Screen printing is one of the oldest techniques for creating custom apparel, with its origins dating back to 10th‑century China. It can be used on nearly any fabric, including 100% cotton, cotton blends, polyester, fleece, and even nylon.
However, choosing the right kind of shirt for screen printing is vital. The right shirt can make your colors vibrant and pop, while the wrong shirt might result in faded or uneven prints and lead to unhappy teams.
So in this round-up, we’re sharing our top five favorite shirt blanks for screen printing, including upsides and downsides for each one.
- Best Feel/Fabric Texture: Bella + Canvas 3413 Tri-Blend Tee
- Best Athletic Style: Augusta 360 Double Sleeve Stripe Jersey
- Best for Everyday Wear: Next Level 3600 Premium Fitted Short Sleeve Crew Tee
- Best for Vintage, Baggy Look: Comfort Colors C1717 Unisex T-shirt
- Best Budget‑Friendly Option: Gildan 5000 Heavy Cotton T‑shirt
At a Glance
| Features | Feel | Price | |
| Comfort Colors C1717 Unisex T-shirt |
|
Heavyweight fabric yet soft to the touch | Starts at $13.81 |
| Bella + Canvas 3413 Tri-Blend Tee |
|
Lightweight soft | Starts at $15.23 |
| Augusta 360 Double Sleeve Stripe Jersey |
|
Lightweight soft | Starts at $18.95 |
| Next Level 3600 Premium Fitted Short Sleeve Crew Tee |
|
Lightweight soft | Starts at $10.25 |
| Gildan 5000 Unisex Heavy Cotton T-shirt |
|
Heavyweight fabric yet soft to the touch | Starts at $7.60 |
Gildan 5000 Unisex Heavy Cotton T-shirt
Starting off with a very popular brand, the Gildan 5000 Unisex Heavy Cotton T-shirt is an excellent choice for screen printing. Its heavy, 100% cotton fabric makes it a soft, yet durable shirt. Like many Gildan styles, it includes tearaway tags, making it easy to add custom branding.
Pros
- Durable heavyweight cotton that holds up well to frequent wear
- Excellent surface for bold, opaque screen prints
- Very budget-friendly, making it ideal for large orders
- Classic tubular construction for a traditional T-shirt fit
- Tearaway tag allows easy rebranding or customization
Cons
- Classic fit may feel boxy compared to modern retail styles
- Fabric is not as soft as premium blanks like tri-blend tees
Comfort Colors C1717 Unisex T-shirt
The Comfort Colors C1717 Unisex T-shirt is a popular first choice for many custom orders. Not only is it both comfortable and stylish, but it’s made with 100% ringspun cotton, which makes it an excellent blank for screen printing.
These shirts are known for their vintage look since they’re garment-dyed (dyed after it’s been cut and sewn). They also have a premium feel due to their thicker cotton and are known for being worn as an oversized shirt, with a trendy, baggy look. Sizing down gives a more classic T-shirt fit.
One potential drawback is that the tags are not tearaway like many blanks on the market.
Pros
- Premium ringspun cotton with a soft, broken-in feel
- Garment-dyed for a vintage aesthetic
- Thicker fabric provides a high-quality, durable feel
- Very popular for trendy oversized styles
Cons
- Higher price point than standard blanks
- Tags are not tearaway, which can make rebranding harder
Bella + Canvas 3413 Tri-Blend Tee
Another popular brand for screen printing is the well-known Bella + Canvas 3413 Tri-Blend Tee (50% polyester, 37.5% cotton, 12.5% rayon). Since it’s constructed with side seams, it has a fitted, more retail look that many love.
Besides performing well with screen printing, it’s also pre-shrunk, so there’s minimal fear of shrinkage. It’s super soft compared to its competitors, and its tearaway tag allows for another great way to add your own brand to the shirt.
Because of its lightweight blend, this shirt is a good breathable option for warmer weather, athletic events, or layered outfits during cooler months.
Pros
- Extremely soft tri-blend fabric with a premium feel
- Lightweight and breathable for warm weather or athletic use
- Side seams create a modern, fitted retail-style look
- Pre-shrunk fabric helps maintain sizing after washing
- Tearaway tag allows easy branding customization
Cons
- Lightweight fabric may feel too thin for some preferences
- Higher cost than basic cotton blanks
Augusta 360 Double Sleeve Stripe Jersey
The Augusta 360 Double Sleeve Stripe Jersey has a classic style, with a contrasting two-stripe trim at the sleeves that complements the colored stripe at the V-neck. It comes in a variety of colors to match your design, and with its breathable 50% cotton, 50% polyester blend, it makes for great custom jerseys for any sports team. It’s also a common pick for fraternities/sororities, company teambuilding events, and family reunions.
The T-shirt has a classic fit that is true to size and maintains its shape and screen print through multiple washings.
Pros
- Classic athletic style with bold sleeve stripes
- Breathable cotton/poly blend ideal for sports teams
- Durable fabric blend maintains shape after washing
- Available in youth and adult sizes for group orders
- Great for adding names, numbers, and team graphics
Cons
- Higher price compared to standard T-shirts
- Athletic styling may not suit all casual or corporate uses
- Limited versatility outside sports or event themes
Next Level 3600 Premium Fitted Short Sleeve Crew Tee
The Next Level 3600 Premium Fitted Short Sleeve Crew Tee is another great semi-fitted T-shirt that’s made from 100% combed cotton. The durability and soft feel of the fabric allow the design to last wash after wash, and it’s fantastic for teams, fitness groups, and employee events when comfort is key.
Like many of the shirts on this roundup, the Next Level 3600 has a tearaway tag to allow for customization and branding.
One potential drawback is its semi-fitted cut. While many people love the modern silhouette, it may feel snug for those who prefer a looser, classic T-shirt fit. For group orders, sizing up is often recommended to ensure maximum comfort for everyone in the group.
Pros
- Ultra-soft combed cotton with a premium retail feel
- Smooth fabric surface allows crisp, vibrant screen prints
- Modern semi-fitted cut gives a clean, stylish silhouette
- Lightweight fabric provides excellent comfort and breathability
- Tearaway tag allows easy rebranding
Cons
- Semi-fitted cut may feel snug for those who prefer a relaxed fit
- Lightweight fabric may not feel as substantial as heavyweight shirts
- Slightly higher cost than basic blanks
Choosing the Best Shirts for Custom Screen Printing
The best blanks don’t just accept ink well; they also enhance your design, improve comfort, and stand up to repeated wear and washing.
From the soft Bella + Canvas or the classic jersey look of the Augusta 360, choosing the right shirt will make a huge difference in how your designs turn out and how great your team will feel wearing them. Investing in the right shirt from the start means fewer issues, happier wearers, and a final product that looks as good as it feels.