Looking for custom apparel that actually fits your brand, your event, or your team? These five shops across the US bring serious craft to embroidery and screen printing—each with its own flavor.
The Custom Apparel Landscape in 2026
Custom apparel has moved far beyond the basic company tee. Today, it's about personal expression, brand identity, and making a statement—whether you're outfitting a corporate team, a family reunion, or a sports fan base. Shops like these blend traditional techniques with modern tech, offering everything from intricate embroidery to bold screen prints. The best ones make the process easy, with design help, fast turnaround, and quality that lasts. In 2026, the winners are those who balance personal service with scalable production, and who understand that every order—big or small—deserves attention.
How We Evaluated These Shops
We looked at each shop's service scope, pricing clarity, local fit, and the overall customer experience. Service scope means the range of products and customization options—embroidery, screen printing, digital printing, and more. Pricing clarity is about how upfront they are with costs and minimums. Local fit considers how well they serve their community, from walk-in customers to regional shipping. We also weighed the ease of getting started, whether that's through an online catalog, a quick quote, or a friendly phone call. Each shop brings something different to the table, and we've highlighted what stood out for each.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five shops we're diving into, so you can see at a glance what each one offers.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| DTLA Print | Premium custom merch with a focus on quality and reliability |
| Gorilla Graffiti | Your One Stop for Uniforms, Reunions, Special Events, or Iowa Hawkeye Apparel. | No-minimum embroidery and local Iowa Hawkeye gear |
| The Foundry Screen Print and Embroidery Shop | High-quality printing with a wide range of services and low minimums |
| Bolt Printing | Budget-friendly custom apparel with fast turnaround |
| Austin Screen Printing and Embroidery | Long-standing reliability and full-service promotional products |
The Five Shops, Up Close
#1 DTLA Print
A screenshot of the DTLA Print website.
DTLA Print is a Los Angeles powerhouse that's all about making merch people actually want. They offer a huge range of customizable products—from tees and hoodies to tote bags and blankets—with a focus on eco-friendly materials and high-quality printing. Their site is slick, with a clear promise of no hidden fees and fast, reliable delivery. If you're tired of unreliable merch partners, DTLA Print positions itself as the stress-free solution, managing your project from start to finish. They're a great pick for businesses and creators who want premium results without the headache.
#2 Gorilla Graffiti | Your One Stop for Uniforms, Reunions, Special Events, or Iowa Hawkeye Apparel.
A screenshot of the Gorilla Graffiti website.
Gorilla Graffiti is a local gem in Waukee, Iowa, that's all about personal touch. They offer custom embroidery with no minimum order—perfect for a single personalized gift or a full team uniform. Their on-site designers help you bring your vision to life, whether it's a company logo, custom art, or a special message. They also do screen printing for larger runs, and they carry a catalog of garments to choose from. Plus, they're the go-to spot for Iowa Hawkeye apparel, making them a community staple. If you're in the Midwest and want that hometown feel, this is your spot.
#3 The Foundry Screen Print and Embroidery Shop
A screenshot of The Foundry Screen Print and Embroidery Shop website.
The Foundry, based in Seattle, is a top-rated shop that's been perfecting its craft since 2010. They offer a wide range of services, including custom screen printing, embroidery, UV printing, and direct-to-film (DTF) printing. They're known for using premium blanks like AS Colour and Bella+Canvas, which speaks to their commitment to quality. With two locations and a focus on personalized service, they're a favorite for local businesses, artists, and outdoor brands. Their turnaround times are fast, and they keep minimums low, making them accessible for smaller orders. If you're on the West Coast and want expert craftsmanship, The Foundry delivers.
#4 Bolt Printing
A screenshot of the Bolt Printing website.
Bolt Printing is all about speed and value, with a promise of lightning-fast turnaround and the lowest internet prices. They carry popular styles from top brands like Gildan, Bella+Canvas, and Nike, so you know you're getting quality blanks. Their site is easy to navigate, with best-selling categories and design templates that make ordering a breeze. Whether you need custom tees for a family reunion or embroidered caps for your team, Bolt Printing has you covered. They're a solid choice if you're looking for budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality. Plus, their customer reviews speak to their reliability.
#5 Austin Screen Printing and Embroidery
A screenshot of the Austin Screen Printing and Embroidery website.
Austin Screen Printing and Embroidery has been a Texas staple since 1975, proving they know a thing or two about longevity. They offer screen printing, embroidery, and promotional products, with a promise to put your logo on just about anything. Their team is committed to making the experience easy and enjoyable, from art design to delivery. With a standard turnaround of 10 business days and rush options available, they're reliable when you're in a pinch. They've printed over 45 million shirts, which says a lot about their experience and scale. If you're in Austin or need a trusted partner with deep roots, they're a safe bet.
How to Pick the Right Shop for Your Project
Start by thinking about what you need: a single embroidered gift or a bulk order of screen-printed tees? If you're looking for no-minimum embroidery and a local touch, Gorilla Graffiti is your go-to. For premium, eco-friendly merch with a sleek online experience, DTLA Print shines. If you're on the West Coast and want a wide range of services, The Foundry is a strong contender. On a budget? Bolt Printing offers great value and speed. And if you want a proven track record with promotional products, Austin Screen Printing has been doing it for decades. Consider your timeline, your budget, and how much hand-holding you want—then pick the shop that fits your vibe.
Streamlining Your Custom Apparel Order
Most of these shops make it easy to get started online. You can browse catalogs, upload your design, and get a quote in minutes. For example, DTLA Print has a user-friendly site where you can customize products and see prices instantly. Bolt Printing offers design templates and a quick order process. Gorilla Graffiti lets you email your design or stop by in person for a more hands-on approach. The Foundry and Austin Screen Printing both have quote request forms to get the ball rolling. The key is to have your logo or artwork ready in a high-resolution format, and to know your sizes and quantities. That way, you can move from idea to order without a hitch.
The Bottom Line
No matter which shop you choose, you're in good hands with these five. Each brings its own strengths, whether it's Gorilla Graffiti's no-minimum embroidery and local charm, DTLA Print's premium quality, The Foundry's versatility, Bolt Printing's speed and value, or Austin Screen Printing's decades of experience. The best move is to match your project's needs with the shop that feels right for you. So go ahead, get that custom gear made—you'll look sharp and support a local business at the same time.