Finding a good t-shirt for screen printing requires knowing where to look and having the necessary knowledge about the best clothing manufacturers. If you are serious about printing t-shirts that don’t fade, peel or feel like you are wearing a trash bag, then you must start with the right shirt.
At our shop, we’ve tried them all. Sometimes, you win, sometimes you lose. From shrinking shirts to paint splashes where they aren’t supposed to be – we’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to. The point is, shirt quality matters!
We have figured out which brands are worth your hard-earned money and whether you are ordering a small batch or going for a bulk order to outfit your trivia team, softball club or pyramid scheme (just kidding — mostly). Here’s what you need to know:
Not every t-shirt is ready for screen printing services. Some fabrics take in too much ink, while others are too weak to handle it. First, you have to look for soft fabric that works well with the ink, as nobody wants a design that feels like a stiff sticker. Secondly, the shirt should have a good amount of weight, usually around 4 to 5 ounces, so it is not too thin or too heavy.
Side seams are a must since tube-shaped shirts fit poorly. Pre-shrunk fabric is also an important factor so that the shirts don’t shrink to doll size after washing. And, of course, price matters, especially if you want to purchase bulk items. Fancy is nice, but affordable and dependable is better.
With all that in mind, here are the top brands that made the cut.
Bella + Canvas makes soft, comfortable shirts that feel like your favorite worn-in tee. They’re great for custom t-shirts for boutiques, brand launches, or even weekend band vibes. The classic 3001 tee handles printing well especially if you are using digital printing or fancy inks like discharge.
They are a good choice for custom apparel companies, smaller brands wanting a premium look in their clothes, or anyone who loves soft shirts. Downsides? They do cost a bit more, but considering your shirt won’t feel like cardboard, it’s a pretty sweet trade-off.
Gildan shirts aren’t known for being super soft, but you definitely get your value. But if you need to print a thousand shirts for an event without blowing your budget, then Gildan is the best choice. They hold up well during shirt screen printing and come in almost every color imaginable. The Heavy Cotton line is perfect for sturdy, no-fuss shirts that can handle a lot of wear and tear.
They are perfect for events, fundraisers, sports teams and big bulk orders where costs matter more than softness of the material. One thing to note is that Gilden’s fabric has a slightly rougher texture, so extremely detailed designs such as the Mona Lisa might not come out as sharp. If you are aiming for fine art-level prints, then you might want to look at other options.
If Bella + Canvas is the artsy cousin and Gildan is the reliable uncle, then Next Level is your chill brother who’s always prepared. Their tees especially the 3600 and 6210 provide a great balance between affordable, soft, well-fitted and easy to print on.
They are ideal for custom designs that need vibrant and bright colors. Additionally, if you are using an online design tool to create something snazzy, these shirts will make your artwork look good without needing a hundred tweaks.
Next Level makes quality feel easy without the premium price tag. They are perfect for fashion brands, breweries, indie bands or anyone looking for stylish, customizable options that keep both the quality and the cost in check.
If your group is always on the move, Team 365 has you covered. Their shirts are made from moisture-wicking polyester with UV protection, perfect for sports teams, 5Ks, outdoor festivals or any event where you don’t want your shirt sticking to you. They are made to stay cool, dry, and comfy no matter how much you sweat.
Thanks to their dye technology, Team 365 shirts hold bright and bold colors even after dozens of washes. They’re a perfect choice for sports leagues, charity runs, dance marathons or any activity that gets your heart racing and demands gear that can keep up.
Sport-Tek is like Team 365’s energetic younger sibling who actually enjoys CrossFit. Their shirts use PosiCharge fabric, which means your prints stay bright and clear. No sad, faded logos after three spins in the dryer. They’re breathable, lightweight, and surprisingly comfortable for polyester, making them great for active wear.
Sport-Tek is perfect if you are whipping up gear with an online designer and you need your logo to survive both tough workouts and endless laundry cycles. They’re the best choice for school teams, corporate events, kickball leagues, or any group needing durable and good-looking shirts that keep up with lots of movement without everyone ending up looking like sweaty and tired zombies.
Choosing the right shirt for screen printing is simple: good fabric, strong construction, and a fair price. If you start with bad shirts, then you will end up with junk. No amount of printing method magic will save a shirt that feels like a plastic tablecloth. Sorry not sorry!
Whether you’re making print-on-demand tees, building a brand in your garage or rushing shirts for a bachelor party next weekend, these brands will get the job done. Need shirts that actually print right? Morningstar’s water-based screen printing keeps your designs sharp, soft, and built to last. No cracking, no peeling—just solid shirts done right.
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