Introduction
Driven by strong consumer demand, digital commerce growth, and the rise of independent fashion brands, the T-shirt business remains one of the most profitable and accessible startup opportunities in 2026. Understanding the average monthly revenue for a T-shirt business startup is essential for entrepreneurs who want to build a sustainable, scalable, and competitive apparel brand.
Whether you are launching an online T-shirt store, developing a private label clothing brand, supplying corporate uniforms, or building a custom merchandise business, having realistic revenue expectations helps you plan production, pricing, marketing, and long-term growth strategies.
Newasia Garment Co., Ltd. is a trusted apparel manufacturing partner for T-shirt startups and growing brands, providing end-to-end production services — from fabric sourcing and pattern development to bulk manufacturing and private labeling — with flexible minimum order quantities to support both new and expanding businesses.
We are also a proud manufacturing partner for global brands including American Eagle Outfitters, Uniqlo, Gap, Zara, Levi’s, and Lee, ensuring that every T-shirt we produce meets international standards for quality, consistency, ethical manufacturing, and reliable on-time delivery — empowering startups to maximize monthly revenue potential in 2026 and beyond.
📊 Global T-Shirt Market Outlook
The global T-shirt market continues to grow, driven by everyday wear, activewear trends, and customized apparel demand.
According to industry forecasts, the global T-shirt market is expected to be a multi-billion dollar industry through 2026 and beyond.
Average Monthly Revenue
For a t-shirt business startup in 2026, beginners can realistically expect an average monthly revenue of between $500 and $1,000 per month, while established sellers can achieve $10,000+ monthly. A startup clothing brand can make anywhere from $10,000 to over $100,000 in its first year.
Revenue and Profitability Overview
- Beginner Revenue: New t-shirt business owners typically fall within the $500 to $1,000 monthly revenue range, with some sources indicating initial monthly sales may only generate a few hundred dollars.
- Established Business Revenue: Successful and established brands can scale their operations to achieve monthly revenues exceeding $10,000.
- Profit Margins: Most t-shirt businesses aim for profit margins between 30% and 50%. Print-on-demand (POD) sellers typically see margins in the 20-40% range, as they have lower startup costs and no inventory risk.
Key Insights
- Market Growth: The t-shirt market is experiencing strong growth, with the U.S. t-shirt industry expected to cross $50 billion by 2027.
- Profit per Shirt: On average, custom t-shirts generate $5 to $15 profit per shirt, depending on the production cost, selling price, and sales channel.
- Factors for Success: Profitability depends heavily on finding a niche, creating unique designs, utilizing effective marketing (especially on social media), managing production costs, and pricing strategically.
- Business Model: Print-on-demand services are a popular, low-risk option for beginners as they eliminate the need for upfront inventory investment.
Revenue ranges you can expect in 2026 (approximate):
| Business Model | Average Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|
| Small online startup | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Mid-Size brand/Shopify | $20,000 – $100,000+ |
| Established direct-to-consumer brand | $100,000+ |
| Wholesale distribution / bulk segments | $50,000+ |
What Influences T-Shirt Business Revenue?
Several key factors affect how much revenue you can realistically make each month:
🔹 Pricing Strategy
T-shirt pricing typically ranges between $20–$40 or higher for premium/custom products. Higher pricing can significantly boost revenue, especially if paired with strong branding.
🔹 Sales Channel
- Direct e-commerce sales (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy) can scale quickly with targeted marketing.
- Wholesale partnerships with boutiques and retailers diversify revenue beyond individual consumer sales.
🔹 Marketing & Brand Positioning
Brands that leverage social influencers, niche communities (e.g., eco-friendly, graphic tees), and repeat buyers often see stronger revenue growth.
🔹 Production Costs
Lower production costs, especially through long-term manufacturing partnerships, allow better pricing flexibility and higher margins.
Cost vs Profit: What to Expect
Typical production and pricing scenarios influence both revenue and profitability:
| Aspect | Example |
|---|---|
| Production cost per shirt | $4 – $10 |
| Average selling price | $20 – $40 |
| Gross margin per unit | ~50–70% |
For example:
- Selling 500 shirts/month at $30 each potentially yields $15,000 revenue, with gross profit margins often above 50% after production and fulfillment costs.
Is a T-Shirt Business Still Profitable in 2026?
If you’re learning how to start a t-shirt business, profitability is likely your biggest concern. The good news is that the market is still growing—and fast. The U.S. t-shirt industry generated over $38 billion in revenue in 2022 and is expected to cross $50 billion by 2027, showing strong long-term demand.
One major growth driver is customization. The custom t-shirt printing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 11% through 2030, fueled by demand for personalized and company t-shirt design products. In fact, one in five shoppers is willing to pay up to 20% more for custom t-shirts, which directly boosts profit margins.
Print-on-demand services have also made running an online t-shirt business more profitable and less risky. With POD, you can test different t-shirt design ideas, follow current t-shirt design trends, and sell without holding inventory.
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
State-of-the-art production facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology and skilled workforce delivering superior quality leggings at scale.
Production Excellence
140 fully automated production lines with advanced cutting and sewing technology for consistent quality.
In-house testing facility ensuring fabric durability, color fastness, and performance standards.
Eco-friendly manufacturing processes with recycled materials and water conservation systems.
| 100,000+ Daily Capacity |
| 140+ Production Lines |
| 99.5% Quality Pass Rate |
| 12,000+ Skilled Workers |
OUR PROCESS
Comprehensive Manufacturing Services
End-to-end solutions tailored to your brand’s specific requirements with flexible production options and dedicated support.
Complete production services based on your designs and specifications with guaranteed quality standards.
✅Your design, our expertise
✅Flexible MOQ options
✅Cost-effective solutions
✅Fast turnaround times
Full service from concept to production including design development and trend analysis.
✅Complete design solutions
✅Trend research & analysis
✅Technical development
✅Market-ready products
Build your brand with comprehensive private label manufacturing and white label options.
✅Brand development support
✅Custom labeling & packaging
✅Exclusive product lines
✅Market positioning advice
Rigorous quality control systems ensuring international standards and customer satisfaction.
✅AQL 2.5 inspection standards
✅OEKO-TEX certified fabrics
✅ISO quality management
Worldwide shipping solutions with real-time tracking and comprehensive logistics support.
✅Global shipping network
✅Real-time tracking
✅Insurance coverage
✅Customs clearance support
Eco-friendly production processes with sustainable materials and responsible practices.
✅Recycled materials
✅Water conservation
✅Energy efficient processes
✅Carbon footprint reduction
Key Reasons to Work With Us
- Low MOQ & Fast Turnaround
- 100pcs minimum order – Perfect for testing designs or small businesses.
- 5-10 days for sample and 15-30 days to produce – Quick delivery without compromising quality.
- Screen printing, embroidery, DTG, Rhinestone Application – Choose the best method for your logo.
- Free design support – Our team helps optimize artwork for the best results.
- Located in the heart of China’s textile hub(Guangzhou), ensuring fast material sourcing & lower costs.
- 2000+ fabric options – From organic cotton to performance blends.
- Quality You Can Trust
- Strict QC process – Every piece inspected before shipping.
- OEKO-TEX®, ISO and BSCI certificate – Safe, durable, and eco-friendly materials.
Global Shipping & Easy Communication
- Door-to-door logistics (DDP available).
- 24/7 support via WhatsApp, Email, WeChat.
Certified Professional Clothing Producer
We are very proud of these certificates! They represent Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. ’s amazing achievements and accreditations. They show how much we care about quality, safety, and professionalism.
We’re proud to say that we have obtained BSCI and ISO 90001 certificates, and inspection certificates for filling materials such as down and cotton. We follow international standards throughout our production process and take responsibility for the quality of our products.
As one of China’s leading clothing manufacturers, we are pleased to be recognized by respected organizations. These certifications underscore our reliability as a trusted supplier to the global apparel industry.
Trusted Certificates：
Why Choose Us
 Independent base We have our own laboratory and can independently develop fabrics , China  Professional certification Certification: ISO 9001, ISO 14001，BSCI，GRS |  Full-equipped Full-equipped, from fiber manufacturing, yarn spinning, weaving, dyeing and processing to finished product production  Rich experience Professional, large and experienced design team, combined with the latest artificial intelligence technology |  Our Facilities 12,000 skilled employees, daily production capacity exceeds 100,000 pieces  Fashion exhibition Participated in domestic and foreign fashion weeks and exhibitions many times |
Trusted by Global Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
We specialize in flexible production solutions to support emerging brands and growing businesses.
- For highly customised or technical garments (such as specialised denim washes or intricate embroidery), MOQ requirements may range from 200 to 300 units.
- Our standard MOQ ranges from 100 to 300 units per design, depending on fabric availability and production complexity.
- For best pricing efficiency, MOQ is typically based on 300 per style per colour.
- You can mix colors and sizes within the same style and fabric for greater flexibility.
Q2: What Services Do You Offer?
We provide full-cycle fashion support, including:
- Sourcing: Local and global raw material, fabric R&D, and procurement (trims) with cost optimization.
- Manufacturing: Custom manufacturing with quality control checkpoints.
- Design & Development: Assistance with tech packs, trend research, and collection building.
- Logistics: Shipping coordination to your warehouse or 3PL.
- Sustainability Consulting: Eco-fabric sourcing, ethical production planning.
Q3: Can I Customize My Designs Fully?
We work with both OEM (your design, our production) and ODM (our templates customized for you) models. Customization options include:
- Fabric type and color
- Fit and sizing
- Printing (screen, DTG, sublimation, embroidery)
- Accessories (zippers, buttons, cords)
- Labels, hangtags, branded packaging
Q4: What are your sustainability practices?
We’re committed to responsible manufacturing through:
- Waste reduction programs and ethical labor practices (BSCI certified)
- GOTS-certified organic cotton and recycled material options
- OEKO-TEX® certified dyes and processing
- Energy-efficient production technology
Q5: What Are Your Lead Times?
For in-stock items: ships worldwide within 3–7 days For custom orders: production lead time 15–30 days Urgent / Express Options: Available at a premium. Timing can vary depending on fabric development, approval cycles, and order complexity.
Q6: What is your production capacity?
Our facility employs 12,000 skilled employees, daily production capacity exceeds 100,000 pieces. We handle orders from 100 pieces to 50,000+ units across:
- Activewear and sportswear
- Denim and casual wear
- Children’s clothing
- Technical apparel
Q7: Where are your garments produced?
Our headquarters are based in China, where we operate our own vertically integrated factory. Our infrastructure and strategically placed worldwide manufacturing facilities allow us to offer extremely competitive pricing for fully custom clothing. offer flexible production options tailored to your needs. All manufacturing is supervised by our quality control team to ensure consistent standards.
Start selling custom shirts with Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd.
So, how much can you make selling t-shirts? That depends on the effort you put into design, pricing, and marketing. In the business industry, apparel is still one of the most profitable eCommerce categories because everyone wears t-shirts and wants options that feel personal.
With Newasia Garment Co.,Ltd. , you skip the headaches of bulk runs and high minimum order quantity requirements.
Conclusion
Starting a t-shirt business in 2026 is a smart and profitable move. With increasing demand for personalized company t-shirt designs and the convenience of online t-shirt businesses through print-on-demand, creative entrepreneurs have more opportunities than ever to turn their ideas into income.
Success depends on choosing the right niche, creating high-quality t-shirt design ideas, selecting the best printing methods, and promoting your products effectively. Avoid common pitfalls like poor pricing, low-quality materials, or weak marketing, and focus on delivering products that your customers truly love.
Ready to turn your passion into profit? Begin your t-shirt business plan today, experiment with designs, and launch your online store to build a thriving, profitable brand in 2026.
👉 Contact Newasia Garment Co., Ltd. today to discuss your project.
Read more: Average Monthly Revenue T-Shirt Business Startup 2026