Six best blank tees for printing and branding

If you are looking for the perfect blank canvas for creating custom t-shirts, look no further! This guide is designed to help you find the best options in the market for blank tees, considering factors crucial for creators, artists, and large ecommerce retailers.

Whether you're a well-known brand or just starting out in the print on demand industry, this blog post will help you offer the best t-shirt that stands out.

• The top six blank t-shirts for printing mentioned in this post are Bella Canvas 3001, Gildan 64000, Gildan 5000, Gildan 42000, Next Level 3600, and Bella Canvas 6400.

• The leading brands in the blank t-shirt market are Gildan, Bella Canvas, Stanley Stella, and Next Level Apparel, among others.

• The factors to consider when choosing a T-shirt include fabric composition, comfort and fit, durability, sustainability, printing compatibility, and price/value balance, which influence the selection of blank tees for different brand needs.

• Gelato offers a diverse selection of high-quality blank tees from brands like Bella Canvas, Gildan, and Next Level Apparel. These tees are coupled with user-friendly design tools and advanced printing technology to help you design and print premium t-shirts quickly and efficiently.

Choosing the perfect blank t-shirt is the first step in creating exceptional custom apparel. Let's take a look at the top six options, each with its unique strengths:

1. Bella Canvas 3001

Constructed from a soft, 100% combed cotton, Bella Canvas 3001 t-shirts have a smooth, high-quality material and a special fit that's comfortable and flatters all body types. Suitable for different printing techniques, this tee delivers impressive results with screen printing and direct-to-garment printing (DTG printing).

Given its high quality, this short-sleeve t-shirt offers great value for money, making it a cost-effective choice for creative individuals, ecommerce retailers, or anyone looking to create unique merchandise without breaking the bank.

2. Gildan 64000

The Gildan 64000 stands out due to its soft and lightweight feel, thanks to its 100% ring-spun cotton fabric. This composition ensures a smooth surface that's ideal for various printing techniques, including screen printing and DTG. 

Not only does this shirt provide a comfortable fit, but it is also cost-effective and offers great value for your money, whether you're buying in bulk or small quantities. It is a popular choice for ecommerce businesses, artists, and creators looking for affordable yet good-quality t-shirts.

3. Gildan 5000

With its 100% cotton composition, this enduring classic t-shirt from Gildan offers an ideal surface for various printing methods, like screen printing and heat transfer. It's the go-to for quality and affordability. 

Known for its durability, this cotton t-shirt retains its appearance and texture even after frequent wash cycles, making it perfect for everyday wear. What's more, the Gildan 5000's cost-effectiveness makes it a leading choice for both emerging and established brands.

4. Gildan 42000

This T-shirt is loved for its versatility and quality. Made of a perfect blend of 100% polyester, it offers great durability without compromising on comfort. Its smooth surface makes it perfect for screen printing, DTG, and heat press transfer methods. 

Gildan 42000 is cost-effective, hence a great option for those on a budget. If you are an athlete or fitness brand looking to start merchandising, this wicking performance tee will make a great choice.

5. Next Level 3600

The Next Level 3600 is made of high-quality 100% combed ring-spun cotton. This gives the t-shirt a professional look and a comfortable feel, setting a high standard for printability. It is easy to print using various methods, including screen printing and DTG techniques. 

Adding to its appeal is the cost-effective pricing. The tees' superior quality and affordability make them a favorable pick for both small creators and larger ecommerce retailers.

6. Bella Canvas 6004

The Bella Canvas 6400 stands out due to its remarkable balance of comfort and style. Created with a soft blend of 60% combed and ring-spun cotton and 40% poly. This makes it a great choice for printing designs, especially with DTG and screen printing methods. 

The affordability of this tee makes it a favorite among both large-scale ecommerce retailers and individual artists. If you want a high-quality shirt at a good price, the 6400 is perfect for you. It is a great base for customizing with your own designs.

Having explored the top individual tees, let's explore some of the most reputable blank t-shirt brands in the market. 

1. Gildan

A true industry giant, Gildan offers a vast selection of blank t-shirts in various styles, weights, and price points. They're renowned for their:

• Affordability: Gildan is the go-to choice for startups, high-volume orders, or brands with a price-conscious customer base. Their competitive pricing allows for greater profit margins or accessible pricing for your target market. 

• Durability: Built to last, Gildan tees can withstand frequent wear and tear. Their heavyweight options are perfect for activewear or daily use, ensuring your customers get long-lasting value. 

• Variety: From classic crewnecks that never go out of style to fashion-forward V-necks and trendy crop tops, Gildan caters to diverse needs. They offer a wide range of styles, fits, and colors to match any brand aesthetic.

2. Bella Canvas

Standing in stark contrast to Gildan's focus on affordability is Bella Canvas, renowned for its premium quality. Their tees, crafted from exceptionally soft and ring-spun cotton, prioritize:

• Premium softness: Bella Canvas uses a combing and ring-spinning process that removes impurities and short fibers, resulting in an incredibly soft and luxurious feel against the skin.

• Superb printability: The smooth, consistent surface of Bella Canvas tees provides the perfect canvas for your designs. Ink adheres brilliantly, ensuring crisp details and vibrant colors in your prints.

• Fashionable fits: Bella Canvas goes beyond basic silhouettes. They offer a range of modern and flattering fits, from relaxed boyfriend tees to fitted women's cuts.

3. Stanley Stella

For brands with a strong environmental and ethical consciousness, Stanley Stella is a fantastic choice. Here's what makes them stand out:

• Sustainable focus: Stanley Stella prioritizes eco-conscious manufacturing processes. This aligns well with brands that value sustainability and want to offer sustainable products to their customers.

• High-quality materials: Stanley Stella doesn't compromise on quality. Their tees are crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton, ensuring a luxuriously soft feel and excellent durability.

• Unique styles: Stanley Stella offers a range of styles beyond the basics. They feature unique necklines, raglan sleeves, and garment-dyed options to create a distinctive brand aesthetic.

4. Next Level Apparel

Known for its focus on comfort and fashion-forward styles, Next Level Apparel is a great option for brands targeting a younger demographic:

• Trend-driven designs: Next Level stays ahead of the curve with trendy cuts and styles like muscle tees, racerbacks, and fashionably distressed tees, offering a distinct and contemporary aesthetic.

• Comfortable wear: Next Level prioritizes comfort in their garments. They use soft fabric blends and relaxed fits, ensuring your customers have a pleasant wearing experience.

• Value for money: Next Level strikes a good balance between affordability and quality. Their tees are a good option for brands seeking a middle ground between budget-friendly Gildan and premium Bella Canvas.

5. Fruit of the Loom

A household name for generations, Fruit of the Loom offers a solid choice for brands seeking a balance between affordability and quality:

• Value for money: Fruit of the Loom tees are known for their competitive pricing, making them a good option for budget-conscious brands or those offering basic garments.

• Reliable quality: While not the most premium option, Fruit of the Loom tees offer decent quality and construction, ensuring they can withstand everyday wear.

• Widespread availability: With their brand recognition, Fruit of the Loom tees are readily available from a vast network of distributors. This can be advantageous for brands needing quick access to blank inventory.

6. Just Cool

If your brand caters to a street-wear or fashion-forward audience, this clothing brand is worth considering:

• Unique styles: Just Cool stands out for its focus on trendy, fashion-oriented blank tees. They offer options like distressed finishes, bold colors, and fashionably oversized fits.

• Eye-catching designs: Just Cool tees are ideal for creating statement pieces or graphic tees that pop even in the midst of a crowd.

• Brand identity: Just Cool t-shirts can help you cultivate a distinct and edgy brand image that resonates with a specific customer segment.

7. Port & Company

This is a brand known for its focus on value and durability. Port & Company tees are a solid choice for a variety of reasons:

• Cost-effective: Similar to Fruit of the Loom, Port & Company offers a balance between affordability and quality, making them a good option for budget-conscious brands.

• Durable construction: The brand prioritizes durable garments. Their tees are built to withstand wear and tear, which is ideal for brands targeting active audiences or those seeking a reliable product.

• Extensive selection: Port & Company offers a wide range of styles beyond just t-shirts. They provide options like hoodies, sweatpants, and hats, allowing you to create a comprehensive apparel line under your brand.

8. Stedman

A brand known for its consistent quality and focus on basics, Stedman is a great choice for brands seeking reliable blank apparel. They offer:

• Consistent quality: Stedman prioritizes consistent quality control across its entire product range. You can be confident that your blank tees will be well-made and free of defects.

• Classic styles: Stedman excels in basic crewnecks, V-necks, and polos. These timeless styles are perfect for brands offering core wardrobe essentials or those who want to focus on high-quality printed designs without the distraction of trendy cuts.

• Value for money: Stedman offers a good balance between affordability and quality, similar to Fruit of the Loom and Port & Company.

9. Jerzees

A well-established brand in the apparel industry, Jerzees offers a good balance of affordability, quality, and style:

• Value proposition: Similar to Gildan and Port & Company, Jerzees provides a cost-effective option for brands seeking a balance between budget and quality.

• Variety of styles: Jerzees offers a good selection of styles beyond just crewnecks. You'll find options like V-necks and long sleeves, which will allow you to cater to different preferences.

• Solid printability: Jerzees tees are known for their printability, making them a good choice for brands focused on creating custom apparel.

10. SOL'S

For brands seeking a European flair, SOL'S is a great option known for its focus on quality and sustainability:

• European quality: They prioritize high-quality materials and construction methods, resulting in a premium feel for their garments.

• Technical fabrics: Their tees are made of fabrics like cotton, polyester, and organic cotton, with properties like moisture-wicking or odor control. This can be ideal for brands targeting activewear or athletic audiences.

• Sustainable options: SOL'S offers an increasing selection of eco-conscious tees made from organic cotton and recycled materials.

11. B&C

True to its name, B&C focuses on providing high-quality blank apparel for the fashion industry:

• Premium quality: B&C prioritizes exceptional fabrics and construction, resulting in a luxurious feel and a more fashion-oriented aesthetic.

• Unmatched variety: B&C offers a vast selection of styles beyond just t-shirts, including polos and sweatshirts. This allows you to create a complete and cohesive branded clothing line.

• Higher price point: Due to their premium quality, B&C tees come at a higher price point compared to some other brands. This is ideal for established brands seeking to offer high-end products.

Selecting the right blank t-shirt goes beyond just aesthetics. Here's a breakdown of key factors to consider:

1. Fabric composition 

Choosing the right fabric for your brand's t-shirt is crucial, as it impacts the shirt's weight, durability, and look & feel. Cotton, polyester, or a blend of both are common choices. Cotton t-shirts are comfortable, while polyester t-shirts last longer. For a mix of comfort and durability, go for a blended fabric.

2. Comfort and fit 

The comfort and fit of a t-shirt are crucial for its overall attractiveness. Many brands offer different fits, such as regular, fitted, and relaxed. Choosing the right fit for various body types can significantly affect your brand's image.

3. Durability 

It's important to think about durability when choosing your t-shirts. If a t-shirt fades, shrinks, or wears out quickly, it could disappoint your customers and harm your brand's image. Make sure to pick t-shirts that can hold up well, even after a lot of washes.

4. Sustainability 

Today's consumers care deeply about the environment. Consider using t-shirts made of organic or recycled cotton. Brands that offer these earth-friendly choices not only support sustainability but also appeal to eco-conscious customers, helping to strengthen their relationship with the brand.

5. Printing compatibility 

You need to ensure that your chosen t-shirt material can work well with various printing methods, such as screen printing, DTG printing, or heat transfers. It’s crucial for the fabric to highlight the printed designs, whether they're bright images, small logos, or brand statements.

6. Price and overall value

The price of a tee should reflect its overall value. T-shirts with higher prices often have better fabric quality and design that improves your merchandise's look & feel. So, don't let a lower price lure you into compromising quality. It's best to find blank tees that provide both cost-effectiveness and high-quality characteristics.

Now that you're armed with the knowledge to choose the ideal blank tees and understand the key factors for success, it's time to bring your brand vision to life! Gelato empowers you to create and sell premium custom apparel with ease.

With Gelato, you get access to:

• Vast t-shirt selection: Explore a wide range of high-quality blank tees from top brands like Bella Canvas, Gildan, and Next Level Apparel. Find the perfect canvas that aligns with your brand aesthetic and budget, and start creating high-quality t-shirts.

• User-friendly design tools: Unleash your creativity with Gelato's intuitive design tools. Upload your artwork, personalize designs, and visualize your creation on different t-shirt styles.

• High-quality printing: Gelato utilizes state-of-the-art printing technologies to ensure your designs come to life with exceptional clarity and vibrant colors.

• Global printing network: No matter where you are, Gelato's extensive network of printing partners ensures efficient production and fast delivery to your customers.

Ready to get started? Sign up for Gelato now and choose one of the subscription plans to unlock discounted pricing and priority fulfillment.

Which t-shirt brand is the best quality?

Quality often depends on individual needs and preferences. However, brands like Bella Canvas, Gildan, and Next Level consistently rank top for their combination of durability, comfort, and print compatibility, offering an ideal base for personalized printing and branding.

What are the highest quality t-shirts made of?

Generally, the highest quality t-shirts are crafted from combed and ring-spun cotton. This meticulous process removes impurities and short fibers, resulting in a luxuriously soft and smooth fabric. Brands like Bella Canvas are known for prioritizing this quality.

What type of t-shirt is most popular?

The most popular t-shirt type is a close call between classic crewnecks and versatile v-necks. Crewnecks offer a timeless and comfortable fit, making them a wardrobe staple for many. V-necks provide a slightly more relaxed and modern look.