How Long Does It Take to Print T-Shirts in Perth? (Screen, DTG and DTF Explained)

Posted by Fisher Digital · October 13, 2025

If you’re planning an event, promoting your business or outfitting a team using T-shirts, it’ll help to know exactly how long it will take for those shirts to be ready.

The turnaround for T-shirt printing Perth depends on a few important factors, including the method of printing, the size of your order and the availability of stock. Some projects can be completed in as little as a day, while larger or more detailed jobs may take a few weeks.

In this guide, we’ll explain the typical production times for different printing methods and what you can expect from each option.

TFP Apparel Production Timeframes

At TFP Apparel, we understand that every project comes with its own deadlines. Some customers need a small run of shirts ready almost immediately, while others are planning larger events and can allow for longer production times. That’s why we offer flexible options for custom t-shirt turnaround, giving you the freedom to choose a service that matches your schedule.

Our team is equipped to deliver fast results without compromising quality, which is why businesses rely on us for reliable t-shirt printing speed. From urgent jobs to larger batches, we can scale production to meet your timeline. For those on a tight deadline, our express t-shirt printing options are the best way to get professional results in record time.

Here’s a breakdown of our typical production times for each method:

Embroidery: Standard turnaround is 2 to 4 weeks. Embroidery requires setup and precision stitching, which takes longer but delivers a premium finish.

DTG (Direct To Garment) and DTF (Direct To FIlm) Digital Printing:

Same Day Express (24 hours) - Available for selected styles in black and white tees only.
Rush Order (2 to 3 days) - Fast option for most black and white garments.
Standard (4 to 14 days) - For jobs requiring stock to be ordered in or for more complex requests.

Minimum Order Quantities

When planning a custom T-shirt order, it’s important to understand the minimum quantities required for each printing method. These minimums are set to ensure the process is cost-effective and efficient, and they can help guide you towards the option that best suits your needs. Smaller runs are often best handled with digital printing, while larger groups or events benefit from methods designed for scale.

Here’s a quick look at the minimum order requirements for each method:

DTG/DTF: 1 unit minimum, ideal for small runs and individual orders.
Screen Printing: 20 units minimum, which keeps costs down on larger jobs.
Embroidery: 10 units minimum, suitable for uniforms and premium garments.

Shipping Times

Once your order is done, delivery is handled through Australia Post. Shipping speed depends on your selection and the season.

Express Post: Generally overnight to 3 days.
Parcel Post: Typically 3 to 7 days.

Please note: Rush options may be unavailable during peak periods, so it’s always best to confirm lead times when placing your order.

Can I Provide My Own T-Shirts?

A common question we receive is whether customers can supply their own garments for printing. At TFP Apparel, we only print on shirts that we source ourselves. This ensures that every order meets the same high standard of quality and that the garments are always compatible with our printing methods.

It also allows us to offer a replacement guarantee, which would not be possible if the shirts were provided by outside suppliers. Controlling the process in-house from start to finish gives us the confidence to deliver consistent results and a professional finish every time.

In-house Design Support And Artwork Requirements

Not every customer has a finished design file ready to go, which is why TFP Apparel provides full in-house graphic design support. Our team can help refine your ideas, adjust layouts and prepare artwork so it is print-ready.

To achieve the best results, we recommend supplying high-resolution vector files or transparent PNGs. These formats ensure clean edges, accurate colours and sharp detail once printed. For complete guidelines, you can refer to our artwork specifications, which outline everything you need to know before submitting your design.

T-Shirt Sizes And Print Areas

We stock garments in a wide variety of sizes so everyone is covered, from small children to larger adults. We also work within set print dimensions to make sure your design looks balanced, clear and professional once applied.

Here are the available sizes and maximum print areas:

Available Sizes: 3XS through to 12XL
Maximum Print Dimensions:

DTG: 360mm x 450mm
DTF/Screen: 380mm x 480mm (T-shirts), 480mm x 580mm (tea towels)

What Affects The Cost Per Shirt?

The price of printed T-shirts is influenced by several key factors and understanding them helps you make the most cost-effective choices when planning your order. The final cost will always depend on the details of your project, from the number of garments you need to the complexity of your design.

Here are the main elements that determine cost per shirt:

Quantity ordered: Larger runs bring the cost per shirt down.
Number of print locations: Printing on the front, back and sleeve will cost more than a single placement.
Printing method used: Each method has different setup requirements and pricing structures.

Choosing The Most Cost-effective Method

Each printing method comes with its own strengths and the best choice depends on your budget, deadline and the number of shirts you need. Some options are designed for speed and flexibility, while others are more suited to larger runs where cost efficiency is the priority. Understanding which approach aligns with your project ensures you get the best value without compromising on quality.

Here are the most cost-effective options for different needs:

DTG/DTF: The best option for low volumes and fast turnarounds. If you only need one or two shirts or a small order in a hurry, this is the way to go.
Screen Printing: The preferred choice for large batches. The setup takes more time but, once complete, the cost per unit is far lower than digital methods.
Embroidery: Ideal for uniforms and premium garments. You will need to allow longer embroidery lead times, but the result is unmatched in durability and presentation.

Conclusion

In the end, having a clear understanding of how long T-shirt printing Perth takes, makes it much easier to plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress. Whether you’re ordering a single shirt through digital printing, arranging bulk screen printing delivery for a major event or scheduling longer DTG production times for more detailed designs, TFP Apparel has the expertise and capacity to meet your deadlines. With flexible options and professional support, we make sure your order is completed on time and to the highest standard.

Need custom tees fast? TFP Apparel offers Perth’s fastest turnaround on quality printed garments. Start designing online or contact us today for expert advice.