How long does it take to get custom apparel?
By Promogator Staff
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 2 min read
Custom apparel typically takes 7 to 10 business days to produce for most decoration methods, and 10 to 14 business days for embroidery, plus shipping time. The clock starts once your proof is approved and the order is paid. Rush options can cut production to about 3 to 5 days.
- Most decorated apparel takes 7–10 business days; embroidery takes 10–14.
- Production starts after proof approval and payment, not at order placement.
- Shipping transit is extra and typically adds 1–7 business days.
- Rush production can shorten the timeline, sometimes with a surcharge.
The total wait is made of three parts: getting your proof approved, production, and shipping. Knowing each one helps you plan backward from your event date.
What makes up the timeline
- Artwork and proof. You send your logo, and a digital proof shows it on the garment. Most proofs arrive within about one business day. Nothing is decorated until you approve it.
- Production. This is the time to decorate the garments. It counts business days only, so weekends do not count.
- Shipping. Transit time is added after production. Ground shipping typically takes 1 to 7 business days depending on distance.
Typical production times by method
The decoration method is the biggest factor. These are standard (non-rush) ranges. They vary with quantity and design complexity.
- Screen print: 7–10 business days
- DTG (direct-to-garment): 7–10 business days
- Heat transfer: 5–7 business days
- Embroidery: 10–14 business days
Embroidery takes longer because a design must first be digitized into a stitch file. Then each garment is stitched, which is slower than printing. If you reorder, the stitch file is kept, so repeat orders go faster.
Rush options
If your date is close, ask about faster tiers:
- Rush: about 3 to 5 business days for many methods, with priority production. A surcharge may apply.
- Super Rush: about 24 to 48 hours on select products and methods only. Embroidery usually needs a call to confirm.
Rush orders use the same equipment and quality checks as standard orders. Not every garment or method qualifies, so check the product page.
Common mistakes that cause delays
- Slow proof approval. Every day the proof sits is a day lost.
- Late payment. Production does not begin until the order is paid, unless you have an approved terms account.
- Low-quality art. Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) avoid back-and-forth cleanup.
- Unknown colors. Send PMS numbers up front if you have them.
- Several imprint locations. One location is faster than three.
- Missing the daily cutoff. Orders placed after 4 PM Pacific start the next business day.
How to plan your date
Pick the date you need the apparel in hand. Subtract shipping time, then production time, then proof time. Add a one-day buffer. Production and delivery dates are estimates, not guarantees, so leave room for surprises. Each product page shows its own production time, which is the best number to use.
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People also ask
How long does embroidery take?
Standard embroidery typically takes 10 to 14 business days after proof approval and payment. Rush embroidery is about 5 to 7 days. Digitizing the design and stitching each piece take more time than printing does.
What is the turnaround time for custom tees?
Custom tees are usually screen printed or printed direct-to-garment. Both typically take 7 to 10 business days in standard production, or about 3 to 5 days with rush. Shipping is added on top.
When does the production clock start?
It starts when your proof is approved and the order is paid. Approved business accounts on terms can start right after proof approval. Only business days count, so weekends are skipped.
Can I get custom apparel in a few days?
Often yes, with Rush or Super Rush production, though a surcharge may apply and only select products and methods qualify. Check the rush-eligible products and confirm the date with a rep before you approve the proof.
