Whether you're a Toronto restaurant outfitting your team, a Mississauga warehouse ordering safety gear, an Oakville startup creating branded swag, or a business anywhere in Canada looking for custom apparel, this guide will help you navigate the process from start to finish.
Understanding Order Minimums
The #1 question we hear: "What's your minimum order?" The answer depends on the decoration method:
Screen Printing
Best for bulk orders. The high setup cost is offset when ordering 50+ items.
DTF Printing
Perfect for small to medium orders with detailed designs.
Embroidery
Premium option for corporate apparel and polo shirts.
💡 Smart Tip:
Need fewer than 12 pieces? Consider ordering a few extras. Having spare shirts on hand for new hires or replacements is always smart, and you'll get a better per-piece price.
What Affects Your Price?
Custom apparel pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. Here's what influences your final cost:
1. Garment Type & Quality
- • Basic cotton t-shirts
- • Economy polos
- • Standard hoodies
- • Performance fabrics
- • Brand-name apparel
- • Technical outerwear
2. Decoration Complexity
More colors or larger designs = higher cost
3. Quantity Ordered
Volume discounts apply—the more you order, the less you pay per piece
Timeline: From Quote to Delivery
Here's what to expect when ordering from our Etobicoke facility:
Quote Request (Same Day)
Contact us via phone, email, or visit in person. We'll discuss your needs and provide a detailed quote within 24 hours (usually same-day).
Design Approval (1-2 Days)
We create a digital mockup of your apparel. Once you approve the design and place your order, production begins.
Production (5-7 Business Days)
Your order goes into production. All decoration happens in-house at our facility.
Delivery or Pickup
Pick up at The West Mall or have it delivered anywhere in Canada. Competitive shipping rates available.
5 Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
❌ Ordering Too Late
The Problem: You need shirts for an event in 3 days.
The Fix: Plan 2-3 weeks ahead for custom orders. Rush service is available but costs extra.
❌ Poor Logo File Quality
The Problem: You send a tiny, pixelated JPG from your website.
The Fix: Ask your designer for a vector file (AI, EPS, or PDF). Don't have one? We can help recreate your logo.
❌ Not Checking Product Quality First
The Problem: You order 100 shirts and hate the fabric quality.
The Fix: Visit our Etobicoke showroom to see and feel the actual products before placing your order. See fabric quality, sizing, and colors in person—no guessing.
❌ Ignoring Size Distribution
The Problem: You guess sizes and end up with 20 larges nobody wants.
The Fix: Survey your team before ordering. General rule: More mediums and larges, fewer smalls and extra-larges.
❌ Choosing the Wrong Method
The Problem: You want screen printing for a 15-piece order (too small).
The Fix: Read our decoration method guide or call us for advice.
Why Choose The Silk Print?
Sure, you can order custom apparel from a faceless online company. But here's what makes working with us different — whether you're local to the GTA or ordering from anywhere in Canada:
🤝 Personal Service
Talk to real people who care about your order. Not a chatbot, not a call center—actual printers who understand your business needs, whether you're in Toronto or Thunder Bay.
⚡ Fast Pickup or Shipping
GTA Local? You're 10-15 minutes from our Etobicoke showroom—skip shipping costs!
Outside GTA? We ship anywhere in Canada with competitive rates.
🔧 Easy Fixes
Something not right? Bring it back. No shipping back and forth, no weeks of back-and-forth emails. We fix it on the spot.
🏢 Canadian Company
Your dollars stay in Canada. We're a Toronto-based business employing local staff, supporting Canadian suppliers, and giving back to our community.
Pre-Order Checklist
Before contacting us, gather this info to speed up the quote process:
Ready to Order Custom Apparel?
Contact our team at The West Mall for a free, no-obligation quote. We'll help you choose the right products and decoration methods for your needs.
📍 Visit: 133 The West Mall, Unit 11, Etobicoke (Toronto/Mississauga/Oakville area) • 🚚 Ship: Anywhere in Canada