VistaPrint vs T-Shirt Elephant: Which Is Better for Custom T-Shirts in Canada?

Company Overview: Two Very Different Approaches

If you're shopping for custom t-shirts in Canada, VistaPrint and T-Shirt Elephant probably both appeared in your search results. While they both offer custom printed apparel, they're fundamentally different companies with different strengths.

Understanding those differences is key to making the right choice for your project — whether it's a batch of staff uniforms, a charity run, a school fundraiser, or branded merchandise for your business.

VistaPrint at a Glance

VistaPrint (now operating under the Cimpress umbrella) is a massive multinational company founded in 1995 in the Netherlands. They're best known for business cards, marketing materials, signage, and promotional products. Custom apparel is one segment of their very broad product portfolio.

• Founded: 1995 (Netherlands)
• Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
• Primary business: Business cards, marketing materials, signage, promotional products
• Apparel: One of many product categories
• Canadian site: vistaprint.ca
• Print methods: Primarily DTG and heat transfer; screen printing with 6-unit minimum

T-Shirt Elephant at a Glance

T-Shirt Elephant is a Canadian custom apparel company based in Toronto. Custom printed clothing is their entire business — not a side category. They've been producing custom apparel since 2009 and have grown to become one of Canada's largest custom apparel providers.

• Founded: 2009 (Toronto, Canada)
• Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Primary business: 100% focused on custom apparel and promotional products
• Apparel: The core and only business
• Website: tshirtelephant.com
• Print methods: Screen printing, DTF (direct-to-film), embroidery

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is usually the first thing people compare. Let's break it down honestly — because the cheapest option isn't always the best value.

VistaPrint Pricing

VistaPrint uses a tiered pricing model that varies significantly based on quantity, print method, and the specific garment. For their Canadian site:

• Single shirts (DTG): $20–$35+ per shirt depending on style and print locations
• 6-10 shirts: $15–$22 per shirt
• Screen printing minimum: 6 shirts
• Free shipping: Orders over $75
• Frequent sales: VistaPrint regularly runs promotions (20-50% off)

T-Shirt Elephant Pricing

T-Shirt Elephant offers transparent, volume-based pricing with no hidden fees:

• Screen printing: Starting from $8.99 per shirt
• No minimums: Order as few as 1 shirt
• DTF printing: Available for full-colour, small-run orders
• Embroidery: Available across all garment types
• Free shipping: Orders over $250
• Volume discounts: Significant price breaks on larger orders

Print Quality & Methods

This is where the difference between a general printing company and a dedicated apparel printer becomes most obvious.

VistaPrint Print Quality

VistaPrint primarily uses DTG (direct-to-garment) and heat transfer printing for small orders, with screen printing available for orders of 6+. DTG printing is convenient for single shirts and full-colour designs, but it has limitations:

• Print can feel slightly rough or raised on the fabric
• Colours may fade more quickly after repeated washing
• Online reviews frequently mention inconsistent sizing and colour accuracy
• What you see in the online preview doesn't always match what you receive
• Limited control over print positioning and sizing

T-Shirt Elephant Print Quality

T-Shirt Elephant specializes in three professional print methods:

• Screen Printing: The gold standard for durability and vibrant colours. Ink is pressed directly into the fabric, creating a smooth, professional finish that lasts hundreds of washes.
• DTF (Direct-to-Film): Perfect for full-colour, photo-realistic designs and small runs. Superior to DTG in durability and colour vibrancy.
• Embroidery: Professional stitched logos for a premium, textured look ideal for polos, jackets, and corporate wear.

Product Selection & Brands

The range of products available can make or break your project — especially if you need specific styles, fits, or premium brands.

VistaPrint Product Range

VistaPrint offers a decent selection of basic custom apparel:

• T-shirts (men's, women's, unisex)
• Polo shirts
• Hoodies and sweatshirts
• Tank tops
• Hats and caps
• Bags and totes
• Brands include Bella+Canvas, Gildan, and VistaPrint house brands

T-Shirt Elephant Product Range

T-Shirt Elephant carries one of the largest selections in Canada:

• 800+ garment styles across every category
• T-shirts — crew neck, V-neck, long sleeve, tank tops, crop tops
• Hoodies — pullover, zip-up, lightweight, heavyweight
• Polo shirts — performance, cotton, moisture-wicking
• Jackets, vests, and outerwear
• Hats, beanies, and caps
• Workwear, safety wear, and hi-vis
• Bags, aprons, and accessories

Brand selection includes: Gildan, Bella+Canvas, Next Level, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, Champion, Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, The North Face, OGIO, New Era, and many more.

Turnaround Time & Shipping

When you need custom apparel by a specific date — whether for an event, product launch, or new hire orientation — turnaround time matters just as much as price.

One significant advantage of ordering from T-Shirt Elephant: because production happens in Toronto, your order ships domestically within Canada. VistaPrint orders may be fulfilled from US facilities, potentially introducing customs delays and duties for Canadian customers.

Need your custom t-shirts fast? Read our guide on how to get custom t-shirts fast in Canada.

Customer Experience & Support

The ordering process and support you receive can vary dramatically between the two companies.

VistaPrint Experience

• Online designer tool: User-friendly drag-and-drop editor with templates
• Support: Phone, chat, and email — but you're one of millions of customers across dozens of product categories
• Artwork review: Primarily automated; limited human review for apparel-specific issues
• Proof approval: Online preview (what-you-see-is-what-you-get, though reviews suggest inconsistencies)
• Satisfaction guarantee: 30 years of experience, money-back guarantee

T-Shirt Elephant Experience

• Online designer tool: Full online design studio with templates and upload capability
• Support: Dedicated apparel experts who understand fabrics, print methods, and sizing
• Artwork review: Human experts review every order for print-readiness
• Proof approval: Digital proof provided before production begins
• Satisfaction guarantee: Since 2009, dedicated to custom apparel excellence
• Consultation: Free guidance on garment selection, print methods, and sizing

The Verdict: When to Choose Each

Both companies have their place. Here's our honest recommendation:

Choose VistaPrint If:

• You need 1-2 custom shirts quickly for personal use
• You want to bundle apparel with other printing (business cards, flyers, etc.)
• Budget is the absolute top priority for a very small order
• You need a simple, one-off DTG print
• You're already a VistaPrint customer with account credits or coupons

Choose T-Shirt Elephant If:

• You need high-quality screen printing that lasts
• You want access to 800+ garment styles and premium brands like Nike, Adidas, Champion
• You're ordering for a business, team, event, or organization
• You want to work with a Canadian company and avoid potential cross-border issues
• You need embroidery on any garment type
• You value expert human support and artwork review
• You plan to reorder in the future (consistency matters)
• You want no minimum order with screen printing quality