T-shirts, polo shirts and hoodies are the most ordered staff uniforms in the UAE: for offices, events, delivery teams, retail and site crews. Whether you search for bulk T-shirts in Dubai or custom polo shirts in the UAE, the quotes can vary widely. Here's what is actually behind the price per piece.
1. Fabric and GSM
GSM (grams per square metre) measures fabric weight. Typical ranges:
- T-shirts: 160–180 GSM for events and promotions, 180–220 GSM for daily staff wear
- Polo shirts: 200–240 GSM pique cotton or poly-cotton
- Dri-fit: lighter polyester, best for outdoor teams in Gulf heat
- Hoodies and sweatshirts: 280 GSM and up, fleece-back
Combed cotton feels softer and lasts longer than carded cotton, and costs a little more. For staff who wear the same shirt three times a week, it pays for itself.
2. Branding method
How your logo goes on is often the second-biggest cost:
- Embroidery: premium and long-lasting; priced by stitch count, so a small chest logo is affordable
- Screen printing: cost-effective for large quantities and simple 1–3 colour designs
- DTF / heat transfer: best for full-colour or detailed logos on smaller runs
- Sublimation: all-over designs on polyester sportswear
For embroidered polo shirts, a left-chest logo around 8–9 cm wide is the standard and keeps costs down.
3. Quantity per design
Setup costs (pattern, embroidery file, screens) are spread over the order. That's why the price per piece drops noticeably between 100, 250 and 500 pieces of the same design. Combining departments into one design, with sizes mixed, is the easiest way to save.
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4. Colours and custom dyeing
Stock colours (navy, black, white, grey) are the cheapest. A custom brand colour usually needs fabric dyed to order, which requires a larger quantity, often 200 pieces or more.
5. Lead time
Rush orders cost more, mainly because of air freight and overtime. If you can plan 4–6 weeks ahead, your supplier can ship by sea and pass the saving on.
6. Who makes it
Buying from the factory rather than a reseller removes a layer of margin. Many Indian factories also ship to the UAE duty-free on qualifying garments under the India–UAE CEPA, which makes factory-direct branded T-shirts with logo very competitive.
How to get an accurate quote fast
Send your supplier these six details and you'll get a firm price in a day:
- Garment type and fabric (or "recommend one")
- Quantity per design
- Colour(s)
- Logo file and position
- Branding method (or "advise")
- Delivery date and city
You can send all of this in under a minute through our quote form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum order for custom T-shirts in Dubai?
Factory-direct suppliers typically start at 100 pieces per design, with sizes mixed. Smaller print shops accept less but charge more per piece.
Is embroidery or printing better for polo shirts?
Embroidery looks more premium and lasts longer on polo shirts. Screen printing is better for large back prints and big event runs.
What GSM is good for staff T-shirts?
180 to 220 GSM combed cotton is a good balance of comfort and durability for daily staff wear in the UAE.
Get a factory price for your uniforms
Factory-direct from 100 pieces per design. Price in AED within 24 hours.