Searching for the perfect 100% cotton t-shirt for your custom screenprint order? Taking time to research your options can feel daunting because there are SO many options out there for blank cotton tees.
But which can be considered the cream of the crop?
There are many benefits to wearing cotton t-shirts, believe it or not. We can confidently back this up as a company that works with TONS of cotton apparel.
Cotton is natural. Unlike synthetic materials, it’s grown from the earth. It’s biodegradable and usually takes less than 6 months to return to the earth. Cotton is breathable and absorbent, which makes it great for everyday wear or exercise. It’s also known for being comfortable and hypoallergenic. Cotton shirts are stretchy and soft, and their allergy-free nature makes them a great option for sensitive skin. Additionally, cotton shirts are durable and easy to care for. Ironing can often be avoided for items such as t-shirts if air-dried flat.
Since 2009, we’ve printed on many cotton shirts, so we know a thing or two about what’s considered a good-quality blank cotton tee. AKA, a fabulous canvas for screen printing.
We connected with our product specialists to narrow down five different styles of blank cotton tees for screen printing; let’s dive in, shall we?
5th time’s the charm…? Okay, we know that’s not the saying and maybe doesn’t fit here- but just play along with us, will ya?
1. Next Level Apparel 3600
Next Level Apparel 3600 Premium Fitted Short Sleeve Crew
Here are the details:
Materials/Structure/Weight
- Made with 100% ringspun cotton
- Lightweight at 4.3oz
- This tee has the right amount of stretch and a soft/light feel.
- The combination of its side seams, shoulder taping, and flexible ribbed-knit-stitched collar make it a fantastic choice for your custom t-shirt designs.
Color Choices
- The Next Level 3600 is offered in more than 25 solid colors.
Size/Fit
- Offered in sizes XS-3XL
- Modern Unisex-fitted cotton jersey short-sleeved tee
- More of a slim retail fit.
With its incredibly soft touch, we've found that this tee is a crowd favorite to print on—one of the most popular.
2. AS Colour 5001
The Rundown:
Materials/Structure/Weight
- Made with 100% combed cotton
- Midweight at 5.3oz
- Neck ribbing
- Side-seamed
- Shoulder-to-shoulder tape
- Double needle hems
Color Choices
- The AS Colour 5001 is offered in more than 60 colors.
Size/Fit
- Offered in sizes S-3XL
- Modern Unisex-fitted cotton short-sleeved tee
- More of a slim retail fit.
- Preshrunk to minimize shrinkage
The AS Colour Staple Tee is one of our product specialist’s favorite shirts. It’s high-quality and has a great price point. It’s hard to go wrong with this staple tee.
3. Comfort Colors 1717
Comfort Colors 1717 6.1 oz. Ringspun Garment-Dyed T-Shirt
All about this tee:
Materials/Structure/Weight:
- Made with 100% soft ringspun cotton
- Heavyweight at 6.1oz
- Rib collar
- Side-seamed
- Shoulder-to-shoulder tape
- Double needle hems
- Topstitched
Color Choices:
- The Comfort Colors 1717 is offered in more than 60 colors.
- Garment-dyed
Size/Fit
- Offered in sizes S-3XL
- Modern Unisex-fitted cotton short-sleeved tee
- More of a relaxed fit.
- Classic width
- Twill taped neck & shoulders
- Twill label
The Comfort Colors 1717 is garment dyed. The benefit of the garment dye process is no shrinkage. If the t-shirt fits right the first time you put it on, it will fit right for as long as you own it. This is because the fabric has been commercially washed and dried twice. Also, garment dye typically results in a softer feel and richer color.
4. Tultex 202
Tultex 202 Unisex Fine Jersey Tee
Let’s break it DOWN:
Materials/Structure/Weight
- Made with 100% ringspun cotton
- Lightweight at 4.5oz
- Ribbed crew taped neck
- Side-seamed
- Shoulder-to-shoulder tape
- Double needle stitched hems on bottom and sleeves
- The Tultex 202 is offered in more than 30 colors.
Size/Fit
- Offered in sizes XS-3XL
- Fashionable fine-knit cotton short-sleeved tee
- More of a long fit.
- Classic width
- Tearaway label
If you’re looking for a great candidate for custom screen printing, these fashionable, fine-knit shirts are a total winner.
5. Bella + Canvas 3001
Bella + Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee
The nitty-gritty:
Materials/Structure/Weight
- Made with 100% ringspun cotton
- Lightweight at 4.2 oz
- Ribbed crew taped neck
- Side-seamed
- Shoulder taping
- Double needle stitched hems on bottom and sleeves
- Tearaway tag
Size/Fit
- The Bella+Canvas 3001 is offered in more than 50 colors.
Size/Fit
- Offered in sizes XS-3XL
- More of a retail fit.
This updated unisex essential fits like a well-loved favorite, featuring a crewneck, short sleeves, and designed with superior combed and ringspun cotton. With many colors to choose from, this wholesale t-shirt is a wonderful alternative to brands with a higher price point.
So you know some different cotton t-shirt options- now what?
When selecting a blank 100% cotton t-shirt for screen printing, it's critical to consider the fabric quality, weight, fit, desired printing technique, and design. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper care and washing to ensure the longevity of the printed design!
We know a thing or two about cotton t-shirts; there’s plenty more info on where that came from. Being in business for over ten years, we’re confident that we can help you figure out what next steps you need to take to find the perfect shirts for your custom cotton t-shirt projects.
Check out our T-Shirt Buyer’s Guide- a free resource to reference during your t-shirt-buying journey.
Good luck out there, and always feel free to contact our team to answer any queries! We’re REAL people with REAL expertise- we gotcha.