Blank t-shirts for printing, compared
Most printers stock the same dozen or so blanks. Here’s how they compare on weight, fabric, fit, softness and price, so you can ask for the right one.
All blank t-shirts
Bella+CanvasBella+Canvas 3001
4.2 oz · 100% Airlume cotton · retail fit
GildanGildan 5000 Heavy Cotton
5.3 oz · 100% cotton · classic fit
Next LevelNext Level 3600
4.3 oz · combed ring-spun cotton · fitted
Comfort ColorsComfort Colors 1717
6.1 oz · garment-dyed ring-spun cotton · relaxed
GildanGildan 64000 Softstyle
4.5 oz · ring-spun cotton · classic fit
GildanGildan 2000 Ultra Cotton
6.0 oz · 100% cotton · classic fit
HanesHanes Beefy-T 5180
6.1 oz · 100% cotton · classic fit
Port & CompanyPort & Company PC54 Core Cotton
5.4 oz · 100% cotton · classic fit
DistrictDistrict DT6000 Very Important Tee
4.3 oz · ring-spun cotton · modern fit
Bella+CanvasBella+Canvas 3001CVC
4.2 oz · 52/48 cotton-poly heather · retail fit
Next LevelNext Level 6210 CVC
4.3 oz · 60/40 cotton-poly · fitted
Los Angeles ApparelLos Angeles Apparel 1801
6.5 oz · garment-dyed cotton · boxy, made in USA
Stanley/StellaStanley/Stella Creator
180 GSM · 100% organic cotton · unisex
Quick picks
- Softest everyday tee: Bella+Canvas 3001
- Cheapest: Gildan 5000
- Heavy, vintage feel: Comfort Colors 1717
- Organic: Stanley/Stella Creator
New to fabric weights? Read t-shirt weight explained.
What to look for in a blank
- Yarn. Ring-spun and combed cotton feel smoother and softer than open-end cotton, and give DTG prints a crisper surface.
- Weight. Lightweight tees (about 4.2-4.5 oz) are soft and drapey; heavyweights (6 oz+) feel structured and last for years.
- Construction. Side-seamed shirts hang straighter; tubular shirts are cheaper and slightly boxier. Tear-away labels make it easy to add your own branding.
- Blends. Cotton-poly (CVC) and tri-blends shrink less and feel softer, but take screen printing or DTF better than DTG.
- Color availability. Check your printer stocks the exact color in every size you need before you design around it.
Ask your printer
Most printers stock several of these blanks and will happily swap in a softer or cheaper option. If a quote seems high, ask what blank it’s based on: switching from a premium to a budget tee can cut several dollars per shirt.