You need custom apparel that looks professional, feels great, and arrives on time. Whether you're branding your startup, outfitting a team, or launching a merch line, the right screen printer makes all the difference. I've rounded up five shops that
Why Custom Apparel Still Matters
Custom apparel isn't just about logos on shirts. It's a walking billboard for your brand, a team-building tool, and a revenue stream all in one. Screen printing and embroidery remain the go-to methods for durability and color vibrancy, especially for bulk orders. With more businesses going hybrid and remote, branded gear keeps culture alive. The shops below have mastered the balance of quality, speed, and pricing.
How I Ranked These Printers
I evaluated each shop on four factors: service range (screen printing, embroidery, stickers, promo items), brand catalog (access to premium names like Nike and Carhartt), ordering flexibility (quote-based vs. instant pricing), and customer experience (design help, rush jobs, communication). The goal was to find printers that work for small businesses and large teams alike.
Here's a quick look at the five custom apparel shops, ranked from versatile full-service agencies to focused local specialists.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Crooked Monkey | Full-service branding and premium merch |
| Studio One Screen Printing & Embroidery | High-volume screen printing with design support |
| ABCTEES Printing & Embroidery | In-house production with no minimum embroidery |
| Upside Works | Personalized quote-based custom apparel |
| Reston Shirt | Wholesale pricing with multi-color printing |
The Top 5 Custom Apparel Printers — Deep Dive
#1 Crooked Monkey
A screenshot of the Crooked Monkey website.
Crooked Monkey is a full-service merch agency and screen printing company based in Washington DC. They go beyond basic printing by offering design services, premium brands like Peter Millar and Patagonia, and custom headwear options including New Era. Their team handles rush jobs and competitive pricing, making them a go-to for companies that want retail-quality merchandise. They've been trusted by brands like PLNT Burger and Amazon, which speaks to their scalability. If you need a partner that can transform your company into a brand, Crooked Monkey delivers.
#2 Studio One Screen Printing & Embroidery
A screenshot of the Studio One Screen Printing & Embroidery website.
Studio One Screen Printing & Embroidery offers custom screen printing near Washington DC with a focus on large-quantity orders and fast turnaround. Their in-house design team creates unique artwork or works from your files, using the latest innovations for affordable pricing. They print on everything from t-shirts and sweatshirts to bags and promotional items. Studio One also emphasizes keeping company culture strong through branded gear, especially for remote teams. It's a solid choice for bulk orders that need to look sharp.
#3 ABCTEES Printing & Embroidery
A screenshot of the ABCTEES Printing & Embroidery website.
ABCTEES Printing & Embroidery has been delivering top-quality custom apparel for over 30 years, with all work done in-house. They offer screen printing, embroidery, and custom digitizing with no minimum for embroidery orders. Rush orders are welcome, and they provide free shipping to Maryland, DC, and Virginia on orders up to 72 shirts. Their showroom makes it easy to see samples in person, and they serve everyone from small businesses to sports teams and nonprofits. If you want a one-stop shop with decades of experience, ABCTEES is a reliable pick.
#4 Upside Works
A screenshot of the Upside Works website.
Upside Works is a local custom apparel and printing company based in Eden, New York, specializing in screen printing, embroidery, and custom sticker printing. They offer a quote-based ordering process and feature an apparel catalog with brands like Nike, Carhartt, and New Era. This approach allows them to tailor each order to your specific needs and budget. They serve customers looking for custom-branded clothing and accessories with a personal touch. If you prefer a hands-on, consultative experience, Upside Works is worth a call.
#5 Reston Shirt
A screenshot of the Reston Shirt website.
Reston Shirt provides custom screen printing in Washington DC from their in-house production facility in Dulles, VA, using advanced M&R equipment capable of printing up to 14 colors. They offer spot color, process color, and simulated process printing to handle highly detailed artwork with vibrant, durable inks. Their wholesale pricing and access to hundreds of styles make them a cost-effective option for teams and organizations. Reston Shirt also stocks a full apparel catalog and offers promo products. For high-quality silk screening at competitive prices, Reston Shirt is a strong contender.
How to Pick the Right Screen Printer for Your Project
Start by defining your order size and timeline. If you need a small run with no minimums, look for shops like ABCTEES that offer flexibility. For large quantities with complex designs, Studio One or Reston Shirt have the equipment to handle it. If branding strategy matters as much as the print, Crooked Monkey's full-service approach is hard to beat. And if you prefer a quote-based, consultative process, Upside Works gives you that personal attention. Always ask about brand availability, turnaround times, and whether design help is included.
Automate Your Custom Apparel Workflow
You can streamline ordering by setting up a recurring quote request with your chosen printer. Use a simple form that captures design files, quantities, sizes, and deadlines. Many shops like Crooked Monkey and ABCTEES offer online quote forms that integrate with your email. For repeat orders, save your artwork and specs in a shared folder so you can resubmit in minutes. This turns a manual process into a repeatable system.
Your Next Custom Apparel Partner Is Ready
Custom apparel is one of the most effective ways to build brand recognition and team spirit. Whether you go with a full-service agency like Crooked Monkey or a local specialist like Upside Works, each of these five shops brings something unique to the table. Match your project needs to their strengths, request a quote, and get your gear rolling. Your brand deserves to be seen.