Picking the shirt is half of a good custom order. The print looks the same on any of them, but the shirt decides how the order feels, fits and wears. These five tees are the ones we print most, and between them they cover almost every kind of order.
What to compare
- Weight. Measured in ounces per square yard. A lighter tee (about 4 oz) drapes softly and feels like a retail shirt. A heavier one (5 oz and up) feels sturdier and holds up to work, school and lots of washing.
- Fit. A standard cut is roomier and more classic. A trim (fashion) cut sits closer to the body. Always check the size chart on the product page.
- Fabric. All five tees below are 100% cotton, so they feel natural, breathe well and take a print the same way.
- Price. Softer and heavier shirts cost more. The price for every size is on each product page, and the designer shows the per-shirt price before you add anything to the cart.
The five tees side by side
| Style | Weight | Fit | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan 5000 | 5.3 oz | Standard | Classic and sturdy | Big groups, events and tight budgets |
| Gildan 64000 | 4.5 oz | Trim | Soft and lighter | Teams that want a softer shirt on a budget |
| Bella + Canvas 3001 | about 4 oz | Trim | Soft, retail feel | Merch, brands and gifts |
| Next Level 3600 | about 4 oz | Trim | Light and smooth | Merch and everyday wear |
| Comfort Colors 1717 | about 6 oz | Standard | Heavy, garment-dyed, vintage look | Premium merch and a worn-in style |
Which one should you pick?
- Lowest price for a big group: Gildan 5000. It's the workhorse for events, schools, family reunions and company shirts.
- Softer without a big jump in price: Gildan 64000. Same brand, a lighter and softer feel.
- A shirt people would buy in a store: Bella + Canvas 3001 or Next Level 3600. Fitted, smooth and the most popular choice for merch.
- A vintage, lived-in look: Comfort Colors 1717. The garment-dyed colors look slightly washed from day one, and it's the heaviest of the five.
Does the shirt change how the print looks?
We print with DTF, a full-color transfer that sits on top of the fabric as a thin, flexible layer, so the same design looks the same on all five. What changes is the shirt's color range, feel and fit. The designer shows your artwork live on every color, so you can compare before you order. For more on the printing method, read DTF vs screen printing.
Colors, sizes and kids
Each style comes in dozens of colors, and you can mix colors and sizes in one order. The print discount counts every shirt that has the same design, even across different colors. Sizes 2XL and bigger cost a little more on most styles. Need kids' sizes? Look at Gildan 5000B (youth), Bella + Canvas 3001Y (youth) and 3001T (toddler).
Ready to try one?
Open the custom T-shirts and drop your design on any of these. Not sure which to choose? Call (614) 860-5757 or send us a message, or stop by the shop in Hilliard and feel them in person. For a big order, ask for a bulk quote.
