Explore the best dropshipping suppliers for custom t-shirts and start your e-commerce journey today

If you are looking to start your own online business selling custom t-shirts, one of the first things you'll need to consider is choosing a reliable dropshipping supplier. A dropshipping business model allows you to sell products without holding inventory, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs. In this article, we'll explore some of the top dropshipping t-shirt suppliers, discuss the key factors to consider when choosing a supplier, and offer tips on building a successful t-shirt dropshipping business.

1. What is Dropshipping and Why is it Popular for T-Shirt Sales?

Dropshipping is a business model where an online store sells products that are directly shipped from the supplier to the customer. The key advantage of dropshipping is that you don’t need to manage inventory or handle shipping logistics. This makes it an ideal solution for those who want to start an e-commerce business with minimal upfront costs. T-shirts, due to their popularity and customization options, are a popular product for dropshipping businesses. You can offer a wide variety of designs, styles, and sizes without the need to invest in bulk inventory or warehouse space.

2. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a T-Shirt Dropshipping Supplier

Choosing the right dropshipping supplier is crucial for the success of your business. Here are some of the main factors you should consider:


Product Quality: It's essential to select a supplier who provides high-quality t-shirts. Look for suppliers that offer products made from premium materials such as cotton, polyester blends, or organic fabrics. Customers are more likely to return to your store if they are satisfied with the quality of the products.
Pricing: Competitive pricing is crucial for profit margins. Suppliers should offer affordable prices that allow you to mark up the products and still remain competitive in the market. Remember to take shipping fees into account when comparing prices.
Customization Options: Since you’re likely aiming to sell custom t-shirts, ensure that the supplier supports a variety of printing options such as screen printing, heat transfer, embroidery, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. The more options available, the more unique and diverse your product range can be.
Shipping Times and Reliability: Fast and reliable shipping is crucial for customer satisfaction. Look for suppliers that offer reasonable shipping times, tracking, and dependable delivery services. You want to ensure that your customers receive their orders promptly and without issues.
Integration with E-Commerce Platforms: The best dropshipping suppliers offer seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and BigCommerce. This integration makes managing your store, processing orders, and updating inventory easier and more efficient.


3. Top Dropshipping T-Shirt Suppliers to Consider

Now that you understand what to look for in a supplier, here are some of the top dropshipping t-shirt suppliers that offer great products and reliable service:

1. Printful
Printful is one of the most popular print-on-demand and dropshipping services for t-shirts. They offer a wide range of apparel options, including t-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops, with numerous customization options such as screen printing, embroidery, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Printful integrates easily with major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce, and ships globally. The platform also offers automatic order fulfillment, so once a customer places an order, Printful takes care of everything from printing to shipping.

2. Printify
Printify is another leading print-on-demand supplier that offers a diverse selection of t-shirt styles and customization options. Printify partners with multiple print providers around the world, allowing you to choose a supplier that offers the best pricing and shipping options for your target market. Like Printful, Printify integrates with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and WooCommerce. Printify is known for its wide variety of products, competitive prices, and excellent quality control standards.

3. Teespring
Teespring (now known as Spring) is a popular dropshipping platform that allows creators to design and sell custom t-shirts and other apparel. With Teespring, you don’t need an external e-commerce platform, as it provides a built-in marketplace to sell your products. It also integrates with social media platforms such as Instagram, making it easy to promote your custom t-shirts. Teespring offers a simple design tool and handles all aspects of production, fulfillment, and customer service.

4. Apliiq
Apliiq is a unique dropshipping platform that focuses on creating custom clothing with a high level of creativity and fashion-forward designs. Unlike other suppliers, Apliiq offers specialized customization options, such as fabric applications, embroidery, and even cut-and-sew clothing. If you're looking to create unique, stylish, and high-quality custom t-shirts that stand out from the competition, Apliiq could be an excellent choice. The platform integrates with Shopify and Etsy, making it easy to manage orders and track inventory.

4. Tips for Running a Successful T-Shirt Dropshipping Business

Once you've chosen a reliable t-shirt dropshipping supplier, it's important to focus on marketing and growing your online business. Here are some tips to help you succeed:


Focus on Niche Markets: To stand out from the competition, consider targeting a specific niche market for your t-shirts. This could be anything from pet lovers to fitness enthusiasts, or even fans of certain sports teams. Niche marketing helps you attract a loyal customer base that is more likely to make repeat purchases.
Create Unique Designs: Your t-shirt designs are a major factor in the success of your business. Make sure your designs are unique, creative, and relevant to your target audience. You can either design your own graphics or hire freelance designers to help create custom artwork.
Leverage Social Media Marketing: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to promote your t-shirts. High-quality photos, influencer collaborations, and engaging content can help you build a strong online presence and drive traffic to your store.
Offer Excellent Customer Service: In the world of e-commerce, customer service can make or break a business. Make sure you are responsive to customer inquiries, offer hassle-free returns, and handle any issues promptly. Happy customers are more likely to leave positive reviews and refer friends to your store.
Optimize Your Website for Conversions: Your website should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and optimized for conversions. Make sure your product pages have clear product descriptions, high-quality images, and easy checkout options to maximize sales.


Starting a dropshipping t-shirt business can be an exciting and profitable venture, especially when you partner with the right supplier. By considering factors like product quality, pricing, customization options, and shipping times, you can ensure that you choose a supplier that meets your needs and helps your business thrive. With the right strategies and a strong marketing plan, your custom t-shirt business could become a successful brand that attracts loyal customers.