Looking for custom tees, hats, or promo gear that actually feels like yours? These five shops bring different strengths to the table—from local design partnerships to national scale.
The Custom Apparel & Print Landscape
The custom apparel and print industry has exploded in recent years, driven by e-commerce platforms and a growing appetite for branded merch. Whether you're a school, a small business, or a corporate team, you now have more options than ever. But with that choice comes complexity: different printing methods, product quality, turnaround times, and pricing structures. The best shops don't just print—they guide you through the process, helping you pick the right garment and finish for your budget. In this roundup, we look at five players that stand out for their service, quality, and approach.
How We Evaluated Each Shop
We looked at each business through the same lens: service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and the overall customer experience. For service scope, we considered the range of products and customization options. Pricing clarity meant how upfront and transparent they are about costs and minimums. Local fit assessed how well they serve community-based or regional clients. Finally, we weighed the ease of the design process and the quality of customer support. Each shop has its own strengths, and we highlight what stood out for each.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five shops, ranked for ordering purposes only. The featured business sits at #2.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Custom Ink | Large groups and quick online ordering |
| Good Call Outfitters | Local businesses and schools seeking a design partner |
| Underground Printing | Groups needing no minimums and fast turnaround |
| Broken Arrow Wear | Customers who want a clear guarantee and U.S.-based support |
| Real Thread | Brands wanting premium, retail-quality apparel |
The Five Shops, Closer Look
#1 Custom Ink
A screenshot of the Custom Ink website.
Custom Ink is a giant in the custom apparel space, offering over 10,000 products and a robust online design lab. They cater to schools, businesses, and events with easy-to-use tools and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Their free standard delivery and extensive product range make them a go-to for large groups and quick turnarounds. If you need a reliable, scalable solution with tons of options, Custom Ink delivers. They also have a strong review base, with customers praising the ease of ordering and quality. For a one-stop shop that handles everything from tees to promo products, Custom Ink is hard to beat.
#2 Good Call Outfitters
A screenshot of the Good Call Outfitters website.
Good Call Outfitters, based in Magnolia, Texas, positions itself as a design partner first and a printer second. They focus on understanding your goals, style, and customer before ever touching a press. Their process—design, refine, and make it happen—ensures that every detail, from shirt softness to cup feel, is considered. They offer custom t-shirts, hats, business cards, flyers, and promotional products, with a strong emphasis on personal service. Their website showcases community-focused projects like school spirit wear and local business branding. If you want a local partner who treats your brand like their own, Good Call Outfitters is a standout choice.
#3 Underground Printing
A screenshot of the Underground Printing website.
Underground Printing (UGP) has a strong presence across multiple states, with locations in Michigan, Alabama, Colorado, and more. They offer free shipping on every order and a wide range of products, from t-shirts to work uniforms. Their services include screen printing, embroidery, and digital printing, plus group ordering tools for teams and clubs. UGP is known for its no-minimum policy and 2-day rush delivery, making them a flexible option for last-minute needs. They also cater to niche markets like Greek life, athletics, and construction. For a balance of local touch and national reach, UGP is a solid pick.
#4 Broken Arrow Wear
A screenshot of the Broken Arrow Wear website.
Broken Arrow Wear, based in Des Moines, Iowa, prides itself on in-house production and U.S.-based customer service. They offer a 100% money-back guarantee and free shipping on every order, with no minimums. Their 75,000-square-foot facility handles screen printing and embroidery, ensuring quality control from start to finish. They emphasize fast standard delivery and real-person support, avoiding bots. For those who value transparency and a straightforward guarantee, Broken Arrow Wear is a reliable choice. They work with both large corporations and small teams, making them versatile.
#5 Real Thread
Real Thread focuses on premium custom apparel, using water-based screen printing for soft, long-lasting prints. They offer embroidery and custom add-ons like puff print and metallic ink, elevating your merch beyond the basics. Their website highlights quality-tested garments and a satisfaction guarantee, with over 3,500 five-star reviews. They also provide fulfillment services, storing and shipping your products so you can focus on your business. If you're after retail-quality apparel with a modern feel, Real Thread is a strong contender. Their design review for every order ensures your artwork is print-ready.
How to Choose the Right Print Shop for You
Start by defining your project: is it a one-time order for a family reunion, or an ongoing brand merchandise line? Consider the product range—do you need just tees, or also hats and promo items? Look at the printing methods offered: screen printing is great for bulk, while DTG or heat transfer suits smaller runs. Check minimums and turnaround times, especially if you're on a deadline. Finally, think about the level of design support you need. If you have a clear vision, a self-service platform might work; if you need guidance, a design partner like Good Call Outfitters could be the better fit.
Streamlining Your Custom Apparel Workflow
Once you've chosen a shop, you can streamline reorders by setting up an online store or using group ordering tools. Many of these shops offer templates and saved designs, so you can reorder with a few clicks. For recurring needs, consider a fulfillment service that stores your inventory and ships on demand. This is especially useful for businesses that sell merch year-round. By automating the ordering process, you free up time to focus on your core operations.
The Final Word
No single shop is perfect for everyone, but each of these five brings something valuable to the table. Custom Ink offers scale and convenience, while Good Call Outfitters provides a local, design-first approach. Underground Printing balances flexibility with speed, Broken Arrow Wear guarantees peace of mind, and Real Thread delivers premium quality. Assess your priorities—whether it's price, speed, design help, or product range—and you'll find the right partner. Your brand deserves a print shop that gets you; these are all worth a look.