How long does it take to print 100 t-shirts?

If you’re planning a brand launch, event, or team order, understanding how long it takes to print 100 T-shirts is crucial. Timelines can vary widely depending on the printing method¹, manufacturer capacity, and design details. Planning ahead and making the right choices ensures you hit your deadline without compromising on quality.

Printing 100 T-shirts typically takes 2–7 business days, depending on printing method, design complexity², and manufacturer capacity. Screen printing is fastest for simple designs, while DTG or DTF may take longer for detailed or multi-color artwork. Local POD can be quick, but overseas or custom jobs need more lead time.

As a manufacturer, I guide clients through these steps every week. Here’s how the process breaks down—and how you can optimize your timeline.

Key Factors That Affect T-Shirt Printing Turnaround Time

Several variables determine how fast your shirts will be ready. Method, design, and size all play major roles.

The chosen printing method, design complexity, number of print colors, and shirt size assortment all affect how quickly 100 T-shirts can be completed. Simpler designs and fewer color changes speed up the process, while custom sizes and detailed artwork add time.

Automated Shirt Press

Does the printing method (screen, DTG, DTF) impact speed?

Absolutely. Screen printing is the fastest for medium-large batches with simple designs. DTG (Direct-to-Garment) and DTF (Direct-to-Film) are slower for high-detail or multi-color jobs but allow greater design flexibility.

• Screen Printing: Once set up, prints 100 shirts in 1–2 hours, but setup adds 0.5–1 day for films and screens.
• DTG: Slower per shirt (2–5 minutes each), so 100 shirts can take a full day or more if done in sequence.
• DTF: Similar to DTG, but setup and transfer steps can add time for complex runs.
• POD Services: Fast for single designs, but batch handling varies.

Printing Method	Setup Time	Print Speed (100 units)	Best For
Screen Printing	4–8 hours	1–2 hours	Simple, high-volume
DTG	1–2 hours	4–8 hours	Multi-color, small runs
DTF	2–4 hours	4–10 hours	Detailed, flexible

How do design complexity, number of colors, and shirt sizes influence the timeline?

More colors mean more setup and cleanup for screen printing. Complex artwork or variable sizes require more adjustments and quality checks.

• Multi-color designs: Each color needs a separate screen, adding 30–60 minutes per color to setup.
• Complex graphics: Higher-resolution images or gradients can slow down DTG/DTF printing due to longer print times.
• Assorted sizes: Frequent size changes need screen, platen, or print head adjustments, slowing down production.

Standard Lead Times from T-Shirt Manufacturers

Knowing what to expect from different types of suppliers helps you plan accurately.

Typical production time for 100 T-shirts³ is 2–5 days for local screen printers and 5–10 days for overseas manufacturers. POD and digital printers can sometimes ship same-day, but complex jobs or busy seasons add days or weeks.

What’s the typical production time for 100 shirts with screen printing?

For simple 1–2 color designs, most screen printers finish in 2–4 days (including setup). Add extra days for complex art, rush orders, or special inks/finishes.

• Standard lead time: 2–4 days for in-stock blanks and simple jobs.
• Rush fees: Can cut lead time to 1–2 days but cost more.
• Add-ons: Custom labels, folding, or packaging add another 1–2 days.

Are print-on-demand and local manufacturers faster than overseas factories?

Usually, yes. Local POD and digital printers can turn around small runs in 1–3 days, especially with in-stock inventory. Overseas or high-MOQ suppliers often require 7–14 days plus shipping.

• Local shops: Benefit from fast shipping, communication, and quick setup.
• Overseas: May require extra days for freight, customs, and larger order queues.
• POD: Fastest for no-minimum orders, slower for coordinated bulk runs.

Supplier Type	100-Shirt Timeline	Main Delay Factors
Local Printer	2–5 days	Art approval, stock
POD/Digital	1–3 days	Batch processing, shipping
Overseas	7–14 days	Shipping, customs

Breakdown of the T-Shirt Printing Workflow

Understanding the full process reveals where bottlenecks can happen.

The workflow includes pre-production (mockup, approval, setup), actual printing, finishing, and packing. Pre-production usually takes 1–2 days, printing and finishing another 1–3 days depending on method and volume.

How long does pre-production (mockup, approval, prep) usually take?

Pre-production is often 1–2 business days for art approval, digital proofs, and prepping screens or machines.

• Artwork review and mockup: 0.5–1 day
• Approval and revisions: Up to 1 day, depending on client response speed
• Setup (screen making, prepping machines): 2–8 hours

What are the daily output limits for mid-scale print shops?

A typical mid-size screen print shop can print 300–600 shirts per day (simple designs). DTG or DTF runs are slower, usually 100–250 shirts per day depending on machine count.

• Output depends on machine count, staffing, and design changes.
• For mixed sizes or frequent changeovers, output drops 10–30%.

Method	Daily Output (Avg)	Notes
Screen Printing	300–600 shirts	Simple, bulk jobs
DTG/DTF	100–250 shirts	High-detail, small runs

Tips to Speed Up Your 100-T-Shirt Order Without Compromising Quality

You can influence lead time by making smart choices about design, suppliers, and production planning.

Simplifying your design, reducing color count, and booking early are the best ways to speed up production for 100 T-shirts. Partner with experienced, responsive manufacturers for the fastest and most reliable results.

Should you simplify your design or choose faster printing techniques?

Yes. Opt for 1–2 color designs, standard placements, and proven printing methods (like screen printing for volume) to maximize speed and minimize bottlenecks.

• Fewer colors = faster setup and less chance of error.
• Simple fonts and vector art print faster and cleaner than photos or gradients.
• Screen printing is fastest for most standard jobs; DTG for super-detailed but small runs.

How early should you book production with your T-shirt manufacturer?

Book as early as possible—2–4 weeks before your deadline—especially during busy seasons or for events. Early booking ensures priority in production schedules and time for revisions or unexpected issues.

• Confirm your art, quantities, and sizes before placing an order.
• Ask about the shop’s current lead time and reserve your slot.
• Rush fees can help in emergencies, but planning ahead is almost always cheaper and less stressful.

Conclusion

Printing 100 T-shirts takes 2–7 days with the right printing method and a clear, simple design. Plan ahead, simplify where possible, and work with responsive manufacturers to meet your deadline without sacrificing quality.

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