How to Start a Custom T-Shirt Business In 2025

Launching a custom t-shirt business in 2025 is an rousing opportunity. With the growing demand for personalized apparel, it’s the perfect time to dab into this big, profitable market. 

We know you’re a creative entrepreneur who loves fashion and wants to turn your t-shirt designs into a business that could be your next big move.

Research the Market and Niche

Before going all in, spend some time to understand the market.

Find your niche by focusing on specific interests, hobbies, or trends that resonate with your target audience. 

Popular niches include graphic tees, eco-friendly shirts, and even local pride designs. By browsing platforms like Instagram or Etsy, you can see what styles and designs are trending.

Having a good clothing manufacturer on your side ensures these trendy designs come to life with top-notch quality.

This gives you insight into what customers are looking for and helps you figure out how to stand out in a crowded market.

Plan Your Business Model

Next, decide how you want your business to operate.

There are a few routes you can take: print-on-demand, where products are printed only when a customer orders them, or a traditional inventory-based model, where you produce and store shirts in bulk.

If you’re looking for lower upfront costs and less risk, print-on-demand might be a good choice.

But if you’re aiming for larger-scale production and faster delivery, managing your own inventory could be the way to go.

Regardless of the model you select, be sure to craft a business plan with precise financial targets and forecasts.

Select a Reliable T-Shirt Printing Method

Choosing the right printing method can make or break your t-shirt business. 

You have options like screen printing, which is perfect for bulk orders, or direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which works well for smaller orders with detailed designs. 

If you’re starting out, DTG may be the best choice as it requires less equipment and upfront investment.

However, if you’re planning to take on larger orders, screen printing could help lower costs in the long run.

Be sure to test a few methods and consider quality, cost, and the types of designs you’ll be printing.

Build an Online Presence and Store

In the modern digital era, holding a powerful online presence is crucial.

Set up an e-commerce store on platforms like Shopify or Etsy to manage everything from listings to payments.

Use high-quality images and engaging descriptions to showcase your designs.

Social media platforms as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook must be your first move for brand building and connecting with customers.

 If managing inventory and fulfillment feels overwhelming, consider custom t-shirt dropshipping. 

This gives you more space to focus more on marketing and design while a trusted partner handles bulk manufacturing, warehousing, and delivery.

Promote Your T-Shirt Business

With your shop up and running, it’s essential to start promoting it.

Advertisements on social media help you reach your target audience quickly, while influencer partnerships can give your brand credibility. 

Email marketing is a great way to notify your customers about fresh designs, special offers, and limited offer promotions.

Always try to create a buzz around your designs through user-generated content or giveaways to grow your customer base. 

The more you connect with your customers and show off your unique designs, the easier it gets to build loyalty and increase sales.

Conclusion

Starting a custom t-shirt business in 2025 is a fantastic opportunity to turn your creativity into a profitable venture. 

From researching your market to choosing the right printing method, every step is crucially important. 

We, Rhysley, are here to help you every step of the way—offering high-quality manufacturing, efficient warehousing, and fast delivery to make scaling your business easier. 

Ready to bring your custom collection to life?  Let’s start planning today and turn your ideas into reality!