suitability:
| Printing Method | Description | Cost Impact | Best For |
| Sublimation Printing | Dye is transferred into polyester fabric via heat | Moderate | All-over prints on polyester |
| Direct-to-Garment (DTG) | Inkjet printing directly on fabric | Low to Moderate | Detailed, multi-color designs |
| Screen Printing | Ink applied through stencils; cost-effective for bulk | Low per unit in bulk | Bold, simple designs |
| Embroidery | Thread stitching for a premium look | Higher | Logos and premium apparel |
Sublimation is ideal for vibrant, durable prints on polyester sportswear, while DTG is versatile for cotton blends. Embroidery adds a premium feel but increases costs due to digitization and stitching[5][14].
3. Print Area and Complexity
Printing on multiple areas (front, back, sleeves) or adding custom labels increases production costs. Larger or more intricate designs require more ink or thread, raising prices[2][14].
4. Apparel Size
Garments sized 2XL and above generally cost more due to additional fabric and printing materials[2].
5. Order Volume and Provider Pricing
Bulk orders reduce per-item costs through discounts, but POD typically caters to small or single orders with slightly higher unit prices. Providers may charge monthly fees or offer subscription plans for discounts[1][9].
6. Shipping Costs
Shipping fees vary by provider, destination, and delivery speed. Some sellers incorporate shipping into retail prices or offer free shipping as a marketing strategy[2][9].
Pricing Examples From Popular Print On Demand Providers
Printful
– Cotton T-shirt with DTG print: approximately $9.25 per item.
– Hoodie: starting at $25.45.
– No monthly fees.
– Production time: 2–5 business days.
– Shipping: 4–8 days in the US, 7–14 days internationally[1][14].
Printify
– Leggings start from $21.49.
– Tank tops from $8.76.
– Hoodies from $17.22.
– Offers a free plan and a Premium plan at $24.99/month with up to 20% discounts.
– Shipping starts at $4, varying by printing partner and destination[1][9].
FitPrint
– Sweat-wicking t-shirts, leggings, and tank tops.
– No hidden print charges; $19 extra for double-sided prints.
– Production time: 7 business days.
– Shipping: 2–6 days standard, 1–3 days express.
– Transparent pricing with no minimum order requirements[1][17].
Apliiq
– Base t-shirt price: $3.85.
– Digital print cost: $7.49 per print.
– Branding services and private labeling available.
– Bulk discounts up to 18%[1].
Inkthreadable (UK-based)
– Offers high-quality polyester prints with no minimum order.
– Production time: up to 7 working days.
– Eco-friendly packaging and automated order fulfillment.
– Integration with major e-commerce platforms[4].
How to Calculate Your Final Cost and Price
When pricing print on demand sports apparel, consider the following:
– Base product cost: The price of the blank garment plus printing.
– Printing fees: Additional prints, placements, or embroidery.
– Shipping fees: To your customers or yourself.
– Platform fees: If selling on marketplaces like Etsy or Shopify.
– Marketing and operational costs: Advertising, design, and customer service.
– Profit margin: Typically 20-40%, adjusted based on market and brand positioning[2][10][15].
Benefits of Print On Demand Sports Apparel
– Customization: Create unique, personalized sportswear.
– Low startup costs: No inventory or bulk production needed.
– Sustainability: Produce only what sells, reducing waste.
– Scalability: Easily scale orders from one to thousands.
– Wide product range: Leggings, hoodies, tank tops, jerseys, and more[5].
Video Resources
Videos
– How to Sell Your Sportswear Line with Print-On-Demand: Tips on marketing and selling POD sportswear.
– Print-on-Demand Sportswear | Printful Athletic Products 2024: Overview of Printful’s POD sportswear offerings.
Conclusion
Print on demand sports apparel offers a flexible, cost-effective way to create and sell customized athletic wear without the risks of inventory or large upfront investment. Costs vary depending on garment type, printing method, design complexity, and order volume, with typical prices ranging from around $9 for simple T-shirts to $25 or more for hoodies and premium items. By choosing the right POD provider and pricing strategy, entrepreneurs and brands can build profitable sportswear lines that meet the growing demand for personalised activewear while minimizing waste and overhead.
FAQ
1. What types of sportswear can I customize with print on demand?
You can customize a wide range of sportswear including t-shirts, leggings, hoodies, shorts, tank tops, compression wear, and jerseys using print on demand services[5].
2. How long does it take to receive a print on demand sportswear order?
Production and shipping typically take between 7 to 20 business days depending on the provider and shipping destination[5].
3. Can I add my own logos and branding to print on demand sportswear?
Yes, most POD platforms allow you to upload your own logos and customize labels, tags, and packaging to create a unique brand experience[5].
4. What printing methods are best for sportswear?
Sublimation printing is ideal for polyester sportswear with all-over prints, DTG printing works well for detailed designs on cotton blends, and screen printing is best for bold, simple designs in bulk[5].
5. Is print on demand sportswear environmentally friendly?
Yes, because garments are only produced when ordered, POD reduces overproduction and waste, making it a more sustainable option compared to traditional manufacturing[5].
Citations:
[1] https://www.mageplaza.com/blog/print-on-demand-gym-clothing/
[2] https://printify.com/blog/t-shirt-pricing-calculator/
[3] https://straitsresearch.com/report/print-on-demand-market
[4] https://www.inkthreadable.co.uk/activewear-on-demand
[5] https://www.lever-sports.com/how-does-print-on-demand-sportswear-work/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hV1199wN0k
[7] https://www.printdoors.com/blog/13-frequently-asked-questions-about-print-on-demand-services/
[8] https://blog.tapstitch.com/post/clothing-brands-and-on-demand-print-how-to-guide
[9] https://avada.io/blog/print-on-demand-gym-clothing-sites/
[10] https://dynamicmockups.com/knowledge/how-to-price-print-on-demand-products/
[11] https://www.theprintbar.com/page/custom-sportswear
[12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQgsSApqsT4
[13] https://www.printful.com/blog/what-is-print-on-demand
[14] https://www.printful.com/pricing
[15] https://www.gelato.com/blog/print-on-demand-pricing
[16] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz3B_1JK2Rc
[17] https://fitprint.co
[18] https://miamerchandise.com/blogs/news/how-to-create-a-print-on-demand-product-line-for-athletes
[19] https://merchize.com/product-category/collection/sportswear/
[20] https://printify.com/app/products/mens-clothing/sportswear
[21] https://fitprint.co
[22] https://www.apliiq.com/catalog?feature=activewear
[23] https://merchize.com/print-on-demand-cost/
[24] https://www.inkthreadable.co.uk/activewear-on-demand
[25] https://www.skyquestt.com/report/custom-t-shirt-printing-market
[26] https://www.inkthreadable.co.uk/activewear
[27] https://printepssw.com/insight/how-to-create-a-winning-print-on-demand-pricing-strategy
[28] https://www.printful.com/blog/print-on-demand-statistics
[29] https://printify.com/app/products/womens-clothing/sportswear
[30] https://www.novatomato.com/blog/how-to-price-your-print-on-demand-clothing-items/
[31] https://www.shutterstock.com/search/print-on-demand
[32] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRUGy9yKD28
[33] https://www.printful.com/custom/collections/sportswear
[34] https://printify.com/custom-workout-sets/
[35] https://www.printful.com/production-footage
[36] https://www.gelato.com/custom/mens-clothing/sportswear
[37] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqWQYDJn9mc
[38] https://www.pinterest.com/pin/594123375876658740/
[39] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMWNbdAQ7VE
[40] https://merch.amazon.com/resource/201846470
[41] https://www.printedshirts.ca/faq/online-stores
[42] https://www.reddit.com/r/printondemand/comments/1bxd448/questions_regarding_starting_a_print_on_demand/
[43] https://fourthwall.com/blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-clothing-line-7-steps-for-making-your-own-activewear
[44] https://www.michaelessek.com/print-on-demand-faqs/
[45] https://thehub.ssactivewear.com/press/10-print-on-demand-dos-and-donts
[46] https://www.transmitstartups.co.uk/digital-and-technology/how-to-successfully-launch-print-on-demand-activewear-on-your-shopify-store
[47] https://printify.com/blog/how-to-start-a-fitness-clothing-line/
[48] https://www.printful.com/blog/print-on-demand-mistakes
[49] https://www.printseekers.com/blog-post/how-to-take-care-of-print-on-demand-garments-tips-on-educating-customers
[50] https://www.marketingdonut.co.uk/blog/24/11/print-on-demand-your-faqs-answered
[51] https://thetshirtco.com.au/pages/faqs
[52] https://www.precedenceresearch.com/custom-tshirt-printing-market
Hot tags: print on demand sports apparel, China, Global, OEM, private label, manufacturers, factory, suppliers, manufacturing company
