When ordering custom apparel, we understand that selecting the garment that best suits your needs can be tricky- there are SO many options out there nowadays.
Do you need a T-shirt, sweatshirt, pair of shorts, tank top, or all of the above? Don’t be overwhelmed; we’ve got you covered with options, but not TOO many options, you feel?
To help narrow things down, we asked several members of the Real Thread team to share their custom apparel favorites- they are the experts, after all. *wink wink*
Let’s dive right on in, shall we?
Aria Behfar – People & Culture Manager
Aria’s Pick: Lane Seven LST002 Vintage Crewneck Tee
“The fit is absolutely perfect for me, just the way I love a shirt to fit - hugs my arms and rests easily on the chest and stomach. It’s so dang soft. If I weren’t busy wearing it, I’d be sleeping on it – because I’d be using it as a pillow! I’m always a darker hue kinda chap, but this one has some great balance to my untrained eye.”
Colleen McCaffrey – Content Manager
Colleen’s Pick: Bella+Canvas 3001 Unisex Jersey Short Sleeve Tee
“I love this tee from Bella + Canvas because it’s soft and lightweight. I love a unisex-fit tee because it’s not too tight. It’s perfectly loose and comfortable compared to tighter-fitting women’s tees, which I tend to avoid. One of my favorite shirts in my wardrobe is the band Paramore’s tour merch, printed on a Bella + Canvas 3001 in the color ‘Asphalt,’ it’s the best thing ever. I wear it all the time.”
Emily Cummings – Director of Account Management
Emily’s Pick: Alternative Apparel 5114C1 Women's Go-To Headliner Cropped Tee
“This crop tee is my go-to tee for summer! It’s lightweight, has a great length, and is perfect for anything from a coffee date to a beach day. Plus, it’s made with sustainably sourced cotton and looks great wash after wash.”
Filomena Coppola – Accounting Specialist
Filomena’s Pick: Alternative Apparel 1174 Cotton Jersey Go-To Crop Muscle Tank
“I am a big fan of the Alternative Apparel 1174 Cotton Jersey Go-To Crop Muscle Tank. I love a sleeveless tee, and this fits the bill perfectly because it is made of 100% combed ringspun cotton making it lightweight and versatile. This tank can be worn for a casual day out or a workout- perfect for my lifestyle!”
Hannah Bozenhardt – Ink Specialist
Hannah’s Pick: Next Level Apparel 1533 Ideal Racerback Tank
“This is my perfect tank top. It’s got a slightly curved hem for a flattering fit and is longer than other tanks, which is great if you’re tall like me! The racerback and scooped neck are cute and sporty, and combined with the breathable cotton blend of this tank, it keeps you nice and cool even in the summer heat.”
Ian Markel – Technical Marketing Lead
Ian’s Pick: Comfort Color 1717 – Ringspun Garment-Dyed T-Shirt
“This boxy tee is my go-to blank. The loose fit of this T-shirt is perfect for everyday comfort. The 1717 line has a wide array of colors, from the bright hues of red and oranges to cool shades of blues and grays. This t-shirt is heavyweight at 6.1oz but is breathable with 100% cotton. I have found that this shirt holds up to its size through multiple runs of washes. If you like long sleeves, check out the 6014 line.”
Isaiah Reyes – Account Development Lead
Isaiah’s Pick: AS Colour 5001A Men's Staple Active Tee
“The perfect workout tee. Super lightweight and doesn’t hold onto sweat. Most other athletic blanks are lower quality and are not flattering. The As Colour 5001A is the opposite and is more comparable to a high-quality athletic shirt like Gym Shark or a Lululemon blank at a reasonable price.“
Jeff Stein – Director of Business Development
Jeff’s Pick: Shaka Wear HeavyMax T-Shirt
“There are a lot of oversized, high-collar style t-shirts to choose from out there in the t-shirt world, and I’ve tried most of them. What I love about Shaka Wear is how tight the collars are and that they sell a tall option of their standard sizes. For a tall, scrawny dude, this gives me the oversized fit up-top I like and the length I need. Thanks, Shaka.”
Jeremiah Bates – Printing Manager
Jeremiah’s Pick: AS Color 5080 Men’s Heavy Tee
“This garment is made for printing. The fabric's finish allows for the smoothest print surface, which translates to a smooth finish. The construction of the blanks is very consistent from shirt to shirt. Many blanks have noticeable inconsistencies in the build, whether sizing, stitching, or color variations. AS Color has solved these issues.”
Joey Bordenga – Senior Account Manager
Joey’s Pick: AS Colour 5001 Staple Tee
“Lately, I really like the AS Colour 5001 because of the fabric's fit and thickness. This shirt’s fit is slightly loose but doesn’t feel messy. The fabric is heavier than a typical tee but works well on hot summer days. It’s a perfectly balanced tee!”
Johnathan Parkerson – Operations Specialist
Johnathan’s Pick: Independent Trading Co PRM3500 Unisex Pigment Dyed Crew Neck
“Our office is always cold, and the Independent Trading Co Pigment Dyed Crew Neck is one that I can count on to keep me warm and comfortable with its buttery soft texture. I’m 6’4” and have long arms, so I normally have a hard time finding long enough sleeves, but this is one of few sweaters with longer sleeves that stay comfortably past my wrists at all times.”
Kai Cooper – Account Development Specialist
Kai’s Pick: Los Angeles Apparel 1801GD S/S Grmnt Dye Crew Neck 6.5oz
“I’d say the LA Apparel 180GD is my favorite garment because of its slightly oversized fit, garment dye, and countless colorway options. I feel like this shirt provides the perfect blank canvas for any design. As you wear and wash it over time ages like fine wine for the perfect, imperfect vintage look!”
Kristen Longbrake – Pre-Production Manager
Kristen’s Pick(s): Next Level 5083 Women's Festival Crop Tank & Hanes Beefy-T Adult Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
“I have two!
A newfound favorite: Next Level 5083 Women's Festival Crop Tank. While I’m usually not a fan of crop tops, the classic cut of this one keeps it flattering and comfortable. I love a higher neckline, so combine that with the wider straps (is that what they’re called on tanks!?); it reminds me of your moms work out tank top from the 90s that you hope to find at the thrift store (this aesthetic is perfected in the color Smoked Paprika!). It’s lightweight and incredibly soft, so it is a great go-to for hot summer.
Slightly controversial: Hanes Beefy-T Adult Short-Sleeve T-Shirt. Don’t underestimate the tried and true Hanes! The Beefy tee is my favorite unisex shirt; I prefer a boxy oversized fit. The bottom hemline sits closer to your hips, so it doesn’t squeeze you in and pull you down. Plus, it is 100% cotton, so it discharges beautifully with the supersoft ink, but it also prints crisp, clean lines with our bold acrylic ink. It’s the shirt I hope all my favorite bands use on their tour merch.”
Luke Wycuff – VP of Operations
Luke’s Pick: Comfort Colors 1717 6.1 oz. Ringspun Garment-Dyed T-Shirt
“I love how this shirt fits and doesn’t shrink after washing. Also, I love the garment-dyed look, especially on the more muted colors from the collection. This shirt is comfortable, and given the fit and colors available, it feels like a high-end tee option without the high-end price tag!”
Marcia Perez – Art Team Manager
Marcia’s Pick: Gildan 64000 Softstyle T-Shirt
“I love the Gildan Softstyle 64000 – this shirt is an eco-friendly wonder that has won my heart! Not only does it make me smile, but it also warms my heart to know that Gildan partners with Better Cotton to improve cotton farming globally.
By supporting sustainable practices, this shirt is a tiny step towards a greener future – fashion with a cause; how cool is that? The vibrant colors that dazzle my eyes are not just about looks; they come with a conscience too! Gildan cares about our planet, so they make it even better by using OEKO-TEX-certified low-impact dyes. It's like wearing rainbows made with love and eco-friendly pixie dust!
But that's not all – the goodness doesn't stop there! I knew it was true love when I slipped into this cloud-like softness. Comfort and style collide in the most delightful way, and the fit is pure magic. With the Gildan Softstyle 64000, I'm not just rocking an ultra-comfy and stylish shirt but also wearing my values. It's a win-win, and I'm all about spreading positivity! I wear this shirt with pride and am glad to be a part of the fashion revolution – one colorful and eco-friendly step at a time!”
Serra Vitellaro – Account Specialist
Serra’s Pick: Champion S149 Reverse Weave® Crewneck Sweatshirt
“My favorite garment would be the Reverse Weave Crewneck. Champion's crewneck design is timeless and versatile, making it a staple for everyday wear. After a couple of washes, this pullover only gets softer and looks brand new! This pullover offers a variety of colors allowing customers to choose a style that suits their preferences.
Fun fact: The Reverse Weave® construction involves horizontally knitting the fabric, which prevents vertical shrinkage, maintaining the garment's original shape after wash + wear.”
Sheryl Bordenga – Brand Partnerships
Sheryl’s Pick: AS Colour 5102 Stencil Hood
“Living a remote lifestyle in the northeast means that hoodies have become a wardrobe essential for me. With over half the year spent in cold weather, it's important to have something warm and cozy to wear while working in the office or spending time with my kids while maintaining a stylish look. I absolutely love the AS Colour 5102 Stencil Hood, particularly in the Sand, Ecru, and Camel colors. This hoodie has all the necessary features, including a pocket and a hood, but my favorite aspect is the sleeve cuff ribbing. They maintain their shape and stay in place, allowing you to move comfortably throughout your day.”
Solangie Negron – Data Entry Specialist
Solangie’s Pick: Los Angeles Apparel 1801GD S/S Grmnt Dye Crew Neck 6.5oz
“It’s the perfect mid-weight fabric! The shirt is of great quality, 100% cotton, and breathable. The collar is slightly higher than a regular tee making it great for layering, but the shirt is also great on its own. Our coworker and friend Kai uses this shirt for his brand ‘Valent,’ and it makes his designs look bold and chic.”
Tiffany Shields – Account Specialist
Tiffany’s Pick: Independent Trading Co PRM3500 Unisex Pigment Dyed Crew Neck
“I think it’s never too early to start thinking about some cozy sweatshirts for the fall and winter seasons! (Even in the hot and sunny state of Florida.) I love this Independent Trading Company pigment-dyed sweatshirt because it has a perfect roomy fit without feeling too heavy! A pigment-dyed sweatshirt is the perfect choice if you want a cute vintage look or even something with some retro vibes. It gives it a bit of that timeless washed and lived-in look that is all the hype right now.”
Trey Ramsey – Account Manager
Trey’s Pick: Independent Trading Co. - Legend - Premium Heavyweight Cross-Grain Crewneck Sweatshirt - IND5000C
“This crewneck sweatshirt is unmatched when it comes to comfort and durability. I love that it doubles as a classy garment because of the quality, but you can also wear it just hanging out on the couch. I wear it year-round!”
You’ve been presented with options aplenty- now what?
There are plenty more custom apparel options we didn’t discuss in this article, so if you’re curious about new products that continue to roll in throughout each season, let us know!
Our team would love to chat with you about new styles and help you use them on your next custom apparel project. We can’t wait to see what you pick out.
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