Canada’s custom apparel market is heating up, and fast. Industry analysts project the Canadian custom apparel segment to grow from US$70.3 million in 2024 to about US$122.2 million by 2032 (a 7.2% CAGR), propelled by consumers and businesses wanting small runs, quick turnarounds, and increasingly personalized gear (Credence Research Inc).
That demand dovetails with a global surge in custom tees and merch. Worldwide, custom T-shirt printing was valued around US$5.16 billion in 2024 and is expected to expand briskly through 2030 as companies use apparel for branding and creators launch micro-labels (Grand View Research).
The direct-to-garment advantage: speed, colour, and print on demand capabilities
At the centre of the shift is direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, inkjet technology that sprays aqueous inks directly onto fabric, enabling vivid, full-colour graphics without the setup costs of traditional screen printing. DTG’s economics excel for short runs and one-offs, making it ideal for local teams, events, startups, and creators. Major vendors have pushed the tech forward with higher throughput and better usability, helping shops deliver faster while keeping quality high (www.brotherdtg.com).
Beyond convenience, DTG supports a leaner, lower-waste supply chain. Because items are produced after an order is placed, brands can avoid excess inventory, an approach linked in academic and industry work to reductions in overproduction and environmental impact.
DTG uses water-based inks, applies them only where needed, and eliminates the waste of unused screens or overproduction. Because garments are produced on demand, the process reduces excess inventory, energy use, and textile waste, aligning with growing consumer and corporate sustainability goals.
Why Big Frog is leading the charge
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More has leaned into these shifts with a model built for DTG: no minimums, on-demand production, and neighbourhood-level service. There are 80+ locations across the U.S. and Canada, pairing local storefronts with training and operational support aimed at quick turnarounds and repeat business.
Three dynamics explain Big Frog’s edge in Canada’s DTG era:
- Local + on demand
Big Frog’s storefront micro-production matches DTG’s strengths. Customers can order one or one hundred with consistent quality, pick up locally, and avoid long lead times. That model maps neatly onto Canada’s dispersed markets where community teams, schools, and businesses drive repeat orders.
“Customer service is the number one priority. We over deliver on what we can provide. The support we’ve received from Big Frog Franchise Group has been instrumental in keeping us on the right track,” explains franchisees John and Mara Dougherty.
- Operational focus on DTG
With DTG at the core, a huge assortment of products, and established vendor partnerships, Big Frog shops can print complex, full-colour designs quickly without screen setup, making small-batch economics work. - Aligned with sustainability and inventory discipline
On-demand production reduces the risk of unsold stock and supports emerging circularity goals, an increasingly important differentiator for consumers and corporate buyers. - Franchisor training and support
Another key advantage for Big Frog is its franchisee support system. Beyond training on apparel production and sales, the company emphasizes business coaching, helping local owners refine operations, marketing, and customer engagement. This hands-on mentorship gives franchisees the tools to grow sustainably while maintaining consistent service quality across the network.
“Big Frog business coaching program has been a tremendous asset for me to grow my business,” says franchisee Orysia D’Aurelio.
The bottom line
With Canada’s custom apparel market set for steady growth and e-commerce smoothing the path from design to doorstep, DTG has become the technology of record for quick, colourful, low-minimum orders. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, already positioned around no minimums, local service, and fast turnaround, is structurally aligned with where the market is going, not where it’s been. In a landscape shifting to design-sell-make, the chain’s community footprint and operational playbook give it a running start.
This article comes courtesy of Big Frog Canada Corporation at www.bigfrog.ca.
