How to Start a T-Shirt Business on Shopify

Very few garments are as universally loved as a t-shirt. Finding a person who doesn’t own a t-shirt in the Western part of the world would be . . . maybe even impossible. That’s why t-shirts are constantly featured on trending product lists. And we have numbers to back up this claim—in 2024, the t-shirt market’s revenue is an astonishing $45B (source: statista.com).

T-shirts are also one of the most popular print-on-demand products in the world. So, if you’ve been thinking about creating your store, take this article as a nudge to get started.

Let’s cover how to start a t-shirt business on Shopify so you can make extra income.

Types of t-shirt businesses you can launch

Print-on-demand. Use print-on-demand servicesto offer custom designs without holding inventory, minimizing upfront costs and risks.

Eco-friendly. Specialize in sustainable, organic materials to attract eco-conscious customers.

Personalized t-shirts. Provide customization options like adding names, dates, or personal messages for unique, personalized products.

Humor and meme t-shirts. Capitalize on current trends and internet culture by designing funny and relatable shirts that resonate with a broad audience.

Political and social statements. Create designs that advocate for causes and movements.

You might want to learn how to make money on Shopify

8 steps to launch an online t-shirt business

We’ve established that starting a t-shirt business is a good idea. But how to do it, exactly? Let’s talk about it.

Step 1: Select a niche

A well-defined niche helps you target a specific audience, differentiate your brand, and create custom t-shirts that resonate with your customers. Here’s everything you need to know to select the right niche for your t-shirt business.

Why choosing a niche is important

1. Market differentiation. A niche helps your brand stand out in a crowded market by offering unique designs that appeal to a specific group.
2. Targeted marketing. With a clear niche, your marketing efforts become more focused, effective, and cost-efficient.
3. Customer loyalty. A niche market allows you to build a loyal customer base that resonates with your brand’s message and products.
4. Reduced competition. Narrowing down your focus means you’re competing with fewer t-shirt businesses, increasing your chances of making sales.

Here’s how big is the difference between a broad and a narrow niche. For a broad term like “funny t-shirts,” Google gives 97M results.

Source: Google

If you narrow the focus to “meme t-shirts,” the results are reduced by half.

Source: Google

The more specific you get, the easier gets to rank in search engines and attract a highly engaged audience looking for exactly what you offer.

How to choose your niche

1. Identify your interests and passions. If you’re passionate about your niche, it’ll reflect in your own t-shirt designs and marketing strategy, making your online store more authentic and enjoyable to run.
2. Analyze the competition. Identify other Shopify t-shirt stores in your niche and study their products, pricing, marketing strategies, and customer reviews. Find ways to differentiate your t-shirt store through unique designs, better quality, or superior customer service.
3. Define your target audience. Create a detailed profile of your ideal customer. Understand their pain points, preferences, and what motivates them to buy.
4. Test your ideas. Use surveys, social media polls, or small-scale test runs to gauge interest in your niche. Gather feedback and refine your online business based on the responses.
5. Research market demand. Use tools like Google Trends, social media platforms, and keyword research to understand what people are searching for and talking about. Look for gaps in the market where demand is high but supply is low.

For example, you can use Google Trends to compare which t-shirts have a bigger search volume. Let’s compare “Halloween shirt” and “gothic shirt” to see how these niche t-shirts differ.

In the image below, you can see what Google Trends shows for the “Halloween shirt.” Its popularity gradually grows starting from July, peaks around Halloween, and steeply drops right after the celebration.

Source: Google Trends

In contrast, the “goth shirt” keyword is popular year-round. That means a business focusing on gothic shirts could potentially have more consistent sales throughout the year.

Source: Google Trends

Evaluating your niche’s potential

1. Profitability. Calculate potential profit margins by considering production, shipping, and marketing costs. Ensure there’s enough demand to sustain a profitable business.
2. Scalability. Assess whether the niche has room for growth. Can you expand your product line or reach new markets?
3. Sustainability. Consider if the niche is a passing trend or has long-term potential. Aim for niches with lasting appeal.

Selecting the right niche is foundational to the success of your Shopify t-shirt business because it’ll help you build a strong, recognizable brand that customers love. Take your time to do market research, analyze, and test different niches before committing.

Once you’ve defined your target market and selected your niche, you’re ready to move on to the next step: choosing your fulfillment partner.

Step 2: Find the right production partner

The quality of your products, the reliability of your supply chain, and your ability to meet customer expectations are directly impacted by the print-on-demand services you choose. Here’s how to choose a trustworthy production partner for your t-shirt business.

1. Research and ask for recommendations. Look for potential partners online. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other business owners or online communities.
2. Get samples. Before you decide, get samples of their products. Check the quality of the t-shirts, the printing, and the materials used. Make sure the fabric feels good, the print is clear, and the t-shirt is durable.
3. Compare prices and terms. Research pricing from several partners, including costs for different product types, printing methods, and shipping. Make sure there are no hidden fees and that the prices fit your budget and profit goals.
4. Check production and shipping times. Learn how long it takes each print-on-demand supplier to make and ship products. Reliable partners should provide clear timelines and stick to them. Fast and predictable delivery times are important for keeping customers happy.
5. Evaluate customer service. Test their customer service by asking questions or raising concerns. A reliable partner should offer quick, helpful, and professional support. Good communication is crucial for solving problems quickly.
6. Review technology and integrations. Make sure the partner’s technology works well with Shopify. That includes order processing, tracking, and inventory management. Easy integration reduces errors and manual work.
7. Look at customization and branding options. Choose a print-on-demand service that offers custom options like labels, packaging, and branding. That’ll help make your own online business professional and recognizable.
8. Consider fulfillment locations. To make selling shirts faster and more cost-effective, pick a partner with fulfillment centers near your customers. For example, Printful has fulfillment centers and partner facilities worldwide, making products close to the end customer.

Source: Printful

To discover the wholesale, dropshipping, and print-on-demand apps from which you can source your products, we recommend exploring the Shopify App Store. Here are some apps you can check out:

• Printful (source: https://apps.shopify.com/printful)
• Zendrop (source: https://apps.shopify.com/zendrop)
• Gelato (source: https://apps.shopify.com/gelato-print-on-demand)

Source: Shopify App Store

Why Printful is a top choice

One highly recommended print-on-demand partner is Printful. Here’s why Printful stands out:

1. High-quality products and printing. Printful is known for its high-quality printing and a wide range of t-shirt options. They use advanced printing techniques to ensure vibrant and durable designs.
2. Seamless Shopify integration. Printful effortlessly integrates with Shopify, which makes selling t-shirts online easy to manage from your Shopify dashboard.
3. Global fulfillment centers. With fulfillment centers strategically located around the world, Printful provides quick delivery times and reduced shipping costs.
4. No minimum orders. Printful allows you to order as few or as many products as needed, reducing your financial risk and inventory costs.
5. Custom branding options. Printful offers various branding options, such as custom labels, packaging, and pack-ins, helping you create an authentic and professional brand presence.
6. Mockup Generator. Their mockup generator allows you to create realistic product images for your store, helping you to sell t-shirts online without organizing expensive photoshoots.

Source: Printful

If you pick the right production partner before you start a print-on-demand business, you’ll be able to build a quality t-shirt brand that customers adore.

Once you’ve settled on the partner, it’s time to pick high-quality tees.

Step 3: Pick quality t-shirts

High-quality t-shirts lead to satisfied customers, positive reviews, and repeat business. What do you need to know to pick the best t-shirts for your store?

What to look for in quality t-shirts

1. Fabric

2. Weight

3. Fit

Choose t-shirts with a modern fit that appeals to your target audience. Common fits include regular, slim, and relaxed. To help customers pick the right size, offer detailed sizing charts.

4. Construction

Some of the most popular t-shirt brands to consider: Bella+Canvas, Gildan, Next Level, and American Apparel.

Step 4: Create unique designs

Original t-shirt design will attract customers, make your brand stand out, help you build a loyal customer base, and drive repeat purchases.

8 steps to create best-selling designs

1. Understand your audience. Identify your target audience’s interests, values, and preferences. Create designs that resonate with their tastes and lifestyles.
2. Find inspiration. Look for inspiration in fashion trends, social media accounts, art, nature, and popular culture. Keep a mood board to gather and organize your t-shirt design ideas.
3. Brainstorm ideas. Spend time brainstorming and sketching out different design concepts. Think about themes, styles, and messages that align with your brand.
4. Use design tools. Create professional-looking designs with tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or free alternatives like Canva.
5. Hire a designer. If you’re not confident in your design skills, consider hiring a freelance designer. Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can connect you with talented designers.
6. Keep it simple. Simple designs are often more impactful and easier to reproduce. Focus on clear, bold graphics and readable text.
7. Consider trends, but stay true to your brand. While it’s good to be aware of current trends, make sure your designs maintain a unique touch that sets your brand apart.
8. Test your designs. Share your own design concepts with friends, family, or potential customers to gather feedback. Use this feedback to refine and improve your designs.

Once your t-shirt designs are ready, get samples from your production partner to test the quality.

Step 5: Get samples

Ordering samples is crucial to ensure the quality of your custom design. When you receive your samples, check for:

1. Print quality. Ensure designs are sharp, colors are accurate, and prints are durable.
2. Fabric quality. Feel the fabric to confirm it’s soft, comfortable, and matches your expectations.
3. Fit and sizing. Verify the t-shirt fits well and aligns with the sizing chart.
4. Durability. Wash and wear the custom t-shirts to see if they maintain their quality over time.
5. Branding. Check custom labels, tags, and packaging.

Getting samples helps you confidently offer high-quality products to your customers.

Step 6: Set up your Shopify store

Setting up your Shopify store is straightforward and user-friendly. Follow these 7 steps to get your store up and running:

1. Sign up for Shopify. Sign up for a Shopify account and choose a plan that fits your needs.
2. Choose a theme. Select a theme that matches your brand’s style and customize it to reflect your brand identity.
3. Add products. Include high-quality images, detailed descriptions, and set prices. Then, organize products into collections for easy browsing.
4. Set up payment methods. Set up payment gateways like Shopify Payments, PayPal, or others to allow customers to make purchases securely.
5. Customize your store. Add the necessary pages like About Us, Contact, and FAQ. Customize your store’s navigation menu for easy access to products and information.
6. Launch your store. Review all settings, preview your store, and make any final adjustments. Once satisfied, remove the password protection and make your store live.

With your Shopify store set up, you’re almost ready to start selling.

Step 7: Create listings

Creating effective listings is crucial for attracting customers and driving sales. Follow these steps to create compelling listings for your t-shirt business on Shopify.

1. Add a new product. Go to the Products section in your Shopify dashboard and click Add product.
2. Write a product title. Choose a clear, descriptive title that includes key information like the design theme and type of t-shirt.
3. Create detailed descriptions. Write a detailed product description highlighting the t-shirt’s design, material, fit, and care instructions. Include any unique selling points and benefits.
4. Upload high-quality images. Add multiple high-resolution images showing different angles of the t-shirt. Use lifestyle photos to help customers visualize wearing the product.
5. Set pricing. Enter the price of your t-shirt. Consider your costs, competitor pricing, and desired profit margin when setting your prices.
6. Organize with tags and collections. Add relevant tags and organize your t-shirts into collections (e.g., men’s, women’s, bestsellers) to help customers easily find what they’re looking for.
7. Set shipping options. Specify the weight and size of the t-shirt for accurate shipping rates.

Once you’ve completed these steps, review your listing and click Save. Repeat the process for each product. Well-crafted listings will enhance your store’s professionalism and attract more customers.

Step 8: Market your t-shirt business

Marketing your t-shirt business effectively is key to having a successful store. Here are some strategies to get started:

1. Social media marketing. Create profiles on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Share high-quality images, behind-the-scenes content, and customer testimonials. Engage with your audience through comments and messages.
2. SEO optimization. Optimize your website and product listings with relevant keywords to improve search engine rankings. This helps customers find your store more easily.
3. Email marketing. Build an email list by offering discounts or freebies for sign-ups. Send regular newsletters with updates, promotions, and new product releases to keep your audience engaged.
4. Content marketing. Start a blog or create video content related to your niche. Share styling tips, industry news, and stories behind your designs to attract and engage potential customers.
5. Paid advertising. Use Facebook, Google, and Instagram ads to target specific demographics and drive traffic to your store. Set a budget and monitor the performance of your ads.
6. Promotions and discounts. Offer limited-time discounts, bundle deals, or free shipping to entice customers to make a purchase.

Implementing these marketing strategies will help you build brand awareness, attract customers, and boost sales for your t-shirt business on Shopify.

Successful print-on-demand stores

Get inspired for your own success from these print-on-demand stores. Both

Got Funny

Source: Got Funny

Got Funny (source: https://gotfunnymerch.com/) is a highly-rated, Shopify-powered business that sells an array of meme-inspired products. T-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, and much more. But what makes this store a success?

First, they have a clearly defined, consistent aesthetic. Their designs include puns, viral memes and phrases, and clever texts.

Second, they have a strong, loyal audience that the brand engages through funny, short-form content on social media platforms.

Third, the brand consistently adds new products, so the returning customers have products to explore and buy every time they come back to the store.

The Philosopher’s Shirt

Source: The Philosopher’s Shirt

The Philosopher’s Shirt (source: https://the-philosophers-shirt.com/) is a Shopify store specializing in, as the name suggests, philosophy-related designs. What are the aspects that make this store a good example?

First, they have a narrow, highly specific niche. While the brand offers more than just t-shirts, tees are the main focus.

Second, Philosopher’s Shirt strongly emphasizes sustainability so it can reach environmentally conscious shoppers. Because print-on-demand is a more sustainable alternative to traditional, mass-produced fashion, sustainability can be a strong selling point.

Lastly, this brand’s website is intuitive and easy to navigate, which improves the customers' shopping experience.

You’re ready!

We’ve covered everything you need to know to get started with your t-shirt business! It’s all in your hands now—put this knowledge to good use and build the business you’ve dreamed of having.

Read more: 15 Best Shopify T-shirt Stores For Your Inspiration 

About the contributor

This content is contributed by Karlina Rozkalne and published by Richard.

Karlina is a Senior SEO Content Writer who loves doing in-depth research and crafting insightful, actionable articles on dropshipping, ecommerce, and print-on-demand.