T-shirts are a classic wardrobe staple that will never go out of style, especially with the rising trend of custom t-shirt printing companies.
Whether you’re looking for validation to start your own custom clothing line or want to learn more about the t-shirt industry, below are the top t-shirt industry statistics and trends from 2016 to 2023, with predictions for the next decade.
Global T-Shirt Industry Trends and Statistics
After the COVID-19 pandemic, fashion moved towards more comfortable clothing as people began working remotely and staying home more often. There is no coincidence that global t-shirt sales have increased since then.
$2 B
T-Shirts Sold Annually
With 2 Billion t-shirts sold each year, the global t-shirt industry is expected to reach a whopping $330 Billion USD by 2025.
3.22%
Est. Annual Growth Rate
As the t-shirt industry grows, experts estimate that the market will increase 3.22% annually between 2023 and 2027.
85%
Of Sold Tees Are Unisex
Both men and women are purchasing t-shirts at a growing rate. In fact, 85% of the t-shirts sold globally are unisex. However, the market for women’s t-shirts is expected to increase by 6.1% between 2022 and 2028, especially as loose-fitting styles are trending in modern women's fashion.
United States T-Shirt Industry Trends and Statistics
$15
Annual T-Shirt Spend
Per American
Around the world, Americans are known for their easy-going fashion, especially wearing athleisure and t-shirts on daily errands. It’s no wonder that 62% of Americans claim to own more than ten t-shirts in their wardrobe. While that may seem like a lot of t-shirts, the average American only spends about $15 per year on t-shirts.
$346 B
Value Of Apparel Industry
Whether Americans are dressing up or dressing down, t-shirts are one of the most common clothing items in their closets. In 2019, the apparel industry was worth $346 Billion in the US, and t-shirts accounted for a majority of the market.
11.5%
Average Annual Increase
In Shirt Sales
In recent years, Americans were more likely to order their t-shirts and clothing online. Between 2016 and 2021, online t-shirt sales increased by 11.5% each year. In 2024, online t-shirt purchases are expected to surpass offline sales.
It’s no secret that Americans love their t-shirts showing no signs of slowing down their t-shirt purchasing habits.
Custom T-Shirt Industry Trends and Statistics
One of the most powerful methods of self-expression is through clothing. Custom t-shirts bring that method to an entirely new level. With custom-designed t-shirts, people can create their own clothing lines, create personal gifts for loved ones, or simply bring an idea to life.
36%
Of Consumers Expect
Customization Options
As the custom t-shirt industry becomes more recongized, 36% of consumers expect their t-shirts to be customizable and personalized by size, style, graphic, color, and more.
$5.66 B
Projected Value Of
Asia-Pacific Market
With Asia-Pacific being the fastest-growing region for custom t-shirt shares, the global market was valued at $5.66 Billion in 2023. The market is expected to increase by 11.27% per year between 2023 and 2032, raising the value to a whopping $14.81 Billion.
Who is purchasing custom t-shirts? In the US, the majority of custom t-shirt customers are males between the ages of 16 and 29. They are printing t-shirts for themselves, their friends, family members, and even their own personal clothing lines.
We can also see an increased trend on Google Trends. More people tend to search for “custom t-shirts” just before the holidays. This leads us to believe that these custom t-shirts are used as gifts or events.
Custom T-Shirt Printing Trends and Statistics
As we expect the custom t-shirt industry to grow over the next decade, the styles and methods of printing will adapt and change as well. Customization methods for t-shirts include screen printing, digital printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, and heat transfers.
56%
Percent Of Custom Tees
With Screen Printing
In 2022, 56% of all custom t-shirt orders were personalized with the screen printing process. This method applies ink on the fabric through a mesh screen and can be used for bulk t-shirt orders.
However, we can expect to see a rise in digital printing. Experts expect digital printing CAGR to increase by 12% between 2023 and 2030. This method uses a special printer to directly apply ink to the t-shirt fabric. Digital printing is also more environmentally friendly, as the process consumes 90% less water per meter of fabric.
57%
Percent Of Custom Tees
With Pre-Made Designs
While custom t-shirt designs will differ with each customer, 57% of custom t-shirts in 2022 displayed pre-made graphic designs. With the rise of AI technology, custom t-shirts with custom artwork designs are expected to become more popular and grow 11.6% between 2023 and 2030.
T-Shirt Apparel Trends and Statistics
Whether consumers are ordering regular, storebrand t-shirts or having them custom printed, there are apparel trends moving in the market you may want to be aware of.
85.2%
Of Exported Shirts Were
Made Of Cotton
While t-shirts can be made from numerous materials, in 2017, 85.2% of the t-shirts exported globally were made of cotton. Experts also expect to see a rise in organic cotton t-shirts, increasing 10% between 2020 and 2025.
55%
Of Shirts Sold Are
Round Neck
Between square neck, boat neck, v-neck, and scoop neck t-shirts, 55% of t-shirts sold globally are round neck styles. For those considering a business in apparel, round-neck t-shirts could become your best seller.
$248 B
Projected Value Of
Sportswear Industry
Lastly, the sportswear industry is expected to increase and reach $248.1 Billion by 2026. This line of apparel also includes performance t-shirts, made for running and exercising.
Sustainable T-Shirt Fashion Trends and Statistics
As the environment bears the brunt of human industries, more companies are turning towards eco-friendly production processes, including the fashion industry. More consumers are opening their eyes to the dangers of fast fashion on the environment and are opting for more sustainably produced clothing.
$9.81 B
Projected Value Of
Sustainable Shirt Market
In a survey, it was discovered that Gen Z is willing to pay 50% more for sustainably made t-shirts in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. As a whole, the sustainable fashion market is expected to increase and reach $9.81 Billion by 2025, offering consumers more variety and choices when it comes to environmentally-friendly purchases.
8.5%
Of US Shirt Sales Are
For Sustainable Shirts
Focusing solely on t-shirts in the sustainable fashion world, just 8.5% of the US market comprises sustainable t-shirts However, this rate is expected to increase by 1.8% by 2026 and hopefully continue in an upward trajectory.
Custom t-shirt companies can also contribute to eco-friendly practices. Offering sustainably produced t-shirts and utilizing more eco-conscious methods can decrease the environmental impact of custom printing.
What Does the Future Hold for the Custom T-Shirt Industry?
The custom t-shirt industry has a bright future ahead of it. With t-shirt sales expected to continue rising and more consumers desiring customizable fashion options, the custom t-shirt industry has plenty to look forward to.
Whether you want to start your own clothing line or simply create a unique personal style with one-of-a-kind t-shirts, you can expect custom t-shirt printing companies to offer high-quality services, materials, and printing methods.
Good Ink brings your creativity to life on t-shirts, stickers, and more with our proven customization and printing processes. Upload your own artwork or work one-on-one with an artist to design the perfect t-shirt. Start customizing your t-shirts today!