Custom T-Shirts in Australia: Delivery Times and Sizing

Australia is the hardest market for international print on demand, for one unavoidable reason: distance. Everything else works fine. Here's what to actually expect.

Delivery times, honestly

Production takes 5–7 working days, because each item is made after you order. Delivery to Australia then takes a further 10–20 working days.

Realistically that's four to six weeks door to door. Anyone promising ten days to Australia on a made-to-order garment is either using domestic production or being optimistic.

The practical rule: if the occasion is less than six weeks away, use an Australian printer. If you're ordering for yourself with no deadline, international print on demand is usually cheaper and gives you a far wider design range.

GST and the low value threshold

Australia applies GST to imported goods. For consignments valued at A$1,000 or less, GST is generally collected at the point of sale by the overseas retailer where they're registered; above that threshold it's collected at the border along with any duty.

For a single t-shirt or hoodie you're well under the threshold, so you shouldn't face a surprise bill at delivery. Rules do change, so if certainty matters, check the current position with the ATO rather than relying on a blog post.

US unisex sizing versus Australian sizing

Custom shirts are usually printed on American unisex blanks, and Australian sizing runs differently.

• Unisex blanks are cut on a men's block — straighter, wider at the shoulder
• If you buy AU women's sizes, expect the same nominal size to feel roomier
• Many people who wear an AU women's 12 prefer a unisex small

Measure rather than guess: lay a shirt you already like flat, measure armpit to armpit, double it, and compare against the chart. Details in our size guide.

Fabric weight and the climate

Worth thinking about if you're ordering for a Queensland summer. Standard tees are lightweight cotton and fine year-round. Hoodies and thermal sweatshirts are built for cold-climate winters and will be too warm for much of Australia outside the southern states — a t-shirt or cap is usually the better choice.

When to use an Australian printer

Use a local printer if your deadline is under six weeks, you need more than about 20 shirts, or you want to see a physical sample first. That's a genuine recommendation, not false modesty — for those jobs a domestic printer will serve you better.

Frequently asked questions

How long do custom t-shirts take to arrive in Australia?

Four to six weeks in total — 5–7 working days production plus 10–20 working days delivery.

Do I pay GST on custom shirts shipped to Australia?

GST applies to imported goods. Under the A$1,000 low value threshold it's generally handled at the point of sale rather than at the border, so a single shirt shouldn't attract a surprise charge.

Is shipping to Australia free?

At Wearlie, yes — free worldwide shipping with no minimum spend.

What size should I order if I wear Australian sizes?

Compare chest measurements rather than letter sizes. US unisex blanks run roomier than AU women's sizing.

Should I order a hoodie in Australia?

Only for cooler regions or winter. For most of the country a t-shirt or cap makes more sense year-round.

Browse custom shirts and t-shirts, or read the full custom shirts guide.