T-shirt Printing Turnaround: How Many Days Until Your Order Is Ready
Realistic T-shirt printing turnaround times by technology and quantity: DTF from 2–3 business days, screen printing for 100+ pcs 4–7 days, embroidery 3–6 days.
The standard turnaround for T-shirt printing at the Atta Print facility is 4–7 business days from artwork approval if we supply the shirts, and 2–4 business days if the shirts are already in stock or brought in by the customer. Small orders with DTF transfer (1–20 pcs) are usually ready in 2–3 business days, while larger screen-printing runs (100–500 pcs) take 5–8 business days. By arrangement, we can also handle rush jobs in 1–2 days if the shirts are available in the required colour and sizes.
What determines T-shirt printing turnaround
The turnaround consists of three parts, and only one of them is the actual printing:
- Shirt availability. If the chosen model and size set are in stock, delivery to the production facility takes 2–3 business days. A rarer colour or a large quantity of a single size (for example, 200 pcs of XL in one shade) can extend this stage.
- Technology. DTF and sublimation start right away; screen printing requires preparing a screen for each colour, and embroidery requires digitising the design.
- Quantity and number of print positions. Two positions (chest + back) practically double the production time, since each position is a separate operation involving drying or pressing.
Keep in mind that the countdown starts from artwork approval by email, not from the first message you send. If the design is still in progress or the size list isn't finalised yet, the turnaround shifts automatically.
Turnaround by technology and quantity
The table below shows actual production times once the shirts are at the facility. If the shirts still need to be ordered, add 2–3 business days.
| Technology | 1–20 pcs | 21–100 pcs | 100–300 pcs | 300+ pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DTF transfer | 1–2 b. d. | 2–3 b. d. | 3–5 b. d. | 5–7 b. d. |
| Screen printing, 1 colour | 2–3 b. d. | 3–4 b. d. | 4–6 b. d. | 6–8 b. d. |
| Screen printing, 2–4 colours | 3–4 b. d. | 4–5 b. d. | 5–7 b. d. | 7–10 b. d. |
| Embroidery | 2–3 b. d. | 3–4 b. d. | 4–6 b. d. | 6–9 b. d. |
| Sublimation (polyester shirts) | 1–2 b. d. | 2–4 b. d. | 4–6 b. d. | by arrangement |
So the full cycle including shirt delivery most often falls within 6–10 business days — the same range we quote for other printed promotional products.
How an order progresses day by day
Day 1. We receive your request (website form, email, or WhatsApp) and send a quote online and in PDF within one business day, including the shirt photo, price, print size, setup fee, and turnaround for each item. On request, we add a 3D preview with your logo.
Days 2–3. Once the artwork and size list are approved, we prepare the file for production. Vector graphics (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg) require no extra time; low-resolution JPG or PNG files mean redrawing, which can add 1 more day.
Days 3–6. Shirts are delivered to the production facility; screens are prepared or the embroidery design is digitised.
Days 6–9. Printing, quality check, packing by size. After that, pickup from Kandavas iela 29A or delivery — in Riga via our partner courier for EUR 16.00 per trip, outside Riga via parcel locker or courier in 2–3 days.
Examples from our catalogue
A few examples from our catalogue:
- Beagle 155 g/m² men's T-shirt – 100% cotton, 36 colours, suitable for both screen printing and DTF; from EUR 2.22/pc at 1 pc and from EUR 2.21 at 100 pcs.
- Stafford 190 g/m² men's T-shirt – denser cotton, 41 colours, a good choice for 1–4 colour screen printing; from EUR 3.06/pc at 1 pc.
- Capri 170 g/m² women's T-shirt – cotton, 34 colours, fitted cut for team sets; from EUR 2.90/pc.
- Dogo Premium 165 g/m² men's T-shirt – cotton, 32 colours, a popular choice for event runs; from EUR 2.85/pc.
- Bahrain 135 g/m² men's sports T-shirt – polyester, 23 colours, suitable for sublimation and full-colour designs; from EUR 2.00/pc.
- Star 200 g/m² men's polo shirt – cotton, 34 colours, most often embroidered on the chest; from EUR 5.81/pc.
- Stafford 190 g/m² kids' T-shirt – cotton, 38 colours, for schools and camps; from EUR 2.49/pc.
Price and turnaround go hand in hand
Screen printing with a larger run is cheaper per piece but requires screen preparation (EUR 35.00 one-off) and more days. DTF starts right away, but costs increase for 100+ pcs.
| Printing method | 1 pc | 20 pcs | 50 pcs | 100 pcs | 250 pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen printing, 1 colour, 1 position | EUR 3.50 | EUR 3.50 | EUR 2.50 | EUR 1.90 | EUR 1.50 |
| DTF up to A4 | EUR 6.00 | EUR 5.00 | EUR 4.20 | EUR 4.20 | on request |
| Embroidery up to 10,000 stitches | EUR 5.50 | EUR 4.50 | EUR 3.80 | EUR 3.80 | on request |
Prices are indicative, excl. VAT and excl. the shirt; screen printing adds a EUR 35.00 setup fee, embroidery adds EUR 25.00. The exact price depends on quantity, number of colours, and number of print positions. Standard sizes: left chest 110×90 mm, front or back up to 280×210 mm, sleeve 80×60 mm, embroidery up to 90×90 mm. More on technologies in the apparel printing section.
When turnaround gets extended, and what to do
The most common causes of delay: a long artwork approval process, a changed size list after the shirts have already been ordered, an out-of-stock colour, and designs without vector graphics. All of these can be avoided if you send your logo in vector format, a size breakdown table, and your event date right away.
If your date is close, we offer two solutions: DTF printing on shirt models already available at the facility (1–2 business days), or splitting the order — the first part for the event, the rest a week later.
FAQ
How quickly can 1 shirt be printed?
With DTF transfer, a single shirt is ready in 1–2 business days if the model is in stock at the facility. Printing starts from EUR 6.00 per position up to A4 size, plus the cost of the shirt.
How many days does screen printing 100 shirts take?
Production takes 4–6 business days plus 2–3 days for shirt delivery, so 6–9 business days total from artwork approval. Price for 1 colour, 1 position — EUR 1.90/pc plus EUR 35.00 screen setup.
Can I get my order the same day?
Yes, by arrangement, if the shirts are in stock, the design is in vector format, and the quantity doesn't exceed around 30 pcs with DTF printing. We recommend calling before planning such a timeline.
Does embroidery take longer than printing?
The first time, yes, since the design needs to be digitised (EUR 25.00, about 1 business day). After that, production time is similar to printing: about 3 business days for 20 pcs, 3–4 business days for 50 pcs.
Can I bring my own shirts?
Yes, and this usually shortens the turnaround by 2–3 days. Please drop the shirts off at Kandavas iela 29A at least a day before production starts, and include a few spare pieces.
How long do I have to wait for a quote?
We send a quote online and in PDF with prices, print position, setup fee, and turnaround for each item within one business day.
