International Cotton: What to Know About This Screen Printing Supplier

International Cotton is a wholesale distributor of blank apparel and supplies for screen printers and t-shirt shops

International Cotton supplies blank t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and other garments in bulk to screen printing businesses across the United States. The company operates as a distributor—meaning you order from them to stock inventory for your own printing operation, rather than ordering custom-printed shirts directly. They carry brands like Gildan, Hanes, and Fruit of the Loom alongside their own house label.

If you run a screen printing shop or are starting one, International Cotton functions as a middleman between you and manufacturers. You place orders, receive shipment, and then print or embroider those blanks with your own designs. Pricing is wholesale, so per-unit costs drop as order quantities rise.

Key Takeaways

• International Cotton sells blank apparel in bulk to screen printers and t-shirt shops, not finished printed shirts to consumers.
• You need a business account or reseller status to order from them, which typically requires a tax ID or business license.
• Minimum order quantities vary by item and brand, but many products have per-style minimums ranging from 12 to 72 pieces.
• Delivery times depend on whether items are in stock at their warehouse or need to be ordered from the manufacturer.

How to Set Up an Account

International Cotton requires you to register as a business customer before placing an order. You will need to provide your business name, tax ID (EIN), and proof of resale status or business license. Some states allow you to use a sales tax permit instead. The registration process is handled online through their website, and approval typically takes one to two business days.

Once approved, you can log into your account to browse inventory, check real-time stock levels, and place orders. Your account also tracks order history and may offer volume discounts based on your purchase patterns. If you operate under a DBA (doing business as) name different from your legal business name, have that documentation ready when you register.

Minimum Orders and Pricing Structure

International Cotton enforces minimum order quantities that vary by product. A basic Gildan t-shirt might have a minimum of 12 pieces per size and color, while specialty items like performance fabrics or oversized blanks may require 24 or 72 pieces per style. These minimums exist because the company orders from manufacturers in bulk and passes those constraints down to retailers.

Pricing decreases as you order larger quantities. A single dozen t-shirts costs more per unit than ordering five dozen. International Cotton publishes price breaks on their website for each item—you can see exactly what you will pay at 12 units, 25 units, 50 units, and so on. Shipping costs are separate and depend on order weight, destination, and your chosen carrier (UPS, FedEx, or LTL freight for very large orders).

Inventory and Lead Times

International Cotton maintains a warehouse with stock of popular items—basic Gildan t-shirts, standard sweatshirts, and common sizes in neutral colors are usually in stock and ship within one to three business days. Less common items, specialty colors, or bulk orders may require longer lead times because the company orders them from the manufacturer on your behalf.

Before placing an order, check the stock status on their website. Each product listing shows whether it is in stock, on backorder, or available to order with an expected ship date. If you have a deadline for a customer project, confirm the lead time before committing to that blank. During peak seasons (summer for t-shirts, fall for sweatshirts), popular items can sell out quickly.

Shipping and Delivery Options

International Cotton ships via UPS, FedEx, or LTL (less-than-truckload) freight depending on order size and weight. Small orders under 50 pounds typically go UPS or FedEx ground, arriving in three to seven business days depending on your location. Larger orders may may have access to for freight delivery, which is often cheaper per pound but requires a loading dock or someone to receive the shipment.

You can choose your shipping method at checkout. Expedited options like overnight or two-day are available but cost significantly more. International Cotton also offers a freight consolidation service—if you have multiple orders going to the same location, they can combine them into one shipment to reduce your per-unit shipping cost.

Payment and Account Management

International Cotton accepts credit cards, ACH bank transfers, and net payment terms for established accounts. Net terms mean you receive an invoice and pay within 30 days rather than paying upfront—this is common for wholesale accounts once you have established a payment history. Your account dashboard shows all invoices, payment status, and order tracking in one place.

If you have questions about an order or need to modify a shipment, contact their customer service team by phone or email. Response times are typically one business day. International Cotton also publishes a catalog (available online and in print) that lists all current products, sizes, colors, and pricing.

Comparing International Cotton to Other Suppliers

Other major blank apparel distributors include Alphabroder, S&S Activewear, and Bodek & Rhodes. Each carries overlapping brands but may differ in minimum orders, pricing, and warehouse locations. International Cotton is known for competitive pricing on basic items and fast shipping from their central warehouse. If you need specialty blanks (organic cotton, performance wear, or niche sizes), some competitors may have deeper inventory in those categories.

The best choice depends on your specific needs: which brands you prefer, whether you need specialty items, your typical order size, and your location. Many screen printers maintain accounts with two or three distributors to ensure they can always source what they need. Comparing pricing on your most-ordered items across suppliers can reveal which one offers the best value for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy in bulk, or can I order small quantities?

International Cotton enforces minimum order quantities per style and color, typically 12 to 72 pieces depending on the item. You cannot order a single t-shirt. If you need smaller quantities, some retailers like Printful or Teespring handle print-on-demand, though their per-unit costs are higher and they print the shirt for you rather than selling you a blank.

What if I do not have a business license yet?

You need some form of business registration to open an account. This might be a sole proprietorship filing, an EIN from the IRS, a state sales tax permit, or an LLC formation—requirements vary by state. Contact your state's Secretary of State office or a local small business development center to learn what you need in your area before registering with International Cotton.

Can I return or exchange items if they arrive damaged?

International Cotton has a return policy for damaged or defective goods. Inspect your shipment when it arrives and report any damage within a set timeframe (usually five to ten business days). Keep the damaged items and packaging as proof. Contact their customer service with photos and your order number to initiate a return or replacement.

How do I know if an item is in stock before I order?

Log into your account and check the product page for each item. The website displays real-time stock status—in stock, backorder with a date, or available to order. You can also call or email their customer service team with your order list and they will confirm availability and lead times before you commit.

What happens if I need to cancel or modify an order?

Contact International Cotton as soon as possible after placing your order. If the order has not yet shipped, they can usually cancel it or change the size, color, or quantity. Once an order ships, cancellation is not possible, but you may be able to refuse delivery or arrange a return depending on the circumstances and their policy at that time.