When it comes to choosing the perfect tee for screen printing, we know that there are a lot of options available out there. Narrowing down which shirt is best for your custom project can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start your search. Have no fear- we’re here to help you narrow down your selection to the best of the best.
We took time to compile a list of what we consider to be some of the best t-shirts for custom printing. Having been in business for over ten years, we’ve printed on a wide variety of shirts so we know a thing or two about high-quality tees!
Alright, let’s dive in: Here are the best shirts for custom printing, in no particular order.
1. Bella + Canvas 3001CVC
This super-soft heathered t-shirt is lightweight, comfortable, and a perfect blend of polyester and cotton.
They’re popular due to their heathered colors and innovative heather prism collection. This prism collection is created by re-engineering the heather yarn-spinning and dyeing processes.
- Offered in over 50 colors
- CVC (chief value cotton) aspect gives these shirts a softly woven and heathered appearance.
- Unisex fit and feel
- Offered in sizes XS-3XL
This tee is a good choice if you’re looking for something with high quality and an effortlessly cool look.
2. American Apparel 2001
The American Apparel 2001 Fine Jersey Crewneck T-Shirt has been called the “king of shirts” with good reason.
- Made in the USA
- Available in over 20 colors.
- Seamless on the sides
- Slim, unisex fit.
- Made with 100% cotton
- Won’t shrink in the washer/dryer
The American Apparel 2001 Fine Jersey Crewneck T-Shirt is a great value for its quality. It’s generally a great everyday shirt. Perfect for screen printing.
3. Comfort Colors 1717
We highly recommend this tee if you desire a cozy, boxier fit.
- 100% cotton ringspun, heavy-weight, garment-dyed t-shirt
- Unisex fit
- Offered in sizes S-3XL
- Available in 80+ colors.
- Pigment-dyed (the fiber-coloring process continues to soften/age with washing)
- Well-loved, vintage look and feel.
These shirts are so versatile, and with more than 80 colors to choose from, you’re bound to find something that fits your needs.
4. Next Level 3600
The Next Level 3600 Premium Fitted Short Sleeve Crew is smoother and stronger than most other shirts on the market.
- Constructed with 100% combed and ringspun cotton
- Offered in more than 30 color options
- Lightweight, soft, and comfortable
- Premium short-sleeved crewneck fit
- Available in sizes XS-3XL
These tees are a great budget-friendly option for custom printing awesome designs.
5. Gildan 2000
Another shirt in our list of top recommendations is the Gildan 2001 Ultra Cotton Tee.
This shirt is great if you need an affordable option for a tight budget but still wanna keep things high-quality.
- Made with 100% cotton
- Offered in 50 color options
- Heavyweight
- Available in sizes S-3XL
- Soft and comfortable (did you really think we would suggest a shirt that is NOT soft and comfortable?)
This shirt is likely hanging in a closet near you already. Gildan has been one of the most reliable brands in terms of shirts for custom printing for decades.
6. AS Colour 5001
The AS Colour Staple Tee 5001 is considered to be a closet staple for good reason.
- Unisex fit
- Available in sizes S-3XL
- Offered in over 50 colors, both solid and heathered
- Made of 100% cotton
- Considered to be the best-selling AS Colour tee
- Ribbed crewneck
- Side seams
- Double-stitched
- The cotton is mid-weight and pre-shrunk
It’s a staff favorite around the Real Thread office as well.
This tee holds up its quality over time. The AS Colour Staple Tee 5001 keeps its shape and doesn’t pill with frequent wear–a true hero of the t-shirt world.
7. Alternative Apparel 1973
Last but not least, the Alternative Apparel 1973 Eco-Jersey Crew.
- Offered in sizes S-3XL
- Eco-friendly option for custom printing
- Triblend tee: 38% cotton, 50% polyester, and 12% rayon.
- Contain organic and recycled materials
- Heathered look
- Available in over 10 colors
A great option for you and your brand if you’re interested in earth-minded custom apparel.
Now That You’ve Been Given Some Options- Which Will You Choose?
We’ve presented you with several options and now you’re probably wondering “which is the best fit for me?”
We know a thing or two about t-shirts, and there’s plenty more info on where that all came from. Being in business for over 10 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 printing projects.
Check out our T-Shirt Buyer’s Guide- it’s a free resource to aid you on your t-shirt-buying journey.
Good luck out there, and always feel free to reach out to our team to answer any queries you may have!