The Ultimate Guide to Buying Wholesale T-Shirts in India for Printing & Branding

Whether you're starting a custom apparel brand, printing event merch, or outfitting your team, buying wholesale T-shirts in India can save you time and money. But with so many suppliers, fabrics, and options out there, where do you begin?

This ultimate guide breaks down everything you need to know about sourcing wholesale T-shirts for printing and branding in India. From choosing the right fabric and fit to finding reliable suppliers and avoiding common mistakes, we’ve got you covered.

Why Go Wholesale for T-Shirts?

• Lower Costs: Bulk orders significantly reduce the per-unit price.

• Customization Friendly: Wholesale T-shirts are often designed for easy screen printing, DTG, or heat transfers.

• Consistent Quality: Buying from the same source ensures uniform sizing and quality.

• Inventory Control: Keep a steady stock for ongoing printing needs.

What to Look for in a Wholesale T-Shirt (Especially for Printing)

When you’re ordering T-shirts in bulk, especially for branding or printing, not all tees are made equal. Keep these criteria in mind:

1. Fabric Type

• 100% Cotton: Ideal for screen printing and DTG. Soft, breathable, and vibrant print results.

• Cotton-Poly Blends: More durable and wrinkle-resistant but might affect print vibrancy.

• Pre-shrunk Cotton: Avoids post-print size variations.

2. GSM (Fabric Weight)

• Lightweight (130-150 GSM): Best for hotter climates and budget-friendly merch. Read more on choosing breathable summer shirts.

• Midweight (160-180 GSM): Great balance for retail-quality prints.

• Heavyweight (190+ GSM): Premium feel; suitable for fashion or streetwear brands.

3. Fit & Style

• Crew necks, V-necks, long sleeves, and unisex styles are most versatile.

• Look for regular or relaxed fits to suit wider audiences.

4. Printing Compatibility

Make sure the fabric works well with your preferred method:

• Screen Printing

• Heat Press

• Sublimation

• DTG (Direct-to-Garment)

Best Places to Buy Wholesale T-Shirts in India

1. Gildan India 

A global favourite now available in India, Gildan offers high-quality blank t-shirt ideal for printing. Known for its:

• Consistent sizing & durability

• Pre-shrunk cotton and poly-cotton blends

• No MOQ hassles

• Fast delivery and easy online ordering

Perfect for:

• Startups

• Printing businesses

• Event merchandisers

  Looking for a fresh lineup of blank tees? Don’t miss the New Men’s T-Shirts Collection now live on Gildan India.

2. Cottonworld & Local B2B Markets (e.g. Tirupur, Ludhiana)

While they offer competitive prices, they often require higher minimums and may lack consistency in quality.

3. IndiaMART / TradeIndia Vendors

You’ll find dozens of T-shirt manufacturers here. Vet carefully—ask for samples, reviews, and clear pricing before committing.

4. Print-on-Demand Platforms (for smaller batches)

If you’re not ready for inventory, services like Printrove or Qikink let you upload your design and dropship it printed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Fabric Shrinkage: Always choose pre-shrunk or wash-tested fabrics.

• Skipping Size Mix: Don’t order only M and L—get a full size spread.

• No Sample Run: Always order 1–2 pieces first to test print quality.

• Low-Resolution Artwork: Ensure your artwork is 300 DPI or higher for crisp results.

How to Compare Pricing

When sourcing wholesale T-shirts, don’t just go by per-piece cost. Look at:

• Shipping fees

• Printing cost (if included)

• Taxes (GST applicable)

• Bulk discounts

Gildan India offers transparent, all-inclusive pricing right on their site—making budgeting easier.

Final Checklist Before You Order

• Have your logo/design files ready in high-resolution (PNG or vector format)
• Confirm the sizing chart with your supplier
• Decide on the printing method (e.g., screen print, DTG)
• Order a sample batch to test quality
• Set a clear delivery timeline and buffer for production

Conclusion

Buying wholesale T-shirts in India for printing and branding is a smart move for anyone running a clothing business, creating merch, or outfitting a team. The key lies in choosing the right supplier, checking fabric quality, and ensuring compatibility with your printing technique.

If you're looking for a trusted, no-fuss experience with excellent quality and service, Gildan India is your best bet.