Creating eye-catching packaging for your t-shirt designs is an important part of marketing your brand. Attractive and protective packaging gives customers a good first impression and shows that you care about both your products and your customers' experience. However, developing custom packaging can be expensive, especially for independent designers and small businesses just starting out. Here are some easy and affordable DIY t-shirt packaging ideas you can create from common household items.

Plastic Bags with Twine handles

A simple but stylish way to package t-shirts is with a clear plastic bag and twine handles. This allows customers to see the t-shirt design clearly while also providing protection. All you need are plastic bags, twine or jute string, and tape.

Fold the t-shirt neatly and place it inside the plastic bag. Twist the opening of the bag a few times and secure it tightly with tape. Cut two pieces of twine long enough to tie as handles. Tie each end of the twine securely around the twisted opening of the bag. The twine adds a rustic, natural touch that looks nice without much effort. You can include business cards, stickers or handwritten thank you notes inside the bag as well. Total cost per package is under $1.

Recycled Kraft Paper Bags

For an eco-friendly packaging option, consider recycled kraft paper bags. Ask local shops if they have any extra brown paper bags you can have. Fold the t-shirt and place it inside the bag, folding down the top. Secure with tape or staples. You can customize the exterior of the bags by stamping your logo or designs directly onto the paper. Get creative with colored paper, washi tapes, or string to add aesthetic touches. Kraft paper has a natural vintage vibe that many customers appreciate. Cost per bag is only the price of tape or staples.

Box it up

For sturdier packaging, use small cardboard boxes. Save boxes from your own online orders or check with local stores about empty boxes they might donate or sell cheaply. Measure boxes to ensure proper t-shirt size fit. Fold shirts neatly and place inside with tissue paper for padding. Include printed flyers, stickers or business cards. You can make boxes more attractive by decorating them. Use washi tape, prints, doodling or rubber stamps to brand the outside visually. Boxes provide excellent protection at a very low cost, especially if you get them free or at low prices in bulk.

Reusable Tote Bags

Instead of single-use packaging, consider affordable reusable tote bags personalized with your logo or designs. Cotton or polyester totes are lightweight yet durable for shipping. Place the folded t-shirt inside and seal with tape or closure. Include branding on both sides of the bag. Customers will appreciate the sustainable option and may use the bag again, giving your brand extra exposure. Source affordable mass-printed totes online or have them made locally. Total package cost including tote is around $3.

DIY Wrapping with Paper

For a polished wrapped package, you can hand-wrap t-shirts yourself with kraft or colored paper. Measure and cut paper sheets large enough to fully wrap the folded shirt. Crease sharp folds, secure with strong tape, and include branding stickers or printed labels. Add a touch of ribbon or twine at the closure for accent. Hand-wrapping adds a beautiful personalized touch, though it does take more time than bag options. Play around with different papers till you find what suits your brand aesthetic best at a cost you can absorb.

Envelope Mailers

Large polymailers or bubble wrap envelopes make affordable mail-ready packaging. Measure t-shirt sizes to ensure proper fit inside flat envelopes. Include order information printouts. Dress them up with custom printed shipping labels, stickers or washi tape branding along the seals. This simple package protects shirts well for mailing. Shop in bulk online or contact local shipping stores for best bulk pricing on plain mailers - as low as 50 cents each in quantity.

Reusable Zip Pouches

An eco-friendly reusable option is zip pouches made of lightweight woven polyester or organic cotton. Customize pouches with silkscreen, prints or embroidery. Neatly fold t-shirts into pouches which then zip securely closed. Customers can reuse the attractive pouches for storing other items too, leaving a positive impression of your brand each time. You can have custom pouches mass-produced overseas or locally for around $3-5 each depending on size and customization level.

Simple DIY packaging helps you save money that can be better spent on production, marketing, or growing your brand. Choose options that suit your budget, align with your brand message, and protect products well without breaking the bank. With some creativity, household items and low-cost materials, you can develop attractive professional packaging solutions for your custom t-shirts. Focus on making each customer's unboxing experience delightful so they feel good about supporting your small business.