Cheapest Sweatshirt Options for DTF Printing (2026)

The cheapest sweatshirts for DTF printing are the budget 50/50 blends: the Hanes P160 at roughly $6 to $8 and the Gildan 18000 at roughly $6 to $9 per blank. Both are 8 ounce-class fleece, press well and come in many colors. Mid-tier and premium sweatshirts cost two to three times as much. This guide compares the budget options, explains how bulk buying lowers the price and flags the false economies.

What is the cheapest sweatshirt to buy for DTF printing?

The cheapest sweatshirt for DTF printing is a budget 50/50 cotton and polyester crewneck such as the Hanes P160 or Gildan 18000. They cost about $6 to $9 per blank at wholesale, take DTF transfers at standard fleece settings and are available in dozens of colors. A full-case order lowers the unit price, and closeout colors can cost less still.

Budget sweatshirt blanks compared

These price ranges come from our blank hoodies and sweatshirts guide. Prices change, so confirm with the distributor.

The two budget blanks differ little in price. The Gildan 18000 has the wider color range and more published sizing information: see the Gildan 18000 crewneck guide and, for the hooded version, the Gildan 18500 hoodie guide. For Hanes sweatshirts, the classic vs premium tee comparison explains the budget tier.

How to pay less for sweatshirt blanks

• Buy a full case. Case-pack pricing is the biggest saving, so order in the case quantity the distributor sells.
• Choose closeout colors. Distributors often discount discontinued and overstocked colors.
• Stay with common colors. Black, navy, grey and white are cheaper and easier to replace.
• Compare distributors. Our wholesale blank apparel guide lists the sources and how they price.
• Limit sizes. Plus sizes cost more per blank.

How much does a printed sweatshirt cost?

A budget blank plus a DTF transfer usually lands at $12 to $20 per sweatshirt, depending on transfer size and quantity. A left-chest logo adds roughly a dollar in transfer cost, and a full front adds $5 to $11 at small-order pricing. Use the cost calculator for your own numbers, and see bulk custom t-shirt pricing for the same logic on tees.

What to avoid when buying cheap sweatshirts

• Unknown brands with no spec sheet. Without a fabric content, you cannot choose press settings.
• Very thin fleece. It shows the transfer edge and wears out fast.
• Mixed lots. Dye lots and sizing vary between shipments.
• Wrong fabric for the print. Polyester-heavy fleece needs lower heat and can show dye migration; our guide to pressing polyester covers the fix.

Pressing DTF on a budget sweatshirt

Use fleece settings: pre-press for 3 to 5 seconds to remove moisture, then press at 300 to 320°F for 12 to 15 seconds at medium-firm pressure with a cold peel, and post-press with parchment. Always check the transfer supplier's sheet. See the temperature and time chart.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest sweatshirt for bulk orders?

The Hanes P160 and Gildan 18000 are the cheapest widely stocked sweatshirt blanks, at about $6 to $9 each at wholesale. Buying a full case and choosing basic colors lowers the unit price further.

Is a cheap sweatshirt good for DTF printing?

Yes, as long as it is a known 50/50 cotton and polyester fleece with a published spec. The blend presses well at standard fleece settings. Thin or unbranded fleece is the thing to avoid.

What is the cheapest way to get custom sweatshirts printed?

Buy budget blanks in a full case and press DTF transfers yourself. That usually costs $12 to $20 per sweatshirt, which beats most online custom shops at small and mid-size orders.

Hoodie or crewneck: which is cheaper?

The crewneck is usually slightly cheaper than the matching hoodie. For example, the Gildan 18000 crewneck costs a little less than the Gildan 18500 hoodie, and its flat front is easier to press.

Do cheap sweatshirts shrink?

A 50/50 blend shrinks less than 100% cotton, but it can lose a little length in a hot dryer. Pre-press the garment and wash printed sweatshirts inside out in cool water.

Zip-ups: custom zip-up hoodies.