Custom shirts, endless possibilities
Etsy is a goldmine for trending t-shirts – if you know how to tap into it. With 95 million active buyers searching for custom t-shirts that fit their style, humor, and identity, the demand is there. The trick? Knowing what sells, how to create it, and how to attract customers.
We’ll explore how to sell shirts on Etsy, ride the hottest trends, and turn your unique designs into sales.
Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Key takeaways
- Pick a niche: Make your Etsy shirts stand out by using market research tools to learn about your target audience.
- Source quality: Use high-quality images and t-shirt materials to build a professional business.
- Optimize listings: Improve visibility in Etsy search results with detailed descriptions and relevant keywords.
- Market your store: Use Etsy Ads, social media, and offsite ads to increase traffic.
- Partner with Printify: Start selling t-shirts with no upfront costs or inventory.
Why sell shirts on Etsy
The custom t-shirt market is exploding and is expected to reach $14.61 billion by 2030.
This growth shows that customization is the future. People want more than t-shirts – they want statements, inside jokes, and eye-catching t-shirt designs.
Etsy is the marketplace where independent creators thrive. It is a platform where small businesses can make big money and where your shirts could be the next bestseller. Because its customers specifically hunt for handmade products and unique finds, Etsy is the ideal place to start selling t-shirts with a distinct point of view.
How to sell custom t-shirts on Etsy in 5 steps with Print on Demand
Getting your t-shirt designs noticed requires strategy, consistency, and understanding what Etsy shoppers actually want. The good news? Print on Demand makes it easy to start selling without the hassle of inventory or upfront costs.
Follow these five steps to learn how to sell t-shirts on Etsy and turn your creative ideas into a profitable business.
1. Define your target audience
Before you start making shirts, decide exactly who you will sell to. This helps you market to the Etsy customers who are most likely to buy.
- Demographics: Consider age, location, and occupation.
- Use Google Trends for seasonality: Type your niche keywords (e.g., “pickleball t-shirts”) into Google Trends. Look for consistent search volume or seasonal spikes. If a trend is dying, don’t invest. If it’s growing, create a collection.
- Check the Etsy search bar: Type a broad term like “t-shirt for” and let the Etsy autocomplete show you what buyers are looking for. Terms like “t-shirt for kindergarten teacher” or “t-shirt for dog moms” are goldmines for creative ideas.
- Use eRank or Marmalead: These services show you the exact search volume and competition for relevant keywords.
- Target: High search volume, low competition.
- The goal: Find long-tail keywords like “funny retro 70s nurse shirt” instead of just “nurse shirt.
Expert tip
“Etsy sellers can navigate the challenge of balancing trends and market saturation by focusing on product differentiation.
You should innovate in design, offer customization options, and emphasize quality to set your items apart.
Curating a smaller selection of high-quality, unique products allows for more effective marketing efforts. Stay informed about market trends to adapt your offerings and remain relevant.
This approach attracts customers and builds a lasting brand identity beyond short-lived trends.”
Simon Bacher
CEO and Co-Founder at Ling-App
2. Choose shirts and design them
Sourcing your products is the backbone of your business. While there are many ways to manage inventory, Print on Demand (POD) is the most efficient and scalable method for Etsy sellers. With Printify, you can access a global network of Print Providers and free tools to create your catalog.
Browse the Printify Catalog and choose a t-shirt material, cut, fabric, fit, and print method that matches your target audience.
- Fabric matters: 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (like the Bella+Canvas 3001) is the industry standard for a soft, premium feel. For a sturdier, “heavy cotton” feel, many Etsy shop owners opt for the Gildan 5000.
- Fit and style: Gen Z often gravitates toward oversized, boxy streetwear fits, while others may prefer a more tailored fit.
- Printing method: Most t-shirts use direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which acts like an inkjet printer for fabric. This method is perfect for unique designs with many colors and fine details.
- Fulfillment locations: Pick Print Providers close to your main market to reduce shipping costs and delivery times.
Tip
Check out our blog for the top 5 best t-shirts for printing and browse the women’s, men’s, and children’s t-shirt selections in our Product Catalog and choose the best styles for your customer base.
Your designs are the primary reason buyers will choose your Etsy store over other sellers. Focus on creating artwork that resonates with your target audience and reflects a key part of their identity.
Printify’s Product Creator simplifies this process by letting you add text, create patterns, or even generate AI images directly in the tool. If you already have files ready, simply upload them and use the tool to adjust the placement and scaling for the perfect look.
Tip
Check our picks for the best t-shirt design software.
If you need a bit of inspiration, explore our library of free t-shirt designs or source professional assets through the Shutterstock integration. For those seeking a completely custom aesthetic, hiring a designer on platforms like Fiverr is a great way to ensure your Etsy custom t-shirts stand out.
To ensure your shirts on Etsy look professional, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Prioritize simplicity: Clean, bold graphics typically perform better in search results than overly cluttered art.
- Establish an aesthetic: Maintain a consistent look across your handmade products. Use a limited font palette to keep your brand identity polished and recognizable.
- Coordinate colors: Limit the number of color variants per listing. Offering too many choices can lead to decision paralysis, while a curated selection helps attract customers more effectively.
Explore
Check out these top Shopify stores for a masterclass in successful t-shirt branding and design.
3. Set up your Etsy storefront
After opening your Etsy store, you need to link it to Printify to automate your online store.
Once you’ve finalized your designs in the Product Creator, you can publish your t-shirt listings to Etsy in just a few clicks. Printify automatically transfers your titles, descriptions, and mockup images.
To ensure your items rank in Etsy search results, you must optimize each listing:
- Sync and connect: Go to the Printify dashboard, click Add new store, and follow the prompts to connect Etsy to Printify.
- Use all 13 tags: Never leave a tag empty. Use every bit of relevant keywords space available to improve visibility.
- High-quality images: Use realistic mockups that show the shirt in a lifestyle setting – such as a person wearing it in a coffee shop – to help buyers visualize the product.
- Clear descriptions: Mention the t-shirt materials, sizing charts, and care instructions to build trust and increase sales.
- Advanced edits: For specific adjustments like shop categories, head to the Listing Manager on your Etsy account.
To run a profitable business, you must understand the Etsy fees that impact your profit margin.
As of 2026, Etsy also requires a one-time $15 setup fee for most new sellers to ensure marketplace security. Use our Etsy calculator to account for these costs.
| Etsy fee type | Cost (USD) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Listing fee | $0.20 | Per item listed, valid for four months or until sold. |
| Transaction fee | 6.5% | Percentage of the total sale price, including shipping costs. |
| Payment processing fee | 3% + $0.25 | Standard US rate for handling the financial transaction. |
Research what other sellers charge for similar items. A smart pricing strategy targets a profit margin of 40% to 50%.
Consider these three popular approaches:
- Competitive pricing: Set a smaller margin to gain an advantage over other Etsy sellers.
- Premium pricing: Slightly raise prices to generate more profit by increasing perceived value for quality-focused audiences.
- Free shipping: Include delivery costs in the product price to incentivize purchases from Etsy customers.
Tip
Is selling on Etsy worth it? Read our detailed breakdown of t-shirt pricing strategies to see how much you could make.
Your Etsy storefront acts as your professional landing page.
- Branding: Upload a high-resolution banner and a shop icon that reflects your brand.
- About section: Use this space to share your story and the inspiration behind your unique designs.
- Policies: Clear shipping and return policies increase your shop’s credibility and help you attract customers who value transparency.
Tip
Check out our in-depth guide to selling on Etsy for more shop-building secrets.
4. Market your Etsy store
You’ll need a carefully planned marketing strategy to attract customers and turn your Etsy store into a source of consistent income.
SEO (search engine optimization) is one of the most important things for long-term growth. The right Etsy SEO strategies help you increase your store’s searchability without relying exclusively on ads.
- Keywords: Add relevant keywords to your titles, tags, and categories. Focus on what buyers actually type into the search bar.
- Monitor performance: Use Etsy Analytics to see which terms drive the most traffic to your shirts on Etsy and adjust your metadata accordingly.
Create value-driven content to engage your target audience. Discuss styling tips, design inspiration, or the story behind your unique designs.
- Build trust: Share positive customer feedback on your Etsy storefront to establish authority.
- Email lists: Create an email list to send order confirmations, newsletters, or exclusive discounts. A simple update about new best-selling shirts can drive repeat sales from your existing customer base.
Visual platforms are a natural fit for selling t-shirts, so focus on producing content that fits this format.
- Instagram and Pinterest: Use these to promote your Etsy custom t-shirts with lifestyle videos and fun images. Use popular hashtags to reach beyond your current followers.
- Direct engagement: Communicate directly with buyers to build brand loyalty and direct traffic back to your Etsy shop.
Etsy Ads and offsite ads
Paid promotion can significantly increase traffic while you are still building organic momentum.
- Etsy Ads: Also known as promoted listings, these paid advertisements put your t-shirts on the front page of search results. Manage these within your Shop Manager.
- Offsite ads: Etsy promotes your products on Google Search, Bing, and social media. You only pay a commission if a sale is made.
- 15% fee for shops earning less than $10K annually.
- 12% fee for shops earning more than $10K.
- Shops earning over $10K are required to participate, while smaller sellers can opt out in their settings.
Tip
Check out our Etsy marketing guide for a detailed breakdown of our best marketing tips.
5. Analyze and adjust your store accordingly
Once you have been selling shirts for a month or more, use data to refine your business. Accurate information on purchasing behavior helps you optimize for more profit.
- Monitor performance: Use Etsy Analytics and connect to Google Analytics to track which t-shirts perform best.
- Iterate: Alter or remove underperforming shirts and add new unique designs that mirror your top-sellers.
- Expand: To increase profitability, consider adding related custom products to your Etsy shop, such as hoodies, totes, or printables.
Tip
Want to increase profitability? Expand your brand and add more products to your Etsy shop – like stunning totes, hoodies, or printables.
Open your Etsy business today
Best print-on-demand products to sell on Etsy
To build a profitable business, you should diversify your Etsy store beyond basic tees. Expanding your custom products allows you to capture different segments of the market and increase your average order value.
Here are five of the best print-on-demand products to pair with your t-shirt designs:
- Heavyweight unisex tees: These offer a structured, premium feel that is currently in high demand within the streetwear niche.
- Hoodies and sweatshirts: Essential for maintaining a consistent income during the autumn and winter seasons.
- Eco-friendly t-shirts: Attract environmentally conscious Etsy customers by offering organic cotton or recycled t-shirt materials.
- Personalized kids’ shirts: Etsy is a go-to destination for milestone birthday gifts and matching family sets.
- All-over-print (AOP) shirts: These allow for unique designs that cover the entire garment, perfect for bold patterns and artistic inspiration.
5 Tips to successfully sell shirts on Etsy
Setting up an Etsy shop is just the beginning – scaling it takes a specific strategy. Use these five tips to stand out from other sellers and attract customers.
1. Release new designs frequently
Etsy rewards fresh listings. Keep your Etsy storefront active by regularly adding new t-shirt designs. Use Printify’s Product Creator to quickly apply your graphics across different models and colors to expand your range without extra effort.
2. Offer a variety of styles and sizes
Stock a mix of fits and t-shirt materials. Cater to all body types by offering sizes up to 5XL or including both oversized and slim-fit options. That will make your Etsy t-shirt shop a more inclusive destination for buyers.
3. Use high-quality mockups and lifestyle photos
Visuals are one of the most important things for conversion. Publish high-quality mockups that show your shirts in real-world settings. Lifestyle photos, different angles, close-ups, and styled outfits help Etsy customers visualize the fit and style, which builds trust and drives more sales.
4. Provide excellent customer service
Fast responses, clear communication, and hassle-free returns keep buyers happy. Satisfied customers leave 5-star reviews that improve your shop’s visibility in search results.
Be proactive with order updates to encourage repeat sales.
5. Price competitively and offer deals
Consider offering bundle deals or seasonal discounts to incentivize purchases. Etsy customers love a good deal, and well-timed promotions can significantly increase traffic.
Read more
– Choosing between Etsy vs eBay? Compare the marketplaces’ differences and see which is best for you.
– Check our blog for 50+ articles about selling on Etsy.
How to start a print-on-demand business on Etsy
Ready to start selling? Follow these core steps to launch your profitable business and automate your workflow with Printify.
1. Create your Etsy account
Go to Etsy and click Sell on Etsy to begin. You will need to choose a unique shop name, set your home currency, and provide your billing information.
During this stage, you’ll also be asked to create your first listing. You can use a placeholder and delete it later once you link your POD account.
2. Connect Etsy to Printify
Log in to your Printify dashboard and navigate to the Manage my stores section.
Click Add new store and select Etsy. Follow the prompts to authorize the connection. This integration allows Printify to automatically receive your sales data and handle the fulfillment, so you can focus on designing shirts and other products.
3. Design your products
Browse the Printify Catalog and select your base custom products. Use the Product Creator to upload your own designs, add free graphic assets, create designs with the AI Image Generator, or use assets from the Shutterstock integration.
Adjust the scaling and placement to ensure the artwork sits perfectly on the garment. Aim to publish at least ten different designs initially to give your Etsy storefront a professional, established appearance.
4. Create SEO-friendly listings
To appear in Etsy search results, your listings must be optimized. Write clear, descriptive titles that include your primary keyword near the beginning.
Use all 13 tags with relevant keywords that buyers actually type into the search bar. Additionally, ensure your product price is competitive while maintaining a healthy profit margin.
5. Launch and promote
Once your products are live, you need to increase traffic to see your first sales. Activate Etsy Ads with a small daily budget to gather data on which t-shirts are most popular. Share your high-quality images on social media platforms like Instagram to build a customer base outside of the marketplace.
Upload best-selling designs to our Product Creator, publish your tees on Etsy, and start selling and profiting with Printify.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, reaching $10k in monthly revenue is a possible goal for a thriving t-shirt shop, but it requires a high-volume pricing strategy and niche dominance. To hit this milestone, focus on best-selling shirts with high demand and use Etsy Ads to attract customers during peak seasons.
Most Etsy sellers reaching this level use Print on Demand to scale without manual labor, ensuring a consistent income while maintaining a healthy profit margin through volume.
In the US, you don’t strictly need a federal tax ID (EIN) to start selling t-shirts. You can register your Etsy account as a sole proprietor using your Social Security number.
However, as your profitable business grows, obtaining an EIN can help keep your personal and business finances separate. Always check your local laws, as certain Etsy sellers in specific states or countries may need a sales tax permit to collect and remit tax from Etsy customers.
Ultimately, the customer always covers the cost, but how you present it affects sales.
You can set your Etsy store to have the buyer pay the calculated shipping costs at checkout, or you can include those costs in the product price to offer “free shipping.” Offering free shipping is a proven way to attract customers and often helps your listing rank higher in Etsy search results, leading to more sales.
Aside from t-shirt production costs, selling shirts on Etsy involves specific marketplace fees.
You will pay a $0.20 listing fee for every item you post. When a sale occurs, Etsy charges a 6.5% transaction fee on the total order amount. Additionally, there is a payment processing fee, which in the USA is 3% + $0.25.
While offsite ads and promoted listings are optional, they are effective tools to increase traffic to your Etsy storefront.
How to sell shirts on Etsy: Start today with POD
Now that you know how to sell shirts on Etsy without inventory, it’s time to take action:
- Source products with Print on Demand and eliminate the risk of unsold inventory.
- Focus on designing and promoting shirts that your target audience will love.
- Monitor your Etsy storefront‘s performance
- Adapt to market changes.
Partner with Printify today to build a thriving t-shirt shop and turn your ideas into a profitable business.
Start your Etsy print-on-demand business today!
The post How to sell t-shirts on Etsy: Your 5-step guide (with expert tips) appeared first on Printify.
