DIY Crafter's Guide to Buying Blank T-Shirts in Bulk

August 3, 2026

The DIY Crafter's Guide to Buying Blank T-Shirts in Bulk

Selling shirts at craft fairs, on Etsy, or to friends and family doesn't require the same setup as a full-scale apparel brand — but it does help to buy smart. Here's how to source blanks without overcommitting.

Gildan G200 Ultra Cotton Tee

You Don't Need a Reseller Permit to Get Started

Many wholesale apparel suppliers, including Halo26, let you buy at wholesale pricing with no minimum order and no business license required upfront — perfect for testing a design before deciding whether to formalize your shop.

Buy by the Dozen, Not by the Gross

A "dozen" order lets you cover a size run (say, S–2XL) for one design without tying up cash in inventory you're not sure will sell. Once you know your bestselling size and color combo, you can reorder just that.

What to Look for as a Small-Batch Buyer

Per-unit pricing that stays reasonable at low volume — some wholesalers hide their real cost behind huge minimums.
Fast shipping, so you're not sitting on a craft fair deadline waiting on a slow supplier.
A size range that includes plus sizes, so you're not turning away customers at your table.

Test Multiple Designs Cheaply

Instead of ordering 50 of one design, order a dozen each of two or three designs and see what actually sells. This is the single best way small sellers avoid dead inventory.