Ooh! Dipping your toes into the wonderful creative space of screen printing, eh? Or perhaps you’ve been here for a while and just need to shake up your inventory with some new (and possibly better) options!
Either way, you’re in the right place!
Sometimes, finding the best t-shirts for screen printing can feel like getting your friends to agree on the right pizza topping. This one wants pepperoni, that one wants hot peppers, and then that one friend once green olives and anchovies (no shade to all the creative topping lovers out there!). Everyone likes what they like.
Translate that to t-shirts for screen printing, and the parallels are pretty obvious. Some people prefer super-soft, lightweight materials; others prefer heavyweight cotton; and still others care only about performance and durability.
With all these options, what's a poor t-shirt printer to do?
Don't worry, we've got you!
We've spent decades working with screen printers on how to screen print, and better yet, how to choose the best t-shirts for your screen printing business!
We are breaking down the options in a handy-dandy list that you can refer to whether you're just getting started or shaking things up after a few years under your belt.
Let's dive in as we answer the question, “What are the best t-shirts for screen printing?”
What Makes a T-Shirt Great for Screen Printing?
Before we jump into the particular t-shirts, let's explore a little bit about the why behind the what.
When people ask how to screen print successfully, most of the time you'll get a lot of good advice, and some bad, to be honest.
So, we'll start with a few basic ground rules that are a great place to start when you need to know how to screen print.
To stay on track, we’ll limit it to t-shirt selection.
When you're looking for the right t-shirt for screen printing, it's important to remember that you can't just throw a dart at a catalog and expect it to land on a winner every time.
And you shouldn't be throwing darts at your screen anyway, just saying.
So, here are the ground rules:
Rule number one: to know thy fabric is to know thyself. Pretty sure Plato said that. If your screen printing project involves crisp, clean details, bright colors, and brilliant patterns, a 100% cotton t-shirt is your go-to gal. Cotton fibers absorb ink beautifully and produce stunning prints that hold their designs over time. Pair that with cotton's natural breathability, and you've got a decent head start on a solid printing project.
If the details for the print aren't as fine, you could look into other fabrics such as a cotton blend, which could provide more durability and a softer hand. Keep in mind, when using a blended material, you may have to adjust some printing procedures to accommodate the blend.
Rule number two: stay in your weight class. This comes down to preference, but it can make a difference in screen printing. Lightweight t-shirts are soft, breathable, and an excellent choice for modern retail style, but the printing surface is often not as dense as its heavyweight cousins. If you prefer a lightweight t-shirt, there's nothing wrong with that, but bear in mind the printing may look a little different based on your designs.
Rule number three: feel the fit. You can have a fabulous fabric, dazzling design, but if you have a funky fit, it can throw the whole thing off. If you're after a modern audience, bear in mind that they often want comfortable, modern fits. However, if you're going for something retro, you can get away with gentler silhouettes.
Finally, look beyond the price. We know everyone wants to score a good deal, but don't sacrifice quality. And the truth is, these days at Blankshirts.com, you rarely have to compromise your budget to find the best T-shirts for screen printing. We are just extra that way.
What T-Shirts to Buy for Screen Printing?
Okay, we've made you wait long enough! We all know this is why you're really here, so let's dive into “what are the best t-shirts for screen printing!”
1. Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T-Shirt
Kicking things off with one of the most popular t-shirts we've ever offered, the Gildan 5000 is a staple among new and seasoned screen printers. This t-shirt provides a supreme printing surface that holds patterns and colors brilliantly, making it a first pick for decorators across industries. Its vast color catalog and impressive size range, paired with the wholesale affordability, make it a compelling choice.
2. Bella + Canvas 3001 100% Cotton Men's Best-Fit T-Shirt
Bella + Canvas t-shirts are known for an elevated feel with unbelievably soft materials that flow gently, fit comfortably, and print like a dream. The Bella + Canvas 3001 is the premier t-shirt in their collection, making it one of the most sought-after tees in the industry. It's going to be on the lighter side with its 100% airlume combed and ring-spun cotton in 32 singles. This material makes it rest gently on your skin, making it comfortable for all-day wear. If you're going for light and comfy, the Bella + Canvas 3001 is a stellar option.
3. Hanes 5180 Hanes Beefy-T Unisex Heavyweight Cotton T-Shirt
Oh boy, it's a big one! The Hanes Beefy T is like a sumo wrestler of the wholesale apparel space. It's definitely going to throw its weight around! This t-shirt features a dense heavyweight ring-spun cotton material that's got some incredible heft behind it. The printing surface is as darn near ideal as you can get with a thick material that adheres to prints beautifully. It's a serious t-shirt for serious decorators.
4. Port & Co PC54 Core 100% Cotton T-Shirt
If affordability is your primary driver, you’ll have to check out the Core 100% Cotton Tee. This is a budget-friendly T-shirt that doesn’t mess around. It’s 100% cotton in 5.4 ounces. It may not have the frills that other options may offer, but it more than makes up for it in affordability and versatility. You’ll see dozens of color options and sizes that range from S-6XL! In other words, you have the options right at your fingertips! If you need to save on your bulk order, the Port & Co. Core Tee is a fabulous option!
5. Comfort Colors 1717 Heavyweight Garment-Dyed 100% Cotton T-Shirt
If you need a crowd-pleaser, the Comfort Colors 1717 is a clear contender for your attention. It’s a heavyweight tee that still maintains that soft premium feel that buyers love. They carry a solid reputation that has stood the test of time. The unique garment dying process gives them that worn-in feel that’s as familiar as a hug from grandma! In short, this tee makes a compelling case for your new favorite inventory glow-up!
6. Next Level Apparel 3600 100% Cotton Men's Best-Fit T-Shirt
The Next Level Apparel 3600 is like the rock star of the screen printing t-shirt world. It’s 100% combed and ring-spun cotton in 32 singles, giving it a premium printing surface that’s soft to the touch and durable. The color options, size range, and affordability all come together to make these tees the total package!
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