Starting a new brand is exciting — but one wrong move in your first bulk t-shirt order can cost you big. Whether you’re launching a fashion label, creating event merch, or branding your startup team, ordering t-shirts in bulk requires more strategy than most founders expect.
Here at Radison Apparel, we’ve seen dozens of startup stories — both wins and regrets. This guide covers the top 5 mistakes startups make when ordering t-shirts in bulk, and how you can avoid them to save time, money, and reputation.
✅ 1. Choosing the Cheapest Option Without Understanding GSM
The most common mistake? Thinking “cheaper is better.”
Startups often choose the lowest-priced t-shirt without checking the GSM (Grams per Square Meter) — the measure of fabric weight and quality.
Why It Hurts:
Low GSM shirts (like 130–140 GSM) look and feel flimsy.
They shrink after a few washes and damage your brand image.
Returns and complaints can destroy your profit margins.
What to Do Instead:
Go for 160–180 GSM for durability, better print results, and long-term wear.
🧠 Want to learn about GSM like a pro? Read our complete GSM guide here.
✅ 2. Ignoring Fit and Sizing Preferences of Your Audience
Not all t-shirts are created equal — especially when it comes to fit. A mistake many startups make is choosing a “standard size chart” without considering their target audience.
Common Fit Errors:
Choosing oversized cuts for corporate staff.
Picking slim fits for athletic events.
Ignoring unisex vs. gender-specific sizing
What to Do Instead:
Always ask for a sizing chart from your supplier.
Order a sample set with all sizes to test fit.
Consider your audience’s body types and preferences.
✅ 3. Skipping Samples to ‘Save Time’
Time is money — but skipping samples can be far more costly.
Many new brands go straight to full bulk orders based on a photo or catalog. What arrives often shocks them: wrong color tones, poor print quality, or bad fit.
Why It’s Risky:
Colors may differ under studio lights.
Print quality can’t be judged from digital previews.
Stitching and neck finishing vary by vendor.
What to Do Instead:
Always order a sample piece with your actual logo. It’s the single smartest step to avoid bulk regret.
✅ 4. Ordering Without MOQ Flexibility
Traditional vendors usually ask for 300–500 pcs minimum — and that’s not realistic for every startup.
Startups often commit to large volumes before they’ve tested the market. The result? Dead stock, wasted money, and stress.
What to Do Instead:
Choose a supplier with low or no MOQ policies, like Radison Apparel.
Start small — even 50 pieces. Test demand, and reorder what actually works.
🎯 Start lean with us — click here to request your low-MOQ quote.
✅ 5. Picking the Wrong Printing Method
T-shirt customization is exciting, but not all printing methods suit all use-cases or budgets.
Common Mistakes:
Choosing vinyl prints for bulk (costly).
Using DTG on dark colors without pre-treatment.
Going for embroidery on lightweight fabrics.
What to Do Instead:
Screen printing for bulk orders (best cost-performance).
DTG for high-detail, low-quantity runs.
Embroidery for small logos on heavier fabrics (180+ GSM).
Not sure what to choose? We guide every client based on use-case. Click here for printing guide
Final Thoughts: Be a Smart Startup, Not a Sorry One
When done right, your first t-shirt order can be a huge brand booster. But when done wrong, it drains your budget and damages your brand before it even starts.
💬 Ready to Order Smarter?
Radison Apparel specializes in helping startups make their first t-shirt order successful — with expert guidance, no minimums, and quality you can count on.
👉 Contact us today — or start with a free sample consultation.
📱 +91-9043267615
💌 sales@radisonapparel.com