The blank you choose matters just as much as the design you put on it. A great print on a cheap, scratchy shirt still feels cheap — and a premium blank makes even a simple one-color logo feel high-end. Here's how to choose the right blank t-shirt for your custom project.
Start with fabric
The fabric determines how the shirt feels, how it prints, and how it wears.
- 100% cotton is the classic choice for printing. It's breathable, takes ink and stitching well, and has a natural, soft hand. Ring-spun cotton is smoother and softer than standard cotton because the fibers are spun tighter.
- Cotton/poly blends (often 50/50 or tri-blends) are softer, lighter, and more drape-y, with a worn-in feel many people love. They resist wrinkles and shrink less.
- Performance polyester is moisture-wicking and durable — ideal for athletic wear and team jerseys, though it needs the right decoration method (DTF or dye-specific inks) to print cleanly.
Pay attention to fabric weight (GSM)
Fabric weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter), tells you how heavy and substantial the shirt is:
- Lightweight (under ~150 GSM): soft, breathable, fashion-forward. Great for a retail feel, less durable for heavy use.
- Midweight (~150–185 GSM): the versatile all-rounder — sturdy enough for daily wear, comfortable enough for everyday tees.
- Heavyweight (185+ GSM): thick, durable, premium. Trending strongly for structured fits and workwear that lasts.
Heavier isn't always better — it depends on the use. A summer event tee might want lightweight; a work uniform wants heavyweight.
Consider the fit
Fits have a big impact on how your apparel is received:
- Classic/regular fit: roomy, universal, safe for mixed groups.
- Fitted/retail fit: modern, tailored, popular for fashion-forward brands.
- Unisex vs. women's/youth cuts: offering the right cuts increases the odds people actually wear your apparel.
Match the blank to the decoration method
- Screen printing: smooth, tight-knit cotton or ring-spun cotton holds ink crisply.
- Embroidery: midweight to heavyweight fabrics support stitching without puckering.
- DTF/DTG: cotton or high-cotton blends give the best color and wash durability.
Think about color
Darker garments may need an underbase (an extra layer of white ink under a screen print), which can affect cost and feel. Lighter garments print more simply. If budget matters, a light-colored blank with a one-color print is the most economical combination.
Our recommendation process
Tell us your use case (event, uniform, retail, giveaway) and we'll recommend the blank that fits your budget and print method.
Browse our range of blank t-shirts and filter by fabric, weight, and fit to find your match — or reach out and we'll point you to the right one.