Choose by how the shirt will be used. For large events and giveaways, a classic heavy cotton tee like Gildan Heavy Cotton keeps cost down. For shirts you want people to wear on weekends, a softer retail fit tee like Bella+Canvas 3001 or Next Level 3600 is worth the extra cost. For a relaxed, washed look, Comfort Colors garment dyed tees stand out.
The main options compared
| Shirt | Feel | Fit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan Heavy Cotton (5000) | Heavier, sturdy cotton | Classic, roomy | Events, volunteers, large giveaways |
| Gildan Softstyle (64000) | Lighter and softer than Heavy Cotton | Classic | Budget programs that want a softer feel |
| Bella+Canvas 3001 | Light, soft (4.2 oz, combed ring-spun cotton) | Retail fit, side seamed | Brand apparel people wear outside work |
| Next Level 3600 | Light, soft (4.3 oz, combed ring-spun cotton) | Retail fit | Same use as Bella+Canvas 3001 |
| Comfort Colors 1717 | Heavyweight, garment dyed, washed look | Relaxed | Lifestyle merchandise, team and campus apparel |
Weights are from each manufacturer. We confirm the exact style, weight and fiber content on your quote.
Cost
Classic heavy cotton tees usually cost the least. Retail fit ring-spun tees cost more, and garment dyed heavyweight tees more again. On a large order the shirt is a big part of the price, so match the shirt to how it will be used. A volunteer event shirt does not need a premium blank; a company store tee people buy with their own budget often does.
Fit and sizing
Retail fit tees are cut slimmer than classic tees. If your team is used to classic fit, many people will want one size up in a retail fit. Unisex sizes follow men's measurements; women's cuts are shorter, narrower and shaped at the waist. For mixed teams, a unisex tee is simplest, with a women's cut offered as an option.
Size mix calculatorApparel sizing guide
Color consistency on large orders
Garment dyed shirts are dyed after they are sewn, which gives the washed look but means color can vary slightly from one dye lot to another. For a uniform look across locations, a piece dyed tee such as Gildan, Bella+Canvas or Next Level is more consistent.
Choose styles that stay in stock
For a company-wide rollout or reorders over time, pick core colors in styles the manufacturer keeps in steady supply. We check inventory before quoting large orders.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best t-shirt for screen printing a company logo?
- For events and giveaways, Gildan Heavy Cotton. For apparel people will choose to wear, Bella+Canvas 3001 or Next Level 3600. All three print well.
- Is Bella+Canvas better than Gildan?
- It is softer and has a slimmer retail fit, and it costs more. Gildan Heavy Cotton is sturdier and costs less. Neither is better for every use.
- Do Bella+Canvas shirts run small?
- They are cut slimmer than classic fit tees, so people used to classic fit often size up.
- What is the difference between unisex and women's t-shirts?
- Unisex sizes follow men's measurements. Women's cuts are shorter, narrower and shaped at the waist.