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Many print quality issues don’t come from design mistakes; they come from poor blank selection. Prioritizing low cost or blindly following popular brands often results in faded prints, inconsistent fabric feel, and lost repeat customers. That’s why choosing the best blank T-shirts for printing is a strategic decision.
In this article, we’ll break down what truly defines a high-performing blank, which options deliver reliable results across print methods, and how to select the right base for your brand standards.
10 best blank T-shirts for printing
1. Bella+Canvas 3001
The Bella+Canvas 3001 is one of the most widely used blank T-shirts in the custom printing industry. Its lightweight fabric, smooth surface, and consistent construction make it especially reliable for detailed prints and repeat production runs. This blank is designed for brands that prioritize print clarity, comfort, and a modern retail fit rather than heavy, promotional-style tees.
Why it works well for printing
The Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton used in the Bella+Canvas 3001 creates a smoother fabric surface with fewer impurities. This allows ink to sit evenly on the garment, resulting in sharper details, cleaner edges, and more accurate color reproduction. The preshrunk fabric also minimizes distortion after washing, helping prints maintain their original shape and alignment.
Best printing methods
- Direct to Garment (DTG): The smooth cotton surface absorbs water-based inks evenly, making it ideal for high-resolution artwork, gradients, and fine details.
- Screen printing: The lightweight jersey fabric works well with both plastisol and water-based inks, delivering vibrant colors without excessive ink buildup.
Recommended print placements
- Front and back: The flat, consistent fabric area ensures uniform ink coverage and professional results.
- Sleeves: The fabric’s flexibility and smooth texture make sleeve prints clean and durable, especially for small logos or text-based designs.
Some products you can sell
- Youth Jersey Tee Bella Canvas 3001Y (Made in US)
- Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee Bella Canvas 3001 (Made in US)
- Toddler Short Sleeve Tee Bella Canvas 3001T (Made in US)
2. Gildan 5000
The Gildan 5000 is one of the most established and widely used blank T-shirts in the custom printing industry, especially for traditional high-volume printing. Known for its durability, midweight fabric, and classic fit, this blank is a reliable choice for sellers who prioritize cost efficiency, and long-lasting prints.
Why Gildan 5000 works well for printing
The Gildan 5000 is made primarily from 100% cotton (for most colorways) with a midweight fabric of 5.3 oz, creating a stable and structured surface for printing. The thicker cotton fabric holds ink well, reducing bleed and ensuring solid color coverage. Its durable construction also helps prints maintain their appearance through repeated washing.
Best printing methods
- Screen printing: This is where Gildan 5000 performs best. The midweight cotton surface allows plastisol inks to sit evenly on the fabric, producing vibrant colors and strong opacity without excessive ink buildup.
- Heat transfer / vinyl printing: The firm fabric structure provides good adhesion for transfer films and vinyl, improving durability and reducing peeling over time.
Recommended print placements
- Front and back: The flat, structured fabric ensures even ink distribution across large print areas.
- Sleeves: The classic fit and stable fabric make sleeve prints clean and consistent, ideal for logos or small branding elements.
Fabric composition
- Most colors: 100% cotton
- Sport Gray: 90% cotton / 10% polyester (still prints well, though ink behavior may vary slightly with water-based methods)
Some products you can sell
- Classic Unisex T-Shirt Gildan 5000 (Made in AU)
- Youth T-shirt Gildan 5000B (Made in EU)
- Youth T-shirt Gildan 5000B (Made in AU)
- Youth T-shirt Gildan 5000B (Made in US)
- Women’s T-shirt Gildan 5000L (Made In AU)
- Classic Unisex T-Shirt Gildan 5000 (Made In US)
3. Next Level 3600
Next Level is a well-known blank apparel brand favored by sellers who prioritize a soft hand feel, modern retail fit, and high-quality print results. Among its lineup, the Next Level 3600 stands out as one of the most popular options. Made primarily from ringspun combed cotton, the 3600 features a smooth, lightweight fabric that delivers excellent print clarity for detailed designs while maintaining a premium look and comfortable feel.
Why Next Level 3600 works well for printing
The ringspun combed cotton construction creates a clean, even fabric surface, allowing ink to bond more consistently compared to standard cotton. This results in sharper lines, smoother gradients, and better color accuracy. The fabric is also prewashed, which helps reduce shrinkage and maintain print placement after washing.
Best printing methods
- Direct to Garment (DTG): The smooth cotton fibers absorb water-based inks evenly, making this shirt ideal for high-detail designs, soft color transitions, and photographic prints.
- Screen printing: Lightweight fabric combined with a tight knit allows inks to sit cleanly on the surface without excessive buildup, producing crisp, vibrant results.
Recommended print placements
- Front and back: The flat, consistent print area supports both large statement graphics and minimalist designs.
- Sleeves: The soft, flexible fabric works well for small logos or subtle branding details without distortion.
Some products you can sell
- Premium Unisex T-shirt Next Level 3600 (Made in US)
- Premium Unisex T-shirt Next Level 3600 (Made In AU)
4. AS Colour 5001
AS Colour is a premium blank apparel brand known for its consistent quality, refined construction, and strong appeal among fashion-focused and lifestyle brands. The AS Colour 5001 is one of its most recognized styles, valued for its clean silhouette, balanced fabric weight, and retail-ready finish.
Why it works well for printing
Made from 100% combed cotton, the AS Colour 5001 features a smooth and tightly constructed fabric surface that allows ink to sit evenly on the garment. This results in sharper edges, cleaner lines, and more accurate color reproduction. The refined fabric finish also helps prints maintain their quality over time, even with frequent wear and washing.
Best printing methods
- Screen printing: The stable cotton surface supports consistent ink coverage, making it ideal for solid graphics, logos, and branding elements that require strong opacity and durability.
- DTG (Direct to Garment): The smooth combed cotton works well with water-based inks, delivering clean details and soft-hand prints for premium designs.
Recommended print placements
- Front and back: The structured yet comfortable fabric provides a flat printing area, ensuring professional results across larger designs.
- Chest and minimalist placements: The retail-focused fit makes it particularly effective for small logos, text, or subtle brand marks.
Some products you can sell
5. Comfort Colors 1717
The Comfort Colors 1717 is a standout blank for sellers who want a vintage, lived-in aesthetic. Known for its garment-dyed finish and heavyweight feel, this T-shirt delivers both comfort and durability, making it a strong choice for brands focused on retro, casual, or lifestyle-driven designs.
Why Comfort Colors 1717 works well for printing
Made from 100% garment-dyed ringspun cotton, the 1717 features a soft, pre-washed texture that reduces shrinkage and adds a broken-in feel straight out of the box. The heavyweight 6.1 oz fabric provides a stable base for ink, helping screen-printed designs hold up well over time without cracking or excessive fading. Its garment-dyed process also gives each shirt subtle color variation, enhancing the vintage character that many customers value.
Best printing methods
- Screen printing: This is the ideal method for the Comfort Colors 1717. The thicker cotton fabric allows plastisol inks to sit firmly on the surface, producing durable prints with a slightly muted, vintage-friendly finish.
- Water-based inks: When paired with screen printing, water-based inks can enhance the soft-hand feel and complement the garment-dyed look.
Recommended print placements
- Front and back: The heavyweight construction supports large prints while maintaining shape and durability.
- Sleeves: Works well for logos or secondary design elements, especially for streetwear and lifestyle branding.
Some products you can sell
- Classic Unisex T-Shirt Comfort Colors 1717 (Made in US)
- Classic Unisex T-Shirt Comfort Colors 1717 (Made in AU)
6. The American Apparel 1301
The American Apparel 1301 is a premium, USA-made jersey T-shirt known for its soft feel and reliable construction. Made from high-quality cotton, this tee provides a smooth and consistent surface that allows ink to sit cleanly on the fabric, making it ideal for detailed and vibrant prints.
Its durability helps the shirt retain both shape and print quality after repeated washes, which is why it remains a favorite among designers and brands that value craftsmanship and domestic manufacturing. The wide color range also makes it easy to pair designs with the right background.
- Best for: DTG and screen printing
7. Anvil 980
The Anvil 980 Lightweight T-Shirt is a strong value option for sellers looking to balance affordability and print performance. Its lightweight construction and fine single-thread fabric create a smooth surface that supports clean, sharp prints.
Made from organic cotton, the Anvil 980 delivers a soft hand feel while still holding up well in production. It’s especially suitable for logo tees and graphic designs where clarity matters, making it one of the best-selling budget-friendly blanks on the market.
- Best for: Screen printing and DTG
8. Stanley/Stella STTU169 Organic Cotton T-shirt
The Stanley/Stella STTU169 is designed for eco-conscious brands that want sustainability without compromising print quality. Made from 100% organic ringspun cotton, this T-shirt offers a smooth surface and a comfortable midweight feel that works well across multiple printing methods.
Its retail-ready fit and ethical positioning make it a strong choice for lifestyle and fashion brands targeting environmentally aware customers.
- Best for: Screen printing and DTG
9. The Jerzees Dri-Power
The Jerzees Dri-Power 50/50 T-shirt blends cotton and polyester to create a soft, tightly knitted fabric that prints cleanly and wears comfortably. The fabric structure supports durable prints, while the moisture-wicking polyester makes it suitable for warm climates and active work environments.
A tear-away label allows easy rebranding without damaging the garment, making this blank especially popular for uniforms and business apparel.
- Best for: Screen printing and heat transfer
10. Hanes Tagless 5250
The Hanes Tagless 5250 is made from ringspun cotton, offering a soft, smooth surface that prints cleanly and feels comfortable on the body. Its tagless design improves wearability, while reinforced stitching helps the shirt hold up through frequent washing. Although internal label printing is limited, it remains a dependable blank for simple, clean designs.
- Best for: Screen printing
Understanding different fabric types for printing
Different fabrics react to ink in different ways, so understanding the basics will help you avoid printing issues later on.
Cotton
Cotton is the most common fabric used for blank T-shirts.
Pros:
- Soft, breathable, and comfortable to wear
- Great for everyday and lifestyle apparel
- Works very well with DTG and screen printing
Cons:
- Can shrink or wrinkle if not pre-treated
- Absorbs ink, which may slightly reduce color vibrancy compared to synthetics
Best for: Casual tees, fashion brands, and high-quality DTG prints.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fabric often used in performance and sportswear.
Pros:
- Strong, durable, and resistant to shrinking
- Dries quickly and holds its shape well
- Ideal for sublimation printing
Cons:
- Less breathable than cotton
- Not suitable for DTG printing without special treatment
Best for: Sportswear, activewear, and all-over sublimation designs.
Cotton–Polyester Blends
Blended fabrics combine natural and synthetic fibers.
Pros:
- Softer than pure polyester
- More durable and wrinkle-resistant than 100% cotton
- Good balance between comfort and performance
Cons:
- Print results can vary depending on the blend ratio
- Not as breathable as full cotton
Best for: Everyday wear that needs better durability and consistent print quality.
Essential factors to look for in blank T-shirts
Fabric composition is the first thing to consider. Each printing method works best with certain materials, so the fabric must match your production approach. Cotton is ideal for DTG and screen printing, polyester is required for sublimation printing, while cotton-poly blends affect color accuracy.
Fit and style also play a major role in how customers perceive your product. Modern, retail-style fits tend to appeal to fashion and lifestyle audiences, while classic or relaxed fits work better for merchandise, events, or everyday casual wear.
Durability should never be overlooked. A quality blank T-shirt should maintain its shape and print quality after repeated washes. Fabrics that resist shrinking, cracking, and fading, combined with solid stitching, lead to fewer customer complaints and better reviews over time.
Price is the final factor, but it should be evaluated in context. Lower-cost blanks may seem attractive at first, but they can hurt your margins if they lead to higher return rates. Higher-quality blanks allow you to charge more and build a stronger brand image. The key is finding a balance between affordability, print performance, and perceived value, especially when ordering in bulk.
FAQs
- Are 100% cotton t-shirts good for printing?
Yes. 100% cotton provides excellent ink absorption and vibrant colors, especially for DTG and screen printing.
- Can you sublimate on cotton t-shirts?
No. Sublimation works best on polyester or high-poly blends and is not suitable for 100% cotton shirts.
- Should I choose cheap blank t-shirts to increase profit?
Not recommended. Low-quality blanks often lead to poor prints, returns, and negative reviews.
- What colors print best on blank t-shirts?
Light colors show brighter prints, while dark colors may require underbase layers.
